POSSIBLE plans for a lido are dividing opinion amongst councillors at BCP Council. 

The discussion began after deputy leader of BCP Council Cllr Phillip Broadhead revealed the council is looking into a lido and that he is a "strong advocate" of the proposal.

One councillor expressed his strong objection to the proposals because he was concerned about financial priorities.

Cllr Mohan Iyengar, leader of Poole Local Group, said: "Has the sun gone to our heads? A lido? Pinch me.

"We're in a cost-of-living crisis that's deepening every week - something we can see for ourselves without the Bank of England figures to confirm it.

"BCP will be borrowing £76 million from the Treasury, part of which is to balance the books for a year that's already half through. We'll need to convince them the money is being used for critical things in this year and over the few years ahead.

READ MORE: Deputy leader of BCP council has not ruled out a lido

"The areas of crime, safety, children's care, housing, public transport, food support, homelessness, litter and street cleaning are not-so-flashy but in dire need of support. 

"So I won't be supporting a lido on a shortlist of BCP priorities for the moment."

One councillor disagreed with Cllr Mohan Iyengar's comments, claiming a lido would help advance community infrastructure.

Cllr Mark Howell said: "If we do not commit to delivering public infrastructure that can enhance people’s lives, we will either fail to convince people to move on to our regeneration sites or end up condemning urban residents to a miserable existing living in densely-built rabbit hutches.

READ MORE: Letter: 'We can surely afford a lido – at long last'

Some council members are undecided about the proposal after considering both sides of the debate. Cllr Vikki Slade said: "Nothing should be off the table to make this a brilliant place to live, study or visit but we do need to have our priorities right. 

"Until we have transformed the council, and until we have the basics right – protecting our children, housing the vulnerable and protecting the environment we should be very careful about these massive projects. 

"However when they do happen, projects that benefit the wider community, wellbeing and place rather than cram in more people through ugly buildings would be my preference."