PADDLING pool improvements will go ahead in Northwich despite a shortfall in costs.

An ambitious scheme has been planned for the pool, in Church Walk playground, which includes sprinklers, jets and new toilet facilities.

This is the second phase of works, which started in 2013 when a new shop was opened and new paths and benches installed in the play area.

Chris Shaw, Northwich Town Council clerk, said that since the first phase prices had increased by almost £20,000 above the original estimate.

"Two years ago we decided on the refurbishment," he told members at the latest Northwich Town Council meeting.

"We obtained funding of £19,531 from Cheshire West and Chester Council and £47,852 from WREN, so a total of £67,383.

"Due to the timescale the total costs are over what was estimated.

"Total costing for the project is £86,993 so we are £19,610 short.

"If you choose not to go ahead you would lose £67,000 that Northwich Town Council staff have worked hard to achieve."

He recommended spending £19,610 from council reserves to make sure the project goes ahead.

"When complete it will be safer and open for longer.

"The paddling pool is free for all the community and has been enjoyed by generations of Northwich families."

Cllr Kevin Rimmer said: "I think it would be an absolute travesty if, for the sake of £20,000, this didn't go ahead."

Councillors voted unanimously to spend the £19,610 from reserves.

The paddling pool and kiosk selling tea, coffee and ice cream, will open this month for the summer so no refurbishment work will begin until the end of the season.