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Chipping Norton Lido has had its annual spruce-up
before opening on 17th April. The pool is cleaned by an
army of wellie and rubber glove clad local volunteers
who ensure the pool is clean and healthy ready for
summer. Fortified by coffee, tea and loads of cake, the
army of volunteers have ensured the pool is all set for
the arrival (we hope) of the good weather.
Last year the lido was named by the Telegraph as
one of the best 30 outdoor pools in the UK and it has
been a popular summer venue in the town since it
was built in 1970. The pool itself was constructed with
money raised by campaigners in Chipping Norton
and handed to the Town Council upon opening. West
Oxfordshire Town Council took over the running of
the pool in 1974 and the town’s leisure centre in 2002,
plans were made to knock down the lido. However,
local support was so strong that the pool stayed open
and is now run by a management committee who
raise money every year to keep it open.
The lido opens this year on 17th April. To find
out costs and times of swim sessions, go to
As planned, Chipping Norton Police has moved out of their old location
and now has a reception at the Guildhall instead. The historic old police
station needs a new use if it is to be saved and the ideas have already
started rolling in. The move was part of the force’s Asset Management
Programme, which is hoped to save £829,000. Police announced plans
to sell the Victorian station in London Road and a meeting was called
recently to put forward ideas of how best to use the building.
Suggestions so far include a museum, storage of salt for the roads,
a community area, a café or a crèche. It was also suggested the car
parking spaces could be leased out to local businesses. The meeting
was primarily called as the council have expressed an interest in
buying the building, but is not yet sure how it would best be used.
Meanwhile Charlbury Police Office has also closed as part of the
same scheme. The office has been based at the Spendlove Centre in
Enstone Road for 10 years and has mostly been staffed by volunteers.
It was open Monday and Friday as well as one Saturday a month.
However, the rent cost the force £14k a year and so the decision was
made to leave the premises when the current lease ran out at the end
of March. A counter service at Corner House will replace the office and
will be open every Monday between noon and 3pm.
Lido gets its annual
clean-up
Ideas for old Police Station start rolling in
