New improved Ware Priory Lido set to reopen in June

The new improved Ware Priory Lido is set to open in June after its closure throughout the 2022 season for refurbishment works. The closure took place after there were issues with water loss during the 2021 season from both the main 30-metre pool and the separate teaching pool at the venue in the grounds of Ware Priory. Investigations revealed structural issues with the teaching pool that required its immediate closure, along with problems with the underground pipe network to both pools.

Ware Town Council successfully secured funding from the Government’s Public Works Loan Board to carry out the repairs as well as introduce new modern features including air source heat pumps, a new cover and UV disinfection. Works are slightly behind schedule due to bad weather and supply chain issues (it had been hoped the pool would open in May) but contractors are working hard to make up time – new tiling was being laid in the main pool as this issue of Axis went to press – and the council is looking forward to welcoming users back soon. The improvements won’t stop in June though. Following consultation during the closure period with local residents and pool users, the council plans further works in the autumn ahead of the 2024 season to provide new changing room flooring, improved shower facilities, seating and shade around the pool, along with new signage, landscaping and planting.

Ahead of the June opening the lido has begun taking bookings for private hire for parties, club swimming and exercise groups. It offers this from 7pm Monday to Friday in school term time and from 6pm at weekends and in the school holidays – with Saturdays in July already sold out.

If you’re interested in hiring the venue contact kat@warepriory. co.uk.

For details of the opening date when it is announced, along with details of lifeguarding courses on offer this summer keep an eye on the lido’s Facebook page (Ware Priory Lido).

East Herts receives funding to tackle the problem of local air pollution

East Herts Council is one of a number of local authorities across the UK to have been awarded funding in February from the Government to help clean up air in local communities.

The Air Quality Grant of just over £126,000 from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will support a project to raise awareness of air pollution as a health issue, improve the information and knowledge that people have of air quality, and promote alternatives to car travel.

The council plans to achieve this through direct engagement with community groups, workplaces and schools that will be designed to encourage walking and cycling as well as other forms of sustainable travel.

There will also be campaigns on social media to highlight steps that individuals can take to reduce air pollution and their exposure to it.

There will be a particular focus on three areas of the district – Hockerill junction in Bishop’s Stortford, Gascoyne Way in Hertford and London Road in Sawbridgeworth – all of which have been declared Air Quality Management Areas by the council due to their nitrogen dioxide levels.

The project will build on the council’s ongoing efforts to improve air quality that have included signage in car parks to encourage motorists to turn off their engines rather than idling, smarter traffic light phasing and events to promote Clean Air Day.

East Herts Council’s executive member for environmental sustainability, Cllr Graham McAndrew, said: “Air pollution is the environmental factor with the biggest impact on health in the UK. Hertfordshire is no exception. “An increase in active forms of travel such as walking and cycling will both improve air quality and create wider health benefits for all.

“Despite the gradual increase in low emission and electric vehicles on the roads, it is vital to encourage less frequent use of the car.

“By encouraging long-term changes in travel behaviour, we will also reduce road danger, noise and congestion making East Herts a great place in which to live.”