THE recently revamped Ledbury Swimming Pool has been welcoming customers for over a month, following its £2.4m refurbishment, but its official opening was last Friday (June 23).

Halo Leisure and Herefordshire Council and other guests gathered to celebrate the official opening of the refurbished pool and leisure complex, at Lawnside.

The facility boasts a new sauna and steam room, new workout studio, a gym with double the number of training stations and upgraded family friendly changing facilities and reception; and the transformation took just over a year to complete.

Halo chief executive, Scott Rolfe, is a man with a vision.

He said: "We believe everybody, no matter their age, income or ability has the right to get fit and healthy in fine facilities. That’s what motivates our investment. We are creating centres communities love to use. But these facilities reflect, in turn, the growing service we offer and the vision we have for creating healthier communities.

"Our trained team of fitness professionals want to make sure we bring better health to communities via everything from swimming lessons and exercise classes to quit smoking schemes and personal programmes of support for people recovering from ill health. We’re thrilled with the refurb at Ledbury, but more excited about what we can achieve in the future as a result.”

Cllr Brian Wilcox, Chairman of Herefordshire Council said: "The transformation of the leisure centre is truly remarkable; it’s still hard to think that you are in the same centre. It is a true testament to the hard work and determination of the staff and the community that this project has come together to create such a fantastic resource, benefitting all the community, young and old.”