'Wolverhampton-by-the-Sea' - fun in the sun at Tettenhall Pool
"We call it Wolverhampton-by-the-Sea, we love it!"
Mother-of-two Natalie Hands' description of Tettenhall Pool was echoed by just about everyone gathered around the popular outdoor waterhole just two miles from the bustling city centre.
It's been a while but the sun finally burst back on the scene just in time for bank holiday frolics in the paddling pool which was swamped with visitors as temperatures soared to a sizzling 83F (28C).
The Met Office predicted a scorching weekend, and they got it right.
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Families travelled from all over the Black Country for the chance to splash about, fire water guns, get out the inflatables and generally have a good time.
Mrs Hands, 38, of Wednesfield, was there with daughters Erin, 11, and eight-year-old Phoebe, plus sister Diane Hannon, 28, from Walsall, and her children Georgia, four, and son Jax, two.
She said: "We got here early because we thought it would be rammed later. It's the first time this year – either the weather's been a bit ropey or the pool hasn't been open. We love it, it's like being by the seaside."
The pool opened for the first time this year on August 1 after an 11-month shutdown for repair work. It followed a consultation exploring whether people would rather have an outdoor gym on the site – but 96 per cent backed the pool.
A 50-year-old mother from Bradmore, who was at the poolside, said: "I've been complaining to the council about not getting the work done earlier, which has meant us missing out on all the nice weather in May and July. They really should be ashamed of themselves.
"We need a pool, it shouldn't be lost. This is a special place. I came here as a child and so did my mom – on the bus, no one drove in those days. I couldn't bear the thought of them filling it in and forgetting about it."
Health visitor Rachel Dale, 36, said: "It's a lovely place, it's also free, and there's free parking. It's the first time I've brought my daughter Scarlet and she looks like she's loving it."
Nikki Haynes, 43, from Merry Hill, brought her children, aged nine and 11, and one of their friends. She said: "It's a tradition coming to Tettenhall Pool.
"I was an only child so this is where I came and made a lot of friends every summer. When it got too hot we'd climb the trees or go and see the horses which used to be kept in a field nearby. It's exactly the same as it always was - it's like stepping back in time."
Dominic Gulliver, from Brewood, who was with Sam, 14, Thomas, seven, and Maisie, six, said: "We've brought the kids for some fun in the sun."
The 47-year-old concierge officer, originally from Whitmore Reans, added: "I've been coming for 40-odd years. The pool brings everyone together, it's a place where the kids can play and feel safe in a great environment. It would be a be a great loss if it were to go."
Colleen Prescott, from Coven, had brought sons Liam, 11, and Alfie, five.
"You don't get many places like this – it's like being on your holiday," she said.
