London Fields Lido is due to close temporarily for necessary repairs. Although there are no set dates for the closure, there are plans to close the outdoor public pool to deal with the growing problem of cracked tiles coming away from walls.
Temporary supports were installed in June but Hackney Council, which runs the lido in conjunction with Greenwich Leisure Limited, is still awaiting a contractor to complete the repair work.
The closure may prove disruptive for residents. “The lido is great for the community,” Tony Linkson, a local psychotherapist, told the Hackney Post. “I meet up with people to swim there and I often bump into people I know.”
“When it closes it will probably mean that other pools in the area will become oversubscribed, and crowded lanes are really frustrating when all you want to do is have a good workout.”
Jon Burke, Hackney councillor and cabinet member for energy, sustainability and community services said: “The pool will remain open while we procure a contractor to carry out the work. This process is well underway and further information will be available shortly.”
Journalist, current MA Newspaper Journalism student at City University.