Stroud Lido Closure Could Prompt Dangerous Wild Swimming in Gloucestershire
Fears Stroud Lido Closure Could Lead to Dangerous Wild Swimming in Gloucestershire Lakes
A Labour and Co-operative Councillor has raised serious concerns that the potential closure of Stroud’s popular Stratford Park Lido could result in people risking their lives by wild swimming in local lakes. The Lido, which welcomed over 30,000 visitors in 2025, faces a £5 million upgrade to address safety issues, leading Stroud District Council to consider temporarily closing it for the 2026 season.
Details
Councillor Steve Robinson, who represents Nailsworth, warned that the closure could push people towards wild swimming in lakes at Woodchester Park, which he described as “extremely dangerous.” He recalled the tragic death of a local Nailsworth resident who drowned at Woodchester Park in 2023.
Council officers have stated that the deteriorating condition of the Lido’s pool would make the water cloudy and difficult to see the bottom, posing significant risks. In contrast, the lakes at Woodchester Park offer poor visibility, heightening the danger.
“I would hate to vote to close the pool and then have to face a resident in my ward division to say, ‘I’m sorry but we had to close the pool, your youngster went there, shouldn’t have gone but it’s another fatality,'” Councillor Robinson said during a recent community services and licensing committee meeting.
What You Need to Know
– The Stratford Park Lido in Stroud requires a £5 million upgrade to address safety issues, leading the council to consider a temporary closure for the 2026 season.
– Councillor Steve Robinson has expressed concerns that this could encourage dangerous wild swimming in Gloucestershire’s lakes, particularly at Woodchester Park, where a local resident tragically drowned in 2023.
– The committee has agreed to recommend the temporary closure of the Lido, with the final decision to be made by the strategy and resources committee.