A GESTURE of goodwill from Leeton Shire Council will help residents to cool off on sweltering summer days.
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Council has decided to offer free entry to the Leeton and Whitton pools on the days where 40 degrees or more is forecast until January 28.
The forecast will be checked of an evening and if it predicts 40 degrees or more, entry will be free the next day.
Mayor Paul Maytom said it was always something he wanted to do, but what sparked him to move forward with it late last week was when Wagga City Council enacted the same idea.
“I sent out an email to council and councillors last Friday and there was support there for it,” he said.
“We will have to have it ratified at a council meeting, but I think it’s a great idea.
“This is extreme heat we are having.
“Many people don’t have air-conditioning or good air-conditioning, so this is a way for them to come and cool off and no cost.”
Councillor Maytom said others in town may also not be able to afford the regular entry fee, so by allowing it to be free, it was an example of goodwill to the community.
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“Especially if you have children and you’re wanting to come several times a day … it does add up,” he said.
“I think it’s important we allow as many people in our community to get some relief from this hot weather.
“Anything we can do, I think is good. It will cost us very little money to do.”
With the temperatures not expected to dip below 40 degrees until at least Sunday, it does look as though the pool will be free for all to enjoy through until then.
“I think we’d like to have official ratification and put it in so this is something we can offer every summer,” Cr Maytom said.
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