RESIDENTS on a Highbridge housing estate fear council killjoys could pull the plug on a community-funded paddling pool.

As Somerset faces a heatwave, residents on the Morland Park estate in Highbridge clubbed together to buy a paddling pool, but as none of the maisonettes have gardens they have set it up in the play park in the centre of the estate.

Sam Wridley-Brown of Talbot Close says it has proved a huge hit.

She said: "The kids absolutely love it, they play in it after school during the hot weather and keep cool.

"It is not doing anyone any harm. The kids are supervised when it is used, we have used chlorine tablets, and it has a lid on when it is not being used.

"It is just the community trying to do something nice for the kids."

But Sam has been in talks with Sedgemoor District Council, which owns the land the paddling pool has been set up on, and he fears the authority will take it down over health and safety concerns.

Bridgwater Mercury:

A spokesman for Sedgemoor District Council said: "We are investigating the matter at present, but have significant concerns about safety."

Mum-of-three Naomi Kaye was one of the parents who chipped in for the pool.

"One of my friends is a qualified lifeguard who has been out here most nights, and a couple of other neighbours are qualified first aiders," she said.

"We are a good community which looks out for each other, there is always an adult supervising the pool and people sat outside the maisonettes keeping an eye on things."

Leanne Preston, whose nine-year-old uses the pool, said: "My child loves it, it is something she really looks forward to when she gets home from school, she'll be gutted if it gets taken away."

Mum of five Jane Parton added: "I think it is a lovely idea and it is bringing our community closer together."