A group of friends who have taken on the mammoth task of clearing the clearing the cavernous rooms, tunnels and spaces that run under the Ethelbert Terrace Lido site are appealing for help after thieves smashed their way in and stole tools and equipment.
The team led Kent Underground explorer Lynton Owen have been working to clear the Cliftonville Lido and Clifton Baths site as part of an ambitious plan to buy and restore it.
But sometime during the weekend a number of doors on promenade level were forced open and tools and equipment amounting to around £1400 was stolen.
Items include:
2 x AEG 18V impact driver and drill set
Crow bar set
240v hoist
Hex key set
4 x 30w led rechargeable flood light
240v SDS+ braker
1 pair water waders
Scott Phantom 3 Vision Powered Respirator
1 Jerry can of diesel
A Kent Police spokesman confirmed offiers are investigating the incident, saying: “Kent Police is investigating a report of a burglary at a disused building in Ethelbert Terrace.
“It was reported that a shutter was stolen from the old Lido site on Saturday, July 20, and then between Saturday and 1.30pm on Monday (July 22) tools were stolen from inside the building.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/141365/19.
The Save Margate Lido team has now created a gofundme page in the hope that the community will help them replace the stolen goods so they can continue with their work.
Margate resident Lynton, 34, set up the Save The Margate Lido limited company and the aim is to convert to Community Interest Company status to access heritage funding and attract investors to help restore the Lido and baths to their former glory.