A GROUP of district councillors is challenging the controversial decision to close and sell off Teignmouth Lido.

The call in is to be discussed at tomorrow’s Teignbridge Council overview and scrutiny committee.

Last month, members of the council’s executive committee agreed not to open the popular open air lido this year and declare the Lido as a ‘surplus asset’ and to dispose of the freehold on the open market.

The decision sparked an outcry in Teignmouth while the community group Save the Lido is trying to save it for the future.

Now, the decision has been called in by Bishopsteignton member Cllr Andrew McGregor, supported by five other councillors.

The call in notice states that the money two be saved by Teignbridge Council by not opening the pool this year is already set aside in the budget to cover losses.

It also says: ‘That keeping the Lido closed this year ignores its 50th anniversary year and that keeping the Lido closed damages the prospects for a successful community bid by hamstringing the use and setting back any growth in numbers using it.’

The councillors also argue keeping it closed ‘potentially damages the economy of Teignmouth during a time of economic uncertainty’ and ‘despite keeping it closed, there are still costs likely to exceed £45,000’.

They also claim keeping the Lido close potentially ‘reduces interest to those just wishing to redevelop rather than offer swimming facilities for residents and tourists’.

The decision has also been called in by Shaldon and Stokeinteignhead member Cllr Chris Clarance on the basis that the proposed budget appears to allow for the Lido’s expenses.

In response to the call-in, Teignbridge Council officers have responded saying the £74,000 was kept in the 2026/27 revenue budget for operating the Lido for another year because the council had not yet determined to close it.

The response also says while it is recognised this year is the pool’s 50th anniversary, it was ‘not a consideration in making the decision’.

Officers also said ‘the ambition is that the Lido is that is it transferred to a community group’. Any group has six months to bid for the site.

Members of the overview and scrutiny committee meet tomorrow, Tuesday.