RESIDENTS are concerned children will miss out if paddling pools closed for vital repair works in a popular Exeter park are not reopened shortly.

Workmen are draining the two pools at Heavitree Pleasure Ground because of a “major leak”.

It is not yet clear where the leak is or what is causing it.

Exeter City Council said it would not be able to reopen the pools until it had discovered the source of the problem and resolved it.

Parents and local residents say they hope the pools will reopen soon.

Mum Susie Tosh, from Pennsylvania, said her son, nephews, nieces and friends’ children regularly used the paddling pools.

“It’s quite devastating for Exeter if they are going to be closed for the school holidays,” she said.

“For free activities for children, you can’t beat a day out at Heavitree park.

“I hope the city council tries its hardest to get them fixed as soon as possible.”

Keith Danks, chairman of the Heavitree Community Association, said: “The paddling pools are well used and if people are not able to use them now, it’s a shame.

“On a good summer day, particularly at weekends, when I walk through the leisure grounds, they always seem pretty busy.

“Hopefully, the council will get the work done as quickly as possible.”

Heavitree councillor David Morrish said: “The paddling pools will certainly be missed if they are going to be unavailable for any length of time. The weather is wet and windy and miserable at the moment, but if, as we hope, the warmer weather returns, the paddling pools are very popular with youngsters in the area. I hope it will not be too long before they put it right.”

A spokesman for Exeter City Council said: “We have encountered a major leak at Heavitree that has required the draining down of the pools until we can ascertain exactly where the leak is and what is causing it.

“It may either be the pipe work or the pool itself. Until pressure tests and corrective measures can be undertaken it will remain closed.

“It is impossible to say how long the pools will be closed for and we can only apologise for any inconvenience and disappointment that this may cause.”

Last summer, parents reacted with dismay when the city council had to drain the paddling pools because vandals had dumped soil and rubbish in them.