Bath & North East Somerset Council has welcomed the news that the Trustees of Cleveland Pools have secured additional funding to assist with the impact Covid-19 has had on the project to restore the pools.

Work on the multi-million-pound restoration of England's oldest outdoor swimming pools has been delayed due to the pandemic, but the Cleveland Pools Trust has been granted £56,300 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund's Emergency Fund to cover additional costs incurred.

Councillor Richard Samuel, cabinet member for Resources, said: "Cleveland Pools are unique, a real jewel in the crown of the historic fabric of Bath. As landowner the council works closely with the Cleveland Pools Trust and is keen to see the lido restored to its former glory. While it's disappointing that work on the project has had to be delayed as a result of Covid-19, I'm delighted the Trust has secured this additional grant which will enable work to continue towards a new start date of next spring."

The Grade II listed Georgian lido, on the banks of the River Avon, was first opened in 1815 and used as swimming baths until 1984. The site was then used for a short time as a trout farm before falling into disrepair.

Two years ago, the Cleveland Pools Trust was awarded £4.7m from the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore the site.

Paul Simons, Chair of the Trust said: "We're immensely grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its continuing support and confidence in the project team in its efforts to move forward and deliver this unique project. Over the coming months we will be working to update our business plan in light of the impacts of Covid-19, alongside completing design work ahead of starting on site. We will be working towards signing a contract with our chosen contractor Beard Construction in February 2021."

Cleveland Pools are scheduled to reopen for swimming in Summer 2022.