HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition to restore a seafront lido.
The petition, launched by Worthing Labour Party, has more than 1,600 signatures.
It calls for future use of Worthing Lido to be put to the people and asked Worthing Borough Council to consider converting it back into a swimming pool as it was in the 1980s.
The lido is currently leased out by the council as an arcade and family entertainment centre. But Labour members Sam Theodoridi and Caroline Baxter said restoring the building would ensure it is put to the “best use of the community”.
“We think the people of Worthing should be asked what they think is the best use of the lido,” they said.
“We should also consider investing in a retractable roof, which would make the best use of this fantastic space whatever the British weather.”
Worthing Labour group leader, Councillor Beccy Cooper, added: “There is so much possibility in this incredible building.
“Worthing Lido is a fantastic community asset that has huge potential which is currently not being realised.”
The seaside town’s residents were split on the idea of a pool.
Julia Selwood said she had spent many “happy years” there as a child and wanted her children to experience the same.
“Yes, it’s a seasonal thing, but it’s not being used to its full potential now, it could be used for live performances as well as the pools,” she said.
“It works for Arundel’s lido, which we use until right though up until the summer holidays end.”
Chris Tomley thought bringing back a seafront pool would be a “fabulous idea”.
“I had so many happy days there when I was young. Mum would pack me off with lunch and I would spend the whole day there with friends,” he said.
But Wendy Taylor believed creating a seafront pool would not come cheap.
She said: “I would ask all of those who would like to see it reinstated, how much extra would you be prepared to pay on your rates to provide it?”
“Or would you be an active member of a fundraising committee as Arundel and Saltdean have?”
Martin Barrett, the current leaseholder of the Worthing Lido, said creating a swimming pool at the site would be a “failed business idea”.
“The pool needed expensive repairs, had dwindling visitor numbers and became a financial burden to the council,” he said.
“It was closed with no serious intention of being reinstated and therefore extensive steel work was embedded into a lot of the pool.
“Any lido pool would need to be built from scratch. Realistically, a half-decent lido could easily cost at least £5 million.”
Mr Barrett said 2019 has been a record-breaking year for the Lido, calling it a “leading visitor attraction”.
“The bandstand is still in use today, nearly 100 years after it first opened,” he said.
“This year saw a record 29 performances on the stage.”
The leaseholder added a roof was being considered for the lido and improvement works were scheduled for the winter.
“If Worthing needs a new lido, then add one to the beach rather than seek to close down a busy visitor attraction,” he said.
“Petitions only give a one-sided viewpoint.”
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