Chipping Norton Lido set for opening next week despite being hit with a burglary

Thames Valley Police are investigating the burglary of a property in Fox Close, Chipping Norton earlier this week. The offender(s) stole two laptop computers during the burglary.

The burglary occurred during the overnight hours between Monday April 5 and Tuesday April 6.

An investigation is ongoing by police.

Anyone with information can contact Thames Valley Police by calling 101 or making a report online quoting reference 43210143408.

The burglary originally looked like it might cause a delay to The Lido's opening next week.

Here is what the Chipping Norton Lido posted on social media after the incident: "We are very sad to report that The Lido’s office was burgled overnight. While there is never a good time to be a victim of crime, this is the worst because today we planned to announce our opening date and the launch of the new booking system. However, as vital hardware has been taken, we have had to pause bookings until we can source replacements.

"The system went live at midnight, so if you have already booked a ticket, please wait to be contacted by us to reschedule or be refunded if necessary. We still hope to be able to open on Sunday 11th April but we ask you to bear with us while we deal with the fallout – clearing up and working out how best to handle bookings."

The Lido has confirmed they will be opening as planned next week.

A follow post on The Lido's Twitter said: "After yesterday's bad news, we are delighted to announce that we open, as planned, on Sun 11 April!

"Raising hands for a huge thanks to our manager, Liz, for heading up the work to clear up and ensure there was no damage to the pool."

The Lido has two fully-heated outdoor pools: a 25m swimming pool and a toddlers’ paddling pool. It also has a café and a large, tree-lined lawn.

Booking is now live using the following web link: https://chippylido.co.uk/about-chippy-lido/your-visit-at-chippy-lido/All sessions are timed and must be pre-booked. People will not be able just to turn up and swim.

Sessions will remain open until 30 mins before they start, as long as there is space.

Capacity of each session is detailed on the booking page.

Masks must be worn while queueing, entering and leaving The Lido (unless you are exempt). You will be admitted up to five minutes before your session and may swim for the entire length of the session.

People are encouraged to arrive ‘beach-ready’ and showered, as no changing rooms or showers are available at this time. At the end of your swim you should leave within five minutes of the end of your session time. There will be breaks between sessions to allow for cleaning and for customers to enter and leave the facility safely. You will not be able to book consecutive sessions and stay on site.

If you can’t book online, call or email them with your requirements.

The Lido has been run by local people as a charity since 2004.

For more information including you can contact the Chipping Norton Lido by phone here 01608 643188 or email here: [email protected].