By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
There are fears people could risk their lives and drown in Gloucestershire lakes this summer if a popular lido does not reopen.
Stroud District Council leaders say it would be dangerous to open Stratford Park Lido this year as the site needs a £5m upgrade.
Some 30,000 people used the the much-loved open air swimming pool during the 2025 season.
However, there are cracks at the base of the diving board and there are also numerous fall and trip hazards around the lido.
The pool surface in the tank is falling to pieces and, if filled, disturbing the surface would lead to clouding of the water, officers say.
However, the potential closure has sparked concerns it could lead to people risking their lives by wild swimming in the lakes at Woodchester Park.
Labour and Co-operative Councillor Steve Robinson, who represents Nailsworth at Stroud District Council, raised the issue at last week’s community services and licensing committee.
He spoke of the dangers of swimming there at the meeting at Ebley Mill and recalled the death of a man at Woodchester Park in 2023.
“I’m really concerned as Woodchester Park is in my county division and that more people will be encouraged to swim there,” he said.
“We know the dangers. We know that three years ago a local Nailsworth resident lost their life there.
“And following that, with the support of Stroud District Council, I’ve managed to get together all the 999 services, National Trust and the community services department here and we are still meeting because of the concern about wild swimming up in the lake.
He referred to officers’ comments about the pool’s water becoming cloudy due to the floor deteriorating which would make it difficult to see anybody at the bottom of the pool.
“You certainly can’t see anyone in the lake. It is extremely dangerous, and to see young people streaming up there in the summer… I just get really concerned.
“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’”
He said on that point he felt he would not be able to support the closure of the pool.
The committee agreed to recommend the lido should be temporarily closed for the 2026 season.
These proposals will be put to the strategy and resources committee before a final vote by full council. The next meetings are on April 16 and April 30, respectively.
A National Trust spokesperson said swimming is not allowed at Woodchester Park and warned that lakes are deep and hide many dangers.
“The safety of visitors is our priority and swimming is not permitted in the lakes at Woodchester Park,” a spokesperson said.
“The lakes are deep and hide many dangers. In addition, mobile phone coverage is poor and it is not easy to call help quickly.
“There is signage on site saying that swimming is not allowed.”