A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save a threatened Hampshire paddling pool.

Testwood paddling pool in Totton is currently shut due to safety fears over the lack of an automatic chlorine treatment system.

The system would cost up to £18,000, and a review looking at whether the town's three paddling pools have a future will begin in July.

A campaign to keep it alive has begun with more than 800 people signing a petition urging Totton town council to keep all three of the town's paddling pools open.

Hampshire county councillor Lib Dem councillor for Totton South and Marchwood David Harrison believes a solution can be found to keep it open, without having to pay thousands for the treatment system.

Cllr David Harrison, said: “They need to decide and be open with the public if they are going to keep existing facilities running. “They could raise council tax to do that, but I know they have a very tight budget.They could choose to use the council’s reserves, which are in excess of a million pounds, or they could work with the New Forest District Council to keep the facility open.

“Just 12 months ago we were in exactly the same position and I put a petition together, signed by 700 people to call upon the town council to pool the resources to keep the pool open.

“On a summer's day when the pool is open it is absolutely packed and it is not unusual to see 60 or more people enjoying the facilities at any one time." One of the main points is that it is a free facility if you are a mum or dad.”

Totton district conservative councillor David Russell said the review will look into the viability of having three pools in the town, and added that it could mean the closure of Testwood's pool. The town has three paddling pools – more than Southampton and Eastleigh.

He said: “We have more demands on our money, we live in an ageing population and we have some of the most deprived areas in the New Forest.

“We have three paddling pools in Totton and we have to decide do we spend money on paddling pools when you could spend it on other things in the town.”

“No one wants to lose the facility but it if we had just the one it would be a total loss, but we have got three in the town.”