MORE than 350 people have joined a Facebook group supporting Hillingdon Council's proposals to give Ruislip Lido a £1.5million revamp.
The group on the social networking website, Ruislip Lido Needs This Facelift, has been set up by Amy-Louise Brown, Charlie Richiardi and Daniel Holland, three former pupils at Haydon School in Eastcote.
Members are backing plans to restore the lido, in Reservoir Road, to its former glory.
The council's scheme includes a new boating lake and fishing facilities, an outdoor pool and refurbishment of the miniature railway.
The proposals have angered residents living near the Lido, who say it will be 'turned into Disneyland', with an influx of visitors causing increased anti-social behaviour and having a detrimental effect on wildlife.
A total of 1,200 signatures have now been collected on two petitions organised by the Ruislip Lido Residents Group (RLRG) and a local wildlife volunteer - 400 more since the news was reported in the Gazette last month.
But Mr Holland said: "The lido is a mess. The plans for it are amazing and to oppose it is simply silly.
"Supporting this development will stop anti-social behaviour as there will be more CCTV and more security.
Tracey Perugia said: "The lido has been going steadily downhill for many years and it is about time the council invested in what should be an asset for Ruislip residents and people coming further afield.
"The lido has been there since 1811, well before its neighbours who moved into their houses knowing it was on their doorstep."
Lauren Scott added: "The place is horrible at the moment, especially after dark. I honestly can't see any downside to the development."
Carolyn Towner, chairwoman of RLRG, said: "We have no problem whatsoever with this Facebook page.
"Although members of the RLRG and many residents believe some of these proposals will be detrimental to the lido, we also believe there has
been insufficient public consultation and that no further action should be taken until a thorough survey of public opinion has taken place."
"I am more than happy to have a fair public consultation and let the majority decide - but at the moment neither the people in favour or those against have any say in the matter."
Cllr Sandra Jenkins, cabinet member for environment at Hillingdon Council, said: "We are keen to hear everyone's views. There are residents who feel our proposals would enhance the facilities at Ruislip Lido, so people of all ages can enjoy one of London's most unique and beautiful green spaces.
"At the heart of the project is preserving the look and feel of the lido, its wildlife and the environment, and, as part of the scheme, the council will be carrying out a topographical survey and an environmental impact assessment." * What do you think? Email reporter Siba Matti at sibamatti@trinitysouth.co.uk or post your thoughts on ruislip.uxbridgegazette.co.uk
