COUNCIL leisure centres will begin a "phased re-opening" later this month, but Ilkley's much loved lido will not open for some time.

New government guidelines issued this week pave the way for the country's pools and gyms to re-open.

Bradford Council says work is underway to make sports centres safe for re-opening, and opening dates will be announced in the near future.

But Ilkley lido, which attracts thousands of swimmers each year, will not open until late August at the earliest.

The Council says it took the opportunity to begin refurbishment works to the facility during lockdown, and these will not finish for several more weeks.

A Council spokesperson said: “Although outdoor pools are able to open from Saturday unfortunately Ilkley Lido will not be opening on this date.

"Due to the on-going situation with Covid-19 we took the decision to continue important repair work on the Lido which is not expected to be complete before the end of August.

"This work will ensure that the Lido is structurally sound and will be available for families to enjoy for many years to come.

“Our staff in our sports centres across the district have been working hard to make them safe for when they are able to re-open and we will be phasing the opening of our sports facilities from the 25th July and will make further announcements in the coming days about this. The health and safety of our customers remains our top priority.”