The boss behind plans to serve alcohol at the site of a children's paddling pool has defended the move after fears over children's safety were raised.

Walmer Family Leisure Ltd applied for a licence to sell booze from 10am to 10pm each day in the catering area of the popular seaside spot.

The application was criticised by district councillor for Mill Hill Helen Williams who highlighted parental duty of care for children near water.

She said: "I find it unbelievable that a premises licence for alcohol sales is being considered.

"Parents have a duty of care for their children near water - a small child can drown very easily if they fall over in water. This is basic Health and Safety.

"Alcohol is known to slow down response time – that is why we have drink-drive laws for car drivers, and people using machinery etc.

"There are plenty of places a family can go to for a drink in the Walmer and Deal area. The paddling pool is not a suitable place for this."

The site is owned by Dover District Council but leased to Walmer Family Leisure Ltd, which put in the application.

In response to Cllr Williams concerns, the man in charge of the venue has said alcohol won't be sold when the pool is open. Instead it's all part of plans to create a year-round attraction.

The site as a whole includes Walmer Putting Green, between the splash pool and Walmer Green and the promenade.

Plans have been granted to turn the area into an 18 hole adventure crazy golf course akin to Rascal Bay at Manston Golf Centre, which is run by Manston Leisure, part owned by the owners of Walmer Family Leisure Ltd.

Michael Humphries of Walmer Family Leisure said: "We have no intention of allowing alcohol to be consumed on the paddling pool site during the hours when the paddling pool is open.

"Any alcohol sold during these hours would be consumed on a separate, clearly defined area.

"A licence has been applied for which, if successful, will allow us to further develop the site as an all year round venue and at the same time ensure the long term viability of the site, whilst not doing anything to detract from what we know is the much treasured and popular children's paddling pool.

Mr Humphries added: "We are currently working hard to have the paddling pool ready to reopen for the first time since 2019 and in a Covid secure manner.

"As well as the paddling pool remaining free we will also shortly be announcing details of more free resources which will be available on site including free Wifi, little lending library and giant family board games”.

The consultation for this licence closes on June 11.

To view the application click here.visit tinyurl.com/5xyc6ku8.

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