Stroud District Council Leader, Cllr Chloe Turner, has responded to concerns over the future of Stratford Park Lido following last night’s committee meeting.
In her statement, she outlines the reasons for the temporary closure, the financial and safety challenges facing the facility, and the role the community can play in helping secure its future.
Cllr Turner said: “Following last night’s committee meeting, we want to thank everyone who has taken the time to engage with discussions about leisure facilities at Active Lifestyles Stroud, Stratford Park, and the Lido.
“What was crystal clear last night was just how important Stratford Park Lido is to the community. It is a much-loved facility with a long history, and we all share the ambition to see it thrive long into the future, which is why we embarked on this project. However, as officers explained, it has become clear that there is an immediate need for significant investment just for the pool to be safely reopened. As the Senior Officer responsible for Health & Safety for the Lido said, we cannot responsibly open it knowing the risks it poses to users, which is why the recommendation is for a temporary closure until funding is secured to make it safe.
“The council has now published a recent risk assessment as part of the FAQs on its website, alongside a video showing the reality we are facing. This clearly shows the bottom of the main pool coming away in large chunks, highlighting the danger to users.
“This is no longer simply a matter of repairs. Key infrastructure needs replacing, at a cost which, as explained last night, the council cannot afford. The Lido has always been subsidised by the council, reflecting its important role in the community. However, without a return to repay a loan, savings would have to be made elsewhere. Following the recent government financial settlement, the council has less income and is already tightening its budget. This position is further complicated by the fact that Stroud District Council will be replaced by a new, larger unitary authority in two years. With no other way to fund a loan, we turned to the community last week to explore alternative solutions.
“We understand the strength of feeling about the Lido, and we all want to see it restored to its former glory. As my colleagues said in the chamber last night, it is time to put aside our differences and work together.
“Officers are now establishing what role the council can play practically and legally, as the council cannot directly fundraise. We hope to provide advice and information to a community-based group and, where possible, offer practical support. There is a critical role and a massive opportunity for our communities to come together. We have already received more than 180 offers of help from individuals and organisations who care deeply about the Lido, which is encouraging and much appreciated. We are beginning the process of responding to these offers, and anyone willing to help can contact the council through the website. We have done this before and can do it again to save our beloved Lido.
“We know there have also been concerns about transparency. I want to reassure everyone that this process is being conducted in full view. It is our role as elected officials to hold officers to account, and last night was the first step. Officers at every level have committed to being open and honest about the scale of the challenge, the financial realities, the risks involved, and the potential ways forward. This situation has also raised a valid concern about the time available for the public to submit questions to committees. This timeframe is set out in our Constitution and applies to all committees. While it has not been an issue previously, councillors have asked the Constitution Working Group to review it as a matter of urgency and report back with recommended actions.
“The decision over the future of the Lido is still going through the democratic process. Communities can submit questions through the usual process or via their councillors. The Community Services and Licensing Committee’s recommendations will be considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee on Thursday 16 April 2026, and then by full Council on Thursday 30 April 2026.
“We will continue to keep the community updated as this process unfolds, and we are committed to working with residents to secure the Lido’s future.”
