Welcome to your local community website...
New and improved Ruislip Lido could attract anti-social behaviour, say residents
AMBITIOUS plans to give Ruislip Lido a £1.5million facelift could cause a rise in anti-social behaviour, neighbours fear.
Tempers flared at a public meeting last Wednesday (20) after residents accused Hillingdon Council of 'trying to turn the Lido into Disneyland'.
The council has unveiled a five-year project to bring the Lido, in Reservoir Road, 'back to its former glory'.
Proposals include a new boating lake and fishing facilities, an outdoor swimming pool, refurbishment of the miniature railway and better toilets.
But residents complained the new and improved Lido would bring an influx of newcomers, potentially causing a increase in graffiti, street drinking and littering.
Deputy chair of the Friends of Ruislip Lido, Nicky Sargossi, of Jackets Lane, Northwood, said: "There is a lot of unruly behaviour in the car park, which is frequently used by people doing wheelies and cars racing around.
"Most of the problems happen after hours - unsavoury characters going in with bags full of alcohol, before leaving their empties all over the beach.
"On busy days a lot of rubbish is left behind and we once collected more than 27 disposable barbecues at the waters edge.
"Unless the council can increase staffing at the Lido, the problems will only get worse."
Last week, the Gazette reported residents' concerns about limited parking around the Lido, which was also the subject of heated debate, along with preserving the wildlife, which could be 'driven away by boating'.
But many were furious about not being consulted on the project, accusing the council of 'trying to keep the meeting secret' and 'discouraging people from attending'.
Felicia Farrell, of Lakeside Close, said: "I only found out about the meeting the week before and realised no one else knew, so I made flyers and put them through people's doors.
"The council wants to turn the Lido into Disneyland but we love the Lido the way it is and we will campaign to the bitter end to ensure the plans don't go ahead."
Councillor Ray Puddifoot, leader of the council, was heckled as he answered questions from the 50-strong audience.
He outlined plans to introduce a turnstile and priority swipe card system for Hillingdon First Card holders, plus more CCTV and a car park with some 200 spaces.
Cllr Puddifoot said: "The meeting was originally meant for the group which manages Ruislip Lido but we never tried to stop the public coming.
"We are one of the only London boroughs able to invest £1.5million capital in such a project.
"We have to consider how improvements at the Lido will benefit all residents, not just a small minority, and unfortunately you can't please everyone."
We'd like to hear from you. Send your stories, pics and videos
Could Siba Matti please send me an email on the above address? The residents are doing a lot of research on the Lido issue, and we would love to pass it on to you but email is the easiest as it has mostly come that way. We spoke at the MAG meeting last week. Glad to see this article, it is great!
Best,
Carolyn
The Lido is an asset to the community in every way, providing an area for all sorts of recreational activities and a beautiful place to relax in the summer and it absolutely should not be left to fall into disrepair. A more modernised facility with a revitalised Railway and improved boating/fishing/swimming area would bring the community together and really give the area something to be proud of, and that is something that any hillingdon resident should be thrilled about.
There are often complaints, from both adults and youths about the lack of spending on, and facilities for, recreational use, so why should we turn down a brilliant opportunity that is being handed to us.
I also recognise the grievances of those supporting the petition to prevent the development, however i am realistic in believing that 'Disneyland' wont spring up, and also think there is no reason why the proposals can't go ahead alongside the protection and enhancement of the woodland area. Personally i enjoy having the woods to bike and jog through and im sure that many others also appreciate them, but i think it is entirely possible to improve other apsects whilst maintaining the natural features. All it takes is some consideration during the planning and building phases and the fragile wildlife can be preserved. After recognising this, perhaps the organisers of the petition would realise that their time is better spent working in co-operation with the council to ensure that the proposals are sound and responsible in terms of considering the environmental and wilidlfe aspects, rather than failing to realise the suitable way to ensure greater good for all stakeholders.
On the antisocial behaviour note, is it not true that far more yobbish behaviour takes place in unlit, un populated, run down areas than modern, respected and valued areas equipped with cctv and a few working lights?
On a much larger scale, on recovery from economic downturn, would such a large project not be extremally benficial to the local economy, employee many locals not only in the construction phase but also through employment in the new facilities?
On a final note, perhaps if the survey was carried out on a much larger scale, not only of existing users, but of potential users to the new facilities and also not weighted in favour of those residing near to the Lido, who take a NIMBY view, would the results not be overwhelmingly in favour?
I spent many times as a child in the summer at the lido, when there was a lovely art deco building,lots of water sports.and lots of happy days. If changes are to be made,thay need to be back then. Anna.