People in Walthamstow have been warned not to take a dip in the fountain outside Town Hall, after heatwave temperatures caused a spike in paddlers at the pool.

Waltham Forest council says those using the fountain too cool off in the warm weather are at risk from chemicals used to treat the water.

A council spokesman said: “We know it looks inviting in the warm weather but for their own safety we ask people not to paddle in the fountain at the Town Hall.

“We have signage around the fountain in six of the most commonly spoken languages in the borough, and new plants have been planted to discourage people from getting in.

“Our Town Hall security staff have also been warning people not to enter the fountain but they cannot watch it 24/7 when their role is to ensure the security of the whole complex.

“Tempting as it might be, the fountain contains chemicals and is a water feature not a paddling pool.”

Keith Foster, 66, from Farnan Avenue, Walthamstow, says he has seen people using the town hall fountain as a swimming pool for the past six years .

Mr Foster spotted a group of bathers, including children, paddling in the fountain on Tuesday (July 19), the hottest day of the year so far.

He said: “It is happening every summer and all the council have done is put up two warning notices.

“People take their shoes and socks off and in they go. To them it is just a swimming pool.

“It is dangerous for anyone to go in the fountain because the water isn’t purified.

“There was a family sitting down in the unpurified water. That is hazardous.”