'Queen of the High Street' Mary Portas has praised the Stroud community for coming together in a bid to save Stratford Park Lido from closure.
The retail campaigner, broadcaster and author – who has a house in the Slad Valley – was in town to judge a shop window display trail organised by the Save Stroud Lido campaign, aimed at raising awareness of the planned closure of the 89-year-old open air pool.
During her visit, Mary spoke of her 'love' for community efforts to save the lido, describing the campaign as 'hyper localism' which has the potential to have a real impact on the final outcome.
She said: 'What we're seeing happening in Stroud is real community in action.
'This is people coming together saying: ‘Why is this important?’ Well, it's a place where people come together, connect – it's a place of joy, where people can relax, where they can bring families, and that is crucial to social infrastructures of any town.
'We have watched as different decisions by governments can have detrimental effects on communities. And so, this campaign is deeply important.'
The Save Stroud Lido campaign was launched after Stroud District Council revealed in March 2026 that immediate repairs are needed before the lido can reopen to swimmers, with the authority unable to cover the estimated £5 million costs.
Investment options for the lido are being considered at a strategy and resources committee meeting this week and while a decision on its future is anticipated soon, it's expected that the lido will be closed for the 2026 summer season in any eventuality, with a survey conducted in February raising concerns about instability due to multiple cracks in poolside concrete; and excessive corrosion in the pipework and pool tank.
But the Save Stroud Lido campaign is calling for the council to open the pool this year, 'so that the community can work together to safeguard its future'.
The four options being considered for the lido's future are:
- Completing the minimum required works, including upgrades to pipework, filtration and heating systems along with accessibility improvements, costing £5.1 million with a potential income increase of £218,000 over five years.
- The minimum required works as well as transforming the toddler pool into an inclusive 'splash pad'; turning the disused canoe store into a new cafe; and extra soft landscaping, costing £7.9 million with a potential income increase of £1.63 million.
- The minimum works while reimagining the lido as an outdoor wellness centre, with heat rooms, hydrotherapy, ice baths and relaxation spaces; replacing the current pool with a heated, 25-metre pool; creating a large splash pad; and major landscaping, costing £10 million with a potential income increase of £2.7 million.
- Closing the lido, whilst exploring funding options for the future including community-led fundraising and match-funded capital investment.
A vote on the committee's recommended investment option is expected to be taken at the next full council meeting on Thursday 30 April 2026.
