A GROUP of Ilkley residents are developing proposals to secure the long term future of Ilkley Pool and Lido.

Bradford Council needs to slash £40m from its budget over the next three years and is currently undertaking a review of its leisure services, including Ilkley Pool and Lido.

With the future of the pool and lido under threat, The Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Benefit Society (CBS) is developing proposals to secure the long term future of the site and facilities through community ownership of the pool, lido and grounds.

It has moved quickly to develop an outline proposition and to collaborate with local and national stakeholders.

The group's founder is Becky Malby and members include Joanne Bown and John Pegington (Ilkley Swimming Club), Debbie Rosen and Annette Bearpark (Friends of Ilkley Lido), Paul Stephens (Ilkley Harriers), Roger Tilbrook (Ilkley Manor House), Di Lury (Ilkley Clean River Group), Cath Brownlee, Juliet O’Callaghan, Adrian Clarke and Chris Cody.

In a statement they said: "We are at the very early stages of developing options so that we can respond quickly to the BMDC review, and proactively influence the outcome. Whilst we are exploring options for community ownership there is of course the possibility the Pool and Lido remain public services, and if this is the case we want to secure more collaboration with the town in ensuring a sustainable future for these vital facilities."

The community ownership proposal would have three possible stages with a real vision for a thriving community asset:

1. Short term running of the Lido and Pool in a way that generates a sustainable community asset, making the most of what is there now - this may need a transitionary model to ensure viability.

2. Short to medium term establishing partnerships and collaborating to secure a vision for a thriving centre for sport and the community at the Pool and Lido.

3. Long term securing a better future for the indoor pool as a modern facility and the Lido as a heritage site within a sports hub area for Ilkley that creates the most potential from all sports within the town.

The group is holding a meeting at 6pm on February 2 at Ilkley Rugby Club. Anyone is welcome to attend at the group shares their thinking and actions.

A full briefing is available at: https://ilkleypoollidocommunity.wordpress.com/2024/01/21/briefing-for-ilkley-community-and-stakeholders/

To register to attend the meeting on Friday, February 2 visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ilkley-pool-and-lido-community-ownership-tickets-805872756107?aff=oddtdtcreator