Couple will fight for pool (From Barry And District News)

Couple will fight for pool

A BARRY couple are pushing forward with a new idea to save the crumbling Knap Lido.

John Kiddie, and his wife Dorcas, who have followed the campaign with interest, say the council should look abroad for inspiration.

The couple, from Birch Grove, say that their son, Norman, who is based in Germany, is adamant that an open air pool is viable.

Mr Kiddie, 77, said: "My wife and I have followed the articles in the future of the Knap Pool with great interest, especially the contribution made by Philip Clarke who spoke of huge support all over the UK for lidos.

"Our son Norman lives in Stuttgart and when he came home for a holiday he was amazed to find that the people of Barry seemed to be accepting the possible loss of the Knap Pool without putting up a fight."

According to their son, there are pools similar to the Knap run very efficiently in Germany and they are enjoyed by hundreds of people daily. They are heated by solar power, or by a generator if there has not been enough sun for a while.

On his parents request, Norman looked up building specifications and ideas that make the open air pools in Germany so successful.

Mrs Kiddie, 71, added: "Norman told us that heated outdoor pools can be found in most German towns, and are always crowded with members of the public."

The pensioners are angry at the thought of the once-popular attraction being lost to Barry for good.

Dorcas said: "The very thought of more houses being built on this prime site must fill the people of Barry with dread, especially after the Bindles debacle."

The couple have drawn up a list of ideas to transform the site into a prosperous tourist attraction, including facilities for other sports and a snack bar.

Mr Kiddie concluded: "We appreciate the cost would be enormous but it could be achieved through sponsorship if the people of Barry really want their pool. Opinions cannot be ignored. Many people have such wonderful memories of the pool. We would hate to lose it all together."