More than 90% of Hazlehead residents opposed the controversial closure of their local swimming pool, according to a survey.
Aberdeen South and North Kincardine member Maureen Watt carried out the mass survey, asking for views on the closure of the Hazlehead Pool. A total of 970 people responded, with 92% saying they wanted it to remain open.
The facility, which closed earlier this month, was managed by arms-length council body Sport Aberdeen (SA).
The body had its funding settlement from the council cut by more than £400,000 in February’s budget.
Hazlehead and Kincorth pools were subsequently closed, with the body arguing they were being used by less than 30 people a day.
After Ms Watt wrote to council chiefs she was informed that the pools were the responsibility of SA.
She said: “It is deeply concerning that all responsibility and accountability has been thrown at the feet of Sport Aberdeen, when it is the city council that owns these pools and contracted Sport Aberdeen in the first place.
“If the city council think these pool closures are the fault of anyone else, I would seriously question their financial judgement and ability to understand consequences of budget cuts.
“I would encourage people to contact their council representatives and leaders because, goodness knows, the city council needs to start listening to the views of the people who live here.”
But council finance convener Willie Young accused Ms Watt of “pure hypocrisy” arguing the SNP group at the city council had proposed the same cuts in their budget.
He said: “Maureen Watt should be reminded that the SNP had the exact same thing in their budget.
“Also, it was the SNP who set up Sport Aberdeen in the first place so the council would not have direct control.
“The chief executive of Sport Aberdeen made it clear that even if they had the money, they would not keep the pools open.”
An SA spokesman said: “The Sport Aberdeen managing director met personally with Maureen Watt MSP and directly discussed her concerns, including the development of a long term strategy for sports facilities in Aberdeen.
“On top of this, a formal written response is being drafted and will be sent to her shortly as requested.”