SWIMMERS in Teignmouth flocked to make a splash on the Lido’s first day of opening for the summer season.

Swimming legend Eric Beatty, 92, was first to take the plunge in the popular pool on one of the hottest May days on record.

The opening also marks the wealth of public support for the pool after Teignbridge Council overturned a decision to close it this year.

Eric is well-known in Teignmouth; a founder member and former chairman of Teignmouth Swimming Club; and a keen sea swimmer until two years ago.

Eric’s sporting career also involved water polo off Teignmouth beach and he is a lifelong member and former Teignmouth Rugby Club player.

He planned to take up swimming again this summer in the safe, warm environment that Teignmouth Lido has to offer and was very disappointed to hear that the pool would be closed and the site sold off.

As one of the first users of the Lido when it opened in 1974, Eric was delighted to be involved.

Eric said: ‘A good swim perks me up, and there’s nothing quite like the first dip of the season.

‘I was devastated to hear the Lido was under threat of closure, swimming is so important to the kids of Teignmouth - it keeps them fit and gives them something worthwhile to do.

‘I’m convinced swimming has kept me fit and active in my 90s so I want this opportunity for future generations of Teignmouth.’

Following a huge public outcry, Teignbridge District Council reversed the decision made in February to keep the Lido closed this summer.

The council will now run the Lido as usual for this season but is seeking bids for an alternative use of the site after the end of this season.

For sale signs have gone up as part of the process of offloading the pool but it is designated an Asset of Community Value which gives community groups a six month period to prepare a bid to buy the site.

Teignmouth Lido Community Trust says it has strong community backing to take over the Lido and protect it in the long term as a community facility.

The trust says it is preparing a ‘robust’ business plan which incorporates an extended season and opening hours and an enhanced programme of community events.

Run as a not for profit charity, the trust has revealed it

intends to submit a bid to buy the Lido for a nominal sum.

If the Trust’s bid to take over the running of the Lido is successful, it will then be able to access a wide range of grants and other funding streams to maintain and improve the Lido.

Teignmouth Lido Community Trust Chair, Paul Burgess said: ‘We look forward to the Lido opening this season, and to working alongside Teignbridge Leisure to develop an exciting programme of swimming and related activities well into the winter season.

‘We’re very excited that local legend Eric Beatty is here to showcase the undoubtable benefits to health and wellbeing that swimming offers.

‘We are overwhelmed by the support from the local community in our Save the Lido Campaign – and we are delighted the council has listened to the public and given us the opportunity to create a sustainable community asset for Teignmouth and the wider area.’