A decision will be made on the future of Teignmouth Lido in December.
Teignbridge Council’s executive committee is expected to announce its decision at a meeting on December 1, with a possible handover to the local community among the options.
The lido was the subject of a major community campaign earlier this year after the council decided to sell it off in an effort to save tens of thousands of pounds.
In February the council announced that the pool had become surplus to requirements and would be sold off, with no guarantee that the picturesque site would remain a public pool.
The council said not enough people used it and it cost too much to run.
It also decided to keep it shut for the summer season while its future was settled.
But local swimmers mounted a high-profile campaign to save it, and open it for the summer, and the council changed its mind after a packed meeting in the town.
The council said it would work with the local community on a long-term solution for the pool, and would open it for the summer after all.
Now Cllr Andrew MacGregor (Ind, Bishopsteignton), who called in the original executive decision and prompted the meeting in Teignmouth, is calling for safeguards to make sure the pool opens for the 2027 season whatever progress has been made over its future.
He has filed a motion for the full council at its meeting next week (November 5) calling for assurances that the pool will open in time for next summer.
He says there is currently no guarantee that an agreement on the lido’s long-term future will be completed by February, which is the month decisions must be made on recruitment and preparation for the pool to open.
“If the terms aren’t arranged, the lido will in all likelihood remain closed for 2027,” his motion says. “I am asking that the process be paused by the executive, if it is insufficiently progressed by February 1, and for the council to open and operate the lido.”
Bids have been received for the future of the lido, but Cllr MacGregor points out that transfers of community assets to community groups often take many months to complete.
Keeping the lido closed next summer while the process is carried out would come at a cost to residents and visitors, the town and district’s economy and the condition of the pool and buildings, he says.
“The lido costs the council money whether it is open or closed,” he says, and points out: “The council continues to run Dawlish Leisure Centre, which also operates at a loss, because it values the service to residents.”
In response, the council’s executive says it will confirm its decision at the December meeting and officers will act on instructions from then onwards.
Help shape Exeter’s budget by taking part in survey
Exeter part of largest genetic study on Alzheimer’s identifying new DNA risks
How to stay safe during Halloween
Murder investigation launched in Torquay
Shop local with half price parking this winter
Storms see Waterways team called into action on Exe Estuary
Devon MP calls for action over cat road deaths
Active travel scheme takes another step forward
Government backs plans for a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay
Royal Clarence 10th Anniversary: More than 12,000 fire service hours fighting Exeter’s largest blaze since WWII
Exmouth Open Door to move to Town Hall
French university and innovation leaders forge closer links with Exeter
Finalists revealed for combatting violence against women and girls award
Exeter community car club celebrates successful first six months
A nightmare on Sewer Street: South West Water lifts the lid on the spooky items found inside its sewers
Exeter College and GWR celebrate 10 years of apprenticeship success
