Hampstead Heath ponds

• AS a regular pond swimmer, I just had my first post-lockdown swim.

I suffer from anxiety and depression and find swimming in the ponds is therapy for me.

Well at least it was until the new system of having to book a time-slot online, and having to pay for the privilege to swim in a place that was always free and was meant to be for everyone.

Also I am a very private person and didn’t like having to give my name, email address and phone number in order to book online. This booking system and charging takes away my freedom.

The ponds should be free for all and if the City of London needs money (of which I’m sure they have plenty) they can find some rich benefactors or they can take a pay cut.

I read in the July 16 CNJ that the City claimed that their new plans were discussed with swimming groups and agreed upon, (New group plans direct action protests over new Heath swimming charges, July 16).

They say that the charges were agreed by the Heath management committee following a detailed review with swimmers.

As a long-term swimmer I was never asked my opinion about this. I am sure there are hundreds of swimmers who were not asked their opinion.

Living in London is very stressful and we need to have somewhere to go that is a peaceful and natural place away from the urban environment we live in.

The lockdown and pandemic has been very difficult for most of us and we need some peace.

To charge people just shows that the City have little consideration or humanity even, for those people who most need to swim in the ponds.

We pay for so many things in London; it is so good for our spirits to go somewhere and not have to worry about paying.

Everyone who is opposed to these charges should contact Sir Keir Starmer MP – keir.starmer@parliament.uk.

So come on everyone, swimmers and non-swimmers alike. The more people who do this the more likely we will get listened to.

CS,
NW3