A fierce debate over the proposal to build a swimming pool in Eastville Park has been re-ignited. Two petitions - one for, one against - have followed hot on the heels of one another.
The petition to build a swimming pool in Eastville Park has garnered over 2,000 signatures since being launched on June 23. But a counter petition against the pool launched five days later already has 300 names.
The plans for the pool have been in the pipeline for four years. Sarah Moore, director of Eastville Park Lido CIC said the petition was 'to actively look to build support and to get ready to start fundraising' for the proposed pool.
She said: “We’ve done a lot of active consulting with groups who use the park and what it means for everybody. There is still a lot of consultation to do and we would like it to be for all our different communities.”
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Ms Moore also said they would prefer to work with the group opposing the pool. She said: “We would like to work alongside them on this project and we’d love to have a dialogue with them.”
She added that Eastville Park was spread over 72 hectares and the proposed pool would take up 0.9 acres, which means it would take up 0.5% space of the park grounds. The petition for the pool highlights that Bristol Lido in Clifton has a waiting list of over 2,000 people, while Henleaze Lake has a two-year waiting list.
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The petition says: “Our local rivers and seas are polluted with swimming facilities and north-east Bristol is chronically underserved with swimming facilities as local indoor pools are reaching the end of their life. Outdoor swimming is having a resurgence and has proven health benefits and there is an urgent need to prepare for the needs of future generations."
The proposal is to build the lido on the second bowling green at the top of the park. This would connect to the children’s park, transport routes and the water mains.
But those against the plan say it 'will destroy a valuable green space'. Martyn Cordey, who started the Say No To Lido petition and is a member of Friends of Eastville Park, said: “I’ve nothing against a lido, it’s just in the wrong place.”
He said the pool should be built in a brownfield space and not a park. Mr Cordey, who leads habitat management sessions around the park, added: “We need to protect our habitat ad green spaces which are disappearing fast and there hasn’t been enough opportunity for locals and nature campaigners to have a voice about it.”
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Local resident Pamela Nova said the proposed pool was 'some architect’s dream and the reality for residents is an absolute nightmare'. She said locals have not been contacted.
The petition calling to stop any development of a pool says: “The proposed construction would result in a massive release of stored carbon from the ground, contributing to greenhouse gases. The space is surrounded by wildlife-supporting hedgerows and the proposal would have a devastating impact on local wildlife.
"The Old Bowling Green has been used for many local community events and activities that have achieved a sensitive balance between the needs of humans and nature," it reads.
The petition highlights limited space for visitor parking with any influx of people causing 'a disruptive and negative impact on the immediate neighbourhood, especially the cul-de-sac leading to the car park'. Both petitions have already included a slew of comments from those both for and against the pool.
The CIC says if the project got off the ground it will be set up as a not-for-profit social enterprise with money being channelled back into the park to help with upkeep and activities. The aim would be to make it an affordable entry fee and be managed by the community.
