The KLPA is supporting a claim of discrimination arising from the charging regime at the Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds. Claimant, Christina Efthimiou, is a KLPA member who has been affected by the enforced and increased charges to swim, especially since the disproportionate increases to concession season tickets in 2021. In August 2021 we received news this application for Judicial Review had received the permission of the High Court to proceed (press coverage here and here). This means that the court believes there is an arguable case.
We have recently received news that the case is listed for 1.5 days on 9 to 10 November 2021. The format of this hearing (in person, virtual or hybrid) will not be confirmed until nearer the time, depending on public health advice at that time. We will let KLPA members know when we have more information about this
We still need to raise funds
Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. The KLPA is continuing to fund raise for this case, to offset possible adverse costs. Details of our crowd funding page can be seen here. If you have not already donated, please consider helping the KLPA to keep the ponds accessible to all. Even if you have already donated, please forward this email to any friends, family and colleagues who may be interested. The QR Code below can be used for this purpose too.
The Heath is being monetised and over regulated
Over the last couple of years, we have not only seen the enforcement and inflation of charges to swim. The City of London Corporation has also done the following:
- Under cover of Covid, regulated access to the ponds through use of online pre-booking in the summer season, even after most Covid restrictions have been lifted;
- Introduced the use of Fixed Penalty Notices for infringements of the sometimes bizarre Heath bye-laws (items 34, 35, 39 and 47 make interesting reading);
- Is introducing licences for dog walkers which they will have to pay for;
- Started to explore the possibility of charging for toilets using contactless payment;
- Tried to take out speculative injunctions against “persons unknown”, but had to drop this idea for Hampstead Heath when challenged in court over similar moves at Epping Forest (details here and here); and
- Banned all night fishing at the Vale of Health (details here and here).
By challenging the charging regime at the bathing ponds, the KLPA is involved in a wider battle about how our Heath is managed by the City of London Corporation. The KLPA continues to support the efforts of front line workers on the Heath, and our campaigning is focused on the decisions made by the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Management Committee.