‘The City of London Corporation exists not to serve the interests of users but to make money’

• YOUR report (Ponds charges swimming against the tide of history, July 16) is true, as the Heath ponds have now begun to trial reopening for swimmers once more to enjoy.

The problem, however, is that they are now under the control of the City of London Corporation, a body that exists not to serve the interests of users but to make money from its ownership.

Entry had always in the past traditionally been free but it now has imposed a £4 entry fee for a limited time-slot visit that must be pre-booked online and paid for in advance.

The Men’s Pond now looks more like a fortress with the new fencing and the wire mesh that has been installed; and entry is controlled by a security guard.

The Heath ponds need to be brought back once more under democratic control of an elected body, such as the Greater London.

Authority, where such issues about usage can be freely and openly discussed with a body that is accountable to those who have put it into office to serve public need.

JOHN McPARTLIN,
N2