A POPULAR outdoor pool in Oxford will reopen from Monday.

The Hinksey Outdoor Pool will open early this year from 29 March, in line with the Government rules.

Work is underway to fix a serious leak that forced the pool out of service last year.

Oxford City Council and leisure partner Fusion Lifestyle are prioritising these to bring back swimming at Hinksey as early as possible.

The work being undertaken will fix a leak of around 35 litres per minute that was discovered last summer just before the pool was due to open.

ALSO READ: When will Oxfordshire's favourite outdoor swimming spots reopen?

It is expected that there will be some Covid-19 safety restrictions when the pool reopens.

The pool will be heated to a lower temperature than usual to reduce the running costs, as restrictions will likely mean a lower income from gate receipts.

The Council and Fusion are aiming to bring Hinksey Outdoor Pool back into use as one of the first leisure facilities to reopen after lockdown.

Leisure centres at Ferry, Barton, Leys, Rose Hill and the ice rink have also been closed in lockdown, and Fusion and the Council are working on plans on how to reopen gym, swim, ice and exercise classes as restrictions begin to ease.

Councillor Linda Smith, cabinet member for parks and leisure, said: "We expect Hinksey outdoor pool to be as popular as ever this year after this winter’s restrictions and the limited holiday options set to be available this summer.

ALSO READ: Attempted break-in at Oxford Post Office

"We started the repair works at Hinksey and prioritised it for opening before the government announced the timetable for the leisure industry being allowed to restart, now outdoor pools can re-open from 29 March and I am delighted we are in a position to welcome swimmers back to Hinksey from that date.

"There will be sessions for families to enjoy a casual swim as well as lane sessions for serious swimmers. 

"We are working hard on bringing other facilities back into use as we’re allowed too, including our indoor gyms, fitness studios, indoor pools and Oxford’s iconic ice rink but it must be done safely and in line with government guidelines."