Concerns raised over future of lido

Ilkley Pool and Lido, pictured in 2019, has been used by swimmers in the area since 1935

Ilkley Pool and Lido could be forced to close as part of council cost-cutting plans, a campaign group fears.

The venue operates at a £280,000 loss, the Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group said, with a final decision on its future set to be announced later this year.

Proposals for community ownership and immediate ways to reduce costs were being discussed, it added.

Bradford Council said any proposals would go through a public consultation process.

The campaign group was formed to try and secure the future of the venue, with public meetings aiming to generate money-saving ideas.

"The community has quickly stepped up to do everything practically possible to save our pool and lido from closure," Becky Malby, group founder, said.

Options currently being considered include swim timetable changes, alterations to the cafe and attempts to reduce the site's energy bill.

"Of course there needs to be longer term plans for solar panels, new changing rooms and so on, but right now we are focussing on closing the funding gap," Ms Malby added.

"Alongside this we are getting ready in case we do need to take over the whole facility as a community-run organisation."

The lido, cafe and changing rooms, built in the 1930s, are listed by Historic England.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: "We are planning to conduct a public consultation on any proposals during the summer months, with a final decision being taken later in the year.”