ILKLEY Pool and Lido Community Group is in the process of conducting a survey to understand what would increase usage of the Ilkley Pool and Lido.

With the future of the pool and lido under threat, The Ilkley Pool and Lido Group, is developing proposals to secure the long term future of the site and facilities through community ownership of the pool, lido and grounds.

Founded by Prof Becky Malby, the group has moved quickly to develop an outline proposition and collaborate with local and national stakeholders.

The Ilkley Pool and Lido is currently operating at circa £280,000 deficit and is under threat of closure in the Bradford Council review of all leisure facilities.

The group have held two public meetings and are developing proposals to secure the long term future of the site and facilities through partnership with Bradford Council or community ownership of the pool, lido and grounds.

Prof Malby said: "We believe the Pool and Lido are key to the health, and prosperity of the town’s residents and businesses. We aim to protect the Ilkley Pool and Lido and wider site to ensure its facilities are available for the benefit of the Ilkley and wider community now and in the future. In order to do this we need information from the Ilkley and user community.

"Please do help us by completing this survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XP5BGWL

"So far people completing the survey want longer opening hours, and extended season for the Lido, better changing facilities, and a cafe open to swimmers and people using the grounds.

"We are surprised that 45 per cent of respondents so far are using other pools in the area (particularly Skipton) because the Ilkley pool is too busy, and because the changing facilities are better and warmer at other pools. This shows that there is real potential to increase income and usage of the Ilkley Pool and Lido to close the funding gap."

For more information about Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group visit https://ilkleylidoandpool.co.uk/