OTLEY residents are to be given an update on plans to open a Lido in town.

The Friends of Otley Lido are hoping to get a heated, outdoor pool with a retractable roof and glass front installed in Wharfemeadows Park.

The group has been working since 2016 on putting together a detailed proposal and business plan for the scheme, which would see the facility built on the site of Otley's former lido.

To progress further it needs to raise £55,000 to fund a detailed feasibility study, a goal which moved a step closer last week when Otley Town Council pledged £5,000.

The Friends will give more details on the project's progress, and invite suggestions, when it holds its AGM and a public meeting - details of which will be announced soon - in October.

Chair Leonie Sharp said: "People have said why can’t we just put a pool back on the site and keep the plans low-key, or to turn the land over to a playground and a paddling pool.

"To be successful we need to be able to have a facility that is accessible to all but also can be sustainable and long lasting.

"It needs to be able to ‘wash its face’ and be a facility for all the community for years to come.

"So whatever we put on site has to be income generating to be able to support the facility at start-up and keep us afloat in the early years; then to generate enough income to keep the project running and in good repair for the 125 years lease and more."

The group has been busy raising funds at lots of events, including Otley Carnival, Otley Show, Otley Christmas Tree Festival and The Victorian Fayre, and held stalls and quizzes.

It also received another £5,000 boost via a donation from Otley Lions.

Treasurer Ian Lawson said: “In the event we are not able to achieve the vision, we are required by company law to nominate another Community Interest Company or charitable organisation to donate any monies we hold to.

"However, we are not planning on being unsuccessful - and will continue to fundraise and seek funding until we reach our target."

The Friends are also aiming to re-apply to the Aviva Community Fund, from which it narrowly missed out on winning major funding last time.

This month they are cleaning up the old lido site with help from the Community Payback Team, while on Friday, October 27 they will hold a fundraising fashion show, supported by Harriet's of Otley.

They are also offering local businesses sponsorship panels - designed by Zeppo Creative - on the hoarding they have put up around the riverside plot.

Leonie added: "We are also planning a public meeting and our annual general meeting in October.

"We will be inviting all the community to attend this and share ideas while also seeing the concepts we have come up with.

"We know it is not going to happen overnight - but for us it is a question of when, not if. "

To find out more visit otleylido.com, send an e-mail to friendsofotleylido@gmail.com or call 07765 284078.