Users of Hitchin pool will have to make sure they turn up to booked sessions to avoid a £4 "no show" charge as part of a new policy coming into effect from Monday 21^st of October.

Leisure operator Everyone Active agreed a new ten-year partnership with North Herts Council back in April.

In September it was announced that a gym upgrade project, worth more than £400,000, would be unveiled at Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre before Christmas, more than six months ahead of schedule.

In communications sent out to all members the leisure operator explained that: "whilst most of our members, when unable to attend a booked activity cancel in good time to allow others to book, others do not, preventing other members attending. In order to maximise spaces for our members we impose a £4 'no show' charge".

Following Everyone Active's takeover they introduced a new booking system to regulate use of the popular pool with limited spaces for lane swimming across hour long slots.

Hitchin has two indoor swimming pools – a 25m main pool and a smaller teaching pool.

Everyone Active's website boasts of its "award-winning swim lessons" and Team Trident, Hitchin's multi-sport club, use the pool twice a week all year round.

The "no show" charges are automatically generated overnight and are applied for the following reasons:

• If you do not attend a booked session.
• If you do not give 4 hours notice of cancelling a booked session.
• If you do not scan your digital/EA card at the turnstile to register your attendance.

The charges are not unique to Hitchin and have been rolled out across other Everyone Active's pools in England.

When the charges were introduced in Mid Suffolk back in June there were some complaints as to the complexity of booking swims as well as issues around the entry system.

For queries about the new scheme Everyone Active recommend contacting them via the details in this link.

In a statement to Hitchin Nub News Chris Williams, Everyone Active Area Contract Manager, said:

"We have implemented no-show charges for lane swimming at Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre, in line with company policy across all 230 sites nationwide. Lane swimming is consistently in high demand, and this measure aims to ensure fair access for all. The £4 fee applies to those who fail to attend or cancel their lane swimming booking within 4 hours of the start time. The primary goal is to maximise availability for all swimmers, ensuring fair access and encouraging responsible use of our lane swimming facilities."