In Stroud, Gloucestershire, a united community effort is underway to save the town’s iconic Stratford Park Lido, a treasured outdoor swimming pool that has served residents for nearly 90 years. Stroud District Council recently announced the need for urgent repairs estimated at around £5 million to ensure the lido’s safety, forcing its closure for the 2026 summer season.
While the council assured residents that this closure is temporary, the decision has sparked concern and disappointment throughout the town. More than 50 passionate locals gathered at a council meeting in March, expressing their frustration and urging authorities to reconsider.
In response, over 30 local businesses have launched a spirited ‘Save our Lido’ window display trail, running throughout April. Shops like Made In Stroud and Party On Up have creatively transformed their storefronts with themed decorations, from tote bags and inflatable flamingos to vibrant balloons celebrating the lido’s joyful spirit.
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This campaign has attracted the support of Mary Portas OBE, a renowned retail expert and broadcaster who lives nearby. Mary will personally visit and judge the window displays, lending her influence to amplify the campaign’s message.
Clare Honeyfield, founder of Made In Stroud and the trail’s organizer, highlighted the lido’s role as an affordable, safe community space: “It’s a place where families and individuals can come together, enjoy the outdoors, and create lasting memories without financial strain. The overwhelming local support shows how deeply the lido is woven into our community’s identity.”
Stroud’s Mayor, Tony Davey, also hosts a window display at his store, emphasizing the lido’s importance for youth engagement and communal creativity. “Facilities like these are rare now,” he said. “The lido offers a carefree, inspiring environment for young people, fostering connection and imagination.”
Mary Portas expressed her commitment to the cause, stating, “Places like Stroud Lido are vital anchors for community connection and belonging. Losing it would be a tremendous loss for the town’s social fabric. We all must do our part to ensure it thrives for future generations.”
The window display trail continues through April 30, with participating locations mapped on the Save Stroud Lido website and Facebook page.
Looking ahead, a public meeting is scheduled for April 20 at St Laurence Church, providing residents the opportunity to engage directly with council representatives and campaign leaders about the lido’s future.
Together, Stroud’s residents, businesses, and advocates are demonstrating that preserving this historic lido is about more than just maintaining a swimming pool—it’s about safeguarding a vital community heart.