• AS a Hampstead native and also a former Heath employee, I would like to offer some perspective on the issue of charging, (Confirmed: Compulsory charges WILL be introduced at Hampstead Heath swimming ponds, March 13).

The Heath is a loss-making enterprise run for the benefit of the community, it runs on a deficit and I’m flabbergasted to see self-entitled people ready to push the park in to further deficit for their own personal gain.

They struggle to put boots on the ground in some areas due to a lack of funding. There has also been a spate of high-profile deaths and injuries at the very same ponds.

Again I am flabbergasted to see people put better safety measures at risk to keep a couple of pounds in their pocket.

The “honesty box” only goes to prove “self-policing charges” simply don’t work, with a mere £67,000 raised despite record swimming numbers.

This would barely pay for the lifeguards in one pond let alone activities, maintenance, safety improvements, waste collection and the many other services the ponds require and provide.

No other facility of its kind is free on the Heath, the lido, the tennis courts, running track and so on are all paid facilities.

Long is the list of the threats and bullying of this group who have a proven track record of trying to besmirch a charitable organisation for their own personal gain. It is truly disgraceful.

RICHARD TURPIN
South End Green, NW3