VANDALS slashed the inflatable canvas dome that covers the popular Kilsyth Centenary Pool, known as the “Home of the Dome” this morning.

The “selfish” act of vandalism has closed the popular Kilsyth pool this morning, leaving swimmers stranded in the lead up to an important event.

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Fiona McAllister said the dome was cut at considerable length and at multiple locations, which prevented it from being inflated to cover the pool.

Cr McAllister said council staff would now be calling in repairers to assess how the damage can be fixed, and as a result, the pool was likely to be closed for some time.

“We are extremely disappointed that someone would carry out such a selfish act that impacts on so many people,’ Cr McAllister said.

Paul Gilling, vice-president of the Lilydale Swimming Club, said they arrived at the pool this morning to discover the dome had been vandalised.

“You could see it from the carpark, it looked like a deflated circus tent,” Mr Gilling said.

He said the club was now desperately trying to find other pools for the club’s 70 members to train in this week, in the lead up to this weekend’s Victorian Short Course State Championships at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

He said club members would have to be spilt up, and travel much further to training.

He said he wouldn’t be surprised if the damage took months to fix.

Cr McAllister said Belgravia leisure, who manage the pool on council’s behalf, was organising to relocate a number of school programs to other locations including Monbulk Pool.

Cr McAllister said police were investigating and she urged anyone who witnessed anything to contact police.

“Council staff are assessing the damage and will be looking to find a solution to get the pool reopened as soon as possible,” Cr McAllister said.

If you can offer help to the swim club phone 0419 302 269. Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.