DROITWICH Lido is set to reopen earlier than expected having received financial support from Wychavon District Council.

The popular outdoor pool will welcome back a limited number of swimmers from Saturday (May 1) with staff currently putting the final touches to measures to make the facility Covid secure.

Wychavon has guaranteed financial support to Droitwich Lido to reduce the risk of operating at reduced capacity because of social distancing restrictions, meaning Wychavon Leisure, which runs the lido on behalf of the council, can safely open the pool four weeks earlier than usual.

Safety measures in place include online pre-booking and payment, coming beach ready and only using showers for the minimum amount of time needed.

Entry costs £7 per adult and £5 per child for a two-hour swim session. Daytime family and early bird sessions will be available.

A statement from Wychavon District Council read: "It is hoped swim parties will be available after June 21 when legal restrictions on social contact are set to end as part of the government's lockdown easing road map."

Jayne Pickering, deputy chief executive for Wychavon District Council, said: "I'm delighted Droitwich Lido is able to open earlier than usual this year and allow people to once again enjoy the benefits of outdoor swimming.

"We know how much the lido means to people and the benefits it brings to Droitwich which is why we are committed to supporting it through this pandemic."

Lido manager Seb Parker said: "We are unbelievably excited to get the lido back open again after another tough start to the year. We open on 1 May, thanks to the support given by Wychavon District Council and the local communities around us, like Friends of Droitwich Spa Lido."

Visit www.riversfitness.co.uk/droitwich-spa-lido to book a session