Good news - Hitchin Outdoor Pool will open for longer this summer

If you've been enjoying swimming at Hitchin's outdoor pool, there is some good news.

North Herts District Council (NHDC) has agreed to extend the 2021 season at Hitchin Outdoor Pool by 1 week, so instead of closing on Sunday, September 12 as planned, you will now be able to visit until Sunday, September 19.

The facilities were not able to open last year due to coronavirus restrictions, so this news will be particularly welcome.

Hitchin and Letchworth both have outdoor pools operated by Stevenage Leisure Ltd (SLL) under a contract with NHDC.

A spokesperson said: "The decision was made to extend the season at Hitchin Outdoor Pool to trial the extended opening period. If the extension is a success, we will look at extending the season at Letchworth next year.

"Season ticket holders of Letchworth Outdoor Pool will be able to use Hitchin Outdoor Pool for the additional week at no extra cost."

While usage of the pool naturally declines as the weather cools in the autumn – the council felt that it was important to maximise the time that people can enjoy using the facilities.

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Councillor Steve Jarvis, NHDC's Executive Member for Leisure, said: "The extension to the opening season is great news for regular swimmers as well as those who might be keen to try swimming outdoors for the first time.

"Swimming outdoors is so beneficial, not just for physical health but also for mental wellbeing.

"The outdoor pools have been popular this year and we know that many people missed using them last year.

"We have decided to extend the opening period so that we can provide swimmers with more opportunities to use the pool while the weather allows."