Keep your trunks on, say the City of London

• THE Highgate Men’s Pond Association (HMPA) would like to clarify their position regarding the City of London’s decision to ban nude sunbathing, (‘We’ll go nude when we want’, say Men’s Pond sun-bathers, June 1).

As long as naturists continue to be respectful to each other and others in the compound we believe nude sunbathing should be allowed.

We consider the “vanity barrier” created an unnecessary divide. It should not be put back.

Since it was removed in 2020 swimmers and nudists have shared the same space and the HMPA have received no complaints from its members about nude sunbathing.

Therefore the HMPA find no justification for this ban which was introduced by the City of London without any warning or consultation.

We therefore ask the City of London to please provide the HMPA with an explanation why this law has been introduced along with clear evidence to justify its decision.

As always we would welcome the opportunity for consultation with the City of London.

However, until this matter is discussed and all interested parties are consulted, such as naturists and swimmers, we would request the signs recently put up around the compound be removed.

The HMPA acknowledge the tradition of nude sunbathing and consider it to be one of the unique aspects of the men’s pond which make it such a valued, semi-wild escape from city life.

We do not want the men’s pond to be turned into a bland corporate sports facility but to retain its treasured and distinctive culture of tranquillity, social harmony and acceptance.

MICHAEL SMITH
Chair, Highgate Men’s Pond Association