Campaigners fighting for the future of Stratford Park Lido have welcomed Stroud District Council’s decision to bring forward an extraordinary meeting to consider an urgent repair and maintenance plan aimed at reopening the historic facility to swimmers this summer.
The meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee on 3 June will decide whether councillors are prepared to approve spending beyond the £200,000 already allocated for the 90-year-old Lido.
Campaigners say the decision now facing councillors is not simply about an “overspend”, but about whether the Council is willing to act decisively to protect a valued community asset after years of drift, delay, and mounting deterioration.
“We recognise and appreciate the efforts of council officers, members of the Lido Working Group, town councillors, and community representatives who have continued working towards a practical reopening plan,” a spokesperson said.
“However, councillors must now show leadership and recognise that continued delay carries its own costs — financially, structurally, and in terms of public trust.”
The group says residents are entitled to ask difficult but reasonable questions about how the situation was allowed to deteriorate despite previous expenditure, repeated public concern, and longstanding awareness of maintenance issues.
The campaign also points to wider concerns around governance and financial oversight within the authority. Recent criticism surrounding disruption to Stroud’s Local Plan process reportedly highlighted what local representatives described as a waste of more than £1.4 million of taxpayer money, alongside ongoing budget pressures including staffing overspends, agency costs, and losses linked to empty office space at Ebley Mill.
Campaigners say this context makes transparency and accountability around the Lido even more important.
“Residents are understandably frustrated when essential community assets are left to deteriorate while questions continue over spending priorities and decision-making. The public deserves openness about what work is required, why earlier intervention did not happen, and what the long-term plan is for the Lido’s future.”
Supporters also note that experienced pool operators have repeatedly warned that leaving an outdoor pool empty for prolonged periods can increase the risk of structural damage due to frost, movement, and the loss of water pressure support.
The group expressed concern that the extraordinary meeting format will not permit public or councillor questions under the Council’s constitution.
“At a time when confidence in local governance needs rebuilding, scrutiny and public engagement should be encouraged rather than limited. People care deeply about this facility and want to see decisions made transparently and in the public interest.”
Campaigners stressed that the movement to save the Lido is not party political and includes residents from across the community united by concern for the future of the pool and the standards of governance surrounding it.
The detailed repair and maintenance plan is expected to be published on 26 May ahead of the committee meeting on 3 June.
