A major community campaign to save Stratford Park Lido has gained high-profile support from broadcaster Edith Bowman, as supporters push back against plans by Stroud District Council to permanently close the cherished outdoor pool.
The council recently announced the proposed closure, citing an estimated £5 million in repair costs. However, campaigners have raised concerns that the figure includes non-essential upgrades and does not reflect the pool’s current operational needs.
Bowman has a strong track record of supporting local community initiatives, including The Long Table, and is also an ambassador for Rush Skatepark, following the council’s closure of the Brimscombe Port site five years ago.
She said: “Stroud’s outdoor lido is under threat and we need your help to save it. Out of nowhere, Stroud District Council have announced they want to close Stratford Park Lido permanently, citing £5m of repairs including non-essential changes the pool has never even had. We don’t think this adds up.”
Bowman said the lido holds a special place in her family’s hearts. Her husband, Tom Smith, frontman of the band Editors, used the pool during his childhood.
“This is something I’ve used since I moved to Stroud in 2019. My mother-in-law, myself and our kids use it religiously, and I love taking my mum when she comes down. It really is such a special place for our family,” she said.
“This pool has brought joy to tens of thousands of people across Stroud for generations, including three generations of my family. Families, kids, wild swimmers, first timers. People of every age and background.
“It is part of who we are as a community. If it closes now, we fear it will never reopen. And that would break our hearts. We are asking Stroud District councillors to reject the closure, keep the lido open this summer, and work with us on its future. That’s all we want. Email your local councillor Make some noise for something worth fighting for.”
Goto www.savestroudlido.org to show your support.
