HALO Leisure has just signed a new 75 year lease with Herefordshire Council, and this secures the long-term future of the Lawnside Leisure Centre, which includes the town's swimming pool.

The centre in Ledbury is run by Halo, on behalf of the authority, and it is one of several run by Halo in Herefordshire.

Councillor Harry Bramer, Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Contracts and Assets, said: “Halo’s commitment to the 75 year lease shows their commitment.

"Halo’s services enable our residents to live safe, healthy and independent lives and have become an integral part of our community, used by families, schools, charities, athletes, sports clubs and more.”

Scott Rolfe, the chief executive officer said: "We have a huge amount of expertise in this arena and are constantly seeking out new ways to reach and engage with more people where we have centres.

“But our success is also the result of the partnership working.”

He added: “We make sure we absolutely understand each locality and the needs of the communities, building bridges with them, and with local charities, health organisations, sports bodies, GP practices and more so we can shape our offering to suit and reach people of all ages and abilities in the most effective way.

“We are, like many leisure providers in the UK today, way more than just a gym or a local pool. We are part of an exciting, ongoing local service and when delivered well reaps huge mutual rewards for the community (who have access to swim lessons, exercise sessions and year round gym, sports and pool facilities as well as a whole series of events) and for the council who see the savings in the areas of health, education and social care which our leisure centres support.”