New sprinklers and flooring are being fitted and sealed at Blackpill Lido in Swansea, with the aim of reopening the popular family attraction by the start of the school holidays in a fortnight. The lido has faced a stop-start year due to major setbacks.
Theft and Flooring Damage Cause Delays
The lido's sprinklers were stolen on April 29, leading to the postponement of its summer opening. The council-owned venue has been closed again since the final week of May after an area of flooring came away. The pool was drained and fenced off, remaining closed while repairs were carried out.
New resin has now been applied and needs sealing and settling before the pool can be refilled. The free attraction draws scores of families when the sun is out, who use the water, playground, and nearby Junction Cafe and kiosk.
Local Families Express Hope for Reopening
Mum Catrin Cheeseman, of Gowerton, said: “We usually come down here once a week, especially with the weather being so nice. We saw someone working on the flooring about three weeks ago. It will be nice when it reopens – school holidays start in two weeks.”
Another mum, Sara Jenkins, of Pontardawe, who works at nearby Singleton Hospital, said it was a shame the lido was closed because now was a good time for little ones to use it before the holidays. “It’s quieter for the younger ones at this time of year,” she said. She also believed passenger numbers were probably down for the Swansea Bay Rider land train, which runs from the Junction Cafe to Southend, Mumbles, and back.
Council Update on Repairs
At a meeting of full council on July 2, Cllr Andrew Williams, cabinet member for development, said replacement sprinklers had been manufactured and were due to be fitted on Monday, July 6. He said the replaced resin was due to be resealed during the early part of next week and that the lido could reopen as early as Friday or Saturday next week. “It’s all coming together,” he said.
Speaking the day after the council meeting, Cllr Williams said the process of allowing the sealed flooring to settle might take a little longer than he had thought, meaning the council was aiming to reopen it by the school holidays. He said it was not clear why that section had come loose. “Officers are really keen to get it open as soon as possible,” he said. “And if we can open it earlier we will.”
Police Investigation into Sprinkler Theft
South Wales Police put out an appeal following the theft of the sprinklers. In an update, it said all reasonable lines of inquiry had been carried out but no suspect could be identified. The matter was now closed, pending any further information.
