Local residents have expressed serious concern following the decision by Stroud District Council to close Stratford Park Lido for the 2026 season on the grounds that it has been deemed “unsafe.”
This decision raises important questions. The lido was in use during the previous season, and there has been no clear public explanation of what has changed in the intervening period to justify its sudden closure.
A petition to keep the lido open has already gathered nearly 1,500 signatures in a matter of days, demonstrating strong and ongoing community support. Residents are now calling for transparency and evidence to support the council’s position.
A spokesperson for the campaign said:
“If the lido is unsafe now, was it unsafe last year? And if not, what has changed? The community deserves a clear and evidence-based explanation.”
At present, there is no publicly available detailed safety report outlining the specific risks or changes in condition that would justify closure.
Residents are not opposing investment in the site, but are asking the council to fully explore all reasonable alternatives, including phased repairs or interim operation, before removing access to a valued community facility.
The lido is a unique recreational resource, with no equivalent outdoor swimming provision locally. Its closure would have a direct impact on community wellbeing, access to exercise, and social cohesion.
The campaign is now calling on the council to:
Publish all relevant safety and inspection reports
Clarify what has changed since the previous season
Consider independent assessment where appropriate
Reassess whether full closure is proportionate
Residents remain committed to working constructively with the council to find a solution that keeps the lido available for the community.