Makeover for lido – or is it just electioneering?

An historic lido and athletics track in South London could be getting a £2.5 million investment, says a Conservative campaigner.

Tom Mytton is running as the Tory candidate for the Bedford ward by-election this month in Tooting Bec. It comes after Cllr Hannah Stanislaus’s resignation.

Mr Mytton said more than £2.5 million will be invested by the council in the two centres, on top of the £867,000 already invested.

About £2,085,000 will be invested in the lido, pictured, and £527,000 to install a new track surface at Tooting Bec’s athletics track, claims Mr Mytton.

But Tory-led Wandsworth council has refused to back up his claims.

And the Labour candidate for the by-election, Sheila Boswell, has slammed his claims as “electioneering”.

She said: “The voters will see this announcement during the ward by-election for what it is – blatant electioneering.”

Tom Mytton said on Twitter: “‘I’m absolutely delighted after working with the council that we’ve secured over two-and-a-half million pounds worth of investment in two of our fantastic local leisure centres, the lido itself and also for Tooting Bec’s athletics track as well.”

A spokesman for the council said: “We are not commenting on what Tom Mytton is saying – but can confirm the council remains fully committed to the future safeguarding and longevity of both the lido and the athletics track.”

The by-election will take place on Thursday. The candidates are Sheila Boswell (Labour), Thomas Mytton (Conservatives), Paul Tibbles (Liberal Democrats) and Roy Vickery (Green Party).