DOZENS of kids were left high and dry when a paddling pool stayed shut - because of wet paint.

The youngsters arrived at a summer playscheme on Monday to find workmen repairing the empty pool.

"It's not good enough," said mum-of-two Kerry Bond.

"This is the first day of the summer holidays. They've had all winter to get the pool right."

A borough council spokesman admitted the pool, on Old Hall Road in Leftwich, was only spruced up last week.

But he said the paint should still have dried.

"We were aware that the pool was due to open on Monday and it was painted on Friday of last week," he said.

"With the very good drying circumstances we are at a loss as to why the paint was not fully dry by Monday.

"Our contractors have been down and they are doing their best to rectify the situation and carry out remedial repairs. Tests are being carried out to find out why the paint did not dry in one patch.

"We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by the wet paint."

A bouncy castle was sent to the play area once workmen realised the pool couldn't open.

But more play equipment was closed when kids covered in paint slipped down the slide.

"The kids came for a swim - not to sit here bored," added Mrs Bond. "You come here to give them a bit of enjoyment and to have a break yourself."

Parents also hit out at the amount of glass littering the concrete area around the pool.

But the council spokesman said staff always put safety first and had recovered protective mats which had been taken from play equipment and used to make a den.

"We are sorry that children had smashed glass around the pool," he said. "Staff will always clear up before the start of play."

He added that gates had been stolen from the entrance to the pool and asked for anyone with information to contact Northwich police on 01606 48000.

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