A SPORTS centre's future has been secured - and people will be able to visit at a cheaper rate.

Watford Borough Council announced a 15-year partnership with Everyone Active in order to renovate current facilities and to encourage people living in the area to be more active.

It means people will be able to visit Watford Central Leisure Centre and Watford Woodside at a more affordable rate.

The authority and Everyone Active have had a partnership since 2008 and has now been renewed.

Free swimming will also be offered at the Watford Leisure Centre every Sunday from 2pm until 5pm starting in June 2018.

Meanwhile, 11- to 15-years-olds will also be able to attend free Gym Active sessions that will be offered across various dates and times.

Watford Woodside will also be renovated. The gym will be extended, the changing rooms will be refurbished and a new toning suite will be added.

A new sauna and steam room will be added to Watford Central. Both facilities will introduce a virtual group cycling facility in order to allow people to participate when it is convenient for them.

With this partnership, Everyone Active will introduce the National Living Wage for all of its 18- to 24-year-old employees in Watford.

It will also offer at least two apprenticeships at any one time during the 15-year deal.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Peter Taylor, who helps to secure leisure partnerships for the council, said: “We’re really pleased with this excellent deal for Watford residents. Everyone Active is a fantastic partner, providing facilities that are as good as the private health clubs, but at an affordable price.”

Everyone Active’s contract manager Karl Miles added: “I’m very proud of what’s been achieved across the course of our contract. Both centres are shining examples of community activity hubs, and I am excited to see them progress and improve over the next 15 years.”