Around Town

In the 1930s the London County Council built over 50 lidos in the capital to promote healthy living. Today, 13 open air pools and lidos remain, and over recent years they have been struggling. But this summer sees what could be a turning point in their fortunes: Tooting Bec lido celebrates its hundredth birthday, development plans at Brockwell lido continue following the granting of a 25-year lease from Lambeth Council, and London Fields lido, which has been closed for decades, will rise phoenix-like courtesy of £2.5 million grant from Hackney Council.

The London Pools Campaign, which works to save facilities under threat of closure, has also launched its second Golden Goggles award. Last year’s award focused on the condition of the capital’s indoor pools, evaluating them on everything from cleanliness of the water to the state of the toilets.This year, it is seeking ‘swimming detectives’ to swim the capital’s lidos.
The results will be announced in July.

Fancy becoming a lido swimming detective? See www.londonpoolscampaign.com/goldengoggles06 Feature continues

Five great London Lidos

Brockwell Lido
This Grade II-listed lido boasts a great kids’ club. Brockwell Lido, Brockwell Park, Dulwich Rd, SE24 (020 7274 3088/ www.brockwelllido.com).

Charlton Lido
Reopened last year following extensive repair work.
Charlton Lido, Shooters Hill Rd, SE18 (020 8856 7180/www.gll.org).

London Fields Lido
Following years of campaigning by the London Field Users Group, the lido reopens in August.
London Fields Lido, off Richmond Rd, E8 (0775 2833 487/londonfield chair@onetel.com).

Parliament Hill Lido
This beautifully restored pool was one of the largest built by the LCC in the late 1930s.
Parliament Hill Lido, Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Rd, NW5 (020 7485 3873).

Tooting Bec Lido
The pool is being modernised with a new foyer, Jacuzzis and saunas planned.
Tooting Bec Lido, Tooting Bec Rd, SW16 (020 8871 7198).