Save our Lidos

Back in its heyday, the seaside lido was more than just a place to splash around – it was the height of glamour and sophistication. 

 

In the last decade, campaigns have sprung up across the UK, with communities doing everything they can to resurrect or preserve their local coastal pools. 

 

In the September 2015 issue of Coast (out now), we look at the fascinating history of Britain’s lidos and what is being done to save them. Buy the magazine to find out which Northern lido was so grand it was compared to the Coliseum and which lido campaign has the backing of singer-songwriter Sting. 

 

Want to get involved with your own local campaign? Here are some of the current campaigns still looking for funds and volunteers:

 

The pool at Longsands Beach faced closure in 2012, when plans were announced to fill it with concrete and turn it into an ‘artificial beach’. The plans were dropped, but £5m is needed to restore it.

 

Dating back to 1938, this Art Deco lido was threatened with closure until Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company took over and raised £8m. Restoration work began in April this year.

 

Cutbacks have threatened the future of this pool, which needs funds to pay for repairs and staffing.

 

Closed in 1993, its diving platform is still intact and support is growing for a campaign to restore it.

 

First opened in May 1935, the year of King George V’s Silver Jubilee, this pool was closed in 2014 following storm damage. A target of £160,000 has been set to help with its refurbishment.