Paddling pool volunteers sought to take on closed sites

Plans to get Maerdy paddling pool reopened are already under way

Disused paddling pools in south Wales could be taken over by community groups and reopened in time for next summer.

Five residents' groups have expressed an interest in taking on outdoor sites across Rhondda Cynon Taff.

They will get £5,000 funding from the council to get them up and running.

Extra money to employ lifeguards will also be given, as well as funding to pay for volunteer training and condition surveys of the pools.

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Five other community groups have already completed the process to reopen pools in Ynysybwl, Abercynon, Penrhiwceiber, Penygraig and Mountain Ash.

The pool at Clydach Park, Ynysybwl, has already been reopened by volunteers

The £5,000 will be given to groups looking to open pools for at least eight hours a day over a four-week summer period.

They will also be given support to apply for funding and given advice about future lease or license arrangements for the sites.

Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf council's deputy cabinet member for prosperity and wellbeing, said: "The council's RCT Together approach is all about working with communities and the voluntary sector to explore the alternative delivery of services and facilities, to maintain them for the future.

"Following a meeting with interested community groups, expressions of interest have been received from an additional five groups regarding the potential opening of paddling pools next summer."