Ilkley Lido Reprieve Welcomed by Community Group

A community group announced its members were “delighted” after a Grade II listed lido, previously facing potential closure, received a reprieve. Bradford Council had been considering the closure of Ilkley Pool and Lido as part of a comprehensive review of all its leisure centres, aiming to achieve millions in budget cuts. However, the review, which has now been finalized, did not propose any immediate reductions for the complex. The Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group (IPLCG) welcomed this development, asserting that the facility is “vital for the town’s health and economy”. The council had previously stated that the 1930s indoor and outdoor pool complex was operating at an annual deficit of £280,000. The campaign group was established with the goal of securing the venue’s long-term future. Becky Malby, chair of the group, affirmed that its members would “continue to make the case for the Ilkley Pool and Lido as a West Yorkshire facility as well as a local one, and for the development of the facility as part of a sports hub in Ilkley”. She added, “The lido is visited by people from across West Yorkshire and the UK, and the unique experience has grown a community of people who both love the facilities but also support each other.” Ilkley councillor Andrew Loy remarked that the decision to not close the pool “clearly recognises the strong demand and community support” for the venue. He stated, “Generations of local families have learned to swim at this iconic location.” Loy further commented, “It would have been madness to close it.” He also suggested that the council now needs to “show a willingness to collaborate more closely” with the community group to identify strategies for safeguarding the lido’s future.