Save Shoalstone from the Waves

In South Devon, Shoalstone Seawater Pool - one of the last of Britain's heritage lidos - is facing its greatest threat and we need everyone to help save it. One more Storm Emma and the pool could be lost to the sea forever.

What’s happened:

Shoalstone Seawater Pool sits on the rocks looking across Torbay from the fishing town of Brixham. The 53-metre-long pool has been delighting locals and visitors alike since 1926. Every year it is battered by winter storms - and every year we patch and repair it. But we can no longer keep the waves back.

A crack is widening in the decking by the sea wall. A full Marine Engineering inspection has concluded the northwest corner of the pool is being pulled away toward the sea. The diagnosis is grim and we are running out of time. Any violent activity could sweep it away. Even with kind conditions, each tide takes more of the original 1920s concrete away. Without a major refurbishment, the pool’s life is limited at best to 3-5 years.

But the engineers have come up with a plan to save the pool: a major reconstruction project to stabilise the 1920s concrete and to secure the northwest sea wall. This will make the pool safe for the next generations. The total cost is £500,000.

What Now:

We are applying for grants - but they want us to match funds. So if we get £250,000 offered in grants, we need to raise £275,000 from individuals and businesses.

Please help us - donate today and pass the word to everyone who may want to help us save this very special part of our Devon heritage.

If you are planning an event as a fundraiser for us - pub quiz, head shave, danceathon, whatever works - let us know and we shall publicise it wherever we can.

Act now - together we can save the pool.