CALLS have been made for Droitwich Lido to be open for longer during the summer months so Spatans can cool off and escape the hot weather.
They have been made by a resident who contacted The Standard after seeing queues outside the pool this morning (Tuesday) and finding out it did not open until 12.30pm.
He said: “I noticed crowds of people milling about near the entrance to the pool obviously expecting to have a swim on the hottest day of the year.
“When I asked why they were waiting I was informed people naturally expected this town facility to be open but apparently it doesn’t open until 12.30pm – what summer madness is this?
“Presumably if you are a young mum or retired person who does not want to join in the huge crowds during the school holidays Wychavon Leisure cannot be bothered to cater for your needs.
“We deserve better than to be second rate compared to Evesham and Pershore.”
Currently, the time is considered ‘low season’, up until July 10 and the pool is open from 12.30pm to 6.30pm on Monday, 12.30pm to 7.30pm Tuesday to Friday and 10.30am to 6.30pm Saturday and Sunday.
After that, from July 11, it becomes ‘high season’ and the Lido is open from 10.30am to 6.30pm Monday, Saturday and Sunday and between 10.30am and 7.30pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. That lasts until September 6.
There are also early bird morning swims from 7am to 9am daily for the whole season.
A spokesperson for Wychavon Leisure said the high season timetable began in keeping with the schools breaking up, and added the Lido was already open an extra hour at the end of the day, compared with last year, to cope with the increasing demand.
The Standard looked at the opening times of another Midlands lido – the Sandsford Parks Lido in Cheltenham.
That is open for ‘early bird’ swims from 6.30am to 9am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 8am to 9.30am on Sundays.
The usual opening times for the main pool after that are from 11am to 7.30pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and from 9.30am to 7.30pm on Tuesday and Thursday.
* What do you think? Is the Lido open for long enough at the moment? Maybe you think the high season should start earlier? Or maybe you think it is fine how it is? Send us your views to: [email protected]
