Peterborough Lido saved as public fight to save it
The City Council had made proposals to close the site to save money
Peterborough City Council have confirmed the City's lido will be staying open, after an overwhelming amount of public support.
The Council had planned to close the site, as part of plans to address the £23 million budget gap in 2025/26, by mitigating the £400,000 a year running costs.
1,427 people responded to the proposals, which the Council say is an increase of more than 1,000% compared to last year.
Councillor Dennis Jones, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “I know I can speak for other members of the council’s Financial Sustainability Working Group when I say that we never wanted to see the Lido close. It is a wonderful art-deco open-air swimming pool which we are very lucky to have in our city.
“However, the size of our budget gap means we have had to consider all options, no matter how unpalatable some of them might be. We cannot continue to provide everything we used to if we are to set a balanced budget – something we are legally required to do.
“That said, the commentary and feedback from the public is clear. We have been listening, and we continue to listen.
“As a result, I am pleased to say that we have looked again at our budget plans and changed the proposal in relation to the Lido, meaning it will open this year.
“I now urge people to use it, as this will support us in reducing the operating costs. The more people who use the facility, the better chance we have of getting to the point where it covers its costs each year.”
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