Swimmers at Whitehill & Bordon Leisure Centre can take the plunge in privacy thanks to new electric blinds.

Installed in January, the blinds will allow the swimming and teaching pools to be shielded from public view when required.

Operated at the touch of a button, the blinds will screen the pool hall, helping swimmers feel more comfortable and secure while maintaining natural light and a welcoming environment.

Privacy blinds are particularly beneficial for children’s swimming lessons, school sessions and vulnerable users, as well as for anyone who feels uncomfortable swimming in highly visible spaces.

Among the classes the centre has scheduled that will make use of the new blinds are disability swimming lessons, quiet adult swimming sessions, lessons for swimmers with special educational needs and women-only sessions.

By reducing external visibility when required, the blinds also strengthen safeguarding measures and align with best practice guidance for public leisure facilities.

In addition to improving privacy, the blinds will offer operational benefits. They will allow staff to adapt the environment for different sessions and can help manage glare and temperature, contributing to a more comfortable pool hall and improved energy efficiency.

Cllr Andy Tree, East Hampshire District Council’s deputy leader and the portfolio holder for Whitehill & Bordon, said: “Long before I was elected to East Hampshire District Council, I recall concern being expressed by numerous residents about the large windows and lack of privacy when the drawings of the leisure centre were published, before it was even built. Therefore I hope these blinds can provide an inclusive solution to resolve that concern.”

Cllr Adeel Shah, East Hampshire District Council’s portfolio holder for community development and engagement, said: “This is a fantastic initiative that removes a barrier for many in our community.

“I would like to thank the officers at East Hampshire District Council and the staff at the leisure centre for working closely with me over many months to help make this possible.

“By providing a dedicated and comfortable environment, we’re enabling more women to access swimming lessons in a way that works for them.

“Importantly, this facility can also be opened to other groups, so more residents can enjoy leisure activities in the setting they prefer.

“I am hopeful that, once the works at the leisure centre are complete, we will see enhanced inclusion and well-being, and ensure our leisure facilities meet the needs of all our residents.”

Chris West - contract manager at Everyone Active, the company that runs East Hampshire District Council’s leisure centres - said: “We want every visitor to feel comfortable and supported when using our facilities.

“We’re excited to introduce new sessions that reflect the needs of our community and help more people enjoy the benefits of swimming in a safe and inclusive space.”

The blinds at Whitehill & Bordon Leisure Centre have been funded by £53,631 drawn from contributions provided by housing developers.

When new homes are built in East Hampshire their developers have to make financial contributions to fund vital community facilities and improvements in the district.