The open-air swimming pool at Woodgreen Leisure Centre in Banbury will open for longer this year.
Cherwell District Council has arranged for the much-valued local facility to open for an extended period in response to a petition by local residents. Normally the pool is only open for the summer season but the Council has agreed to trial a new timetable which will see the lido open from Monday, 29 March until the end of October.
Initially, the pool will open for reduced hours which will be increased at the time the usual season starts in late May. Due to continuing coronavirus restrictions, residents wanting to swim will be required to book slots in advance.
The 50m outdoor pool is one of a few facilities of its kind in the country. It re-opened in 2009 following a £1.5 million refurbishment funded by Cherwell District Council and Banbury Town Council. The leisure centre and pool are now run by Legacy Leisure on behalf of the District Council and Banbury Town Council continues to subsidise every swim.
Banbury Conservatives said: “We are so fortunate to have the open-air pool on our doorsteps. Outdoor swimming is really beneficial not just for physical health but also for mental wellbeing. The extension to the opening months is great news for regular swimmers and residents who might be keen to dip their toe! and try this exciting activity for the first time.”
