Ilkley Lido under threat of closure as fight launched to save it

Sebastian McCormick
·2-min read
Ilkley Lido
-Credit: (Image: Bradford Council)


The fight is on to save Ilkley Lido from potential closure as a major review of all leisure facilities takes place across Bradford.

Opened in 1935, Ilkley Lido is one of the most popular attractions in West Yorkshire. However, Bradford Council is facing huge financial pressure and is carrying out a review or all of its sports facilities - placing the future of the lido and every other leisure facility in Bradford in doubt.

The council says its financial challenges are "unprecedented", saying: "It would be an unrealistic expectation that sufficient money will be made available for local government in general and for Bradford to continue to deliver the current level of service provision.

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"The council has already exhausted its reserves meaning that it is unable to balance the budget for next year without Exceptional Financial Support from Government."

Now, the council hopes to make savings of £60,000 for the 2024-2025 financial year through the review, and savings of £1,250,000 by 2025-2026.

As a result of the review, campaigners in Ilkley have launched a campaign to make sure the lido is saved. The Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group said: "The Pool and Lido are a vital part of our towns identity and economy, and a vital resource for the health and wellbeing of people living in Bradford district, and West Yorkshire.

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"400+ Visitors took part in the Summer Solstice Swim this year, the 11th year of the event with the Lido opening at 04.45am for people to come and celebrate. Visitors came from across West Yorkshire, setting their alarms for 3.30am to be here.

"But it is not just the Lido that matters, the pool is also unable to meet the demand for swimming. We have 145 plus swimmers ages from 8 to over 65 + swimming up to three times a week in our swimming club. The waiting list for swimming lessons (which currently stands at 246 people waiting) and clubs shows how much people here need our pool."

They currently expect the findings of the review to be presented to the executive at Bradford Council on July 17 for consultation and the group will be holding a meeting on July 18 to discuss the findings of this review. They hope to be able to secure either council ownership or community ownership to make sure the future of the Lido is secure.

If you want to attend, you can find out more details about this meeting here.

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