Residents are being consulted over exciting new plans to extend the use of the ever popular London Fields Lido.

The heated outdoor pool has been much in demand since reopening in 2006, particularly during the summer months.But many of its loyal customers, who last year numbered over 198,000, have commented about the reduced open hours during the darker months.

Now Hackney Council and its partner GLL plan to extend the use of the much loved venue by installing floodlighting around the poolside to allow activities to take place outside daylight hours in autumn and winter.

The floodlighting proposed has been carefully selected so as to minimise potential light pollution. Quieter activities, such as lane swimming and lessons will be programmed for the hours during the operation of the lights.

Residents’ views are important to the Council and immediate neighbours and key users of the pool have been invited to view the proposals and have their say at a meeting in early February.

Representatives from the Council’s project team will be in attendance to explain the background to the floodlighting scheme, outline what the project involves, the timescales and listen to residents’ comments and answer questions.

Residents’ feedback will be taken into account during the project planning process and will influence the eventual planning application.

Two further public exhibition evenings are being planned by the Council for the wider community to attend, where the floodlighting proposals will be on display.

Residents can attend drop-in sessions on Wednesday 19 February, 3pm to 7pm and Thursday 20 February, 4pm to 8pm in London Fields Lido and posters will be displayed around London Fields and in the Lido in due course.

Anyone who is unable to attend the meeting can send their questions / comments by e-mail to: consultation@hackney.gov.uk