RESIDENTS can make a splash at Banbury’s open-air pool from today, after a £1.5m refurbishment.

Woodgreen pool had been closed since 2003 but thanks to campaigners it is set to become a major summer amenity.

Mayor Tina Wren will cut the ribbon to officially declare the pool open at 9.30am, and it will be open to swimmers from 10am.

Woodgreen Action Group successfully pressed Banbury town and Cherwell District councils to stump up the cash to save the pool.

And earlier this year contractors moved on to the site and have been working flat out to get the pool open for the summer.

Work done at the pool includes altering the depth levels to 1.8 metres, new tiling, the water circulation system has been upgraded and the overall appearance of the pool area has been improved.

A separate children’s wet play has been created, the existing pool slide flume has been refurbished and a refreshment kiosk opened.

Campaigner Derrick Knight, convenor of the Woodgreen pool user group, said: “It is a great moment for Banbury and a real bonus for the community.

“Cherwell’s councillors should be congratulated that despite the economic gloom and Cherwell’s decision to close the pool in 2002, they eventually bit the bullet and chose to refurbish and reopen the pool in full splendour, committing themselves to its success.

“It would not have happened without the tenacity and support of a large swathe of the local community and the backing of many residents who had grown up with the pool and for whom it was a fond memory of pleasure and well-being. It took us five years but we never thought of giving up.

“When the pool reopens and becomes a habitual rendezvous for swimmers, we hope there will be a place for a strong support group who will hope to organise events and fund raise for special equipment.

“I’m sure that now we have got our sparkling new lido back it will be cherished and fully used.”

Executive member for environment, recreation and health, George Reynolds said: “It’s great to see Woodgreen pool open to the public again.

“The pool holds 1.3 million gallons of water — which adds up to plenty of open air swimming fun for everybody this summer.”

Kieron Mallon, leader of Banbury Town Council, which will contribute £50,000 a year to its running costs, added: “The town council is delighted that this pool is back in action. By working together the town and district councils have made sure that the people of Banbury have got the pool they wanted and deserve.”

The swimming pool was closed because of maintenance and insurance problems.