Detailed analysis on Canvey's paddling pools

Colin’s analysis is very comprehensive and gives a lot of food for thought. It should be noted that the ‘new pool’ is in fact another very old pool, but it is the pool the Council is in the process of refurbishing. I have added this birdseye view picture of the pools, which is from a different angle but I think it helps to show Colin’s views more clearly. The ‘Old Pool’ is on the left and the ‘New Pool’ is on the right.

Over to Colin.

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The Old Pool … the children’s pool of choice To be demolished on the orders of Castle Point District Council [at present on stay of execution]

The New Pool Strictly for the birds!

More evidence of the dangers of the new pool

Study the aerial view of the pools below. When the tide comes in or out it sweeps along the remainder of the old sea defences groyne. The water on the sea side is clearly deeper than on the seawall side. This deep water sweeps along the steeply sloping wall of the new pool. Any child falling in would be swept up or downstream depending on if the tide is going out or coming in.

The old pool walls are not as high as the new pool. It lies a considerable distance back in shallower water which is to a certain degree protected from the sweep of the tide along the old groyne.  Any child falling in would therefore be subject to milder currents and shallower water.

The photos below were taken on the 14th February 2010

The pool the CPBC want to destroy. A clear unobstructed view

Colin Letchford

The pool the CPBC wants to keep. The cafe obstructs the view of much of the pool

Colin Letchford

The old pool. The pool is surrounded by a flat concrete path 1.5 meters wide

Colin Letchford

The new pool. The pool wall is a rock and tar structure tapering at the top to a narrow, uneven walkway covered in slime and seaweed.

Colin Letchford

Old Pool. Steps and a gently sloping sandy beach

Colin Letchford

New Pool. On this side of the cafe, down steeply sloping concrete to narrow sandy beach often completely covered by tide

Colin Letchford

New Pool. On this side of cafe, down concrete steps to very short sandy beach then across slime covered concrete

Colin Letchford

Old Pool. A clear sandy bottom, with shrimps, crabs and fish fry. Child friendly

Colin Letchford

New Pool. A concrete bottom covered with mud, slime and algae. Very slippery. Not kind to children's skin.

Colin Letchford

Safety Notices. Sign at the new pool

Colin Letchford

Safety Notices. Sign at the old pool which applies to both pools.

Colin Letchford

Old Pool Clear view of the beach and pool from the cafe. The new pool is not visible to the staff at the serving counters

Colin Letchford