PREPARE to make a splash, as North Herts’ outdoor pools open this weekend, just as summer finally begins to make an appearance.

Hitchin and Letchworth GC’s outdoor pools are officially opening for summer on Saturday.

Hitchin outdoor pool will be open seven days a week from 8am until 6.30pm. Letchworth’s pool will open from 7am to 6.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from 8am to 6.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. At weekends, the pool will be open from 8.30am until 6pm.

Cllr Ian Knighton, NHDC’s portfolio holder for leisure, said: “We hope that the severe weather we have been experiencing during springtime lets up enough throughout the summer so that as many people as possible make use of the outdoor pool facilities.”

Both outdoor pools are heated and also have smaller heated pools for toddlers and younger children, grassy picnic areas for sunbathing and cafes with refreshments and snacks.

There are a range of concessions for families, and both pools can be hired for private functions and pool parties.

“We are lucky to have two 50 metre outdoor pools in the area and are proud to be able to provide people of all ages with the opportunity to use this great service,” added Cllr Knighton.

The pools will remain open until Sunday, September 9.