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Paddling pool in Valley Gardens remains closed for maintenance

Wednesday, 27 May 2026 07:23

The paddling pool at Valley Gardens in Harrogate.

The paddling pool at Harrogate's Valley Gardens has been temporarily closed while further checks are carried out following issues identified during maintenance work.

North Yorkshire Council said the problems were discovered as part of a more stringent inspection process introduced after responsibility for the sites came under the authority of the council.

Councillors said work to update the drainage system meant the Valley Gardens pool could not reopen in time for the recent Bank Holiday weekend.

Engineers are expected to visit the Harrogate site later this week to assess the issue further and determine how long the closure will remain in place.

The council said it hopes the pool will reopen by the start of the school summer holidays in mid-July.

North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director for environment, Karl Battersby, said:

“We are taking a more thorough approach to inspecting sites like these, and as a result our engineers have identified a potential issue with the drainage system which needs further investigation.

“Our priority is the safety of the public, and as a precaution the pools will remain closed while this work is carried out. Once the issue has been resolved, the pools will undergo their usual annual maintenance to ensure they are safe and ready to use.

“We know how valued these facilities are by local families, especially during warmer weather like we’re experiencing now, and we are working to resolve the situation as quickly and safely as possible.”

The temporary closures also affect paddling pools at Bebra Gardens and Borrage Green.

Further updates are expected after engineers complete their inspections later this week.

More information about the paddling pools is available here.

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