Lido’s plea for support as swimmer numbers plunge
AMUCH-LOVED open-air pool could be forced to close for the season unless swimmers flock to the attraction.
Last Friday, bosses at Sandford Parks Lido, in Cheltenham, revealed they only had enough funds to remain open for the next seven days.
Their last hope of keeping the Grade Ii-listed pool open was to beg visitors to “come and swim” this week.
“The trustees have decided that we can afford one more week only – unless we can persuade more of you to come and pay for a swim,” a post on its website says.
“Our visitor numbers have dropped hugely and we need you to support us in greater numbers in order for us to stay open this season.
“The water’s still warm and there are lots of slots available throughout each day this week.
“Whether you are training for an event, want to have a leisurely swim the lanes or want to swim with your family – there’s a session for everyone!”
The heated outdoor pool’s season would not normally end until midoctober but, having lost the best months of the year due to the coronavirus lockdown, lido bosses face closing the attraction early because of a lack of income.
Collection buckets are being rattled as the faithful enter the lido and bosses have made pleas on their social media pages for more people to book their slot online and come and visit.
In a bid to bring in more swimmers, the pool has introduced free swimming for under-eights during daily family swim sessions. However, Monday morning’s session was only at 50 per cent capacity.
Today and tomorrow, the pool is open from 7am until 6.30pm with lane swimming for over-eights during the day and family sessions for all ages between 10am and 11am and 4pm and 5pm.
For more information and to book a slot, visit the pool’s website at www. sandfordparkslido.org.uk