London Fields Lido: New delay could last ‘several weeks’

Delayed again: London Fields Lido. Photograph: Peter Smith (Wikicommons)

London Fields Lido may be closed for another “several weeks”, Hackney Council has confirmed.

The popular swimming pool had been due to welcome visitors this Saturday for the first time since April, when it was shut down for urgent repair work.

The re-opening had initially been set for “late summer”, but was later pushed back to 30 September.

But a council spokesperson today confirmed the pool could be closed for “several more weeks” until it is completed to the required standard, adding: “We need to be 100 per cent certain before announcing another date.”

Town Hall community chief Cllr Jon Burke described the latest delay, which he put down to contractors not completing “snagging works” in time, as “incredibly frustrating”.

He said: “I would like to apologise to everyone who was looking forward to using the pool on Saturday.

“The main repair work of replacing the screed, render and tiles in the swimming pool has been completed. However, there remain snagging works to the pool and outdoor areas that need to be completed before reopening.

“The contractor has been delayed in finishing the reception area and new changing rooms and the site will need to be fully cleared and cleaned before it can be opened to the public.

“We also want to ensure that the entire refurbishment is completed to the highest possible standard, which is not currently the case.

“As with any complicated building work there will always be snagging issues that need to be addressed. We will announce a revised reopening date as soon as the contractor confirms when the work will be completed.”