Council response to concerns

Council responds to concerns raised at our AGM

Thursday 4 December 2025

Emily Arkell, Haringey Cabinet Member For Culture & Leisure, spoke at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 13 October and took away a range of lido users’ questions.

We’ve just received responses from Emily, which we’ll incorporate into formal AGM minutes soon. Meanwhile, especially given the absence of any other updates from Haringey or the centre, we wanted to share what Emily had to say as soon as possible (see below).

There will be huge disappointment among lido regulars to hear that there’s no Christmas Day swim this year, and disbelief that basic issues are still not being acknowledged or tackled, such as the algae on the pool floor and lukewarm showers, or are taking so long, such as the commissioning of the pool covers, building works, or fixes to the booking system.

We continue to push hard for face-to-face meetings with the council and management team so that the views of lido users can be heard.

Until then, here are Emily Arkell’s updates:

Management of the centre

“The past few months have been a very challenging period as most of the senior management team have been absent through sickness or due to other work circumstances. This matter is being addressed and Claire Coyle has returned as the Acting Manager, and we are actively recruiting for further senior management support alongside recruitment for receptionists and swimming teachers.”

Communication

“We will be introducing a monthly briefing to be sent to PRLUG and centre members commencing in December. This will provide an update on all matters relating to the centre including: capital investments, building maintenance, recruitment, the new memberships and programme development.”

Culture change

“We are restructuring the service to strengthen the team and working with Haringey’s Learning and Development team to explore new areas and methods of training. Culture change does take time, but measures are being put in place to improve service quality, including the creation of learning agreements with staff.”

Opening hours

“We are committed to public opening of the lido from 6.30AM in the summer months.”

Memberships

“A new range of memberships are being considered by Cabinet in December and if agreed these will roll out in the period January to March 2026. The Fusion membership that was inherited in October had grown to more than eighty types of membership creating complexity and confusion for both the public and staff.  Further details will be provided in the December briefing.”

Lifeguard shelters

“The centre management is exploring the benefits of new lifeguard shelters which could provide added protection for lifeguards in the winter months. If justifiable purchases will be made.”

Marketing & awareness

“Our Community Engagement and Sales Officer is working with the Haringey Communication Team to develop a number of promotional strands for 2026 and this will include the promotion of the ‘all year round’ heated lido.”

Sauna

“There are no plans to introduce an outdoor sauna at present, but we recognise this is an attractive proposal. A new indoor sauna will be in place in December 2025.”

Pool covers

“Forge Leisure were scheduled to attend on Thursday, 6th November to complete the work. Unfortunately, they were called to an emergency that morning and had to reschedule. Forge confirmed earlier this week that works will take place on the 17th December. Stakeholders and members will be informed about this date and sessions will be removed from the app/website on this date so they can’t be booked. Hopefully, this will be the last time they need to come out and will be functional from then.”

Vision for the lido

“The vision for the lido can be further developed in the coming year in consultation with PRLUG, other users of the lido and the leisure centre and the local community.

“Investment has been made in the lido in 2025 which has included repairs to the lido surrounds, new pool ladders and new pool covers. Also, improvements have been undertaken to the lido showers and the associated drainage. Back-room plant has also been replaced and a new pool vacuum purchased to remove algae. The vac is being used three to four times a week and for additional time if there is a build up of algae.

“Alongside the lido, other refurbishments and improvements are being made at the site including the sauna and the complete modernisation and expansion of the gym areas early in 2026.”

Additional disabled parking bays

“There are no plans at present to increase the number of disabled parking bays. The overall number of parking bays is small for the site.”

The disabled shower by the lido is working and has a Radar lock but other non-disabled people are using it. Can this be fixed/stopped?

“Yes — we will place a notice on the facility to ensure this is only used by customers who have a disability and advise staff to monitor this issue more closely.”

Can we have a clock at the lido?

“Yes, a temporary clock has been installed outside. The replacement that was ordered is a pace clock, which is typically used in swimming pools for training and only functions as a continuous 60-second timer. A request has been submitted for a standard clock that shows the actual time and this request is currently awaiting action from Corporate Landlord.”

Can we make sure the litter bins are not overflowing and emptied before they start to become full?

“The frequency of emptying the bins will be reviewed to ensure this does not continue.”

Can we post the temperature of the lido on the council website or social media please?

“This may not be practical because the lido temperature can vary rapidly due to external weather conditions. The new pool cover will reduce this variability. However, we will explore what we can publish ensuring it is accurate.”

Can we have more bike racks outside the entrance to the centre?

“We will explore the cost of additional bike racks, but it should be noted that expenditure of £1000 or more will need the approval of a Spending Control Panel. The SCP considers the corporate financial position before approving purchases over £1000.”

Can the water temperature for the showers at the lido (currently tepid) be increased?

“We can explore if this is possible with the council’s Facilities Management team.”

Christmas day swim

“Unfortunately, we won’t be able to open the lido for a Christmas day swim as this can only be run on the goodwill of people willing to work on Christmas Day and understandably staff would like to have a break this year.”