The Saltdean Lido has endured an illustrious and chequered history.

Months ago the only Grade II* listed lido in the country celebrated its 75th birthday in style with a family fun day.

But the happy memories have, on more than one occa- sion, been tainted with fear of demolition and threat of redevelopment.

A set of determined campaigners, led by this week’s Local Hero nomination Rebecca Crook, have fought tirelessly to ensure the Lido is an attraction to be enjoyed by future generations.

Rebecca, 35, is a Saltdean resident who, along with other local residents, helped form the Save Saltdean Lido Campaign in March 2010 after plans were revealed to turn the site into flats.

She said: “One of the reasons we moved to Saltdean was for the art deco architecture and it had always frustrated me that the Saltdean Lido could be such an amazing facility yet it was completely under-utilised and very run down.

“So when the then leaseholder announced plans to partially demolish the building and fill the pool with concrete, outraged like thousands of other people, I thought I would help to do something about it.”

Through the campaign’s hard work, Brighton and Hove City Council have reclaimed ownership of the Lido and will pass it on to its favoured bidder in the next few weeks.

Rebecca has been nominated for this week’s award by Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby.

He said: “The Save Saltdean Lido campaign was set up by Rebecca shortly before my election in 2010.

“The campaign has been hugely successful so far, with the city council confirming that they will be reclaiming ownership of the Lido, with the ultimate aim of returning this asset to the community and safeguarding it from residential redevelopment in the long term.

“Rebecca’s tireless efforts have been crucial to that success and she is absolutely deserving of Local Hero status.”

 

*Hundreds of heroes go almost unnoticed in our local communities.
But The Argus is determined to give them the recognition they thoroughly deserve.
We have teamed up with housing repair and maintenance company Mears to launch our weekly Local Heroes Award.
We are inviting readers to nominate their candidates and tell us why they have put them forward for the award.
Contact Kimberly Middleton on 01273 544519 or email kimberly.middleton@theargus.co.uk.