Community group says planned parking charges at Ilkley Pool and Lido are unfair

Sunday, 27 October 2024 14:05

The Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group (IPLCG ) has expressed concern and confusion at Bradford Council’s decision to introduce parking charges at the Pool and Lido.

Bradford Council announced on Friday that car parking charges will be introduced at Denton Road Car Park (known as Ilkley Pool and Lido Car Park) on 1 November 2024.

The group says all car parks associated with pools in Bradford are currently free to pool users and the IPLCG believe the council's announcement last week means Ilkley is being treated unfairly.

From next month, Ilkley pool users will have to pay for parking in addition to their swimming ticket, making Ilkley an outlier across Bradford Council at a time when we need to encourage people to use the facility.

The group says this is in contradiction of Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw’s claim that the new charges are “consistent and fair.”

Roger Tilbrook from Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group commented:

“We have not been consulted about the detailed proposals despite the fact that we have had regular discussions with Bradford Council about the future of the pool and lido and want to help ensure the long-term future of the facilities. The charging regime indicates that Ilkley is being treated unfairly compared to other pools and leisure facilities across the Bradford District.

Group vice chair Paul Stephens said:

"It would appear that the proposals have not been considered across the relevant departments within Bradford Council and could further threaten the future of the pool and lido, with the parking department benefiting whilst putting at risk income to leisure services. The decision has also been taken whilst the Review of Sport and Leisure facilities across Bradford District is still underway."

Becky Malby, Chair of the group adds:

“The Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group is asking Bradford Council to talk to relevant stakeholders and the local community to explore the issues and complexities before implementing confusing parking charges that could have a negative impact on the future of the pool as well as local health and wellbeing.”

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