Art Deco English lido may not reopen in time for summer after being hit by fresh setback in £5million revamp
A HISTORIC Gloucestershire lido may not open in time for summer, as the council review risk assessments into its damaged infrastructure, reports the BBC.
The site, that saw its heyday back in the 1940s, is struggling under the burden of its ageing facilities.
The Stratford Park Lido, located in Stroud, Gloucestershire, has been serving open air swimmers since 1937 and cost £20,000 to build.
Recently, there were suggestions that the lido could reopen this summer, after Stroud District Council agreed to explore cheaper repair options.
The council had warned that safety concerns and a £5million repair bill would ultimately take too long to settle in time for summer.
However, during a meeting earlier this week, discussions arose that the lido would be unlikely to open this summer due to the condition of the facilities.
In February, a risk assessment revealed serious hazards, including a cracked foundation and excessive corrosion on the pipework.
There was also discussions about the lido becoming the property of the Stroud community or the town council in the future.
Friends of Stratford Lido and the Save Our Lido Campaign Group, alongside the council, have organised a meeting to discuss these decisions.
There had been 100 written requests from residents to understand what would happen to the lido in the future.
The Save Our Lido Campaign group also argued that previous maintenance plans included unnecessary upgrades, such as heating.
Now, it will cost the council’s Strategy and Resources Committee up to £200,000 to investigate whether the lido will open this summer.