A LONG-AWAITED paddling pool has been closed within hours of its launch because the bottom is too slippery.

Children were falling over and the attraction at Hove Lagoon is now shut for more work.

The £50,000 pool, funded by local donations, including £7,000 from television star Nick Berry who lives nearby, was officially opened last Saturday.

But work is still needed before the pool is finished and safe for children to play in.

Gill Martin, of Hove Lagoon Cafe, who helped lead the Splash And Paddle Appeal for the pool, said: "We did have a few bumped heads on Saturday."

But officials said it would become less slippery in time.

Coun Heather James, who was also involved in campaigning and fund-raising for it, said: "The water was only put in the night before.

"We didn't think the kids would be able to use it but we opened it for a few hours. Because the water hadn't been in the pool long the bottom was slippery.

"Once it has been in for a while limescale will settle and roughen up the bottom.

"We have put up some signs warning people."

The launch celebrations had been organised months in advance and organisers decided to go ahead even though the pool was not quite finished.

Work is still needed on landscaping and on the log edge of the pool.

ABrighton and Hove Council spokesman said: "Although the pool was officially opened on Saturday the work wasn't actually finished."

Broadcaster and Argus columnist Derek Jameson, who also lives nearby and was involved in the campaign to build the pool, said there was nothing to worry about.

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