Lido packed out for final pool sessions (From Ilkley Gazette)

Lido packed out for final pool sessions

2:51pm Friday 14th September 2012 in Local news

More than 1,000 people turned out to enjoy the sunshine and a final dip in the outdoor pool at Ilkley Lido before it closed for the winter.

The popular venue opened on Saturday and Sunday after-noons, with an entry fee of just £1 for all.

Friends of Ilkley Lido Group chairman, Louise Hale, said: “We were delighted with the weekend.

“For once this year, the weather was kind to us, and local people, as well as visitors to the area, made the most of the opportunity to enjoy the Lido.

“Lots of people brought picnics, we ran a stall selling cold drinks, had the Sunshine Scoops ice cream van on site and it was great to see the pool packed pretty much all the time both afternoons.”

The Friends group also ran a stall giving information about its work, did a mini-survey collecting views about the Lido, and visitors were also able to learn more about the facility and sign up as members.

Louise added: “We got lots of interest in the Lido, and people were very keen to tell us about what they like about this fabulous facility and give us their ideas for things that could be improved.

“As well as families from the local area and regular swim-mers, we had many visitors, including people from Manch-ester, Leeds, Sheffield and further afield.

The group plans to use this feedback in its discussions with Bradford Council about plan-ning for next season and the future development of the Lido.

It was reported last week that Lido attendances have fallen this year due to the prolonged wet weather.