Published:
5:53 PM February 23, 2021
Updated:
6:01 PM February 23, 2021
Swimmers can take the plunge in just over a month s time
- Credit: PA Wire/Press Association Images
The Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds and Parliament Hill Lido will reopen on March 29.
The City of London Corporation confirmed the news today (February 23) after the government announced the gradual easing of Covid restrictions on Monday.
All outdoor sports facilities including swimming pools will be able to reopen from March 29.
The CoLC said its capacity would be limited during the ponds and lido’s initial reopening, and asked all swimmers to respect its safety arrangements.
Anne Fairweather, chair of the Hampstead Heath Management Committee, said: “We’re delighted to have a date set for the reopening of our swimming and outdoor sports facilities on the Heath, after the Government announced plans to ease restrictions yesterday.
Readers letters
Swimmers at Hampstead Heath s Mixed Pond in July
- Credit: Aaron Chown / PA
How can we help businesses thrive?
Cllr Danny Beales, cabinet member for investing in communities, culture and an inclusive economy and Cllr Adam Harrison, cabinet member for a sustainable Camden, write:
2020 challenged us all, like few years in our lifetimes. It challenged our communities, high streets and local businesses in Camden. Covid-19 accelerated many of the changes we were already seeing – the rise of home working, challenges to the retail environment, and increased online shopping.
One of the big questions facing us is how to support our businesses and high streets, not just to survive, but thrive after the pandemic. These areas are at the heart of our communities, providing goods, services, jobs, and – especially during the pandemic – sometimes the only friendly faces many who live alone will see.
Hampstead Heath has seen more visitors than ever during the pandemic.
- Credit: André Langlois Unacceptable cuts to budgets on Hampstead Heath have been slammed by members of a Heath committee.
A decision made by the City of London Corporation (CoLC) chamberlain to cut budgets by £1.6m was heavily criticised this week by the Heath committee, particularly in light of more people than ever before using the green space amid the pandemic.
CoLC figure Karina Dostalova even said the combination of a 12 per cent cut to the Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen s Park superintendent s budget with a 50pc cut to the cyclical works programme (CWP) was outrageous .