CAMPAIGNERS are calling the decision to open Teignmouth Lido this summer a ‘victory for people power’.

The powerful executive committee of Teignbridge Council decided to overturn an earlier decision to leave the lido closed for the summer after hearing how community groups were anxious to take the plunge and help to keep it going.

After the executive committee meeting campaigner Catherine Brown said: ‘This is a brilliant outcome. It’s unbelievable that the council has gone from a unanimous decision to close it to a unanimous decision to keep it open!

‘It shows that people power does matter. The council has listened, and that’s brilliant. We are very grateful to them.’

Members of the all-Liberal Democrat executive voted unanimously to reverse their earlier decision, and pledged to work with the local community and willing community groups.

Cllr David Cox (Lib Dem, Teignmouth Central) said the people of Teignmouth and Shaldon had paid for the pool when it first opened in 1973, and were keen to take it on again.

Cllr Chris Clarance (Ind, Shaldon and Stokeinteignhead) said it was part of the town’s history and Cllr Andrew MacGregor (Ind, Bishopsteignton) warned that keeping it closed would amount to ‘managed decline’.

After the meeting Teignmouth town councillor Penelope Lloyd said it was exactly the outcome the town had been hoping for.

‘What you’re seeing is democracy in action,’ she said. ‘Teignbridge made a decision based on insufficient information, and when they got that information from the public they changed their minds.’