National fund to be created to preserve lidos follow campaign by Peterborough MP
Culture Secretary announces action to preserve lidos
A national fund is to be created to help preserve Lidos across the country following a campaign by Peterborough’s MP.
The creation of the first dedicated national fund for lidos was announced by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy in the House of Commons following the launch of a national campaign by city MP Andrew Pakes.
And the announcement comes just a couple of years after Peterborough City Council leaders warned that city residents needed to use the 90 year old Lido in Bishop’s Road opr face losing it as the cost of its upkeep rose.
Making her announcement in the House of Commons, Ms Nandy thanked Mr Pakes for his ‘sterling advocacy’ on behalf of Lidos across the UK and particularly in Peterborough.
She said: “He knows that I share his passion on the issue.
“I can tell the House that we are creating a public leisure facilities programme that will provide support for lidos and other swimming facilities, and that, thanks to the work that he and others have done to campaign for this, the programme will include the first dedicated fund for lidos that this country has produced."
started a petition after the city council proposed mothballing the Lido because of budget pressures, and more than 2,500 people signed it. Following a successful campaign by Andrew, residents and the Friends of Peterborough Lido, the plans were dropped. This year, the Grade II listed art deco Lido celebrated its 90th anniversary and its best-ever season.
The creation of the first-ever national lido fund will be welcome news to outdoor swimmers and lido lovers across the country.
Mr Pakes said: "The creation of the first-ever national lido fund will be welcome news to outdoor swimmers and lido lovers across the country.
“We have seen the best-ever year for lidos and historic pools with more hot summers on the way.
“This makes protecting and supporting our pools even more important.
"For places like Peterborough, the lido is far more than somewhere to swim.
“It is a much-loved part of our city's heritage, bringing people together across generations.
“That is why I campaigned alongside local residents and the Friends of Peterborough Lido to keep ours open when its future was under threat.
"I'd like to thank the Secretary of State for listening to the voices of so many of us and in response setting up this new fund.
“This fund is a welcome recognition of how much these places matter. I want to see it help protect treasured lidos like ours so future generations can enjoy them too."