Statement from Council Leader on Stratford Park Lido
Cllr Chloe Turner, Leader of Stroud District Council 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 at the Lido.
What was crystal clear last night was 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 in the site just for the pool to be safely reopened. As the Senior Officer responsible for the Health & Safety for the Lido said, we cannot responsibly open the Lido knowing the risks it poses to users, which is why the recommendation is for a temporary closure until funding is found 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 shows the bottom of the main pool coming away in large chunks. The danger this poses to users is clear.
This is no longer about repairs. Key infrastructure needs to be replaced, and this comes at a cost which, as was explained last night, is not something that the council can afford. The Lido has always been subsidised by the Council, and the council has absorbed that cost as we all understand the important role it plays in the community. However, without a return to pay back a loan, we would have to make savings elsewhere. Following the recent Government financial settlement, the Council has less money coming in which means we are already having to tighten our belts and the position is further complicated by the fact that Stroud District Council will be replaced by a new, larger unitary authority in two years’ time. There is nowhere else we could find the money to repay a loan, which is why, last week, we went to our communities to ask for their support to do this another way.
We understand the strength of feeling, and we all want to see the Lido restored to its former glory. As my colleagues in the chamber last night said – it is time to put aside our differences and work together.
Officers are establishing what role the council can have practically and legally, as the Council itself can’t directly fundraise. Clearly, we hope to be able to offer advice and information to a community-based group and maybe able to provide support in other practical ways. There is a critical role and massive opportunity for our communities to come together, and we have now received more than 180 offers of help from individuals and organisations which care deeply about the Lido, which is both encouraging and appreciated. Thank you again to everyone who has stepped forward.
We are starting the process of reaching out in response and if you can and are willing to help, please make contact through the council website. We have done this before, and we can do it again to save our beloved Lido. Thank you again to everyone who has stepped forward.
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 in that process. Officers at every level have committed to being open and honest about both the scale of the challenge and the options available which includes sharing the financial realities, the risks involved, and the potential ways forward. I, and my colleagues on the council, will continue to hold officers to account and, I hope, the public will continue to hold us to account as their representatives. This situation has raised a valid concern regarding the length of time the public has to submit questions to a committee or council. This timeframe is set out in our Constitution and applies to all committees. It is not something that has been an issue in the past. However, as councillors, we have asked the Constitution Working Group to review this as a matter of urgency and report back to council on what actions can be taken.
The decision over the future of the Lido is still going through the democratic process, and our communities can submit questions either through the usual process or through 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 full Council on Thursday 30 April 2026.
We will continue to keep the community updated."
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