Privately-owned open spaces such as independent school playing fields and golf courses should be opened to the public to take the pressure off London’s parks, a council leader said today.
Peter John, who runs Labour-controlled Southwark council, has written to local public schools such as Dulwich College, Alleyne’s and Jags, as well as Aquarius golf club in Peckham and Thames Water to make the request.
Several London parks have been closed temporarily because of the threat of coronavirus.
Victoria Park is still shut but due to reopen on Saturday.
There are also fears that the Thames towpath may have to be cordoned off in west London for the same reason.
In a tweet Dulwich College said it had responded by opening up some playing fields on the east side of College Road.
Alleyn’s said the school had opened a playing field “which is separate from our buildings” for public use.
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Thames Water said opening its sites would mean taking people away from the task of keeping customer taps flowing.
