Hampstead ponds accused of using virus to raise prices

WILD swimmers have accused Hampstead Heath of a coronavirus cash grab after it hiked the price of a swimming ticket by 100 per cent in plans to reopen its ponds.

The Kenwood Ladies Pond Association, which represents swimmers at the women-only pond in north London, has asked members to speak against the proposed compulsory fees.

Currently, visitors are asked to pay £2 to swim, but this is not enforced, so many swim for free. But plans for reopening include pre-booking tickets to reduce numbers and also enforcing a payment of £4. Concessions will rise 140 per cent, from £1 to £2.40.

The KLPA asked the City of London Corporation, which manages the ponds, to reconsider, and said: “We believe that 100 per cent and 140 per cent increases in charges will be unaffordable for many of our members.

“The KLPA membership includes women from a wide range of economic circumstances, as well as women with health and disability needs and faithbased requirements.”

One swimmer, Isobel Mccarroll, said in a tweet to managers: “Very disappointing that you appear to have taken advantage of Covid to both increase the cost of swimming by 100 per cent and change the pricing structure, making this facility inaccessible for many swimmers who have nurtured

‘It’s one thing to adapt to change. It’s quite another to destroy the unique, special character of the ponds’

this space for many years!”

Another, Georgia Reeves, wrote: “It’s one thing to adapt to change. It’s quite another to destroy the unique and special character of the ponds. Literally an oasis of peace and calm for many. Now the privileged few.”

The City of London Corporation said it had always planned to raise swimming prices and enforce payment this year.