The pretty UK lido that could be forced to close after 89 years
A MUCH-LOVED lido could be forced to close this summer, after 89 years.
Ilkley Lido first opened in 1935, as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations for King George V.
Attracting as many as 4,000 people a day during the busy summer months, the pool is now Grade II listed.
Inside is a large swimming pool, with a shallow end for kids as well as a slide.
An Art Deco cafe remains unchanged, with changing rooms, tennis courts and picnic area.
Despite confirmed plans to open next month, it could be forced to close later this year.
The Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group confirmed the attraction runs at a £280,000 loss every year.
The website currently states: “A group of committed Ilkley residents are developing proposals to secure the long term future of the site and facilities through community ownership of the pool, lido and grounds.
“We believe the Pool and Lido are key to the health, and prosperity of the town’s residents and businesses.”
Joanne Bown, one of the founding members told local media: “We are fortunate in Ilkley to have both an indoor and outdoor pool on one site that is accessible on foot and public transport.
“It is a real asset to the physical and mental wellbeing of the community, and people that visit Ilkley.”
The lido has even hosted the Ilkley Triathlon since the early 1990s – one of the longest running sprint events in the country.
Olympic champions Alistair and Jonny Brownlee have even competed.
A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “We are planning to conduct a public consultation on any proposals during the summer months, with a final decision being taken later in the year.”
The pool reopens for the season from April 28, with adult tickets from £6.45 and kids from £3.35.
Last summer, hundreds queues for hours to use the lido on one of the hottest days of the years.
There are around 127 lidos remaining in the UK.
One of the most recent that hopes to reopen is Broomhill Open Air Swimming Pool.
The outdoor swimming pool closed back in 2002, with a new £10million refurbishment hoping to allow it to reopen.
A fancy lido could also open in London in Valentine’s Park.
One of the most popular in the UK is the Jubilee Pool in Penzance, a saltwater tidal pool that was built in 1935.
The Art Deco pool even has a geothermal heated lido, the first in the UK, with temperatures around 35C.
Here are some other UK lidos to visit this summer.