A late night party at a leisure centre has ended with a number of staff being sacked. The aftermath of the illegal pool party has overshadowed plans by the North Herts Leisure Centre to officially unveil its £1.5 improvements this weekend. A senior member

A late night party at a leisure centre has ended with a number of staff being sacked.

The aftermath of the illegal pool party has overshadowed plans by the North Herts Leisure Centre to officially unveil its £1.5 improvements this weekend.

A senior member of staff at the centre, in Baldock Road, Letchworth GC, admitted this week that four staff had been found guilty of gross misconduct and fired.

It is understood the party was held by the four members of staff recently after the centre had closed to the public.

When senior management found out about the pool party, which included the consumption of alcohol, they immediately launched an inquiry.

Four members of staff were suspended and after the investigation had been completed all were sacked.

"We can confirm an incident did happen and we instigated full disciplinary procedures and four members of staff were dismissed for gross misconduct," said a senior member of staff at the centre which is run by Stevenage Leisure Ltd for North Herts District Council.

"It all happened after the centre had closed to the public and we have nothing further to say. The matter is now closed."

This Saturday sees the unveiling of the centre's £1.5m refurbishment programme.

It now features 60 fitness stations and interactive techno-gym equipment and on October 16 the new changing rooms, sauna and steam rooms and refurbished squash courts will open.

Members can now join a range of classes in the new dance studios including aerobics, body combat, body pump and yoga.

Cllr Ian Knighton, the council's portfolio holder responsible for the centre, said: "We are delighted the project has been completed a week early and I would like to congratulate the builders, Borras Construction, and all those involved in the project.

"These first class facilities will enhance the fitness experience for all members of the community."

North Herts Leisure Centre was opened by the Queen in 1982 and is one of the council's three purpose-built leisure centres which also include Archers in Hitchin and Royston Leisure Centre.