The Kenwood Ladies’ Pond Association has written to the City of London Corporation claiming “restrictive measures” are putting inclusivity at risk
Swimmers at Hampstead Heath’s Ladies’ Pond have warned that measures introduced by the City of London Corporation are turning the space’s bathing spots into “an exclusive health-spa for affluent people”.
The Kenwood Ladies’ Pond Association (KLPA) has written to Alderman Gregory Jones KC, Chair of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee, on a series of “restrictive measures” implemented by the Corporation which it claims are putting inclusivity at risk.
In the letter, shared with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the KLPA wrote: “We write concerning a series of restrictive measures imposed at London’s Hampstead Heath bathing ponds, and failures to engage with the pond user-groups to enhance inclusivity.
“We fear our predictions, when compulsory charging was imposed in 2020, that the ponds would become an exclusive health-spa for affluent people, are becoming fact.”
Alderman Jones said in response that the safety of swimmers at the ponds is the Corporation’s “top priority”, and that it remains committed to ensuring the facilities “are safe, accessible and enjoyable for everyone”.
Hampstead Heath has three bathing ponds: Kenwood Ladies’, Highgate Men’s and the Mixed site. The Ladies’ Pond, which dates back to 1926, is one of London’s most sought-after open air swimming spots.
It is also at the heart of a legal case into the Corporation’s policies regarding trans access to the ponds.
A judicial review, brought by the campaign group Sex Matters, is due to be heard at the High Court later this year.
The KLPA is a user group made up of swimmers wishing to support and preserve the Ladies’ Pond. In its letter to Alderman Jones the KLPA lists a series of measures it believes are affecting the inclusivity of the ponds.
These include the refusal since 2020 to accept season ticket payments in instalments, which it says benefited low-income swimmers, the ending of any way to book sessions offline by closing the phone line last year, and the “failure” to establish a promised access fund, despite the KPLA saying it sent evidence to the Corporation last June.
The group also notes two announcements made last month, the first that the Ladies’ Pond would be closed due to blue-green algae, “without notice and without provision of any alternative women-only swimming”, and the decision to go cashless, “excluding people managing on a tight budget”.
“Cumulatively these matters highlight concerns about indirect (potentially direct) discrimination on grounds of age, disability and sex,” the letter states.
“Low income is not a protected characteristic, but the charitable status of Hampstead Heath should mean it is considered.
“The City may run the Heath as a ‘charity’ and evade Public Sector Equality Duties, but discrimination remains illegal. We ask you to prioritise inclusivity, as befits a registered charity.”
Alderman Jones told the LDRS: “The safety of people using our facilities is our top priority. Like many leisure facilities, our flexible booking system helps us manage ticketing and tackle anti-social behaviour, especially during periods of high demand. We offer a range of concessions, season tickets, and free early morning swims for under-16s and over-60s.
“We take water quality in the natural bathing ponds extremely seriously, and put people’s safety first while seeking to minimise disruption. We remain committed to ensuring our facilities are safe, accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”
The Ladies’ Pond, which turned 100 this year, is celebrating its centenary with an exhibition at Lauderdale House in Highgate.
100 Years Bold in All Weathers showcases work by 12 artists who visit the famous pond. It is to run until September 21.
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