People-power the key as Lido opens (From Tewkesbury Admag)

People-power the key as Lido opens

THE Lido at Chipping Norton, now under community control, is due to re-open on Sunday with a five-kilometre fun run and pool party.

Last autumn campaigners for the pool in the Keep Our Pool Open (Kopo) group set up a management company for the Lido, after West Oxfordshire District Council removed its financial support.

With the support of the town council the group has set up a limited company to run the open-air pool this summer.

Company chairman Ken Norman said: "The re-opening of The Lido is testament to the determination of the people of Chipping Norton and the surrounding villages to retain a much-loved feature of summer life in the town.

"It has been a long and demanding campaign, but we're delighted that, at last, The Lido is open again."

Former Olympic swimmer Duncan Goodhew, who has supported the campaign to keep the Lido open since he visited the pool last summer, said he was delighted to hear that the community had rallied round to keep it open. "It was great to hear the fantastic news that the Lido is back in the hands of the community that built it," he said.

The Lido is being managed by Chipping Norton Lido Ltd on behalf of Kopo. A new manager, Jono Slatter, has been appointed while other staff, such as lifeguards and receptionists, have remained in post.

A new timetable has been published and a series of additional activities planned, including term-time lessons, aqua aerobics, yoga and special sessions for mums and toddlers.

Sunday's Fun Run, which can also be joined by walkers, starts at the Lido at 10.30am and follows an off-road circuit through the countryside. The route ends back at the Lido where participants can enjoy a swim and join the opening celebrations.

Entry costs £5 in advance or £6 on the day and includes a free swim.

For further information and an entry form contact Polly Jaff at The Bookshop or call 01608 641033.

For more details about opening times, entry prices and events at the Lido call 01608 643188 or visit www.chippylido.co.uk.