THREE popular paddling pools have been sunk by what has been described as "nanny state" interference.

Members of Harrogate Borough Council's cabinet last night reluctantly voted on Wednesday night to close its three paddling pools - in Borrage Green, Ripon, Harrogate's Valley Gardens and Bebra Gardens, Knaresborough.

Councillors were told that because of health and safety regulations it would be necessary to pay £25,620 for staff to supervise the pools each year, as well as £45,220 running costs.

Coun Julian Sturdy said other authorities had been forced to close their paddling pools which had given great pleasure to children over many years.

"This is all very sad that we have to follow such guidance and is typical of the current Government following what is a nanny state system," he said.

Council chief executive Mick Walsh said the council would be open to potential liability if someone caught a water-borne illness or there was a serious accident.

The cabinet were told that other authorities had already taken the decision to shut their paddling pools because of the cost of providing supervision and filtration systems.

A report said there were now no paddling pools in Scarborough, York, Leeds, Manchester and Craven.

And there were predictions that many other councils would follow suit because of the risk of prosecution.

Coun Pat Jones, whose proposal to shut the pools and landscape the areas was approved, said: "I am sorry about this but I think the matter has been taken out of our hands."

Landscaping the three areas could cost more than £15,000.

Meanwhile the cabinet agreed to protest to the Government about expensive health and safety issues leading to the closure of the paddling pools.