Villagers call for a pooled effort
Dec 12 2006 By Tony Henderson Environment Editor, The Journal
Villagers are urging a council to take the plunge and revive a former open air swimming pool site which they claim is a long-standing seaside eyesore.
The buildings at Tyne-mouth pool overlooking the Longsands were flattened 10 years ago.
The pool itself was relaunched as an environmental rock pool feature but over the years has stagnated while the structure has rusted and rotted.
Now Tynemouth Village Association has written to North Tyneside Council, calling for action to tackle the site, which it says is marring the seafront.
Chairman Lionel Black said: "The site is a shambles and the idea of it being an environmental feature hasn't worked at all.
"This neglected eyesore of a pool has received much criticism and we have received many calls for it to be brought back into use."
Suggestions for the use of the site include turning it into a seafront restaurant, reopening it as a swimming pool or a safe paddling pool for children, or using it as a water sports or lifesaving training base.
Mr Black said: "Attention is now being focused on Tynemouth for various events, such as the surfing championships, and the pool could well become part of this.
"We have been approached by people wishing to form a Friends of Tynemouth Pool. This reflects the strength of feeling local people have about the pool in its present unacceptable condition."
The association is asking the council to carry out a feasibility study.
The pool was built in 1925 when open air lidos were the height of fashion in the UK.
The association is asking people to come up with more ideas for a pool which for many decades was packed with visitors and locals during the summer.
Association secretary Joyce Jewitt said: "The pool site is a blot on the landscape. We feel it should be put to some sort of good use because of its seaside location.
"At present it is getting even worse and is ugly, rusty and horrible. We think that with a little effort and imagination something could be done, as it should not be allowed to deteriorate even further at a time when it occupies an important part of the seafront and the council is going on about tourism."
A council spokesman said last night: "The issue of Tynemouth outdoor pool will be taken to a future meeting of the coastal regeneration strategy group. It will form part of the overall 2030 vision of the council for a cultural coastline."
