A Nailsworth councillor has warned that closing Stratford Park Lido could unintentionally drive swimmers toward unsafe wild swimming spots, with particular concern about increased use of Woodchester Park.
Labour and Co-operative Councillor Steve Robinson, who represents Nailsworth at Stroud District Council raised the problem at last week’s heated community services and licensing committee attended by Stroud Times’ Faye Hatcher.
The committee agreed to recommend temporarily closing the lido for the 2026 season, as leaders at Stroud District Council warned it would be unsafe to open this summer without a £5 million upgrade to the site.
The proposals will now go to the strategy and resources committee on 16 April, before a final decision by full council on 30 April.
“I’m really concerned as Woodchester Park is in my county division and that more people will be encouraged to swim there,” he said.
“We know the dangers. We know that three years ago a Nailsworth resident sadly lost their life there.
“And following that, with the support of Stroud District Council, I’ve managed to get together all the 999 services, National Trust and the community services department here and we are still meeting because of the concern about wild swimming up in the lake.
He pointed to officers’ warnings that the lido’s deteriorating floor could cause the water to become cloudy, making it difficult to see anyone at the bottom of the pool.
“You certainly can’t see anyone in the lake. It is extremely dangerous, and to see young people streaming up there in the summer – I just get really concerned.
“I would hate to vote to close the pool and then have to face a resident in my ward division to say, ‘I’m sorry but we had to close the pool, your youngster went there, shouldn’t have gone but it’s another fatality’”
A National Trust spokesperson emphasised that swimming is prohibited at Woodchester Park, warning that the lakes are deep and pose hidden dangers.
“The safety of visitors is our priority, and swimming is not permitted in the lakes at Woodchester Park,” the spokesperson said.
“The lakes are deep and hide many hazards. Mobile phone coverage is poor, making it difficult to summon help quickly. There is also signage on site clearly stating that swimming is not allowed.”
