A SWIMMING pool in Oxfordshire is just weeks away from finally reopening, after plans to keep it shut sparked uproar from residents.

After weeks of negotiations between people in Abingdon and the Vale of White Horse District Council, it was announced that the popular Abbey Meadow outdoor pool will welcome swimmers again from Monday, July 12.

Campaigners, who launched the Abbey Meadows Consultation Discussion group on Facebook last month after the council confirmed plans to keep the facility shut, agreed that this was a 'good first step' but pointed out that many were hoping for much sooner that middle of next month.

Earlier this month the local authority said that the pool is 'one of the casualties of Covid-19' as to keep it running, even in the best of summers, it has to be heavily subsidised, which is a significant financial challenge for leisure contractor Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL).

Vale of White Horse made the contractor a financial offer to support them through this difficult period, however, it is unclear whether this is why Abbey Meadows is reopening.

Emily Smith, leader of the district council, said: "We promised we would do everything we could to get the pool opened as soon as possible, as we know how popular it is with families, particularly over the summer.

"I am so pleased that we have been able to pull out all the stops to achieve this ahead of the schools breaking for the summer.

"We are really looking forward to seeing everyone who was keen to see the pool open down at Abbey Meadow in the sunshine very soon."

The facility will remain open throughout the school holidays until early September, and it will run with a reduced capacity while Government Covid-19 restrictions remain in place.

A one-way route will also be in place in the changing rooms.

Following the Government's recent announcement to delay the latest stage of their roadmap, the splash pad at Abbey Meadow will reopen shortly after the pool from July 19.

However, campaigners, who have been pushing the council to reopen Abbey Meadows, also argued that it will be 'even more damaging in terms of reputation' for the Vale and GLL should the pool open for only limited sessions every day.

They highlighted that longer opening hours are crucial to relieve the frustration in Abingdon regarding the ongoing delays for the pool opening, with swimming sessions starting from 6.30am until 9pm to make use of the facility while it is actually open.