FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE HMPA, KLPA & MPA
Swimmers’ groups at London’s historic Hampstead Ponds have hit out at a proposed doubling of charges, saying they are unworkable and will hit the vulnerable hardest.
The groups say City of London has failed to listen to them and warn that heavy-handed plans to enforce the proposed charges are likely to lead to chaos.
Following its review of management of the swimming ponds, the City of London this week revealed recommendations that charges for adult day tickets should double from £2 to £4 this summer, with payment to be enforced by Heath Rangers.
Nicky Mayhew, co-chair of the Kenwood Ladies’ Pond Association said: “Swimmers are horrified by the threat of heavy-handed enforcement of payment, which would destroy the ethos of these unique and incalculably precious places, as well as most likely excluding those who cannot afford to pay or will be put off by enforcement.”
“We have asked the City first to make it easy for people who wish to pay to do so, and then to let us work with them to explore imaginative and sensitive ways of reducing the gap between costs and revenue. At the moment, they do not seem to be listening.”
Chris Piesold, chair of Highgate Men’s Pond Association commented: “We are shocked that the City is attempting such a massive increase in charges and change in culture. For years swimmers have complained that it is hard and sometimes impossible to pay, and the City now seems intent on punishing us for its own ineptitude at collecting money.”
If approved, the move would end the ‘self-policed’ payment system that has existed since the City first introduced charging at the swimming ponds in 2005. “There is massive potential to increase the uptake of season and day tickets at current prices if the City would just listen to us and sort out proper signage and payment methods,” said Mayhew.
Earlier this month pond user groups conducted a survey of members which showed that an overwhelming majority (75%) think the current charges are fair, but nearly 70% say increased charges would affect their ability to swim.
Margaret Dickinson of the Mixed Pond Association added, “Doubling admission charges will be provocative, the City’s attempts to close the Mixed Pond at around the time they first introduced charges in 2005 turned into a bitter battle that no one would want to see repeated.”
Swimmers have called an emergency meeting later this week to discuss their response to the proposals. At present 24% of members buy season tickets and more than half of the rest pay to swim.
For more information contact klpamailbox@gmail.com or call Nicky Mayhew on 07773 327392.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Following its recent consultation with Hampstead Heath swimming groups, the City of London has identified five options for a ‘charging model’ to be implemented at the swimming ponds from 2 May 2020. These will be put forward to the meeting of the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee on 9 March 2020 for discussion before the HHCC makes its recommendations to the Hampstead Heath Management Committee which meets on 11 March to decide on next steps. A summary of the City’s proposals can be found on the KLPA website: https://www.klpa.uk/news.
The City of London took over ownership and management of Hampstead Heath and its swimming ponds in 1989 and introduced charges in 2005. Prior to that swimming on the Heath – like roaming – had been free to all. Since then charges have been paid on a ‘self-policed’ basis.