A U-TURN by Teignbridge Council’s ruling executive which will keep Teignmouth’s popular Lido open this summer was met with applause by supporters.

Councillors have agreed to overturn the decision made last month not to open the pool to save £74,000.

Campaigners from the Save The Lido group were at the executive meeting to hear the committee resolve to keep open the pool open and work with local community groups to explore options on how it can be operated in the future.

The change of heart followed a public outcry and a wave of opposition from pool users and residents.

This meant the decision was called-in for councillors to reconsider.

Cllr David Palethorpe, executive member for economy, estates and major projects, told fellow councillors: ‘It is clear how much the Lido means to the community, it is part of the town’s character.

‘However, we do have to the think carefully about the cost and have to make savings.

‘But we recognise the value of facilities like the Lido to people’s lives and the economy.

‘Opening it is the right thing to do while we work with groups who come forward who wish to take it over and look at the long term future.

‘This council should continue to run it this summer working with the groups who wish to take it over.’

Council leader Richard Keeling added: ‘We have to save money to balance the books and more than £1million is being taken from reserves.’

Cllr Jackie Hook said: ‘We should be listening to residents and the benefit of hearing the community’s knowledge and passion for the Lido give us confidence they can bring it forward.

‘We should be willing to change our mind.’

She also pointed out the current quality of bathing waters meant pools like the Lido were important.

The unanimous decision came after a packed public meeting of more than 200 people hear plans by community group Save The Lido two take over running the open air pool which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Daniel O’Connell, from Save The Lido, said the aim of the group was to demonstrate the pool could at least break even even if it operated differently.

He said: ‘If at the end of the year we make £1, that is a win.’

The group has been working behind the scenes for more than a year looking at options for protecting the pool if closure was proposed.

It has already benefitted from Teignbridge Council carrying out an £800,000 renovation and decarbonisation programme.

Campaigners believe the upgrades could mean the pool can open longer which would mean generating more income.

Daniel said: ‘That system should generate enough energy to keep the pool open for longer hours than the current season, which usually runs from the end of May to the end of August.

The group has secured “asset of community value” status for the site, giving communities time to prepare a bid if it is put up for sale.

They are confident it can be run by volunteers alongside paid staff, similar to other community-run lidos across the country.

Campaigners are considering launching a crowdfunding scheme if they are given the opportunity to operate the pool.