Swimmers have been flocking back to Teignmouth Lido after campaigners secured a dramatic reopening for the summer season despite uncertainty over the pool’s long-term future.
The outdoor pool reopened on Saturday, May 23, after Teignbridge Leisure confirmed earlier this year that the site would operate throughout the summer. The decision followed a campaign by supporters determined to keep the facility running.
The 25-metre heated pool, which is currently up for sale, will remain open until Monday, August 31.
Former lifeguard and Save Teignmouth Lido campaign supporter Catherine Brown said she was “absolutely delighted” the council had changed its mind over the pool’s future.
Catherine, who also works at the site, said: “I worked for both camps. I am part Teignbridge Leisure, but I am obviously an avid lido supporter and I wanted it to open.
“I know the hard work that has gone into actually putting this together because they were on a shortened timetable when they realised they had to open.
“They have done a fantastic opening session and we have been booked solid ever since it opened back on Saturday this week.”
The reopening comes after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the popular seaside attraction.
Visitors arriving at the site are greeted by a “for sale” sign, with campaigners now hoping to secure the lido’s long-term future through community ownership.
Save Teignmouth Lido founder member Paul Burgess said the group wanted to ensure the facility remained financially sustainable.
Paul said: “Our aim is to make sure that the lido is economically sustainable.
“We are going to do that by opening longer hours. We are going to offer alternative services.
“There is no reason this pool cannot be open for 10 months.
“There is absolutely no doubt whatsoever that local residents want this to remain open as a community asset run by a community organisation.”
The group has been granted Asset of Community Value status for the site and plans to submit a formal bid later this year.
Paul added: “We are going to be putting a very strong bid in.
“We want to make sure that this site remains for future generations and we look forward to working with Teignbridge District Council to build a lasting legacy for everybody.”
Campaign trustee Sonia Jameson said the pool’s environmentally-friendly heating system could help support year-round use.
Sonia said: “It is going to be very interesting to see how much power the solar system is producing to heat the pool.
“This is not just a summer facility.
“We are hoping to be able to keep this open throughout the year.
“We are looking at entertaining groups here throughout the year as well, so the possibilities are literally endless.”
The campaign group is expected to learn later this year whether its bid to take over the lido has been successful.
Teignmouth Lido is operated by Teignbridge Leisure and features solar panels and battery charging technology as part of wider decarbonisation improvements designed to reduce energy costs.
Tickets and swimming information are available via the Teignbridge Leisure website.
