FED-UP residents who live near boarded-up Broomhill pool today labelled the proposed refurbishment of the lido as a “waste of money” – and claimed their concerns over parking and anti-social behaviour have been ignored.

A number of home- owners in Sherrington Road said they had been left frustrated by the lack of consideration over the plans to redevelop the historic facility.

The Broomhill Pool Trust hopes to reinstate the lido as a fully functioning outdoor pool.

But the ambitious plans haven’t whetted the appetite of several neighbours.

Sherrington Road resident Alan Holden said: “All I read are positive things about this pool opening – nobody seems to be interested in what the residents feel who live near the pool.

“There are parking, noise, anti-social behaviour, out of hours swimming and many more issues to consider – but no one seems to want to discuss this side of it.”

David Pegg, who used to be the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for the area and lived in Sherrington Road for 38 years, said: “It’s a waste of money to open the pool as it is weather-dependent.

“The organisers live far away and won’t experience the noise levels and problems with parking, as residents will.”

Fellow resident Neil Taylor added that the recent clash of the nearby residential home’s fete and Broomhill Pool’s open day highlighted the parking problems in the area.

Dr Dan Poulter, MP for central Suffolk and North Ipswich, said the parking problems seen during the fete were an oversight and that “parking was only bad because the car park was being used to host the open day.”

Residents are also concerned that anti-social behaviour in the area will increase should the pool re-open – with a risk of upsetting those living at Sherrington House, a nursing and residential home situated directly opposite Broomhill Pool.

But Sonia Sherwood, Sherrington House manager, said: “The home and the residents are actually quite excited by the pool re-opening. Some even hope to make use of the facility.”

Dr Poulter added: “The pool will be a great benefit to north west Ipswich as there is a lack of facilities there as it is, especially for families.

“We will be sure to work closely with local residents to see planning is considerate to the interests of neighbouring families once actual plans are being processed.”