Tamworth Olympic Pool: councillor, swimmers hit out at lack of consultation around early closure, as visitors head to Scully Park

Tamworth Regional Council made the call to close the town pool from Sunday - a month early - due to a lack of visitors and chilly weather.

Councillor Mark Rodda told the Leader he felt for the public, after the decision was made and the gates slammed shut all within a week, without talking to swimmers.

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It's understood Tamworth City Swim Club was told about the closure earlier in the week.

"It was evident from the discussions I have had [with pool users] that our consultation was woeful and that it was lacking and I certainly apologise from that perspective and I understand the disappointment," Cr Rodda said.

"Consultation is the key to a lot of decisions that governments make and I think that was like a slap in the face for the users, they were advised on Friday about the pool closing on Sunday."

Cr Rodda said he understood the argument that it was not economical to keep the town pool open when user numbers had dropped. He confirmed he had asked council for more information about figures relating to how much the pool costs to run.

Cr Rodda said he was "dubious" about Scully Park pool - which is still open - being big enough to keep up with visitors.

John Swanston and Adrian Dernee take a dip at the Kable Avenue facility with a group of local swimmers most mornings, and were outraged by the closure.

"All we got was a piece of paper ... why weren't the boys getting the big bucks down there explaining it?" Mr Swanston said.

Mr Dernee said the mornings were busy at Scully, with two swim clubs training at the same time and only a lane or two left for the public.

A Tamworth Regional Council representative was unavailable for an interview, but told the Leader the decision was final.

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