News

Hopes to boost Aldershot lido figures

By Nicola Hudson
June 15, 2009

ALDERSHOT Lido could face a watery grave unless action is taken to boost the number of people using it.

A new report, due to be presented to Rushmoor Borough Council’s cabinet on Tuesday, shows that just 12,892 swimmers used the facility last year.

The figure is down by 3,017 from the 2007 total of 15,909. And in 2006 the lido had more than 32,000 users.

An explanation given in the report, that the lido’s season last year was affected by a “very poor summer”, reveals that the success of the facility is completely dependent on the unpredictable British weather.

The outdoor pool costs about £150,000 a year to run but annual takings can range from just £10,000 to £50,000 and seasons can last from only two to six weeks.

Optimistic

But after two wet summers, the council is optimistic that the south of England will experience a long, hot season this year and has set a target of attracting 26,000 swimmers to the lido.

Ashley Sharpe, leisure contracts manager, said: “It’s a case of finger in the air. If the sun comes out, the public will come. We’ve had up to 50,000 in the good old days.

“We were open for a week in the half-term and we had more than 4,200 people. If that continues through the summer, then 26,000 is very obtainable.”

The lido, a site of around 3,600 square metres, opened in 1930. It attracts visitors from as far afield as Oxford and even the coast, with people preferring to swim in the Aldershot pool than the sea.

In recent years, Aldershot Lido has undergone a refurbishment, financed by DC Leisure Management Ltd.

This resulted in new cycle racks, installation of bench seating, enlargement of the sandpit and enhancement of the flumes.

Cllr Mike Roberts, who represents Heron Wood ward in which the lido is situated, said the pool is an important facility for the community.

He called on the council and DC Leisure to think outside the box in order to get the most out of the site all year round, such as installing a partial roof.

“There’s a lot of vacant land that could be positively developed which is there for people attending. If you look at other lido regenerations, they have actually sought to extend their facilities.

“There needs to be a lot more imagination in how that lido is run.

“I would like to see much better use of the whole site over a 12-month period, rather than for just a few months of the year.”

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i used to work at the pool complex about 10 years ago, I dont think people understand how difficult and what a long time it takes to clean the lido, people have to remember the lido is 79 years old! as we are all aware Aldersh*t isnt the richest place in the world so the staff there make the best of what they have and in my mind do a great job, as for goose excrement everywhere how do people suggest we stop that? shoot the geese? buy some corks? where there is large amounts of water there will wild water birds? guildford lido doesnt compete with aldershot, its tiny!

Niplin, guildford
20/08/2009 at 16:25

I took my daughter to the lido in the half-term, the surrounding paths were dirty, there was goose excrement everywhere,the pool bottom was dirty and cracked and two children cut their feet, the childrens paddling area had weeds growing on the sides and was filthy, the food is overpriced, the water fountain in the middle was a trickle at best and the flumes weren't open!! it was a hot day and it was busy but everyone was complaining that the flumes weren't running.. how can they improve their figures if they don't clean it and open the things people turn up and pay for.... I shall use the guildford lido in future

cfcbird, aldershot
17/06/2009 at 08:46

I went to the Aldershot Lido for the first time Sunday with my kids. What a fantastic place! It is a true gem and should be saved. The main issue is that the water is freezing! You simply cannot rely on British sun to heat this pool. Is Aldershot willing to invest in the Lido's future by heating the Lido? I realize it would be a ridiculous expense but in the long run the Lido could have an extended season from April through September which would result in a lot more regular patrons on a daily basis. Also, if it was heated there could be swimming and diving lessons taught in the pool thereby bringing in more income (and yes expense too).