Swim season extended at Letchworth outdoor pool by three weeks - but not Hitchin.

Swimmers will be able to keep swimming for almost an additional three weeks at Letchworth's outdoor pool, following a petition that showed overwhelming support for extending the season.

However, Hitchin's acclaimed outdoor pool, which is so popular that Harry Styles shot film scenes there last summer will shut three weeks earlier.

During spells of good weather the pool routinely sees long queues form outside along Elmside Walk. NHC say it will open later one evening a week.

In the meantime Hitchin Nub News has asked North Herts Council for an official comment on just why the Letchworth pool has been chosen to be trialled instead of our town's outdoor pool. More news when we have it.

Letchworth and Hitchin pools are owned by North Herts Council and operated by Stevenage Leisure Limited (SLL).

They have decided to open on 28 May with the extension resulting in Letchworth's pool opening until September 30 - rather than the date of September 11 that will apply to Hitchin's pool.

Local campaigner Sue Foster changes NHC policy

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Local campaigner, Sue Foster, presented her petition with over 1370 signatures to North Herts Councillors at a Full Council meeting on 20 January this year, and has worked closely with officers to agree on plans for the 2022 season.

She said: "I'm delighted that Letchworth outdoor pool will be opening for longer this summer so we can have more open-air swimming.

"I want to thank NHC and SLL for listening to us and for taking the time to have discussions on the matter.

"They have suggested some great ideas for various events which I'm sure will be welcomed by the swimming community. I'd also like to thank everyone who signed the petition and took the time to contact me with their ideas.

"It's really important that we swimmers support the extra opening weeks at Letchworth, and the late night at Hitchin, because if it's successful I hope it may lead to both pools opening earlier and longer next season."

Following further meetings with Sue and the Leisure team at North Herts Council the following has been agreed:

Letchworth outdoor pool will remain open for almost three additional weeks on a reduced timetable (open all day Saturday and Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday – Friday: two sessions running on from 07.00-11.00 and 15.30-18.30).

To reduce energy consumption the heating will be turned off on 18 September.

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The water should remain at an ambient temperature so it is comfortable to swim in.

During the last week of extended opening, SLL will look to run an introduction to 'open water' swim sessions.

SLL are also planning a series of events to take place during the season including a family fun day and triathlon events.

The three week extension is being trialled at Letchworth initially this year, with usage being closely monitored so that SLL can evaluate its success.