SO, the old ‘Bring back the Knap Pool’ campaign has reared its hopeful head once again as our rallying residents try to call our councils into action.
Another online petition is doing the rounds, asking both the Barry and Vale Councils, or politicians, to reinstate the Lido.
Ever the optimist, I’ve already signed and shared – just like I did in 2014 and all the other times before that. It’s ironic though that the hard sell talks of ‘long hot summers’ when we’ve been spent a month desperately drowning in wet weather.
Let’s be honest, rain totally trashed Cadstock, whilst GlastonBARRY day two was a dark, damp drizzle.
In fact, sheltering shivering in a cheap plastic poncho under a bent brolly, eating a mediocre cheeseburger and chips that was a ‘captive audience cost’ of £14 nearly finished me off. And truth be told though, and I know many of you are not going to like this, I’m not convinced there’s the appetite, the cash, or the business case, for a new Knap Pool.
It certainly won’t be funded by the Vale Council following their further budget cuts cry recently.
Honestly, I really, do understand the sentiment behind the petition – wrapped up in all that hope and history.
What self-respecting Barrian doesn’t remember those halcyon days of trooping through that turnstile with your mates, diving off top board in your bum smackers, flicking your little brother with a wet towel.
And then finishing it all off with a steaming hot choccie and a packet of Bovril crisps from the Knapsnak.
People also point to the Pontypridd Lido as a shining example outdoor pool success. And to be honest, families packing the place, plus the rapid rise of wild water swimming, has shown it to be an all-year round success.
But could we really dig up the now very well-covered Knap site to build a new Lido that lasts?
In my view, we should petition for a full feasibility study on the likelihood of a Pontypridd style site in our own town, and then have an open and honest report at a public meeting. That would definitely decide and clearly communicate exactly what options, if any, are on the table – and who’s going to pay for them.
Don’t forget we also need to find a bold business bod to take it on – and stoically stick with it too.
What do you think?
The petition can be found here.
By Sue Vincent Jones
- The views expressed by columnists of this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the Glamorgan Star, its employees or its proprietors
Other items to read:
- Former Barry office building transformed into vital new homes
- Prolific thief banned from entering shops in Barry
- I’m proud that all parties agreed on children in care plan
- Royal Welsh highlights the role of the rural economy
- Parent may have to lose job for school run
⭐ All of our social media in one handy place – here
Former Barry office building transformed into vital new homes
Prolific thief banned from entering shops in Barry
I’m proud that all parties agreed on children in care plan
WHEN you elected me in May, I said I had come to listen and to…
Royal Welsh highlights the role of the rural economy
Parent may have to lose job for school run
Double victory for Pencoed cricketers
