CHARLTON’s £2m revamped lido is being controversially renamed Royal Greenwich Lido to "celebrate the borough’s heritage", managers say.

The move – which is taking place without a public consultation – has been slammed by a group of Labour councillors.

Charlton Lido’s managers GLL say the recent refurbishment of the facilities was an "ideal" time to commemorate its place within Greenwich borough.

A GLL spokeswoman says the new name would be "Royal Greenwich Lido, Charlton' but signs- including one on Ha-Ha Road - have already sprung up pointing to Royal Greenwich Lido.

Speaking in a personal capacity, Charlton Central Residents Association’s secretary Liz Somervile said: "I think people living in Charlton are quite proud of the name and need to have it known for really good things.

"And when people talk about Royal Greenwich, they usually mean Greenwich town centre, not the surrounding areas."

"Personally, I think it is in a Charlton location and Charlton needs to be known for good things. So I think it is important that it keeps Charlton in the name somewhere."

The outdoor pool facilities are now set to shut over winter after facing financial problems from a lack of membership.

On Twitter, Labour council candidates for Kidbrooke and Hornfair Hayley Fletcher, David Stanley and Norman Adams, posted: "KwithH Councillors oppose the closure of the Charlton Lido and the name change to Royal Greenwich Lido."

Labour MP for Eltham Clive Efford says the lack of consultation over the name was a "shame" but praised the new facilities which will include an indoor gym and exercise studio for its spring reopening.

News Shopper: Told off: Clive Efford

He said: "I think it is a shame that the decision is taken without including local people but this shouldn’t detract from the fantastic facilities that are going to be there.

"Greenwich Council has made a huge improvement to the facilities at the park and it will be a terrific sports hub for the local community."

A GLL spokeswoman said: "As part of the re-opening and expansion of the lido facilities this year, we felt it was the ideal time to celebrate the heritage of the Royal Borough and the lido's place within it.

"We hope that ‘The Royal Greenwich Lido, Charlton’ is a name that local people can be proud of and that it will also encourage those living further afield to come and visit it."