Lido group gets fundraising permission for outdoor pool

Campaigners hoping to bring back an open air swimming pool to a park in Abergavenny have been given landowner consent for fundraising activities from Monmouthshire council.

But the local authority has reiterated that it is not in a position to offer money towards the project at Bailey Park, estimated to cost around £7million.

Abergavenny Lido Group was set up after more than 1,000 people signed a petition calling to bring back the outdoor pool.

The campaign started on social media, with dozens of people sharing memories and photos of the former pool which proved popular in summer.

Cllr Bob Greenland, cabinet member for leisure, approved a decision to grant landowner consent for fundraising activities by the lido group last Wednesday.

But Cllr Greenland stressed that the council is unable to offer financial support.

“We wish success to supporters of the project and we are happy to grant them the opportunity to make progress but unfortunately the council is not in a position to offer help with funding,” he said.

“Our priority has to be the new school for Abergavenny and the school site’s leisure facilities to benefit the people of the town and surrounding area.”

Landowner consent will provide a boost to campaigners though, as it will allow the lido group to submit grant applications and undertake further work to demonstrate the financial viability of their plans.

A council report says: “Following a resurgence in the popularity of lidos, a community group has been created to explore the feasibility of providing a 50m outdoor pool, learner pool, changing facilities, café and restaurant within Bailey Park.

“In order to establish the financial viability of these proposals the group need to undertake fund raising activities, including applying for grants, which requires the consent of the landowner.”

The original pool opened in 1938 and proved popular during summer months, while in winter it was used by schools.

Volunteers and the town council kept the project going after it was closed by the former Monmouth Borough Council, but it eventually closed in 1996 and was subsequently filled in.