'Northampton deserves a lido': MP launches petition to bring outdoor swimming pool to 'biggest town in country without one'
A town MP is calling on the Government to ‘look seriously at bringing a lido to Northampton’.
Mike Reader, Labour MP for Northampton South, launched his petition in the hope of giving residents an ‘accessible, affordable outdoor leisure option’ in Northampton.
Mr Reader said: “I've started a petition calling on Government to look seriously at bringing a lido to Northampton.
"We're one of the biggest towns in the country without one, and it's time that changed. I want Government to assess our case properly and I need your name on this to help make that case. Sign it, and share with anyone else who'd back it.”
The Midsummer Meadow lido in Northampton closed in 1983, having been open since 1903.
It was subsequently emptied and demolished before becoming a council-owned car park.
The nearest lidos to Northampton are Woburn, Banbury and Peterborough – all offering residents all year round open air swim sessions.
Mr Reader said: “For generations, towns and cities across the country have enjoyed outdoor swimming pools that bring communities together, support healthy, active lifestyles, and give families an affordable place to spend time outdoors in the summer months. Northampton has no such place, and it's time that changed.
“A lido would give residents an accessible, affordable outdoor leisure option right here in Northampton, rather than having to travel elsewhere. ”It would support public health by encouraging swimming and outdoor exercise for people of all ages and backgrounds. It would provide a boost to the local economy, drawing visitors into the town centre and supporting local businesses, cafes and shops.
"And it would create a genuine community landmark, somewhere for families, friends and clubs to gather, just as lidos have done in towns across the UK for over a century.”
The petition calls for the Government to assess the feasibility of a new lido for Northampton, including potential sites, funding options and delivery partners.
Mr Reader added: £A dedicated Government funding contribution, like schemes that have supported leisure and swimming facilities elsewhere in the country, would give this project the best chance of getting off the ground.
£If you want a lido in Northampton, sign the petition and help me make the case to Government."