Hitchin: 'Disgusting' changing rooms at swimming pool

It comes just days after concerns were raised about the "very visible scum line" at North Herts Leisure Centre's swimming pool in Letchworth.

Both centres are managed by leisure operator Everyone Active.

Jane Woods, a customer at Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre, said: "The floor [of the changing room] is absolutely disgusting.

"[On multiple occasions], the changing room floors were wet with mud, hair and leaves."

The floor of the changing room at Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre. (Image: Jane Woods) She said she has reported the issue several times to Everyone Active staff, but nothing has been done.

"We are weeks into this, and still no response from anyone - no apology for the disgusting state of the changing rooms, and no communication on how and when this will be resolved," Jane said.

Hair collected around the drain. (Image: Jane Woods) "Surely we deserve better than this. If this is the standard we are to accept, what is the water quality we are swimming in like?

"It's totally unacceptable."

Hair collected around the drain, and what appears to be a spot of blood on the floor. (Image: Jane Woods)

Paul Francis, general manager at Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre, told the Comet: "Customer satisfaction at our leisure centre is extremely important to us, and we sincerely apologise for concerns raised about the changing room's cleanliness.

"While the changing rooms are cleaned multiple times daily, we've implemented additional deep cleaning procedures for the floor and drainage systems.

"The original flooring, which needed replacement, was changed in the summer. However, the current floor doesn't meet our standards and is unsuitable for this high-traffic area.

"This is being addressed in the new year as part of a complete refurbishment of the changing rooms, following Hitchin's gym renovation in December.

"We apologise for falling short of customer expectations and will continue to improve the cleanliness of the centre."

Photos of the state of the changing room were taken on different days. (Image: Jane Woods)

Last week, the Comet reported a mum's concerns about the "very visible scum line" at North Herts Leisure Centre's swimming pool in Letchworth.

She said: "It really is disgusting there now."

In response to these concerns, Everyone Active's contract manager, Chris Williams, said additional deep cleans have been carried out, and more cleaning staff are being recruited.

Everyone Active took over management of Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre and North Herts Leisure Centre from Stevenage Leisure Limited (SLL) in April last year, after securing a 10-year contract with North Herts Council.

In 2023, SLL also lost contracts with Stevenage Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council to Everyone Active.