Campaign launched to bring back Northampton lido
Mike Reader, the Labour MP for Northampton South has started a petition
A campaign is underway to bring a new lido to Northampton.
Mike Reader, the Labour MP for Northampton South, launched a petition and has called for funding to bring back outdoor pools to towns across the country.
Northampton's lido at Midsummer Meadow closed in the early 1980s and the site was later turned into a car park.
Speaking of the campaign, Reader said: "Lidos shouldn't be resigned to nostalgia, they're good for our health, our high streets and our community spirit.
"That's why I'm backing calls for a National Lido Fund so more towns, including ours, can bring their outdoor pools back to life."
He added: "There's a resurgence in people wanting to swimming outdoors, it's good for people physical and mental health.
"Northampton is one of the larger towns in the UK which currently does not have a lido."
In recent years, government funding has focused on indoor swimming pools with spending allocated to improve energy efficiency and running costs.