News of Newcastle Council’s $4 million upgrade of Merewether Baths has incited anger from residents of Stockton and Beresfield, where the pool season has been slashed.
Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery says it rubs salt in the wounds of those still reeling from the council cuts.
“The council is flagging that it might have to close Merewether Ocean Baths for up to a year. But at least people who use the Merewether baths can just walk a few metres and jump into the ocean or travel up the road to another ocean baths,” Ms Hornery said.
“The people at Beresfield who regularly use their pool don’t have the same luxury when the council unfairly slashes their pool’s swimming season in the name of cost cutting.”
Chelle Heath from Stockton says the news is hard to take with the increase of entry fees and reduced hours at Stockton pool.
“To hand $4 million over to Merewether is appalling,” she said.
A protest will take place at Stockton pool this weekend to contest changes to fees and hours.
