IN reply to letters recently sent in by Mr A Peel (February 8) and T Espley (February 15), firstly for Mr Peel, to get the temporary paddling pool and a small filtration unit.

This is a very small price to pay when you consider the amount of children who enjoyed the pool last year.

The total cost this year is £125,000, this is for a total refurbishment, including a tough and durable pool lining with a fountain in the middle. The fountain has a dual purpose;

1. It will be placed in the middle so that clean, filtrated water can be evenly distributed.

2. It will provide enjoyment for the children.

There will also be a water filtration house, built to exceed EEC regulations and, of course, the surround which has been chosen so it is both safe and durable.

We could have chosen cheaper, cut corners, but if you are going to do something right, that lasts, it needs to be done properly.

This paddling pool will be built to a high standard, children's health and safety is paramount.

The estimated cost of the former tennis courts is £105,000 (£35,000 from Lancaster City Council and an application to the Lottery Sports Fund for £70,000).

This includes the resurfacing, fencing and the lighting of the former courts and bowling green.

In relation to T Espley's questions, the Japanese Gardens will be renovated, this is a future project, which as not been forgotten, and will be discussed at meetings in the future. However, preliminary work has started to thin out the thick overgrowth that has grown over the years.

The replacing of the blind garden with the Braille plaques has already been discussed at the board meetings and these will be implemented shortly.

Finally, I hope all the readers of this letter will soon take a walk around Happy Mount Park because I firmly believe you will see a safe, clean and free park that is now awakening after too many years of just being left to decline and decay.

My aim is to put the happy back into Happy Mount Park.

Cllr John Fretwell

Chairman

Happy Mount Park

Management Board