The decision by Aberdeen City Council to announce the closure of two swimming pools the day after the Scottish election was branded “disgraceful” and “cynical” last night.
Sport Aberdeen confirmed yesterday that Kincorth and Hazlehead pools would soon close their doors.
But Councillor Martin Greig, of the Hazlehead, Ashley and Queen’s Cross ward, branded the timing “deeply cynical.”
Sport Aberdeen released a statement which said the pools were not being used enough to warrant staying open.
It stated: “Two Aberdeen swimming pools will close after a review of sports and leisure facilities across the city.
“The report by Sport Aberdeen found that the pools at Hazlehead and Kincorth were not being widely used by the public.
“They were also both in need of significant financial investment to bring them up to modern standards. ”
However, Cllr Greig was not swayed by that perspective and attacked the decision
He responded: “This is very disappointing news. Once again, the west end [of Aberdeen] is being let down with lack of investment and running down our public services.
“Hazlehead Pool is a vital asset which has seen a lack of money spent on it under this Labour-Conservative administration.
“There are huge pressures on Hazlehead Park with the building of a hotel and conference centre sadly approved in the green belt of the park.
“Today’s decision to close the pool reflects a disregard for community facilities.
“This forces residents to look further afield, often having to use private clubs with high costs.
“A swimming pool is an easy target for cuts, but they bring long-term health and leisure benefits beyond measure.
“It is disgraceful that this news has been carefully withheld until the day after the election. This is deeply cynical.”
Aberdeen City Council’s education convener Angela Taylor defended the move.
She said: “It’s only right that when facilities are not being used to their full potential that we look again at what’s best for the citizens of Aberdeen.
“Everyone knows that Aberdeen is the lowestfunded local authority in Scotland, so we need to deploy our resources in the most effective way.
“We are currently rolling out the biggest regeneration programme in the city’s history – and sports and physical activity are a huge part of this.”
