Hammersmith and Fulham is a small borough where most residents don't have gardens of their own and so our parks are especially precious. Thus we try to keep a check on those who use them commercially by charging.
The Daily Mail this morning reported how Personal trainers are being charged a £350 annual licence fee for using the parks - although contrary to the report this does not apply to nannies, paid dog walkers or nursery school teachers.
Cllr Greg Smith took to the airwaves today explaining the policy. "The lawns don't mow themselves," he told listeners of Radio 2's Jeremy Vine Show. Link here- the item in the second hour starting about 1.07 just after Kenny Rogers sings Don't Take Your Love to Town.
Several rang in to express support saying that the parks had to avoid being overrun by fitness training taking place on an "industrial scale."
Laour Group leader Cllr Stephen Cowan has expressed opposition - without saying what he would cut to cover the revenue that would be foregone by waving the charge. He also seemed to be unaware of it until today. Cllr Cowan picks up an extra £17,874 a year on top of his basic councillor's allowance of £8,940. Does he not bother to read the Council Agenda? It was on page 86 of the proposals put forward at the Budget Council in February. Not a peep out of him at the time.
Cllr Cowan just relies on reading the Daily Mail.
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