‘The benefit of freshwater swimming is well known…’

• A JUDICIAL review of the over pricing of swimming at Hampstead Heath’s ponds began on the February 23 at the Royal Courts of Justice on the grounds that such charges being imposed at such a “unique place”, as they have quite rightly been described, are both discriminatory and without justification, (Swimmers take Hampstead Heath pond charges challenge to the High Court, February 24).

Swimming at the ponds on the Heath as a free activity was formally established in Victorian times for all the people of London to enjoy, though in fact the practice goes back much further.

Responsibility for the upkeep of the ponds had previously always resided with the Greater London Council, an elected democratic body, but this was removed some years ago, however, and they were given for nothing to the City of London Corporation, a body that had no experience of providing public service of any kind and which is now, instead, making cuts in order to build a new £288million concert hall at the Barbican while asking visitors to pay just over £4 for a one-hour swim that had once been freely theirs.

While it is hoped the case will be successful the ponds should in reality most rightly be returned once more to an elected and accountable body where such matters as to their upkeep and enjoyment can be properly addressed.

The benefit of freshwater swimming is well known but the unfortunate reality is that these facilities are under-resourced for the large numbers that will want to visit them during the coming hot summer. But that is where they should remain – under democratic control and free for everyone to enjoy.

JOHN McPARTLIN, N2