Management company Stevenage Leisure (SLL) has secured a deal with North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) to operate the Hitchin Swimming Centre and the Royston Leisure Centre in Hertfordshire.

SLL will take over the management of the two sites in April 2010.

The company already works in partnership with NHDC, having managed the North Herts Leisure Centre, Letchworth Outdoor Pool and Fearnhill Sports Centre – all owned by NHDC – since 2005.

Cllr Ian Knighton, NHDC Portfolio Holder for Leisure, said: “We would like to congratulate Stevenage Leisure, with whom we have worked very well in their existing contract.

"DC Leisure, which has run the Hitchin and Royston sites, have given excellent service but we have now gone through a fair tender process and feel our decision represents the best value for money for North Herts residents.

"Although we did not set out to achieve one supplier for all three sites, this will bring advantages both for the Council and for our customers.”

Ian Morton, SLL’s Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded these prestigious contracts, which we believe are a reflection of the excellent efforts of our staff currently working within North Hertfordshire.

"We are looking forward to further developing our partnership with North Hertfordshire District Council for the benefit of the whole community. Managing all 3 sites gives us a unique opportunity to deliver a co-ordinated leisure provision across the district.”