22.02.05
Swimmers taking a dip in London's historic Hampstead Ponds, 3 outdoor pools on the heath used by swimmers since the 1850s, will have to pay for the privilege for the first time after authorities introduced a fee of £2 a day to use the pools.
The Hampstead Heath Management Committee has introduced a 'self-policing system' for the daily £2 fee (an honesty system), while regular users will be able to buy a season ticket.
The Corporation of London, which manages Hampstead Heath, says the ponds cost more than £500,000 a year to maintain and require two full-time lifeguards to protect swimmers. The corporation believes the self-policing charge will bring an extra £130,000 a year, but they said they have considered closing the ponds to the public.
The plans to charge money for swims have brought an angry response with swimmers, who say that the scheme is 'out of order'.
Elizabeth Block, of the Kenwood Ladies Pond Association, said: 'Swimmers are very angry because they believe there's a long tradition of free swimming, and we want that maintained.'
But the Corporation of London does not agree, saying the charge would protect other facilities on the Heath.
'A modest self-policing charge, £2 a visit, is perfectly reasonable thing to ask people to pay,' said the corporation's Tony Halmos.
The car parks on Hampstead Heath will now also charge a fee - a pay-and-display scheme. This is to deter commuters and non-Heath users from parking all day, the corporation said. They didn't answer how this will also effect families who want to use the heath for the day.
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