Petition launched to reinstate Northampton lido after blogger receives positive public support

A local blogger who is regularly frustrated with the lack of outdoor swimming facilities in Northamptonshire has launched an online petition.

Emma Jones came up with the idea to get the lido at Midsummer Meadow reinstated or an outdoor pool created somewhere else in Northampton as she believes swimming outside is a better and healthier experience than indoor swimming.

The mum-of-two who blogs about the town and travel, previously spoke to the Chronicle & Echo, as she was keen to find out how many other local residents would support the idea.After publication of her initial thoughts, Emma received an outcry of positive support from the public with many saying ‘yes please’ to an outdoor pool and more than 1,000 social media likes.

Emma received such encouraging feedback that she has now gone on to launch an online petition, in a bid to get Northamptonshire County Council to consider the idea.

The 41-year-old said: "I was really pleasantly surprised by the comments. A lot of people really did remember the old pool.

"It was the response that was so much more positive than I had expected that made me go ahead with the petition.

"I just thought 'I need to get this up and running'.

"It will be a big ask, but if we get enough people to sign and share it, you never know."

For a full council debate to take place, 2.5 percent of the county’s population - according to the most recent census completed in 2001- which equates to nearly 16,000 people - would need to sign a petition.

Emma added: “I understand a huge cash investment would be required but if this petition gathers enough signatures it would demonstrate there is a need, want and a customer base waiting.

“My objective is to get 15,774 signatures. If this is possible, I believe it would show there if enough interest and customer base to make it a viable business.”

More than 100 people have already signed the petition, with one person commenting: “I feel this would be a very welcome addition to our town.

“The splash park in Wellingborough is very good but as someone who doesn't drive a more local water attraction would be more ideal for myself and many others.”

Another petition signer added: “I have to drive miles to one and clog up other towns and cities. More outdoor activities = healthier, more active children.”

Emma’s current idea is to use the site that used to be the location of the popular lido that opened in the early 1900s and shut in the 1980s.

Midsummer Meadow is now a car park, but has good access to the town centre.

Although, a number of other locations such as Abington Park, Sixfields and the old bus station, have been suggested by supporters as possible locations.

To find out more and sign the petition, visit Emma’s Change.org page.

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