• NOW we have proof that the vast expense, time, disruption to the natural landscape, so many trees cut down, character of the ponds damaged, was an utter waste.

Monday’s flooding was it. The very thing they claimed to be preventing was not impacted whatsoever by the extensive dam-building which cost many tens of millions of pounds.

The City of London Corporation was perfectly happy to pour their money into the pockets of “professional” friends.

But when it comes to swimming being made accessible to all those who cannot afford it; who struggle to access the Hampstead Heath ponds due to the changes in booking and paying in the last year; no funding is available.

There is no more money to help the most vulnerable. Do we really need to see any more to understand just how poorly the City of London are managing Heath finances?

Now with so many people struggling with long Covid, swimming is one thing that seems to benefit those in recovery, because of its general health benefits, being gentle too.

Swimming in nature, wild, under open skies, is more so, as green and tree bathing benefits are being acknowledged more and more as healing and stress-reducing activities.

E JOHNSTON, NW6