Only one petition – with just 94 signatures – has been acknowledged by Peterborough City Council calling for them to consider budget cuts that could have seen the Lido mothballed for a year. Two other petitions, organised by MP Andrew Pakes and former MP Paul Bristow respectively, have not yet been forwarded to the council.
Mr Pakes said last night: “The Lido is safe. Thanks to everyone who got involved. 2,500 of you signed up to keep it safe. And the council has saved it.”
Mr Bristow said last night: “How have they got the nerve? I hear the Labour MP and Council Leader are going to say they have saved the Lido. When it was them who proposed the closure in the first place!
“Let’s get one thing straight! They have saved nothing.
“It was the nearly 1,000 people who signed my petition that saved the Lido! Peterborough did it together – not these Labour politicians.”
An e petition circulating to residents calls on Peterborough City Council to “reconsider the proposed budget cuts to libraries, museum, and the swimming pool (Lido).
However, a clear picture of responses to the council’s budget proposals and the council’s initial response will be included in the agenda for the Joint Scrutiny Committee meeting and will be published today (Tuesday).
A council spokesperson confirmed that a budget proposal which would have seen the city’s Lido close its doors this summer has been changed following an outpouring of public support for the venue.
“Instead, the Lido will open as usual this year and officers will be tasked with attracting grants and income to cover the running costs,” said the spokesperson.
Over 200 swimmers rise early for the 4:30am Summer Solstice Sunrise to take a swim in the city’s Lido Pool,City Lido, Peterborough Wednesday 21 June 2023. Picture by Terry Harris.
“A range of measures which will reduce the cost of operating the venue will also be introduced, including installing a pool cover to reduce energy costs, reviewing fees and charges, improving the food and beverage offer, and considering the temperature of the water.”
The proposal was one of a number that were put forward by the council’s cross-party Financial Sustainability Working Group to address a £23m budget gap in 2025/26.
The plan was to mothball the Lido whilst other sources of funding were investigated to mitigate the £400,000 a year running costs (council leader Dennis Jones announced yesterday running costs of £120,000).
“Consultation took place on the proposals and attracted 1,427 responses – more than a 1,000% increase compared to last year,” said the spokesperson.
Cllr Jones said: “I know I can speak for other members of the council’s Financial Sustainability Working Group when I say that we never wanted to see the Lido close. It is a wonderful art-deco open-air swimming pool which we are very lucky to have in our city.
“However, the size of our budget gap means we have had to consider all options, no matter how unpalatable some of them might be. We cannot continue to provide everything we used to if we are to set a balanced budget – something we are legally required to do.
“That said, the commentary and feedback from the public is clear. We have been listening, and we continue to listen.
“As a result, I am pleased to say that we have looked again at our budget plans and changed the proposal in relation to the Lido, meaning it will open this year.
“I now urge people to use it, as this will support us in reducing the operating costs. The more people who use the facility, the better chance we have of getting to the point where it covers its costs each year.”
A meeting of the council’s Joint Scrutiny Committee will consider the budget feedback and the draft proposals at a meeting taking place on Wednesday 29 January.
Over 200 swimmers rise early for the 4:30am Summer Solstice Sunrise to take a swim in the city’s Lido Pool,City Lido, Peterborough Wednesday 21 June 2023. Picture by Terry Harris.
Cabinet will consider the draft proposals on Tuesday 11 February and will then recommend the draft budget to Full Council. That meeting, where the budget will be set, will take place on Wednesday 19 February.
Here’s the full text of the ePetition. You can sign it anytime up to February 26
We the undersigned petition the council to We call on Peterborough City Council to: Reconsider the proposed budget cuts to libraries, museum, and the swimming pool (Lido) Protect these essential services by exploring alternative funding solutions.
Engage with residents, home educators, artists, and other community groups to find sustainable ways to maintain accessibility and affordability for all.
By signing this petition, we affirm the critical importance of libraries, museums, and the swimming pool to the cultural, educational, and physical well-being of Peterborough’s residents.
We urge the Council to prioritize these resources and work collaboratively to ensure they remain accessible for generations to come.
We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the proposed 2025/26 budget cuts to libraries, museum, and the local swimming pool (Lido) in Peterborough.
These cuts will have a devastating and disproportionate impact on our community, affecting families, home-educated children, employees, local artists, and residents who rely on these essential public resources for education, culture, recreation, and well-being.
Libraries and museum are vital to the cultural and educational fabric of Peterborough.
They provide access to books, exhibits, workshops, and programs that inspire learning, creativity, and personal growth for people of all ages.
Reducing library locations, cutting museum hours, and increasing reliance on fees will significantly limit access to these spaces, particularly for groups such as low-income families, rural residents, and home-educated children who depend on them as affordable and inclusive learning environments.
Similarly, the proposed reduction in opening hours for the local swimming pool will negatively impact the health and well-being of our community.
The swimming pool is a lifeline for many residents, offering opportunities for physical fitness, mental health benefits, swim lessons, and social interaction.
Reduced access will disproportionately affect working families, children, and those who rely on the pool for rehabilitation and exercise, creating barriers to health and wellness.
These cuts also risk the livelihoods of employees and the opportunities for local artists who use libraries and museums as platforms for their work.
They threaten to erode the sense of community that these spaces foster and diminish Peterborough’s reputation as a vibrant, inclusive city.
This ePetition runs from 15/01/2025 to 26/02/2025.
Here’s the link to the ePetition
