Staff and swimmers are hoping that the London Fields Lido stays open while London remains bound by restrictions imposed by the three-tier system.
The centre, which is usually open throughout the year, had to close in March when the country descended into lockdown. It was only able to re-open over four months later.
Katie Foulger, Hackney Partnership Manager for GLL, the charitable social enterprise that runs the Lido, told Hackney Post, “We have increased safety measures throughout the centres in line with government guidance, to ensure every visit is as safe as possible”.
London is currently in Tier 2, which permits leisure facilities to remain open as long as they adhere to social distancing requirements.
But, Foulger said, “The leisure industry as a whole remains concerned about the impact any potential changes may have. We are lobbying hard and engaging with politicians at all levels to make the case for leisure facilities to remain open for the physical and mental wellbeing of the public”.
London Fields Lido is considered a hub for the local community. Feedback from staff and customers highlighted the negative impact its closure had on their physical and mental health.
Regular swimmer Mike Harris said, “In lockdown we missed both the physical exercise, and also the human interaction. I hope that there’s a way of keeping the pool open while still respecting the changing environment”.
