HAMPSTEAD HEATH guardians the Corporation of London announced yesterday (Wednesday) they had retreated on money-saving plans to close Hampstead Heath’s bathing ponds – but swimmers could be asked to pay by using an honesty box-style ticketing arrangement.
The report from the Corporation of London (CoL) said they would be seeking voluntary contributions from swimmers – and were also considering reducing opening hours for the Hampstead Mixed pond.
If the plans get the go-ahead, ticket machines could be introduced at the Men’s, Ladies and Mixed ponds with a suggested charge of £2 per swim, a concessionary rate of £1 and the option of an annual season ticket costing £100. But the charges, estimated to bring in £80,000 a year, would operate on a “self-policed” basis with Heath bosses keen to stress that no attendants would be laid on to ensure swimmers were paying.
Bosses also suggested opening the Mixed Pond at 10am instead of 7am to save an estimated £20,000 – a move criticised by Mixed Pond action group spokeswoman Sally Taylor, who said they would fiercely oppose the plans.
Corporation spokesman Jon Logie said: “We have listened to what the swimmers don’t want so we have tried to find an equitable solution.
“The self-policing charging scheme offers an income generating solution without spoiling the appearance of the ponds.”
He added: “What is important is the swimmers encourage compliance amongst others.”
But the spokesman admitted if the plans went ahead and swimmers failed to voluntarily stump up the money, they had no fall back plan.
The recommendations also include the introduction of charging at the Heath’s car parks, which could bring in a further £50,000.
The proposals were condemned by the chairman of the United Swimmers’ Association, Robert Sutherland Smith, who said that the Corporation had failed to address the main issue.
He said: “The problems they face have nothing to do with the ponds.
“The issue is over management and uneconomic things like the constabulary. Their accounts are chaotic.”
A decision on the new recommendations will be made by the Heath Management Committee at the Guildhall on February 21.