Historical lido plans to reopen for Christmas dip

A historical lido in East Sussex says it hopes to reopen in time for a Christmas Day swim after repair works.

Saltdean Lido, in Brighton, closed in November for work to rectify an underground leak, coming just months after an £11m revamp of the building.

Owners say pipework replacement has gone well and that work to refill the pool has started.

They added contractors had been "braving the wind and rain to keep everything on track" at the 1930s venue.

With a planned opening date of 20 December, a spokesperson said: "Everyone's feeling confident, so the Christmas Day swim is on."

Derek Leaver, chair of Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company, said wiring on underwater lights had been replaced at the same time.

New pool covers had also arrived too which would keep heat in and save on heating costs at the only Grade II* listed coastal lido in the country.

Mr Leaver said it was important people continued to visit the lido and added that repair work was something they "could have done without".

"We're spending money and not earning money, " he said, encouraging people to continue to come for breakfast, yoga classes and events at the lido to support the not-for-profit company.

The lido has hosted Dogtember fundraising events since 2017, opening up the pool to dogs and owners.

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