‘We want our paddling pools back’ is the resounding message from readers of the Skegness Standard, who have spoken out in the newspaper’s most popular campaign in living memory.

The weekly paper has been inundated with calls, letters and e-mails since East Lindsey District Council closed the Fairy Dell and Sunshine Paddling Pools on Skegness foreshore.

And every reader who voted in a special poll on the subject backed its calls to save them.

More than 150 votes were cast via phone and text – with non opposed to the Standard’s campaign – and around 400 people signed a petition either in the paper or on its website, or wrote in to show their support.

And the Standard has made sure the feelings of its readers are heard, as editor John Cowpe presented the results to ELDC chairman Coun Brian Burnett (above).

John said: “This is the biggest response the paper has ever had from its readers on any issue in living memory.

“The town is united in its determination to save the two paddling pools, and surely in any democracy this strongly-expressed opinion cannot be ignored.”