A £5million refurbished outdoor public pool is set to close today just six weeks after it reopened.

Northcroft Lido in Newbury opened in August with nearly 15,000 vistors despite a curtailed calendar.

However a spokesman for the pool has confirmed it will shut today despite the heatwave projected for October with highs of up to 22c. 

They said it "wasn't feasible" to keep the popular attraction open which is why it would shut at the end of September as planned and remain closed until April. 

The popular Berkshire-based water facility experienced a total transformation and hosted a free session for local residents on Monday, August 21. New features include a 50m Olympic-length pool, colourful beach huts, slides, a splash pad and a relaxing decking area to provide a seaside ambiance.

West Berkshire Council leader, Lee Dillon, and councillor Janine Lewis led the grand opening attended by the public.

Despite receiving positive feedback and calls for a season extension due to an impending October heatwave, Lido's management decided to close the facility.

A spokesperson for Northcroft Lido expressed delight at the public's enthusiasm for the revamped Lido.

Citizens have generously commented on their impressive swimming sessions.

"Since opening, we have seen a fantastic 14,997 visitors making a splash across our family, lane and SEND swimming sessions," the spokesperson remarked.

They emphasized that while the Lido's popularity warranted requests to prolong the season until October's end, it was not feasible this year due to the upcoming off-season work.

He added, "The cold English weather sadly doesn't typically draw a big crowd to an outdoor pool during colder months, which unfortunately makes it unfeasible to keep the pool open given the economic and environmental impacts." This is on top of the restrictions imposed by the Environment Agency Licence on the amount of water that can be drawn from the well.

These factors led to the decision to conclude the pool season in September.

Outdoor swimming enthusiasts Rachel Tree and Sonja Whatson-Kabirschke expressed their disappointment at the Lido's early closure.

Rachel mentioned it was unfortunate as she could now only visit her next nearest pool in High Wycombe.

Sonja regretted the lack of extended lane swimming which she felt could promote healthier lifestyles.

The Lido representative concluded on a positive note, saying: "We can’t wait to open for our first full season in April 2024!" With its enhanced layout, the Northcroft Lido promises to offer locals and tourists alike an improved and enjoyable swimming experience, come April 2024, signaling the potential upliftment of a cherished British outdoor swimming tradition.