TEIGNMOUTH paddling pool could yet be open for the summer season.

More than £10,000 for upgrades of facilities this season has been agreed by Teignbridge council's overview and scrutiny commitee but the lifeline for the popular visitor attraction is yet to go before the executive.

If it goes swimmingly, the pool will be open from May but it will mean a reduction in pool size and building upgrades.

The seaside pool has been recommended for closure because huge investments are needed to bring it up to modern health and safety standards.

The justification for the use of funds, not accounted for in this year's budget, has been described as 'questionable,'

But at Wednesday's meeting, councillors agreed to support the well-used facility for this year with further debate planned for its future.

Councillors also rejected ideas to use the pool for bumper boats, despite low cost and low risk.

Head of technical services, John Middleton said that he had been advised by the health, safety and welfare officer that E-coli has been found in paddling pools in the last few years, but not the fatal type.

'We must be rigorous in our testing of the water,' said Mr Middleton.

Chairman of the Teignmouth and District Hoteliers and Caterers Association, Bob Bailey, argued at the meeting that investment should be made.

'The pool is part of the pleasure and attraction of Teignmouth.

'We should be enhancing what we have got, not chipping away at everything.'

Teignmouth mayor, Cllr Vince Fusco, urged councillors to remember that tourism is vital for Teignbridge.

'If we are establishing a tourist area, which will bring a better economy and employment, then we have got to provide facilities.

'We are under threat from package deals abroad and tourism isn't handed to us, we have to fight for it,' he said.

Cllr Jim Grimble argued that there was not money in the budget to deal with the pool but 'the status quo is not an option.'

Cllr Sandra Heath said that money could be found from reserves or money set aside for projects that had not been used,

'If we lose it this season, then you can be sure that we won't have it returned for many years, if ever,' she said.

Other uses of the pool considered by the committee included a £160,000 sea water pool, a suitably treated existing sized pool at more than £50,500, a fountain, flower bed and sun bathing deck.