Historic lido reopens after almost a year

A lido will reopen later after being closed for almost a year over safety concerns.

Stratford Park Lido reportedly needs £5m of repair work, but about £500,000 of repairs and surveys have been completed as a short-term solution for this year and the next.

An opening ceremony will be held on Saturday featuring a 1930s theme in recognition of the era in which the lido was built.

Naomi Said, from campaign group Save Our Lido Stroud, said she was thrilled and could not wait to visit the pool.

Built in 1937 at a cost of £20,000, Stratford Park Lido originally used natural spring water heated by a boiler which was later melted down for the war effort.

Stroud District Council said a risk assessment in February identified major safety concerns, including a cracked foundation and severe corrosion in the pipework and pool tank.

It said £5m would need to be spent on full repairs and the pool was closed.

Councillors later approved £200,000 for urgent maintenance, which along with £276,000 set aside for short-term repairs and essential surveys, allowed the lido to reopen this month.

Megan Buckwell, membership advisor at Active Lifestyles Stroud, has been helping prepare the site for reopening by painting the kiosk with an art deco theme.

"We're really pleased to see it reopen and are excited to see people using it again," she said.

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