ABINGDON’S outdoor pool is set to reopen in the next couple of weeks.

Abbey Meadow pool, which is owned by the Vale of White Horse District Council, will open again on July 25 for six weeks.

It comes after the council agreed a financial package with GLL, the company it employs to run the pool, setting out the summer holiday opening schedule which will run until 2026.

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In the past, residents have campaigned to see the lido back to its former glory as the council had revealed that reopening posed a “significant financial challenge”.

The council said the outdoor pool would be very costly to run as heating costs were expected to be around £107,000, compared to £47,000 in previous seasons.

In May, the council agreed the deal to ensures the pool can open when it’s most needed, even though running costs like oil to heat the pool have more than doubled.

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A Vale of White Horse District Council spokeswoman said: “The team at GLL, which manages our leisure services, is busy preparing Abbey Meadow outdoor pool ready to open for the school summer holidays.

“It takes a few weeks to get everything ready including any maintenance that is required, cleaning and filling the pool and training staff.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the early morning swimmers and families enjoying this popular facility.”

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi