A TIDAL paddling pool once closed for being unsafe is set to reopen this spring, with a “considerable amount” of upgrades.

In 2015, the safety group Rospa’s report on the western beach pool on Concord Beach, Canvey, said it presented “unacceptably high” risks to users.

Castle Point Council called the report flawed but still closed the pool before seeking further safety advice about its future.

Now, after the authority threw a “significant sum” to bring the pool up to a safe standard, it is set to reopen in time for spring.

Tom Skipp, councillor responsible for the environment, said: “I’m very pleased that the work is almost complete.

“We’re aiming to be up and running by spring, and it will be an excellent facility for residents and visitors to use, am I wish the pool a successful season.”

A safety report published by Quality Leisure Management set out a number of safety measures for the council to undertake.

Since then, the council has built a new pontoon style walkway around the pool, an internal wall, fresh hand railings and steps for safer access.

Chas Mumford, Tory councillor for Canvey East, said: “This has been in the making for more than a year with work beginning in the winter.

“We are looking to have the pool ready soon and are very much on target - it’s going to be a great asset for the island.”

He joked: “You may very well find me going down there for a paddle in the summer.”

He added: “Thousands of people visit the island in the summer and we want to offer the best in recreation to everyone.”

The Rospa report was commissioned by Colin Letchford in 2015, who was then an independent Canvey councillor

He said he was concerned about the work undertaken to create the pool in 2000.

Mr Letchford, 69, is now the chairman for the Friends of Concord Beach charity, which works to maintain the sea front welcomed the upgrades.

He said: “We are very pleased to see the upgrades put in place by the council, it will make the pool much safer in the future.”