THE long run of warm summer weather has proved a bonus for Newcastle's inland public pools, but clouds over the future of Beresfield pool remain.
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The pools were the subject of controversy last year when the management of Lambton, Wallsend, Mayfield and Stockton pools were privatised, but their popularity has climbed marginally on the back of lower entrance fees and specially-themed events such as movie nights and, in the case of Lambton, the addition of live music on Sundays.
Beresfield pool remains the only public pool still directly managed by Newcastle council. A council spokesperson said that while attendance is up by 7 per cent on last year, it won't be enough for the pool to meet revenue benchmarks. Much of the increased attendance has come through a significant drop in entry prices (down to $2.80) but the financial burden on the city's ratepayers has actually increased.
Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes is committed to keeping the Beresfield pool open, but the council is expected to review its operations mid-year. The pool costs $500,000 a year to run, with gate takings returning $100,000.
