A DEPRESSION-ERA lido that boasts stunning mountain views has been left derelict for decades.
The historic South Wales location fell into disrepair in the mid-1960s and hasn’t been used since.
Troedyrhiw Lido was constructed in 1934 to help the village during the depression era[/caption]
The historic outdoor pool fell into disrepair in the mid-1960s[/caption]
Troedyrhiw Lido still exists, surrounded by mountains and a scenic landscape.
However, the once popular swimming location now only holds stagnant water, with the southwest wall damaged.
The pavilion, which once housed the male and female changing rooms, still stands to this day.
Originally built in 1935, a year after the pool itself opened, the structure shows evidence of the test of time.
It is covered in graffiti, dating back to the 1940s, when the lido was still in use.
The lido itself was proposed as a scheme to help the local Troedyrhiw community during a time of high unemployment.
Community build
Funds for materials were provided by Mr and Mrs Threipland, Llanishen, of the nearby Wyndham Estate.
Patrick Threipland’s wife Eleanor decided that she would like to do something for the people of Troedyrhiw, calling a meeting with the vilalge,
Unemployed miners of Troedyrhiw, which lies at the foot of the hill where the lido is located.
According to visitors to the area in recent years, the pool contains frogs and other wildlife, as well as rubbish and lots of stones.
End of an era
Some locals speculate that back in the day, young people took to rolling large boulders into the former lido.
According to the story from the Threipland family, “following the generous donation of the pool some of the younger element of Troedyrhiw saw fit to roll large boulders down the mountain and into the pool – thus rendering it unusable”.
This was a particular blow to the community, who relied on the hillside lido during a tough period of history.
At the time the lido was built, life was hard for people and money was scarce.
To boost community spirit, the pool was opened to the public, free of charge.
Swimming safety advice
Experts have revealed some of their top advice for both adults and kids heading to the water this summer:
How to stay safe at the beach
Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI said: “If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, try to relax and float until you are free from the rip and you can then swim to safety.
“If you see someone else in danger, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”
How to stay safe at the swimming pool
Tiny Hearts Education, former paramedic and CEO Nikki Jurcutz said: “Always put your little one in bright or contrasting colours that would be easy to find in an emergency.
“It only takes 20 seconds to drown, little tips like this could save a life”.
An Auqabliss spokesperson added: “Swimming toys such as noodles, dive rings, floaties and beach balls can be dangerous if left in the pool.
“Children may try to grab these from the pool’s edge and fall in.”
How to stay safe at a waterpark
Ali Beckman, Puddle Ducks Technical Director, said: “Never send a child down the slide on their own, not only are they going to be entering the slide pool area independently, they then have to exit the pool and wait for an adult.
“And wave pools should be avoided until your child is really confident with water going over their faces and you know they are able to regain their feet independently.
“Waterparks are often very busy places and it’s easy to lose sight of a child in a split second.”
When the Lido first opened, a diving competition was held for the local children, where they had to dive and recover objects placed on the floor of the pool.
Before the lido was constructed, the a location was the site of the “Old Reservoir”.
In the years after its grand opening, “Troedyrhiw Bathing Pool Committee” remained active in the village.
And in 1937, the “Troedyrhiw Free Bathing Pool institute”
This was another project spearheaded by the Threipland family.
The lido was constructed on the site of a former reservoir and was filled via a natural spring in the mountains[/caption]
The former changing pavilion is now covered in decades of graffiti[/caption]
The freshwater lido conatined water collected by damns built out of rock and turf from the mountainside, forming a natural spring.
To this day, the pool is still fed by water which flows from a natural spring or stream brought down the hill, via a leat constructed for the purpose.
It officially closed in the mid-1960s, after around three decades of operation.
Through the ’80s and ’90s, the lido became known as a local party spot due to its secluded location.
Other UK lidos
Plus, all the lidos you can visit around the UK to cool off in the summer heat.
And a 96-year-old lido that has reopened ahead of the current heatwave.
A popular UK beach town also plans to reopen a beloved lido for the summer season.
And a round-up of the lesser-known lidos you can visit to beat the scorching heat.
