Transgender swimmers given official access to ladies' pond at Hampstead Heath

Transgender swimmers have been full access to the ladies' swimming pond at Hampstead Heath under new rules set out by the City of London Corporation.

Under the new rules people who identify as female, after being assigned male at birth, now have the right to use the female only swimming pond.

The move comes after the Corporation held a pubic consultation on the issue, which saw a majority favouring access for transgenger people.

Kenwood Ladies’ Pond Association said it welcomed the move. It also said it was in talks with the Corporation about providing “additional privacy for changing and showering” for pond users who had concerns.

Some female pond users have said they disagree with the move, and that transgenger people should use the mixed pond.