MURKY waters and weedy turf confronted volunteers from the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association’s working bee at the Tea Gardens Pool on Thursday 20 July.

Despite existing contracts no-one seems to be maintaining the pool during the off-season, leaving some wicked surprises for volunteers.

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The lane-marking lines could barely be seen at the shallow end, and to the best of anyone’s knowledge, no-one else has maintained the pool since it was shut for the winter.

Volunteers reckoned the biggest concern was hygiene – local ducks and plovers seem to have taken a liking to the place – and the fact no-one was cleaning it.

“I am appalled that volunteers have to maintain the pool, when we all pay rates – where are our rates going?” asked volunteer Michelle Winn.

“I am shocked at the state of the pool,” said volunteer Ronnie Nichols, gesturing at centimetres-thick duck droppings.

“This is an integral part of the community, useful for local retirees doing laps, physio, and for social gatherings, as well as learn-to-swim [lessons] for kids and young families, which is essential near the beach,” Ms Nichols added.

The covered and drained kiddy pool, however, proved remarkably easier to clean up.

Warwick Nichols got busy power washing the showers inside, while Ms Nichols and Ms Winn swept up the droppings outside.

HNTGPA President Bruce Murray removed the old timer with the help of volunteer Mark Hill, in anticipation of the recently reported new timer being installed soon.

“The grant money for the new timer just came through,” Mr Murray explained.

“The progress association attempts to gain access to the pool once every three weeks, and we thank the council for allowing that,” Mr Murray told News Of The Area.

By Thomas O’KEEFE