Ilkley lido action appeal by supporters (From Ilkley Gazette)

Ilkley lido action appeal by supporters

3:28pm Friday 5th October 2012 in Local news By Amanda Greaves

District leisure bosses are to meet the Friends of Ilkley Lido (FOIL) over a call to action on maintenance and management of the listed-status outdoor pool.

FOIL this week presented a host of concerns about the management of the Denton Road leisure facility to Ilkley Parish Council, and called for action from pool owner Bradford Council.

Problems include basic maintenance and upkeep, says the group, ranging from failure to regularly sweep up pebbles and crumbling concrete around the pool, to benches left to rot in the grounds.

A slide provided by FOIL, with Ilkley Parish Council funding, was closed much of the summer season this year because there was no water supply, it is claimed. Lido staff had to pour buckets of water down the slide to allow youngsters to use it.

Uncertainly about cafe opening times, a shortage of marketing and a failure to deliver on previously discussed arrangements, such as family tickets and extended Saturday opening, are also among FOIL’s concerns.

Group chairman, Louise Hale, said: “FOIL has worked for more than four years – meeting, running activities, promoting the Lido, raising funds, making suggestions and complaints to Bradford Council on behalf of users.

“The Lido is now in a worse state than it was when we started FOIL, and the quality of the offer and service to customers is poor.”

The group cites a lack of capital investment as one of the problems, but also blames management attitude, appro-ach and service delivery.

FOIL has called for an action plan for the lido, developed jointly by Brad-ford Council, FOIL, Ilkley Parish Council, the local community and other stakeholders.

It also wants greater Bradford Council accounta-bility to Lido users and the commitment to support a Heritage Lottery Fund bid for capital investment.

Bradford Council’s executive member for environment, sport and sustainability, Councillor Andrew Thornton, said: “We will be meeting the Friends of Ilkley Lido to work out the best way forward to maintain, improve and promote the open air pool as one of the great summer attractions in the district.”