‘Yes please’ say readers to Northampton blogger’s idea to reinstate the town’s lido

A local blogger who would love to see a lido open in the town has received lots of messages of support on social media.

Emma Jones, who lives in Spinney Hill and blogs about all things Northampton and travel, is fed up with not having any outdoor swimming facilities in the county.

The mum-of-two wanted to know how many other local people were feeling the same and how many would support the opening of an outdoor pool similar to Midsummer Meadow lido, which closed for good in the 1980s.

After the Chronicle & Echo posted about Emma’s idea on Saturday (August 22), hundreds of people have left comments of support on social media.

One reader said: “I think it would be a fantastic idea.

“We need to reinstate the kind of fun that kids used to have. My kids would absolutely love it.”

Another added: “I think it would be a great idea as long as it’s managed properly.”

Another commenter said: “It should never have gone in the first place. Everyone would benefit from an outdoor pool again so YES PLEASE.”

The idea did raise concerns among some people about the high levels of Covid-19 cases in the town, however as one reader pointed out, it is merely an idea at this stage.

She said: “Brilliant idea! And to those mentioning we're a Covid hotspot etc... I don't think they're suggesting they build and open it in the next couple of weeks.”

For many people, the mention of Midsummer Meadow brought back a lot of happy memories, which they were keen to share.

One reader said: “Midsummer Meadow outdoor swimming pool was one of my favourite places in Northampton in the 50’s and 60’s.”

Another added: “Only if they reinstate the concreted gravel around the edges. Painful to walk on and guaranteed to take the skin off any limb it came into contact with.

“But seriously, it would be great.”

Other readers were also quick to suggest other places across the town where an outdoor pool could be facilitated, including Abington Park and the disused Greyfriarers bus station.

One reader said: “Yes definitely I’ve always said they should put one in Abington park as it’s big enough and maybe a beach too.”

Another added: “Fantastic idea - fed up of traveling to Milton Keynes for a day out like this.

“Delapre, Sixfields, Midsummer Meadow or Abington park would all be good places. “Even a splash park like the embankment would be good.”

Some people brought up issues from the old lido and also Daventry’s outdoor pool that shut in 2006, which would need to be addressed, including the heating of the pool as well schedules for swimming times needing to be flexible.

But the overall majority of people who commented were positive about the idea and keen to support it, with one even saying: “Where’s the petition - I will sign it and get it shared.”

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