Campaigners 'delighted' over Ilkley Lido reprieve

A community group said its members were "delighted" that a Grade II listed lido that was threatened with closure had been given a reprieve.

Bradford Council was considering closing Ilkley Pool and Lido as part of a review of all its leisure centres, in an attempt cut millions from its budget.

However, the review, which has now been completed, did not suggest any immediate cuts to the complex.

Welcoming the news, Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group (IPLCG) said the facility was "vital for the town's health and economy".

The council had said the 1930s indoor and outdoor pool complex was running at an annual loss of £280,000.

The campaign group was formed to try to secure the future of the venue.

Becky Malby, chair of the group, said its members would "continue to make the case for the Ilkley Pool and Lido as a West Yorkshire facility as well as a local one, and for the development of the facility as part of a sports hub in Ilkley".

"The lido is visited by people from across West Yorkshire and the UK, and the unique experience has grown a community of people who both love the facilities but also support each other,” she said.

Ilkley councillor Andrew Loy said the decision not to close the pool "clearly recognises the strong demand and community support" for the venue.

"Generations of local families have learned to swim at this iconic location," he said.

"It would have been madness to close it."

He said the council now needed to "show a willingness to collaborate more closely" with the community group to find ways to secure the lido's future.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.