Pools on the Park is not opening today despite encouragement from the government that it is safe to do so.

The council-run gym and swimming pool in Richmond said it will not be reopening on Saturday, July 11.

In a statement, Richmond Council welcomed the government announcement but suggested it came at too short notice to reopen facilities this weekend.

"The safety of staff and customers is paramount and facilities will open in a planned and measured approach but only when safe to do so and in accordance with recent government and industry guidance," it said.

"To ensure that all of our facilities can meet the social distancing guidelines, measures are being put in place at all of our facilities including limiting numbers in all activity areas, advance booking and queuing systems and increased cleaning.

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"The summer season at the outdoor pool at Pools on the Park usually runs from Easter through to the end of September and with it being a complex operation, it takes some time to get ready for opening.

"The timing of this announcement means that it is not possible for the outdoor pool at Pools on the Park to re-open on 11 July 2020. The outdoor grounds will remain closed.

"Please bear with us while we finalise these arrangements and further announcements will be made in due course when we can confirm dates for re-opening – we look forward to welcoming all of our users back soon."

Wandsworth's Tooting Bec Lido is not opening this weekend either.

A statement released by Tooting Bec Lido also raised an issue with the government's timing, saying "the lack of prior notice to the change in approach meant it was not possible to reopen the pool this weekend."

It added: "The summer season at Tooting Bec Lido usually runs from the end of May to the beginning of October and with it being a complex operation, it takes some time to get ready for opening.

"The safety of staff and customers is paramount and facilities will open in a planned and measured approach but only when safe to do so and in accordance with recent Government and industry guidance.

"Please bear with us while we finalise arrangements and further announcements will be made in due course."

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