Below is a summary of the key points relevant to pond swimmers discussed at the virtual meeting of the City of London’s Hampstead Heath Management Committee on 3 June. An updated City proposal, circulated at the start of the meeting (with no opportunity to review it in advance) can be downloaded here. Please note that this plan is the City’s NOT ours. They invited comments on the original version and – following a narrow majority of KLPA members voting in favour of co-operation – KLPA representatives met with CoL on 2 June, the eve of the Management Committee meeting. Our feedback is not reflected in their document.
In short there has been no real movement in the City’s plans beyond responding to COVID-19 by controlling access to swimming in the ponds once it is deemed safe to return. Ahead of the Management Committee meeting we suggested (as we also did before lockdown) that they might suspend the increase in charges – or even offer the limited number of swims available free of charge – during the “recovery” period (see email here). As yet we have received no response and as far as we know our email was not forwarded to the committee. The City intends to go forward with enforcement of the increased charges, alongside its proposed measures to re-open the ponds and lido to very limited numbers of swimmers. The earliest possible date for opening is 4 July 2020, and the actual date will depend on national progress with controlling the spread of COVID-19 and preparedness of staff and premises. The technology needed to implement the limited re-opening, not to mention that required for the longer-term implementation of the compulsory charges, is yet to be finalised.
At our on-line meeting with the Heath management and Anne Fairweather, incoming Chair of the Management Committee, KLPA representatives outlined many practical concerns about the City’s plans, including: season ticket chaos, digital exclusion, crowds of people who haven’t booked attempting to enter the ponds on warm days, and unclear rescue protocols. So far there does not appear to have been much attempt to address these in detail, and we remain concerned that the City’s plans to re-open the ponds and lido will be riven with difficulties, even before we consider the impact of inflated compulsory charges on our pond community.
It is suggested that members with questions about the proposed re-opening should address them directly to Heath Management hampstead.heath@cityoflondon.gov.uk and/or the Chair of the Hampstead Heath Management Committee anne.fairweather@cityoflondon.gov.uk. If you do write, please also send a copy to us at klpamailbox@gmail.com so that we also understand your concerns.
Everyone will have their own questions, but points that seem particularly important include:
- How will fair rationing of available swimming time be achieved?
- How will abuse of the on-line system (e.g. multiple bookings) be prevented?
- How will those who can’t use digital services or contactless payment be supported?
- Will swimmers with disabilities be supported?
- When and how will season ticket sales resume?
- How long will these “short term” measures be in place?
Our recent survey confirmed that the majority of KLPA members continue to oppose the City’s new charging regime (enforced payment of charges increased by 100% for adults from £2.00 to £4.00, and by 140% for concessions from £1.00 to £2.40). Co-operation with limited re-opening of the pond does not imply our agreement with or approval of the City’s decision.
Now that lockdown is easing and many people are less preoccupied with the immediate impact of the health emergency, it seems possible to resume campaigning without being insensitive to those in the wider community who have suffered as a result of the virus. If you wish to be involved please email klpamailbox@gmail.com to let us know.