Campaigners trying to protect Saltdean Lido have won the backing of the new Green administration running Brighton and Hove City Council.
The promise to save the elegant outdoor pool and surrounds was made by the council’s cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism Councillor Geoffrey Bowden.
It follows a petition, which was started this month, calling on the council to take action to protect the grade II* listed lido.
The council said that the campaigners had complained about the state of the building’s fabric and what they said was the pool’s sporadic opening.
They urged the council to take action taken against the current leaseholder Dennis Audley.
The council said that it had already served notices on Mr Audley and was in discussion with him about works needed to comply with the notices.
The council also said that it favoured continuing negotiation as a way ensuring that the building was maintained and the pool opened regularly.
Support soared for the campaign to save the lido after Mr Audley outlined plans to build flats over part of the site.
Passion
Three months ago the Department for Culture, Media and Sport changed the listed status of the 1930s lido from Grade II to Grade II*, making his plans less likely to succeed.
However, the council owns the freehold to the site and has the power to block the plans regardless of the lido’s listed status.
Councillor Bowden said: “The council shares everyone’s passion for the lido.
“The argument is not about whether we save it – we all agree that we must.
“The debate is about how best to do it.
“Going through the courts will be expensive, slow and, ultimately, may not work.
“The situation is very complex and we have a duty to be legally fair to everyone, including the current leaseholder.
“However, we are determined to work with all those involved to protect and enhance the lido for the future.”
Brighton Kemptown Conservative MP Simon Kirby has campaigned to protect the lido and the previous Conservative leadership of the council was also committed to preserving it.
