A senior government minister visited the Saltdean Lido today (Thursday 2 June) and met some of those trying to bring the Art Deco attraction back into use.
Communities and Local Government Secretary Greg Clark met Rebecca Crook and other members of the Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company (CIC).
The cabinet minister was given a tour of the site and heard how the CIC was using the £2.3 million grant that it was awarded from the government’s Coastal Communities Fund. The fund is aimed at helping to revive Britain’s seaside towns.
The minister was joined by his fellow Conservative MP Simon Kirby who represents Brighton Kemptown, the constituency that includes Saltdean.
Mr Clark said: “Simon has been asking me to come and visit Saltdean Lido for ages and it was great to be able to come today and see this iconic building first-hand.
“I know that Simon has been working together with the CIC group for many years and would like to pay tribute to all their effort and dedication in trying to bring the Lido back into use once again.”
Mr Kirby said: “I was delighted to show Greg around the Lido. We all want to see the Lido reopened as soon as possible to become a vibrant hub of the community once more.
“It was great that he was able to meet representatives of the CIC and was also able to see the external works in progress.
“These are going really well and we will have a new pool and children’s pool with temporary changing facilities for local people to enjoy next year.
“The CIC have worked so hard to secure funding including £2.3 million from the Coastal Communities Fund.
“We do, however, need more funding and I will be working together with the CIC to do all I can to help to make the Saltdean Lido a great place for local people and tourists alike to enjoy.”
