[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Does not one short
section of the long letter of the Chairman of the Parks and Open Spaces Committee reveal the true attitude of the L.C.C. towards Hampstead Heath ?
He defends the shutting up of a beautiful stretch of country at night by the simple statement, " The lengthy record of convictions for indecency at night-time at Hampstead Heath will convince most citizens of the necessity of this step."
If this is true of Kenwood, why not of the Heath proper ? One can only conclude that the L.C.C. would shut up that glorious open space at night if they were able. I venture to suggest, Sir, that " most citizens " are the reverse of convinced by this plea, and feel that there should be some other solution to this difficulty than depriving them of the beauties of a country walk at night. What is required is that the authorities should he actuated, not by a spirit of Puritanical zeal, but by a simple desire to protect the average decent person, who is not a busy- body, from affront.—I am; Sir, &c., A. G. C.
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