FACILITIES for under fives were put under the microscope during public question time at the Executive meeting.
Alexandra Fraser, who is spearheading a petition to get Wokingham Borough Council to reinstate a toddler-friendly splash pool in the plans for the new Carnival Pool, asked: “What sports and leisure features you will include in the Elms Field regeneration specifically for the under five age group?”
Cllr Stuart Munro, executive member for business and economic development and regeneration, said: “I am unable to discuss the Carnival proposals … as the planning application was submitted in July and is currently under determination by the local planning authority”.
He then went on to list the Elms Field scheme development proposals that would benefit all ages including the cinema, restaurants, tennis camps for ages five upwards, and an “improved park with large areas of open grass to run around”.
But Ms Fraser was disappointed with Cllr Munro’s reply, pressing him for specific examples for under fives only, such as a splash pool in Carnival Pool.
And on Friday, a group of concerned parents who are supporting Ms Fraser’s campaign gathered outside Carnival Pool with their toddlers to raise awareness of a petition they’ve set up to force Wokingham Borough Council to keep the splash pool.
Ms Fraser said: “I didn’t get an answer: they danced around the topic. They gave me an answer to a question I didn’t ask.
“Primarily the young children have a swimming environment that’s safe to be, and it’s stimulating and engaging. Their solution to not having one is to have a movable floor, it’s not a solution. If you’ve got an eight-year-old and a two-year-old, how are you going to entertain them?
“Also, from a swimming perspective, it’s crucial to have a pool where kids can feel confident in.
“It’s a money thing.”
The petition can be signed at here.
