Company hopes to take over running of bathing pool

Chair David Warr said it wanted a partnership with government to improve the lido

A limited company could be registered within the next week to run and maintain the Havre Des Pas bathing pool, supporters of it say.

The chairman of the Lido Steering Group, Deputy David Warr, said the group hoped to benefit the "community and visitors" by revamping and improving the lido.

He said the group was also applying for the planned company to have charitable status, but this could take up to eight weeks.

Members of group visited Guernsey's newly-renovated bathing pools in August for inspiration of its improvements.

The current lease, which is held by company Beserved, is set to run out at the end of October and a new agreement with government has not been reached.

The commercial tenant The Lido said that, although it had "fully cooperated with a government commissioned review" in 2023, it was "just one small part of a much larger issue at this site".

"We fully support the proposal from the community-led steering group and are dedicated to the long-term sustainable solution for this incredible island asset.

'Must be cherished'

Warr said the group wanted a partnership with government and to receive a steady amount of funding to keep the place upright.

He said: "I thinks there's huge support... I think everybody just wants to see us move forward.

"This is a hugely historic sight - it matters to lots of people from a wellness, from a health point of view, from just generally meeting up.

"We're living in a lonelier and lonelier society; this is a place where people can meet and I think the current operation is adequate for what it is at the moment, but I think we could be so much better."

Warr said he also believed the lido could be "handled much much better by a steering group who is actually really passionate about the future of this pool".

Islander Mike Walker said safety issues needed to be addressed at the bathing pools

Jayne Gruchy, owner of Henris Beach Kiosk at Havre Des Pas, said the area's outdoor pool was important to the community.

She said: "I think it must be cherished because, if it's not, we are soon going to lose it because it's becoming very run down.

"I think a serious amount of money needs to be invested into it... it's used daily by all people from every demographic throughout the year."

Islander Mike Walker said the bathing pools had been "a part of my life for 68 years".

He said: "I'd like to see things improved. I'd like to see it have a coat of paint and I'd like the steps to be non-slippery.

"Last time I came down, I slipped over. It could do with some improvement and I think the island would benefit from it."

One islander said she felt "safe" when swimming at the pool as "if the tide's out, you haven't got to wonder far out to sea" and that she could "come alone or with friends".

Another man said more events such as kayaking and water polo "could get people active" and "make it more of a community area".