Where to work out at Ruislip Lido has got a group all worked up.
When discussions were held about providing adult gym equipment at the popular beauty spot, the idea was welcomed by Friends of Ruislip Lido (FoRL).
But then the kit was installed on the opposite side of the lake from where they expected it to be.
FoRL thought it would be on the beach side, near the new Woodland Centre. However, Hillingdon Council said it was always going to be next to The Water’s Edge pub, in Reservoir Road.
Vicky Brownlee, chairwoman of FoRL, has now asked the council to discuss any changes with the group in future.
“This was something that Councillor [John] Riley mentioned in a meeting and we were told it was going to go on the other side of the Lido,” she said.
“We thought that would be a great idea. But it has gone ahead now in a completely different place and they have not spoken to us or consulted anyone about it.
“This is an appeal from the users of the Lido: ‘Please start talking to us before these things happen without anyone knowing’.
“Adult gym equipment is great – it’s a massive benefit to the area – but not if it is in a place that it is never going to be used.”
Caroline Towner, chairwoman of Ruislip Lido Residents’ Group, which represents people who live nearby, said she also had concerns.
“I think it is a fantastic bit of equipment and it’s great that the council is providing such things. However, it’s a shame more thought wasn’t put into its location,” she said.
“Its proximity to the road, bus stop and nearby houses is a bit of a concern with the level of anti-social behaviour at the Lido.”
But a council spokesman said Ms Brownlee might have misunderstood, and the equipment Councillor Riley referred to was already in place on the beach side of the Lido.
The new pieces installed on the opposite side of the lake were put in at the weekend, although the council admitted it had not consulted anyone before making that decision.
“So far it has been well received by residents, who are pleased to see free gym equipment available, and we see any encouragement to get outdoors and get fit as a good thing,” the spokesman said.
