VOLUNTEERS bidding to take over running Teignmouth’s Lido have secured the backing and support of the town council.

Save The Lido representative told councillors its aim was to have ownership of the pool transferred from Teignbridge Council to the new Community Interest Company.

Now known as Teignmouth Lido Community Trust, the group believes it can run the pool to break even and possibly make a profit.

But it has warned: ‘Use it or lose it.’

Volunteers were asked to speak to the town councillors after Teignbridge Council’s ruling executive committee agreed to reverse its decision to close the open air pool this summer to save £74,000.

Trust spokesman Paul Burgess told town councillors: ‘We are hoping to make history.

‘We have one opportunity to save the Lido, its future is at stake.

‘The residents of Teignmouth want it to remain open and the public are really behind us.

‘A few have underestimated our strength of knowledge and experience to be able to run the Lido.

‘But we have an accountant and solicitor on board and expert in previous pool management and other Lidos across the country are supportive.’

He said they believe they could even operate at a profit based on expanding the current 18 week season, simplifying the booking system and selling merchandise and food.

Teignbridge Council costs include management charges of £35,000.

A trust would save this and get a discount on business rates, an overalll saving of about £50,000 on what it costs Teignbridge Council to run.

Mr Burgess said: ‘It won’t be easy but we have calculated we can break event by opening for 25 weeks based on the average revenue and cost per person.

‘In the Neighbourhood Plan, the town council made a clear commitment to keep it open and now is the time for definitive action.

‘It’s time to listen to residents and work with us to secure its future for generations to come and an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.’

Councillors had been concerned about the potential legal and financial responsibilities of taking ownership of the Lido but were reassure the aim is that the asset is transferred direct to the trust.

Mr Burgess explained they were looking for support from the town council for when it makes applications for grants.

Cllr Robert Phipps said: ‘I am happy to commit to working with you, the Lido is a great asset.’

Cllr Mike Jackman said: ‘I admire the enthusiasm of the volunteers and like many residents, want a safe place to swim.’

Cllr Joan Atkins stressed that the town council was not in a position to help financially at the moment.

She pointed out that she, and other councillors, were unaware until the last few weeks that the group was working on running the Lido.

She said: ‘We can’t get involved at the moment as it is still a Teignbridge Council asses but we can give verbal support.’

Mayor Cate Williams said she was glad Teignbridge Council ‘saw sense’ and reversed its decision to close.

Members agreed in principle to offer support for community led ownership and voted in favour of the town council working with Teignmouth Lido Community Trust so they may run and promote the lido for the 2026/2027 season.