John Peach, who served as leader of the city council and mayor of the city, has offered a cheque for £10,000 to the council to pay to open the popular outdoor attraction this year.
In a question to council leader John Holdich, Mr Peach said; “Residents are delighted to hear of your intention to retain and keep open as many Vivacity facilities and services as possible when it was announced they had handed the contract back to Peterborough City Council.
“Now that the government have announced that outdoor Swimming pools can reopen I and many residents feel it is of the upmost importance to get the Lido and the Central Park paddling pool open as soon as possible.
“This is particularly so in light of many families not being able to afford to get away on holiday this summer and children needing to use facilities that have been closed during lockdown. Opening the Lido and the Paddling pool would in also enhance peoples fitness, mental health and general well-being as well as making a statement that Peterborough was open again.
“From talking widely to members of vivacity board, city councillors, council officers and Paul Bristow MP there is a willingness to get the Lido open ASAP, but the cost is a problem.
“I have personally made a cheque here made payable to Peterborough City Council for £10,000 to go towards getting the Lido open this season.
“Can I ask if you and other members are able to contribute either financially or by volunteering time and even head up a fundraising appeal to get the rest of the money and issue instructions to get the Lido open as soon as practically possible? I understand vivacity have said the council can take the full receipts from any admission charges which should help to some extent offset costs.
“Get the Lido and Central Parks paddling pool open as soon as possible, keep fit, keep healthy and save children from drowning in the river at the Embankment, Orton Mere and Ferry Meadows this summer.”
Yesterday a council spokesman said; “The Lido will not be opening for the 2020 season. Safety of our residents is of most concern and given the current situation of a high number of community transmitted cases of Covid-19 Public Health advice is that it is not appropriate to open the Lido – even for the last three weeks of the season which is the earliest it could be achieved.
“This decision falls in line with the majority of outdoor pools which have confirmed they will not be opening for the 2020 season and has the support of the ‘Friends of the Lido’ who will be working with the council to plan for its future.”
