Ward Freman Closure

The council’s Executive will consider a report on Tuesday, 28 November announcing the closure of Ward Freman swimming pool from Saturday, 23 December.

East Herts Council and Hertfordshire County Council have issued the following joint statement explaining the reasons behind this decision.

East Herts Council is set to close Ward Freman Pool in Buntingford from Saturday, 23 December, while options for its future operation are assessed. 

On Tuesday, 28 November, the council’s Executive will consider a report detailing the decision to close the pool. The report makes it clear that shutting the pool is necessary due to the substantial investment needed to upgrade the facilities to meet essential standards.

The site is currently managed by Everyone Active on behalf of East Herts Council, and is owned by Hertfordshire County Council. 

East Herts Council will continue to work with Hertfordshire County Council, and the local community, to establish if there are any sustainable community-led options for the future operation of the pool. A final report, with a full evaluation of the options, will be presented by the end of March 2024.

Councillor Sarah Hopewell, Executive Member for Wellbeing at East Herts Council, said: “It is with much disappointment that we announce the closure of Ward Freman swimming pool, owing to the need to address repair issues at the site and its facilities. Since we were elected earlier this year, local ward councillors and I have made significant efforts to investigate alternative options to the pool’s closure.

“However, neither Hertfordshire County Council nor East Herts District Council currently have the funding available to invest in the repair works. We are continuing discussions and looking to work with the local community to identify a sustainable community-led solution to operating the pool moving forwards, so that it might once again service the local community. We are ready to assist and support community groups in any way possible.”

All staff at Ward Freman will be offered redeployment opportunities.

Community organisations interested in enquiring about providing investment and committing to Ward Freman’s ongoing management should contact customer.services@eastherts.gov.uk. 

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