7:31am Friday 10th July 2009
THE oldest outdoor swimming baths in the country will not open at all this summer, it has been confirmed.
Lymington seawater lido was closed earlier this summer for health and safety reasons, which included dangerous handrails and boards missing in the fence.
Hopes remained that the facility would be open in time for the school summer holidays.
But they have been dashed after it emerged that insurers may have to spend weeks carrying out a survey of the baths before the necessary work can take place.
Last month a special committee was launched at Lymington and Pennington Town Council in a bid to reopen the baths.
Its formation came with news that the pool had made a loss of between £45,000 and £50,000 last year – a £10 subsidy for every swim taken.
An internet petition calling for the pool to be reopened has been set up, and has so far attracted more than 1,000 supporters.
Swimmer Mary Smith said: “We are all really fed up about this. It is so disappointing for a lot of people who were hoping to use it during the summer.”
Town council temporary clerk Malcolm Leatherdale said he hoped the pool would be open for business next year.
He added: “The council is really committed to making sure that this great, historic and valued facility will continue so we are working hard to bring that about.
“Of course there is disappointment but I’m afraid that’s the reality of the situation.
“We are a public authority and have to act in a responsible way and public safety is extremely important”
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/trade_directory/