Supporters discuss how to secure the future of Ilkley Pool and Lido

The event was organised by Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group (IPLCG) and featured elected representatives Robbie Moore MP, Cllrs Ros Brown, Andrew Loy and David Nunn who represent Ilkley Ward, plus several members of Ilkley Town Council.

The meeting was held in a packed B Hall at Ilkley Grammar School, a setting usually home to performances and celebrations for the town’s teenagers. Fittingly symbolic of the fight to secure a precious community resource for future generations.

The event aimed to rally support for maintaining and improving the pool and lido amid an ongoing review by Bradford Council. Members of the public shared their observations and were given the chance to put questions to elected representatives.

It was purposely organised in the round with the group’s intention to show “that we are all peers and this responsibility lies with all of us.”

This year's solstice swim at Ilkley Lido (Image: Charlie Swinbourne Photography)

The main thrust of the night was the need to join forces to save the beloved community resource. Members of the public spoke rousingly of the need for all political parties to unite to further the cause. This was echoed by elected representatives who were unanimous in their support for it to stay open, and the belief that working together with the community is key to this.

There was discussion of five options believed to be possible for the future of the pool and lido:

1. Closure (now believed to be less likely).

2. Bradford Council continues to run the pool and lido in collaboration with the community to secure wider resources. 

3. Bradford Council hands leisure services over to a third party not-for-profit provider eg Better or Brimhams Active. This is the preferred model by councils all over England.

4. A hybrid model of ownership and delivery (e.g Bradford Council runs the facilities and the IPLCG run a charity; or runs part of the facilities and the community runs the rest).

5. Community Asset Transfer With a show of hands in the room, there was overwhelming public support for option two, with continued Council ownership with a stronger collaboration with the community. The option three alternative of a not-for-profit provider of pools, as modelled by many other Councils around the country was also supported in principle.

Ilkley Lido (Image: submitted)

Another of the topics that shone through was that the Pool and Lido are a key resource in supporting health of all age groups and mental wellbeing. Attendees were reminded that these facilities serve not just Ilkley but the broader Yorkshire region, with over 30 per cent of respondents to an IPLCG survey coming from outside the town.

There was a rousing cheer for one passionate resident who told how she swims every morning at 7am stating: “When I’m in the water it’s impossible to worry.”

The review by Bradford Council as part of its broader assessment of sports and leisure services, has now entered a critical phase. Phase one of the review is expected to conclude in November, with a formal report presented to the Council’s Executive.

As the community group awaits the release of Bradford Council's review paper, its members continue to lobby for full consideration of their ideas and the adoption of a collaborative management model.

Swimmers at Ilkley Lido (Image: Charlie Swinbourne Photography)

Becky Malby, Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group Chair, said: “We have seen tonight that pool and lido users want one of two options, either exploring a not for profit provider or the facilities to remain in Bradford Council ownership and run in partnership with the community.

“We call on our elected representatives to ensure the voice of the community is heard in upcoming decisions.

“We need a clear and open consultation process to guarantee that the Pool and Lido have a bright and sustainable future.”

Davy Simpson, IPLCG member and former Chair of Friends Ilkley Lido, said: "The Pool and Lido are vital to the health, wellbeing, and economy of the town and region. We’ve demonstrated they can be financially viable, and it’s time to focus on making them flourish.”

“With the community standing united, all eyes are now on Bradford Council’s November review. The hope is that the Pool and Lido will not only survive but also thrive as a key regional facility, serving generations to come.”