A housing association in Kent has banned residents from leaving their community paddling pool out at night - because it is a risk to burglars.
The landlords, mhs Homes, have informed the residents of the block of flats in Strood that they feared that any burglars in the area or local children could fall into the paddling pool at night.
Maria Young, a resident of the block, said: "A team of them came and said initially we'd have to get rid of it.
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"They then changed their mind and said we had to put it down each night for health and safety issues.
"They said if someone breaks in they might drown in the pool.
"I don't understand. People in other places are allowed them in their community gardens. There's nothing in the tenancy agreement that says we can't.
"We've even said we will sign a disclaimer to take responsibility for it.
"I don't know what the problem is, we have got a really nice block where everyone gets on and this is a nice way for everyone to enjoy the sunshine."
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The community bought the paddling pool, which is around 12ft wide, for £64 and placed it in the communal garden around a month ago.
It takes around three hours to fill it with 15,000 gallons of water and is used for relaxation by the residents.
"It relaxes my body and I can't afford to go swimming so this gives me the little bit of exercise I need," said Maria, who has a spine condition.
"We all get on really well. We sit out the back together and socialise. It's completely enclosed. There's a field running across the back.
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"They said we could take it down and empty it each night but there's a water shortage on the way. It's a waste.
"It's fun for the kids. It's better being out in the fresh air than stuck in doors. There's no way I'm taking it down. They'll have to carry me out laying in it."
A spokeswoman for mhs Homes, Colette McKenney, said that it was the responsibility of the housing assocation to 'be sure that everyone who has access to that land is safe'.
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A security gate has broken at the back of the flats, which could potentially allow for anyone to access the site.
Colette said: "While it's really lovely to see people coming together as a community, we have to be sure that everyone who has access to that land is safe.
"This summer we're having extreme weather and it's very hot. But the pool is on land owned by us and we're responsible for everyone's safety.
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"We're telling residents that the pool needs to be taken down and we'll be speaking to them about how they can safely enjoy a paddling pool in a communal area.
"Pools in private gardens and small children's paddling pools in communal gardens are fine so long as children are always accompanied and it's emptied when not being used.
"We don't want to spoil anyone's fun, which is why we're going to talk to our residents about trying to make this safe.
"We've been on site to address the concerns about the gates. All gates leading onto the street are locked and secure.
"The locks for the gates which sit between the communal areas will be replaced."
If the gates are secure, the housing company says that they may allow the pool to remain filled overnight.
Featured Image Credit: SWNS