All politicians supported a proposal by Constable Simon Crowcroft to set up a ‘steering group’ of politicians, residents, the current operator of the café / venue and other interested parties to “maximise the benefit of the lido to the community and to resolve any issues arising in future”.
His plan, which was tweaked by Infrastructure Minister Kevin Lewis, also calls on the landlord, represented by the Government’s Property Holdings department to “uphold its full obligations as landlord […], including to make reasonable endeavours to maintain the facility as watertight in respect of rainwater penetration through the roof – barring extremes of weather – and ensuring that the public toilets at the pool are available all year round.”
The Minister has also committed to start negotiations with the currently lease-less operator, for a new nine-year lease, with standard break clauses.
During the debate, Deputy Lewis committed to finding solution for the island’s year-round sea-swimming community by keeping the seasonal toilets open permanently before next winter.
He added that contractors were currently cleaning the bathing pool, including its boardwalk and sluices, in preparation for the summer.
Some Members were concerned about the ongoing funding for the facility and the need for a long-term and planned budget, rather than leaving it to backbenchers to come to the States when repairs were needed.