A Change.Org petition calling on Everyone Active, the new managers of the Hitchin pool, to adopt "fair practices" has received over 850 signatures of support to date.

Jessica Fox, who created the campaign, writes that "stringent rules and prohibitive pricing" have limited access to the pool to the local community.

The petition claims that demands for more affordable and longer sessions have been "ignored" by Everyone Active.

It states – "we aren't asking for preferential treatment — just sensible management that aligns with our community's values of inclusivity and accessibility. We want the Hitchin and Letchworth outdoor pools returned to the status they held before - accessible, affordable, and integral parts of our community".

However, Chris Williams, the area contract manager for Everyone Active, argued in response to the petition that recent changes in how the pool works "enhance inclusivity and fairness for everyone".

"The four-hour bookable time slots allow more members of the community to enjoy the facilities, eliminating long queues where people previously had to wait for hours as others stayed all day. Now, swimmers can secure a guaranteed session without the uncertainty of getting in" explained Mr Williams to Hitchin Nub News.

Everyone Active suggest that customers arrive around ten minutes before the start of their session, however if they require additional time to change they assure them that "the team on site will be able to accommodate this".

Concessionary prices are available to help those who cannot afford to pay the full price for leisure services. For the full criteria, please visit: Leisure centre memberships and concessions | North Herts Council