With the nation set to commemorate Britain's servicemen and women tomorrow, a group leader has called on the council to offer free leisure facilities to veterans and serving personnel.

Hertsmere Labour leader, Cllr Jeremy Newmark, says he would like Hertsmere Borough Council to look into the possibility of offering free use of all council-owned sports, leisure, and well-being facilities.

His comments coincide with Armed Forces Day - and stem from conversations he had with veterans and their families at an armed forces ceremony last year.

He said: "Having spoken to veterans I’m aware that outside of today and Remembrance Sunday, their needs are often overlooked. I wanted to suggest something practical, straightforward and inexpensive which would fulfill their needs as well as sending a clear message that we value their contribution."

Cllr Newmark wrote to Cllr Caroline Clapper, responsible for leisure and health at the council, calling on her to "consider bringing forward measures" to provide free use of leisure facilities.

He says his proposal is "fully aligned" with the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant, which is supported by Hertsmere, which states we "recognise and remember the sacrifices faced by the armed forces community", and "encourage activities which help to integrate the armed forces community into local life".

A number of authorities around the UK already operate similar schemes to what Cllr Newmark is calling for.

Earlier this week, the council joined hundreds up and down the country raising a flag to the armed forces.

InspireAll runs the Hertsmere Borough Council-owned leisure facilities.

A spokesperson for InspireAll said: “InspireAll Leisure and Family Support Services are a local charity who run a number of services in the area, including the council-owned leisure, community and arts facilities. We provide discounted membership for the leisure facilities to service personnel along with the emergency services, NHS staff and others. Through the weekend celebrating the Armed Forces and Veterans we are promoting this offer and extending it to ex-service personnel and their families as well as removing all joining fees.

"Any current service personnel or veterans interested in this offer can contact the leisure centres at Bushey Grove, Furzefield or the Venue. We have offered to meet with Cllr Newmark to find other ways of supporting the Armed Forces and veterans as part of our charitable aims.

Cllr Caroline Clapper added: "InspireAll has agreed to look into what more could be done to support our current service personnel and veterans as well as their immediate families."