The community of Stroud has come together in a heartfelt campaign to save the town’s cherished Stratford Park Lido, an outdoor swimming pool that has been a local landmark for nearly 90 years. Stroud District Council recently revealed that the lido requires around £5 million in essential repairs before it can reopen. Citing the need to complete all work simultaneously, the council confirmed the pool will remain closed for the 2026 summer season.
Though the council has assured residents that this closure is temporary and pledged to protect the lido’s future, the announcement sparked a wave of disappointment among locals. Over 50 residents gathered in protest outside a District Council meeting at Ebley Mill on March 23. Inside, public frustration was evident as cries of “shame” echoed from a crowded gallery when civic leaders recommended keeping the lido closed this year.
Determined to show their support, more than 30 local businesses have embraced the cause by creating a ‘Save Our Lido’ window trail, which launched over Easter and will continue throughout April. Shops like Made In Stroud have adorned their storefronts with ‘Save Our Lido’ tote bags and inflatable flamingos, while Party On Up on London Road features vibrant dolphin and mermaid balloons alongside balloons spelling out “lido.”
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The campaign has garnered notable backing from Mary Portas OBE, a renowned business and retail expert who lives nearby. Portas is set to visit Stroud this week to personally judge the window displays, lending her influential support to the movement.
Clare Honeyfield, founder of Made In Stroud and originator of the window trail project, expressed her enthusiasm: “This is a wonderful chance for the business community and artists to show how much the lido means to us. It’s a safe, affordable space for people—from families to solo swimmers—to enjoy the outdoors.”
Honeyfield also emphasized the community spirit reflected in the wide participation: “It’s heartening to see so many shops get involved. It shows how deeply we all value preserving our heritage and local assets.”
Stroud’s Mayor Tony Davey, who has owned Party On Up for more than 14 years, is also actively supporting the campaign. His store’s display features a balloon rendition of a 1930s diving board and playful sea creatures, symbolizing the lido’s role as a fun and safe place that sparks imagination and provides vital summertime recreation for young people.
“We have fewer facilities like this these days, and the lido means so much—it’s a crucial space for community gathering and youth engagement,” Davey noted. He added that Portas’ involvement adds valuable momentum: “Her support is a boost on many levels; it shows someone with influence believes in our cause.”
Mary Portas conveyed her admiration for the lido’s communal role ahead of her visit: “Every community needs places to connect and socialize. Stroud Lido is that kind of anchor—a historical place of joy and belonging. Losing it would be deeply felt.”
Residents and visitors can explore the window display trail throughout Stroud until April 30. Meanwhile, a key town meeting will take place on April 20 at St Laurence Church, offering the public a chance to engage with council members and campaign representatives about the lido’s future.
This united effort highlights just how integral the Stratford Park Lido is to Stroud’s identity and community spirit, inspiring hope that this treasured landmark will be preserved for generations to come.