Parking charges introduced at Ilkley Lido car park
A group working to save the facility from closure says it's 'concerned and confused' by the move
Campaigners working to save Ilkley Lido from closure say they're 'concerned and confused' by a decision to bring in parking charges there.
The charges are being rolled out from today, with Bradford Council saying it's having to make some 'tough' financial choices.
But a group working to safeguard the Lido's future claim it's unfair when the carparks for all of Bradford's other pools are free.
The Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group (IPLCG ) says it means the Lido will be an 'outlier' across Bradford at a time when they are trying to encourage people to use the facility.
Roger Tilbrook from the group said: “We have not been consulted about the detailed proposals despite the fact that we have had regular discussions with Bradford Council about the future of the pool and lido and want to help ensure the long-term future of the facilities. The charging regime indicates that Ilkley is being treated unfairly compared to other pools and leisure facilities across the Bradford District."
Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council's Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport said: "We understand parking charges are always an emotive issue but in the current financial climate we’ve had to make a number of tough choices to generate revenue in a sustainable and manageable manner.
"Revenue from parking charges goes towards maintaining and improving infrastructure, enforcing regulations and investing in sustainable transport initiatives.
"We try to take a consistent and fair approach across the district and this year have decided to introduce charges at Denton Road Car Park.“
The new charges will mean people have to pay £1 for 1 hour, £2 for 2 hours, £3 for 3 hours, and £4 for four hours plus.