A GOVERNMENT review of health and safety legislation could help to save Canvey’s under-threat seaside paddling pool, according to MP Rebecca Harris.

Castle Point Council had planned to bulldoze the pool, which is located on Canvey seafront, because it was too expensive to bring it up to health and safety standards.

However, the Castle Point MP hopes the Government review could lead to a change in the law, which would mean the council does not have to spend so much money updating it.

Residents claim there has never been a serious accident at the pool, which has been open since the 1930s, but Mrs Harris said the council has no choice but to follow health and safety guidelines.

She said: “If the council is given health and safety advice and does not follow it, it then opens itself up to people who want to sue for damages.

“This has created a no risk culture where public facilities have to be gold-plated to avoid any chance of a potential claim.”

Lord Young of Graffham will spearhead the Government review on health and safety law and practice and will investigate concerns over how health and safety laws are applied.

Mrs Harris has written an open letter to Lord Young, urging him to consider Canvey’s paddling pool as part of his review.

She added: “I think there is real political will to deal with this.

“It has got to the point where the cost of insurance means councils and charities can no longer afford to run the free facilities and events that are so cherished by the community.”

Canvey residents are furious with the council’s plans to close the pool and thousands have signed a petition for it to be saved.

Lea Swann, leader of the Echo-backed Protect Our Pool campaign, said: “We wholeheartedly support the MP on the issue of health and safety and we hope her support encourages the council to change its mind on closing the pool.”