Campaigners have welcomed a unanimous decision by Stroud District Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee this evening, to approve the funding needed to reopen Stratford Park Lido this August.
The committee agreed additional funding of £276,000 to undertake essential maintenance work at the popular outdoor pool, with the money coming from previous years’ underspend on the lido budget.
The decision marks a major victory for residents following months of community campaigning after councillors initially voted to close the lido in March.
The campaign attracted widespread public support, including a petition signed by more than 4,000 people, hundreds of emails to councillors, flash mobs, a shop window competition, and backing from high-profile supporters including Mary Portas.
Following the public response, councillors revisited the issue in April and agreed to support the maintenance works required to open the pool this summer. The latest funding decision now paves the way for the lido to welcome swimmers back in August.
A spokesperson for Save Our Lido Stroud (SOLS) said: “We are delighted. We look forward to swimming this summer with the families of Stroud and working with the council to develop a long-term future for the pool. We want to ensure that next year, and every year after that, people across Stroud District can enjoy swimming, family fun and everything that makes the lido such a treasured community asset.”
A report presented to the committee stated that the investment would deliver benefits including improved health and wellbeing, stronger community engagement and opportunities to establish a more sustainable future for the lido.
The report also noted that the survey and maintenance work is essential to support a smooth transition under local government reorganisation plans.
Campaigners say the decision demonstrates the strength of community support for Stratford Park Lido and marks the beginning of work to secure its future for generations to come.
