CONCERNS have been raised over what some residents are claiming to be the 'shocking' state of Ilkley Lido.

Only last week, the facility was named by a national newspaper as one of the ten best lidos in the country.

"On the edge of the Dales, this lido allows families to soak up the sun with a backdrop of proper Yorkshire scenery," wrote the Daily Mail on August 4.

But recent visitors to the pool complex say they have left distinctly unimpressed due to a number of issues.

They include:

  • The condition of the toilets and showers
  • Frustration that part of the outdoor pool is being closed off under certain conditions
  • An 'overpowering' smell of urine in the 'outdated' changing rooms.
  • The fact full admission prices are still being charged despite the indoor pool being closed (it has been closed since July 16 to allow the roof to be replaced).

One of the complainants, Elizabeth Newton, took her grandchildren on Thursday, July 26.

She said: "I have been swimming with grandchildren at Ilkley Lido recently.

"It is in a shocking state and may be a health hazard.

"Here we are in the hottest summer for 40 years and the indoor pool is closed, the changing rooms smell of urine, half the toilets are out of action, the showers are not working and, when we tried to swim in the outdoor pool, about a quarter of it was shut off.

"The staff said it was 'unsafe due to the bottom not being visible'.

"Bradford Council are not maintaining the Lido facilities adequately."

Emma Mckendrick was at the pool on Monday, August 6, and left similarly unimpressed.

While praising the outdoor pool for its stunning views, she believes the whole facility needs a major revamp.

She said: "The sad truth is that the pool is slowly decaying.

"I understand that Ilkley pool is making money. This exceptionally hot summer has drawn huge crowds of swimmers to the pool and a full price adult swim is £7.90, despite the fact the indoor pool is closed all summer for 'renovations'.

"The changing rooms are disgusting, there is often on overpowering smell of urine.

"The three showers are very dated, with just a trickle of warm water. The tiles are 40 years old, and drains are blocked with hair during the day.

"The toilets are often out of order at peak times.

"The pool staff, however, are generally polite and helpful. They have an impossible job maintaining a facility that is crumbling and in constant need of repair.

"I do not know what Bradford Council's budget is for the pool but the indoor pool, in my opinion, needs to be knocked down and rebuilt.

"There is a discussion about the pool being privatised, which may be the only option now."

A Bradford Council spokesman said: "Since early July, 2018 there has been significant financial investment into the facilities at Ilkley Lido and the swimming pool.

"Work is currently underway to replace the roof at the indoor pool which is expected to be completed by September. Major work has recently been completed to install a new hot water system and improve the showers.

"There may have been some disruption during the works but the summer period is the best time to carry out these repairs, when local schools don’t have term time lessons running.

"The lido itself is the most popular attraction and we can continue to operate this as normal during the summer period.

“Ilkley Lido is a very popular leisure facility for the residents of Bradford and we are seeing record numbers using the facility this year as we experience the hotter weather.

"We want everyone to have a good experience when visiting and we have already taken steps to address the issues raised in relation to cleanliness."