When will Brightlingsea Lido reopen?

The popular Brightlingsea Lido was forced to stay shut last year after storm damage and coronavirus hit.

The lido, in Promenade Way, flooded in the wake of Storm Ciara last February.

Waters breached the sea walls in Brightlingsea, leaving offices, changing rooms and the café submerged.

Within hours kind-hearted residents and volunteers had rallied round to help with the clean up and thousands of pounds were raised.

But when coronavirus hit it delayed the reopening of the lido.

Swimmers were allowed to return to outdoor pools this week as lockdown rules relaxed.

The lido has confirmed it hopes to be able to reopen by the end of June.

• Cheryl Holland took these pictures of the flooding in Brightlingsea

In a statement it said: "Unfortunately, the lockdown has further delayed major plant room repairs to the pump and electrical systems.

"While there are still government restrictions in place the capacity to undertake full blown prep work with groups of people has been limited.

"Given the recently announced government roadmap out of Covid restrictions it is anticipated that small work parties will be able to get started on pool cleaning and painting from April 12.

"If this goes as anticipated and there are no further govt enforced delays then trustees are confident that the lido will be open for swimming again from around June 21."

Read more:

• Five fish and chip shops in Essex which are currently on the market
• These are the 50 most common surnames in Essex – is yours on the list?

The lido said there will be online booking system to limit queuing and numbers on site will be limited.

A session system is likely to be followed.

The statement added: "While the operation of the pool will be dependent to some extent upon national developments, we must remember that outdoor swimming is good for the body and mind we want to give people the opportunity to enjoy themselves safely again in the open air."

The lido café has reopened for takeaway drinks, snacks and ice creams.

Brightlingsea Lido, in Promenade Way, opened in 1932 and is the only remaining public lido in Essex.

It was saved from closure in 2018 after Brightlingsea Town Council agreed to take on the lease from Tendring Council.