The West Midlands, including Birmingham, is experiencing scorching temperatures, with the mercury hitting 33°C. Yet the region has almost no public outdoor swimming pools or ponds to cool off. The two that exist are expensive. This wasn't always the case. The region once boasted multiple council-run lidos, from Solihull to Sutton Park. So where did they go, and what's stopping their return?
Memories of Malvern Park Lido
Dale Clark, now 65 and living in west-central France, recalls summer days at Malvern Park Lido in Solihull during the 1960s and 70s. "Oh it was heaven," he says. "A kid's dream." He describes melting on concrete slabs, hanging off rails under a water slide, and a tuckshop selling crisps, chocolate, and orange-flavoured ice triangles. The pool was bright blue and icy cold. "It had a feeling of like a Butlins holiday camp," he marvels.
Over 200 people shared fond memories in a Solihull Facebook group. One wrote: "Ahh, the summer of '76 at the lido!! A levels done and a hedonistic summer at the pool. What memories." Everyone mentions the icy water and having a marvelous time.
The Demise of Public Lidos
Malvern Park Lido operated for just 28 years, from 1954 to 1982. It was one of five lidos in Birmingham and the West Midlands that survived frequent culls. Many were lost in the late 1930s, including Small Heath Lido, Shirley Lido, and Cannon Hill Park Bathing Pool, the first open-air swimming spot in Birmingham. A few, like Malvern Park and Bournville Lidos, held out until the 1980s. The last lido, by Keepers Pool in Sutton Park, closed in March 2002.
According to the Met Office, the number of "very hot" days of at least 30°C has trebled across England and Wales since 2014. Between 1961 and 1990, only London and Hampshire recorded six days or more above 28°C. Now, extreme heat is common, making the lack of cool-off spots a pressing issue for the 6.1 million people in the region.
The Push for Revival
Community groups and activists are calling for the return of public outdoor swimming. The Dispatch has made this story free to read to raise awareness. As temperatures rise, the need for accessible cooling options becomes urgent. Whether new lidos or restored wild swimming spots, the demand is growing.
