* Update 25 July 20: the Lido reopens. Changing rooms not available for use.
HACKNEY’S LIDO WILL NOT OPEN tomorrow even though the Government has said outdoor pools can welcome swimmers this weekend.
The 50m London Fields heated baths may open in a fortnight’s time, on Saturday 25 July 2020 — along with Clissold, and the borough’s other pools — but local people familiar with the Lido’s many problems over the years will hear alarm bells as they read on.
The council told Loving Dalston today it has been undertaking “remedial works to the indoor changing rooms and some minor repairs to the poolside. We hope to reopen the Lido by 25 July with external-changing provision only.”
The “vital repair works” had been delayed because the contractor’s staff were being furloughed during the Covid-19 closure and this might “delay the reopening”.
For once Hackney is lagging behind the Government, which is letting outdoor pools reopen, once precautions are in place, from tomorrow, and gyms, indoor swimming pools and sports facilities from 25 July.
Sadly, Hackney is not ready. The council however reminds swimmers that they can swim any day of the week in the reservoir off Green Lanes, Hackney N4 2HA16. Water temperature? About 10 degrees Celsius below the Lido’s.
David Altheer 100720
* Backstory: Hackney’s off-the-wall horror; Happy, smiling high-paid elite of Hackney Town Hall; Let us spray, says Hackney; Hackney pulls plug on Haggy Baths hopes; Hackney chronicler wades in to save baths; Investors flood in for pool; Hackney washes its hands of heritage site; London Fields Lido lights up; Wetsuits in Hackney lido; Swimming may return to the Haggy; London Fields hipster heaven costs council £140,000
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