Three pools planned in east London to capitalise on demand for open-air swimming

A heated lido in a historic park is one of three outdoor swimming pools being planned in east London.

Redbridge council has vowed to have a 25-metre pool open in Valentine’s Park in Ilford by August next year.

Waltham Forest council is planning a lido on a sports field in Leyton, while Hackney council wants to create a beginner’s pool at a “wild swimming” reservoir in Stoke Newington.

The ventures are being planned amid a surge in popularity for outdoor swimming in recent years.