A COUNCIL forced to close its paddling pools because of new regulations has written to the Government to plead for a re-think.

Harrogate Borough Council, in North Yorkshire, decided to close its three remaining paddling pools after being told to install expensive automatic filter systems.

The council is now making the Government aware of the pools' plight, following the directive by the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group.

Councillor Pat Jones, the council's cabinet member for leisure and amenity services, said: "We need the Government to help us preserve what has been a pleasure to children for generations."

The filter system would cost the council set-up costs of £223,000, plus £25,000 a year to run.