LANE Cove Council has defended the decision to restrict the general public’s access to parts of the Greenwich Baths on one of the hottest Saturdays this summer.

As the temperature soared across the weekend, visitors to the Baths on Saturday were surprised to find they would only have “limited access” due to a private event.

Greenwich Community Association committee member Liz Gill said a community member notified the association on Friday morning about a notice at the Baths’ entrance that the public site would be closed on Saturday.

“The chair of the association’s Greenwich Baths Subcommittee contacted Lane Cove Council,” she said.

“The council officer advised that council was unaware of any arrangement.

“Late on that Friday afternoon, a subsequent notice appeared at the Baths indicating there would be limited closure between 12 and 4pm on Saturday.”

media_camera This sign appeared on Friday saying the Greenwich Baths would be closed. A subsequent sign said it would be limited access.

Dr Gill said as the temperature hit 35C on Saturday, visitors — including families with young children — were prevented by the Baths operator Bluefit from accessing the beach area and pool shaded by the trees. They could only sit in front of the clubhouse in the sun.

Dr Gill said the visitors were treated as second-rate users, with their usage restricted in favour of customers of the St Peters-based photographic company, which had sold tickets for its pool party event including exclusive beach hire.

“Many patrons reported they had not been told on admittance they would have restricted use of the beach, despite paying the full entry price,” she said. “Several mothers with small children were quite upset when directed by pool staff to remove themselves from the shaded beach area.”

A council spokeswoman said it was permitted for areas within the Baths to be reserved by members of the public for use.

media_camera The general public who visited the Greenwich Baths on Saturday were forced to sit in the sun, with no access given to the shade due to a private function.

“For larger events, council permission is required and council has regard to the size, timing and nature of the event,” she said.

“In this particular case, patrons were advised of the event before they entered the Baths and by all reports the vast majority were happy.”

The spokeswoman said events held at the Baths did not have to be free to attend.

She said the council would investigate the reported use of glass on the beach, which is not permitted.