MP pressing ministers after frustration over reopening of Hathersage lido

The MP for the Derbyshire Dales has said she is ‘pressing’ ministers to look at the reopening of outdoor facilities – after the boss of Hathersage lido voiced his frustration that the attraction could not restart from July 4.
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As reported yesterday, Michael Wellington, manager of the pool, questioned why the 80-year-old lido couldn’t reopen when many other sectors of the economy can.

He said: “It doesn’t make any sense that you can go to a theme park, you can go to the pub, you can go to the beach – but you can’t go for a swim in an open-air swimming pool which is supervised.

Manager Michael Wellington at Hathersage lido. Pictures and video by Chris Etchells.Manager Michael Wellington at Hathersage lido. Pictures and video by Chris Etchells.
Manager Michael Wellington at Hathersage lido. Pictures and video by Chris Etchells.
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“The Government isn’t giving us any answers on when we can finally reopen.”

Sarah Dines, Conservative MP for the Derbyshire Dales, said: “I am looking forward to the pool reopening.

“I realise it is a much-loved and much-used amenity.

“Government are currently looking at the safety for pools and gyms in general, especially outdoor pools.

“I have been pressing ministers to look at all our outdoor facilities in the Derbyshire Dales, especially our outdoor pool and cricket grounds.

“I hope to visit the pool in the next few days,” she added.

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Earlier this week, Olympic champion Adam Peaty said the Government’s decision not to reopen swimming pools could affect people’s mental and physical health.

He told the BBC: “People will talk about how much the pubs bring in [to the economy] in terms of tax, but you also have to think about the health benefits that swimming provides.”

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