I was interested to see Brian Oliver claim nobody knows what's going on regarding the seafront paddling pool situation (Opinion, September 13). To set the record straight, here are the facts.

Most importantly, a new and beautiful children's play area, including a large paddling pool, will open just west of Alfresco's next spring.

This will be free to use and will represent a big and exciting improvement in children's facilities on the seafront.

Contrary to Mr Oliver's claims, the current pool was open on the last Bank Holiday, on August 28.

equipment.

The pool always shuts at this time of year - after the school holidays.

Mr Oliver is also wrong to say we don't know how much it costs to run. Of course we do. But as it is serviced by a contractor, we are prevented from revealing this by contractual agreement. If he really wants to know, he can drop me a line and I will ask Ecovert if they will tell him the figure.

To answer his question as to what will happen with the space where the pool is: We don't know exactly, yet. The space will be needed for work connected with the West Pier redevelopment.

I hope this reassures people we are committed to children having a free play and paddling area on the seafront.

-Sarah Tanburn, strategic director, culture and regeneration, Brighton and Hove Council