By Howard Smith, Vice Chair Guildford CLP

Guildford Labour Party is shocked to learn that the paddling pool in Stoke Park has had to be closed just five days after it was reopened, due to risk of serious injury.  The expensive new surfacing is a danger to users (small children no less!) with reports of falls and broken bones. This clearly shows the deep level of incompetence of the R4GV / Liberal Democrat led council.

Guildford Labour asks why the work wasn’t carried out during the winter months, giving the council plenty of time to test the surface before the pool was reopened.  We also question why the pool did not go through sufficient, rigorous safety checks. And there are questions asked about the tendering process that led us to this point.  It seems to us that this crisis was completely avoidable and brought about because of poor quality management and decision making by the council.

The lead councillor responsible, Liberal Democrat James Steel, needs to answer these questions. Unfortunately for Guildford, Cllr Steel has at best a checkered record in his short spell on the council. He is the councillor responsible for the dithering over the future of the crumbling Spectrum sports centre as well as the closure of many of the public toilets in the town (following the farcical public ‘consultation’).

After such a series of unnecessary mistakes and errors, Guildford Labour feel that now is the time for councillor Steel to consider his position.