Outdoor swimming pool in London, owned by the council, prohibits sunbathing and children
‘Fun is strictly NOT allowed!’ Richmond’s historic lido bans sunbathing – and family swimming – so posh locals can swim outside in peace
A council-run outdoor swimming pool in South West London has come under fire after local residents were told sunbathing is no longer allowed in the facility – and that children can’t swim outside – despite the UK currently being in lockdown. basks in sweltering temperatures.
One of several leisure centers under the control of South West London’s Richmond Council, Pools on the Park features a 24-degree heated outdoor pool in spacious surroundings and has been a popular spot for families for over fifty years.
However, the Grade II listed lido, built in 1966, has become increasingly strict, residents say, since the pandemic, with a local claiming she was told this week by a member of staff that family swimming is currently not allowed in the outdoor pool.
Last week, the Twitter account of Pools op het Park announced that it is also not allowed to sit on the lawn around the swimming pool. All swimming appointments must be booked in advance by phone or online, according to the Richmond Council website.
London is currently enjoying a heat wave in June, with temperatures rising to 28C today.
Pools on the Park, in South West London’s Richmond, has stated that sunbathing around the historic Grade II outdoor swimming pool is currently not allowed
A message posted to the Pools on the Park Twitter account on June 9 reads: ‘We would like to remind customers that the outside area remains closed and sunbathing around the outdoor pool is not permitted.’
A second message said ‘access to the outside area will not be available until our core time program has finished’ – although the poster did not clarify when that would be.
MailOnline has contacted Richmond Council for comment.
A local resident, Lydia Boyd, a mother of two, said it is unfair to deter children from using such facilities in a cost-of-living crisis – and a heat wave.
She told MailOnline: ‘This is a crucial provision for children who can’t go on holiday, go to the coast or join an expensive gym. Because it’s a municipal swimming pool, it should be available to all members of the public.’
Heyday: The lido has long been a popular spot for families cooling off in a heatwave – but residents claim they’ve been told family swimming is no longer allowed at the council-run facility
Local mother Lydia Boyd said she was told she was no longer allowed to take her two children to the outdoor pool. She told MailOnline: ‘As a council-run swimming pool it should be available to all members of the public.’
On Twitter, those who read the pool’s post about a sunbathing ban were similarly unimpressed.
One wrote: ‘Any enjoyment or comfort is strictly prohibited @poolsonthepark.’
Another added: ‘Covid is over, drop restrictions now’.
Formerly known as Richmond Baths, the historic swimming center first opened in 1966 and now has Grade II listed status.
According to Zoopla, the average property price in the posh area of South West London was £1,170,908 in the last 12 months. A council tax class D property in the area costs £2,141.21 per month.