Crowds flock to pools and parks as heatwave continues (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Crowds flock to pools and parks as heatwave continues

9:30am Thursday 2nd July 2009

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Scorching temperatures saw families flock to outdoor pools and parks this week - as Britain got more sun than the Bahamas.

As temperatures topped 32C, the Met Office raised its heatwave alert from level two to three warning pensioners and parents of young babies to stay inside but for some the sun was cause for celebration.

In Richmond, people were being turned away from Pools on the Park, where staff introduced a one-in-one-out policy, other pools reported workers skipping work to go swimming and a record amount of swimming costumes being sold.

But the sizzling temperatures saw fire crews in Feltham respond to eight fires in just 12 hours - with some suspected arson attacks.

Firefighters were called to six grass fires, a field alight and an allotment blaze on Tuesday and crews are not ruling out some as arson attacks.

Baking temperatures saw more than 4,000 people through the doors at Richmond's outdoor pool Pools on the Park.

Receptionist Belinda Acland said: “We have had people skiving off work to go swimming. It is crazy here, we have had to stop people coming in because we are maximum capacity. I suppose people are just enjoying the sunshine.”

But ice cream seller Lawrence Vella said he was losing money because of the heat.

Mr Vella said: “It is now too hot for ice cream. In this heat people just want cold drinks, not a 99. It needs to cool down a bit like a traditional British summer, then people will want ice cream.”

Australian nanny Liz Dillon, 25, of Dorset Way, Twickenham, said the sunshine is what she had been waiting for.

She said: "I love it, I only moved here six months ago and it feels like being back at home except there are no beaches nearby. I only hope it lasts.”

Father-of-two Robin Vernon, 33, of Devon Avenue, Twickenham, said more moaning Brits should get out and enjoy the sunshine.

He said: "It’s nice to finally have a bit of sun, we always moan we don’t have any. This weekend we are taking the kids out down to the river.”

The Met Office warned people to take care in the heatwave, which is due to end in thunder at the weekend.

NHS Direct got 378 calls in two days from people affected by the weather.

And West Middlesex Hospital issued a warning for vunerable people to avoid going out in the sun at peak temperature times.

A spokesman said: “If you are vulnerable to the heat it’s wise to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm. Drinking plenty of water or fruit juice will help keep you hydrated and prevent heatstroke, but avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.

"If it’s too hot to go out, stay in the coolest room of your house, with the shades closed.

“If you know someone who may be vulnerable to the heat or is less able to look after themselves it’s a good idea to check in on them regularly during periods of hot weather just to make sure they’re ok.”

Advice for staying safe in the sun

Avoid going out from 11am-3pm which is the hottest part of the day.

If you need to leave the house make sure you wear a sun hat to protect your face and head. Apply a good sun cream to any exposed parts of your body or keep them lightly covered to avoid sun burn.