Ilkley Pool and Lido: Public meeting held to discuss future

The event was organised by Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group (IPLCG) and was attended by Robbie Moore MP, councillors Ros Brown, Andrew Loy, and David Nunn, who represent the Ilkley ward, as well as several members of Ilkley Town Council.

The meeting was held at Ilkley Grammar School and aimed to rally support for maintaining and improving the pool and lido amid an ongoing review by Bradford Council.

Members of the public shared their observations and were given the chance to put questions to elected representatives.

This year's solstice swim at Ilkley Lido (Image: Charlie Swinbourne Photography) There was discussion of five options believed to be possible for the future of the pool and lido:

1. Closure (now believed to be less likely).

2. Bradford Council continues to run the pool and lido in collaboration with the community to secure wider resources. 

3. Bradford Council hands leisure services over to a third-party not-for-profit provider e.g. Better or Brimhams Active. This is the preferred model by councils all over England.

4. A hybrid model of ownership and delivery (e.g. Bradford Council runs the facilities and the IPLCG runs a charity, or runs part of the facilities and the community runs the rest).

5. Community Asset Transfer

The review by Bradford Council as part of its broader assessment of sports and leisure services has now entered a critical phase. Phase one of the review is expected to conclude in November, with a formal report presented to the Council’s Executive.

Swimmers at Ilkley Lido (Image: Charlie Swinbourne Photography)

Becky Malby, Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group chair, said: “We have seen tonight that pool and lido users want one of two options, either exploring a not-for-profit provider or the facilities to remain in Bradford Council ownership and run in partnership with the community.

“We call on our elected representatives to ensure the voice of the community is heard in upcoming decisions.

“We need a clear and open consultation process to guarantee that the pool and lido have a bright and sustainable future.”

Davy Simpson, IPLCG member and former chair of Friends of Ilkley Lido, said: "The pool and lido are vital to the health, wellbeing, and economy of the town and region. We’ve demonstrated they can be financially viable, and it’s time to focus on making them flourish.”

“With the community standing united, all eyes are now on Bradford Council’s November review. The hope is that the pool and lido will not only survive but also thrive as a key regional facility, serving generations to come.”