A POPULAR paddling pool will be renovated - after Borough of Poole leader Janet Walton confirmed £83,000 needed will be provided by the council.

The Friends of Hamworthy Park (FoHP) community group thought they had been hit with a bombshell after their last meeting, believing they had only until Monday to raise the cash in full.

But, yesterday, Borough of Poole (BOP) leader Janet Walton told the Echo the council had allocated full funding for the project, and that a breakdown in communication had given FoHP the wrong impression.

Work on the renovation, which BOP has already committed £350,000 towards, is earmarked to start early next month.

Cllr Walton said: "I can confirm we have been able to find sufficient funds to completely cover the costs of the renovation."

She also said the pool's renovation was a "priority" for the council as so many families use the facility.

The council boss went onto say a mix-up in timings, and somewhat of a breakdown in communications, had led to FoHP being unaware of the council's funding position.

After learning the latest news, FoHP trustee David Harris said: "We are absolutely delighted, absolutely thrilled.

"We would like to thank our ward councillors for reaching out to us, the BOP team and project officer for all their hard work.

"If they have found the money, it is a fantastic result for the Hamworthy community."

The FoHP have already raised £31,000 towards the project costs.

Environment cabinet portfolio holder, Cllr John Rampton, said: "This is fantastic news for Hamworthy and all those who enjoy visiting the paddling pool.

"We have consistently said that we are fully committed to rebuilding the pool and with external grant funding not being forthcoming, we have worked hard to finance its successful delivery.

"I am delighted that today we are able to confirm it will go ahead.”

The free facility, which opened in 1931, was last renovated in 1999. However, the base and lining of the pool are damaged and will no longer be repairable in three to five years.

Now the work will be able to commence.

Mr Harris said: "It is unbelievably popular, it is one of the last free good days out on the coast.

"The whole family can go down, you have the little cafe down there.

"It is a real traditional seaside day out and there is a lovely atmosphere down there on a sunny day as well."