Ruislip Lido

“Don’t turn the Lido into Disneyland “ was the headline in the Gazette after the Council announced its plans to redevelop Ruislip Lido.

The plans were presented to the Lido Management Advisory Group on January 19th (see minutes).  There is widespread concern that they have not been thought through and have been drawn up without prior consultation with interested parties.

Friends Of Ruislip Lido   are taking the matter up with the Council and polling their members for their views. 

According to the Friends  the Council have said there will be no further public consultation on the proposals.  This is confirmed by correspondence between the Ruislip Lido Residents Group and the Council.

Hillingdon Watch have asked the Council for the background information (costings, safety reports etc) supporting their proposals.  After 4 weeks nothing has been forthcoming. Go to: www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/ruislip_lido_development_plans .

The newly formed Ruislip Lido Residents Group (RLRG) have e-mailed the Council pointing out that they had said as recently as April 2009 that “it would be unfeasible to install car park spaces within Ruislip Lido due to safety implications and potential pedestrian conflicts”.  The Council have replied saying their proposals “will be fully investigated by traffic engineers..”  In other words they have drawn up the plans without reassessing the road safety risks.

The RLRG have submitted a petition to the Council with over 600 signatures expressing concerns about the plans and asking for proper public consultation.

A second petition with over 250 signatures has been submitted by June Talbot who is particularly concerned about the impact on wildlife.

The Chairman Of Ruislip Residents Association indicated at their public meeting on 17th February that they were broadly in favour of the proposals.

A letter in in the Gazette of 24th Feb Mervyn Hogg nicely summarises peoples concerns about the lack of consultation.

If you are concerned about the future of Ruislip Lido then you should join the Friends of Ruislip Lido who will be pressing to ensure the Council’s future investment in the Lido are consistent with their prime objective which is  to:  “Protect and improve the natural beauty and facilities of Ruislip Lido for the peaceful enjoyment of all”