Peaceful Heath co-existence

Published: 17 June, 2010

• I AM very sad that Mr Hugo Barnacle’s excellent points are in danger of being lost as another heated debate and in-fighting has begun by the various Heath users. 

A small article in the New Journal reported that the City of London are actually in talks regarding increasing their powers to take account of (some) irresponsible dog users on the Heath. 

I very much enjoy the Heath and use it as regularly as I am able for a range of things.  However, my absolute favourite thing to do is to sit and watch the swans and their baby cygnets grow up and become independent. 

On numerous occasions I have encountered poor dogs, having been let loose to enjoy the freedom of the Heath and the ponds, risking becoming involved in a serious accident if met by a swan who, of course, “only” wants to defend its young.

I have turned to look for the owner to try to warn them of the danger. Unfortunately, each time I have been met by an extremely cavalier attitude as the owner appears to have no idea of the danger.

Please, and perhaps in the spirit of coalition, can we just exercise some sensible and caring thinking of our fellow man and animals and have peace once and for all on the beautiful Hampstead Heath that we all love so well and want to use so much.

Soon we will be in danger of losing our precious space because of numerous rules, by-laws and regulations and the whole point of this wide open space being available for us to use whatever our age, status or budget will be gone.

Let’s try to have some consideration and share the Heath.
GILLIAN LUSH
Belsize Park, NW3