Bad weather sees Parliament Hill lido's profits plummet
 | | An empty Parliament Hill lido |
Marc Mullen
HEATH bosses have been left counting the cost of the summer washout as open air swimmers refuse to take the plunge.
The number of bathers braving Parliament Hill lido has plummeted after one of the wettest summers on record.
Between the beginning of May and July 23, just 15,200 bathers took dips. By this time last year, 42,000 bathers had already basked in soaring temperatures at the lido and income has fallen by £22,000.
At Monday's Hampstead Heath management committee meeting, director of open spaces Jennifer Adams raised concerns.
She said: "Last year turned out well, but I am concerned about this year because of the weather."
The Grade II-listed lido reopened in May 2005 after a £2.8million refurbishment.
Last year swimmers queued as far as Mansfield Road on the hottest days and on one occasion police were called as fights broke out among hot and bothered people waiting for a swim.
Lido owner, the City of London Corporation, says that while this year's budget takes into account last year's income, it "does not expect the same level of visitors this year as last".
Last week, Heath superintendent Simon Lee warned the swimmers' forum that "low priority non-essential projects" - such as installing a shower at the ladies bathing pond - may have to be put on ice because of the deficit.
Robert Sutherland-Smith, chairman of the United Swimmers Association (USA), said: "The idea of turning the Heath into some kind of revenue stream is just not sustainable - it depends so much on the weather.
"I would be surprised if they are not still making a lot of money from the car parks as they are always full, no matter what the weather. They should cut costs where sustainable. They still have an elaborate management set-up."
Cèline la Freniére, who swims every day at the lido, said: "Sometimes in the afternoon I have been the only one swimming, with two or three lifeguards - I feel very protected."
Visitor numbers at the three bathing ponds have fared little better - just over 1,500 people have made a splash at the ponds compared to 4,122 last year.
By July 10, takings were a paltry £2,610 - down £4,411 on last year. The Heath has already had to find savings of £40,900 due to a shortfall on last year's budget.
A City spokeswoman said: "Obviously we are disappointed that this summer's poor weather has affected visitor numbers to the lido and bathing ponds.
"In the autumn we will need to look at our income levels.
"If they are significantly down on last year, then we will need to prioritise enhancement projects."
Meanwhile, the application for lottery funding towards phase two of the lido refurbishment has floundered as London's share of lottery money has been diverted to the 2012 Olympics.
Heath bosses are preparing a bid for funding from the Parks for People programme for the "Parliament Hill triangle" area.
The lido revamp would be part of a wider scheme which would include works to the café, the staff yard, the athletics track and the general area around Parliament Hill.
marc.mullen@hamhigh.co.uk
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