A childrens pool in Kidderminster has been saved from the axe after the town council agreed to take over the running of it.

Wyre Forest District Council is to transfer the responsibility for running the paddling pool in St George’s Park to Kidderminster Town Council.

The move is part of the 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 delivering efficiencies for the district.

Kidderminster Town Council has agreed to take over the pool and will receive reduced funding from Wyre Forest District Council towards running costs over the next three years. Wyre Forest District Council Leader Councillor Marcus Hart said:

“I’m delighted that Kidderminster Town Council has agreed to take over responsibility for the pool to everyone’s mutual benefit. We will continue to provide the expertise and manpower for the commissioning and operation of the paddling pool, funded from the grant we pay to the town council as part of the agreement.

“This is the latest example of Localism in action. In recent years we have seen local parishes taking on bin emptying and litter picking, grass cutting and the operation of local public conveniences or other community facilities such as the significant asset transfers of Kidderminster Town Hall and playing pitches to the Football Association. My hope is that Bewdley and Stourport Town Councils will also work with us in respect of their paddling pools.

“This is a way of giving parish and town councils greater ownership and control of services in their area, while delivering efficiencies for the District Council.”