London Field’s lido is to re-open later this year. Pic: (Flickr)

London Fields lido’s reopening has been delayed after repair work hit a snag earlier this week.

The lido is popular year-round with Hackney residents, offering swimming lessons, fitness sessions, a café, sundeck and sunbathing area.

The pool closed last April to replace cracked tiles, which began to come away from the outdoor pool, leading the council to install temporary barriers to protect swimmers.

The project includes the renovation of the changing rooms and reception area.

The repairs, first announced in November, were initially due to be finished by the start of summer, but that has now changed to late summer.

Community services boss Councillor Jon Burke visited the pool last Thursday [June 1] to check on the progress.

Burke told the Hackney Gazette: “The works are progressing well. The pool tank tiles have been removed and work is underway to expose the pool slab before the re-tiling can start.

“This work has been slightly delayed by difficulties removing the material beneath the tiles.

“Additional workers have been brought in to complete the work to ensure the programme remains as close to schedule as possible.”

He continued: “A canopy has been built over the pool so work can continue in the event of rain. To prepare for the construction of the new reception area and changing rooms, various walls and ceilings have been taken down and the floor slab is being dug out for new drainage.

“The original slab was constructed to a higher specification than anticipated and, as a result, diamond-tipped cutting equipment and a specialist excavator are being used to finish the job.

“Obviously, unforeseen challenges are an inherent part of the construction process but, where they have been encountered, are being dealt with in a timely fashion to remain as close as possible to our target of a later summer re-opening.”