A group of neighbours have been told to take down their communal paddling pool in case a burglar drowns in it overnight.

Residents of a block of flats in Strood Kent, were warned the 12ft pool could pose a health and safety risk should someone try to break into a nearby home.

Officials at mhs Homes, which manages the properties, said the pool must be emptied and taken down each night to avoid such risk, pointing out that children could also trip and fall into the water.

Outrage: Residents of a block of flats in Strood Kent, were warned the 12ft pool could pose a health and safety risk should someone try to break into a nearby home

Maria Young, 47, is among the group that pulled together to buy the £64 pool and cover as a way to bring together the community during the recent heatwave.

The pool holds some 15,000 gallons of water and takes roughly three hours to fill.

She said: '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.

'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.'

Community feel: Maria Young, 47, is among the group that pulled together to buy the £64 pool and cover as a way to bring together the community during the recent heatwave

Ms Young said problems first arose when a security gate to the communal area broke, meaning non-residents could easily access the garden - and pool.

She said: 'A team of them came and said initially we'd have to get rid of it [the pool]. 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.'

Colette McKenney, housing manager of mhs Homes, said the firm had to 'be sure that everyone who has access to that land is safe'.

Warning: Ms Young said problems first arose when a security gate to the communal area broke, meaning non-residents could easily access the garden - and pool

She 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.

'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.'

The housing association landlord has since said management will consider allowing the residents to keep the pool if it is enclosed by a locked fence.