Some of this cost will be covered by grants and compensation received, or expected to be received, from government, but the majority will come from NHDC funds. NHDC’s executive member for leisure Councillor Steve Jarvis said: “Our much-loved leisure centres are really important assets for our community. They will play an essential role in supporting people’s physical and mental health once the current lockdown restrictions are eased, so it is vitally important we do everything we can to protect them and support our leisure partner through this challenging period. “Their loss would have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of residents in North Herts at the worst possible time. It is therefore important that we provide the necessary financial assistance to safeguard their future.”