In pictures - Banbury's open air pool sees capacity crowd as heat soars

The mini-heatwave brought out the bathers this week and Banbury's Open Air Pool has enjoyed its biggest crowds of the year.
Banbury Open Air Pool on the hottest day of the year. NNL-160719-170524009Banbury Open Air Pool on the hottest day of the year. NNL-160719-170524009
Banbury Open Air Pool on the hottest day of the year. NNL-160719-170524009

The large pool was full to capacity today (Tuesday) - the hottest day of 2016. At one point queues to get into the swimming pool car park stretched around the block at Poolside Close, Park Road.

The pool launches its summer timetable on Saturday (July 23) giving people the opportunity to enjoy alfresco swimming seven days a week.

The heated 50-metre pool at Woodgreen Leisure Centre will open its doors for daily morning swim sessions from 10am – 1pm and afternoon sessions from 2pm – 5pm, with the option for people to purchase an all-day swimming pass.

Banbury Open Air Pool attracted a capacity crowd today (Tuesday)Banbury Open Air Pool attracted a capacity crowd today (Tuesday)
Banbury Open Air Pool attracted a capacity crowd today (Tuesday)

The public sessions will run alongside early bird and adult lane sessions which will take place at set times throughout the week.

Cllr George Reynolds, Cherwell District Council’s deputy leader, said: “The pool remains one of the most popular facilities in Banbury and we know it will prove a popular resource for parents and children over the school holidays.

“The pool is a great place for people of all ages to come together to enjoy alfresco swimming, fun on the flume or relaxation in the sunshine.

“With the six week school holidays coinciding with the summer timetable we are looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors over the coming summer season.”

Banbury Open Air Pool provided a refreshing dip for 470 bathers on TuesdayBanbury Open Air Pool provided a refreshing dip for 470 bathers on Tuesday
Banbury Open Air Pool provided a refreshing dip for 470 bathers on Tuesday

The pool opened for the 2016 season at the end of May with its spring timetable offering public swims weekday afternoons and at the weekend.In addition to the heated Olympic sized pool there is a flume, interactive aqua splash zone for toddlers and a snack bar serving hot food throughout the day.

Woodgreen Open Air Pool is operated by Legacy Leisure on behalf of Cherwell District Council and receives annual contributions from Banbury Town Council towards the running costs.

Entry for a morning or afternoon session will cost £4 - adult, £2.65 - child or senior citizen or £12.65 for a family ticket for two adults and three children.

For all day entry, admission costs £7.80 adult, £4.75 - child or senior citizen and £24.25 - family. For more information on opening times or costs visit www.leisurecentre.com/woodgreen-leisure-centre or call 01295 262742.