A POPULAR community paddling pool has officially reopened after nearly one year to the delight of many residents.

Ahead of a hot weekend, BCP Council announced the reopening of the Hamworthy Park paddling pool facility which had been out of action since last year summer due to sealant issues.

The authority says it was “pleased” to announce the popular facility was again open, “in time for half term and the upcoming sunny weather”.

Residents on social media celebrated the news. One man said: “Some fantastic news. I've already been there this evening (Friday) with my boys and we all had a whale of a time.”

The paddling pool was subject to a prolonged and delayed £381,000 refurbishment project before the pandemic.

It reopened at the end of July 2019 after months of work were required to solve a water pressure issue.