A FENCE installed around Launceston's First Basin swimming pool will stay in place over summer, despite criticism from members of the public who have labelled it "ugly".
The Launceston City Council installed the controversial fence last month.
The fence has been designed to be dismantled during the winter months when the pool is not in use.
However, there has been a public backlash with opponents saying the fence ruins the "aesthetic and visual appeal" of the Gorge and is a "shock to the eyes".
Yesterday, Alderman Jeremy Ball sought support to request a review into the "performance" of the fence over the 2009-10 summer.
However, the motion was defeated.
Deputy Mayor Frank Nott said he believed the fence was necessary - even if it did impinge on the area's visual appeal.
He pointed to recent figures showing 32 Australian children aged zero to four had drowned in the 12 months to June 30, with 60 per cent of them drowning in swimming pools.
Alderman Ray Shipp said that the council should aim to minimise dangers to the public wherever possible.
"If we take that fence away and the following week we have a disaster, how is this council going to live with it?" Alderman Ship asked.
In other matters, the council approved development applications for the $1.5 million regional tennis facility in Newstead.
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