THE future of the Stourport paddling pool has been secured after the town council agreed to take over running the facility.

Wyre Forest District Council is to transfer the responsibility for running the paddling pool in Riverside Meadows to Stourport Town Council.

The transfer is part of the district council's Localism agenda, which sees parish and town councils taking ownership and control of services - with the ability to enhance and adapt them to best suit local need - while making budget savings for the district.

Councillors on Stourport Town Council made the decision to take over the ownership and maintenance of the pool at their meeting on January 10.

Councillor Ken Henderson, the Mayor of Stourport, said: “I am delighted that Stourport Town Council and Wyre Forest District Council are working together and pleased that the town council have agreed to take over the running of our riverside paddling pool.

“I feel this decision is important to the children of Stourport and the children of visitors to our town.”

Councillor Cliff Brewer said: “It is good news for the people of Stourport and the summer visitors.

“The only alternative would have been closure of the pool.”

Cllr Brewer added: “The decision does come at an unavoidable cost. In the second year under town council management, there will have to be an additional £1 per year on the council tax for Stourport residents, and another £1 increase in the following year.

“The town council felt that the small increase would be acceptable to the people of Stourport if that is the only way to keep the much-valued pool open.”

The district council has recently handed over the responsibility of running the St George's Park paddling pool to Kidderminster Town Council, after a campaign was launched to save it.

However, the paddling pool in Riverside North Park, in Bewdley, faces the axe after Bewdley Town Council turned down the request to transfer the responsibility of running it. As it stands the Bewdley pool will close on April 1, but the district council is currently looking to see if a transfer with another organisation is possible.

Councillor Marcus Hart, Wyre Forest District Council leader and cabinet member for localism, said: “I am delighted Stourport Town Council has decided to take over responsibility for the town’s paddling pool under our Localism scheme.

“It is another example of how we are working closely to give local communities greater control over services in their area and the freedom to tailor them to meet local needs.

“Localism in Wyre Forest is allowing us to work in partnership with town councils and local organisations to protect non-essential services during the current difficult financial climate.”