Swimmers plan protest

Swimmers protesting against plans to close the bathing ponds on Hampstead Heath are threatening a campaign of civil disobedience.

At a rowdy meeting attended by hundreds, they promised to defy any ban on using the natural open-air ponds, or the imposition of charges. Some have vowed to go to jail to preserve a London tradition that dates back to 1745.

About 250 people gathered to oppose cost savings proposed by the Corporation of London, which runs the heath.

Despite being the richest local authority, the Corporation says it cannot continue to spend more than ?6.2 million a year on the heath and has suggested closing one or more of the three ponds or charging users.

The swimmers, many of whom take to the icy ponds all year round, say they are victims of a "nanny state" approach. The campaign has mobilised Hampstead's "great and good", with residents including Melvyn Bragg, Michael Palin, former Labour leader Michael Foot and writer Deborah Moggach speaking out against the threat.

The issue has also attracted worldwide attention, with articles in the Wall Street Journal and a Moscow support group being formed.

Ken Livingstone has pledged to safeguard free swimming on the heath. The Mayor is likely to refer to the ponds in his "state of London" address at a Mansion House banquet on Thursday, but can expect a firm response from the Lord Mayor, the City's ceremonial head.

Last night Corporation bosses faced a hostile crowd at a consultation meeting at Hampstead town hall.

Jane Shallice, chairwoman of Kenwood Ladies' Pond Association, warned of "huge disruption" if the plans were approved next month.

Peter Cuming, of the United Swimmers' Association, accused some at the Corporation of depicting swimmers as "fat cat lawyers" who could pay for pools in their gardens. He said at least three campaigners were ready to go to jail, adding: "All of us are prepared to swim where we want if there is a restriction placed on swimming.

"How much money has been set aside to keep swimmers out of the ponds they're not supposed to be in?"

Conservative parliamentary candidate Andrew Mennear backed calls to remove life-guards, allowing swimmers to enter the ponds at their own risk.

But Catherine McGuinness, chairwoman of the Hampstead Heath management committee, said the Corporation had invested ?67 million from trust funds since taking over the heath in 1989, without a penny from the taxpayer. Ms McGuinness rejected the idea of handing control to the Mayor, but was jeered when she said swimming was "a dangerous activity".