SALTDEAN Lido is reopening its doors to the public on Monday for the first time this year as lockdown restrictions begin to ease.

The outdoor pool, which has faced an uncertain future over the last 11 years, will be opening its 40-metre heated pool initially on just Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for adult lane swimming and family swimming.

Derek Leaver, from the Lido, said: “We’re delighted that our pool will reopen, helping open water swimmers and families across our region get back into the water.

“It's been a difficult year for us all and swimming is a great way for people to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.”

Saltdean Lido is operating in line with the latest government guidelines and those planning to visit will be required to book and pay online to minimise contact required at the centre and allow for the track and trace process to be followed.

Saltdean Lido is reopening Picture Saltdean Lido

Saltdean Lido is reopening Picture Saltdean Lido

Pool users are also being asked to arrive ‘beach ready’ with their costumes under their clothes.

Mr Leaver added: “We are working closely with Fusion Lifestyle on the reopening programme and look forward to extending our activities throughout the year.”

Fusion Lifestyle is a charity created to promote the benefits of healthy lifestyles and encourage participation in sport and physical activity.

Last month a £1.135 million city council grant was agreedto restore the Art Deco lido building. The pool reopened in 2017 with £3m of community funding after a campaigners secured a lease from the council to operate it.

Anthony Cawley, Director of Operations at Fusion, added: “We are really excited we will be able to start welcoming the local community back to our centres, starting with outdoor activities from March 29.

“We know how much the nation has missed swimming and we’re delighted to be amongst the first to offer these.

“We know how important our leisure facilities are for the health and wellbeing of the local community so we’ll be doing our best to offer the choice of as many outdoor options as we can while we are waiting to open more facilities.”

Bookings can be made up to seven days in advance on the Fusion website.