Planned closure of outdoor pool a 'criminal waste'

Plans to close an outdoor pool in a bid to save money "seem like a criminal waste", says a former lifeguard.

Teignbridge Council said it would save £74,000 in 2026 alone by not opening Teignmouth lido. It said the lido used the same amount of electricity as 24 homes.

Councillor John Nutley, executive member for leisure recreation and tourism for Teignbridge, said an additional 9,000 visitors, on top of last year's 9,267, would be needed to break even in 2026.

The lido's former lifeguard Catherine Brown, is campaigning to save the pool which she said was an "invaluable asset". "It just seems a criminal waste," she said. "It's just my happy place."

A report said the number of swimmers using the pool was 8,224 in 2024, which increased in 2025.

"Last year it was actually £80,000 that it cost us to to have the pool open," Nutley said.

"Last year we had a fantastic summer. Unfortunately, I think most of the people were then spending it on the beach and not going to lido.

"I can't myself justify £74,000 being invested in that for this season when we know full well that we would not receive the revenue coming in to cover that expense," he said."

Brown said the lido was a "stunning place" which attracted many people.

"It's a heated outdoor pool right on the seafront.

"It attracts so many different people for all different ages, right from babies through to teenagers, to adults, to the disabled. We have disabled access down there."

She said the £74,000 figure was "nothing compared to the benefits" the lido brings.

Councillor for Bishopsteignton ward, Andrew McGregor, said mothballing the facility was a "terrible idea".

"I think mothballing it this year sets the facility back," he said.

"What really bothers me is that they're hamstringing the community.

"The facility will close, the numbers will drop, the interest will fade as well, and when the community, if the community were granted it, would be starting at a worse position than they would if it was open this year."

Daniel O'Connell is one of the founding members of Save the Lido Teignmouth.

He said the group was trying to create a community interest group in a bid to protect the pool for the long-term.

"We have plans in place to raise funds, we have people that have already offered donations and support and we also have a business plan in place to take over the lido," he said.

"We would like the Lido to remain open full stop. Whether or not that's with the council or transferring the asset to a community group like ourselves, that would be the most important thing."

Town councillor, David Cox, said the people of Teignmouth "love their lido".

"It's got to be done before we get local government re-organisation, because I believe the new unitary will sell it in a heartbeat," he said.

"Smaller communities than Teignmouth have run their own swimming pool. It's not easy, it's not a task to be taken lightly, but we can learn from each other."

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