THERE ARE calls for action to be taken to help prevent visitors to a tidal paddling pool from slipping over on walkways.

Work on increasing the safety of the western beach pool on Concord Beach, on Canvey, has been taking place for the last few months after a report by the safety group Rospa, in 2015, branded the beach as having “unacceptably high” risks to users.

However, Castle Point Council, although it said the report was “flawed”, used a “significant sum” to bring the pool up to a safe standard in time for the summer, installing a new walkway around the pool.

But, following after a man reported slipping over on the walkway on what appears to be green moss or seaweed while visiting the pool, residents have called for the council to do something about the problem.

Chris Davy, 29, of Chalk Road, Canvey, is concerned that the slipperiness of the walkway could be a problem in the case of an emergency.

Mr Davy, who used to be a lifeguard, said: “A lot of people have been going on about the health and safety of the pool.

“If someone slips over there could be a nasty injury but there are signs up warning people to be careful - they could assess the walkway before the go on there.

“But what happens if a child is playing in there or even an adult and someone has to get to them quickly to help them in an emergency?

“You wouldn’t have time to assess the situation then - which could mean the problem gets worse if they then get hurt.”

Colin Letchford, 69, chairman of the Friends of Concord Beach charity, agreed that work needed to be done to remove the “slime”.

He said: “They have only just finished all the work and it looks really good. I know that at the other pool they jet wash it all down. It does need regular jet washing to keep it safe - perhaps depending on the weather and the tides and the climate.”

However, he added: “But it is much safer than it was.”

A spokesman from the Castle Point Council said: “We are looking into this in the meantime visitors are asked to pay attention to the signs and take care on slippery wet surfaces.”