A community group has been set up to help secure the future of the Ilkley Pool and Lido.
The Ilkley Pool and Lido is an iconic part of Ilkley's history, having welcomed visitors for a whopping 89 years.
And now as the local council threatens to close the lido permanently, the community have come together in an effort to save the Lido.
They'll be hosting numerous events to help breathe new life into the Ilkley Lido, the first being a special Full Moon Swim event.
Taking place on Monday 19 August, the event has already proven a huge hit and has sold out.
Supporters are hoping it will convince the council that the Lido can host a variety of income-generating events and can be a useful tool for the community.
Image: Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group
Members of the Ilkley Pool and Lido Community have expressed the possibility of taking ownership of the pool, leasing it from the council, or working in partnership with them.
Committee member Davy Simpson said: "We know councils are underfunded but we see this as a key service - for all the health and mental health benefits that come with it.
"We are trying to show how it can be used in different ways, such as for health and to entertain the kids in the summer holidays - it should be nice and atmospheric for visitors can come and see it in moonlight."
Mr Simpson said it would be great for local people to come forward with ideas on how they would like to use the pool in future.
"The staff at the pool are coming up with different ideas on how to use it, they're being great," he said.
"We've had paddleboarding, scuba diving and yoga, and they have also created an online booking system, to help people coming from further afield ensure that they know they can get in before they visit."
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Clementine Hall -
7th August 2024 
