West Reservoir east‑bank path opens, residents object to new fence
The new walkway launched on 9 September but a security fence now blocks the waterside café and beach for non‑paying visitors, prompting criticism from locals and a Green Party councillor.
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Hackney Council opened the east‑bank footpath around the West Reservoir on Wednesday 9 September, providing a new public route along the water’s edge. The opening follows three months of summer works that included reedbed planting, landscaping and the erection of a new security fence.
Fencing fuels local opposition
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Residents and the New River Renewal Campaign have lodged formal complaints, arguing that a solid fence and a turnstile at the north end of the site prevent non‑swimmers from viewing the reservoir and force them away from the café. The campaign’s letter of 21 August described the arrangement as “appalling” and a form of segregation.
I think there’s been a sort of huge welcome for the improvements to the West Reservoir, but the high fencing is restricting the beach area solely to paying swimmers.
Jasmine O’Connor, Green Party councillor
Cllr O’Connor, elected for King’s Park ward, raised the issue at a council scrutiny meeting on 10 September, noting that the fence and divided café were not mentioned in the July 2023 consultation report. She said residents feel “not listened to” and that a valuable public space has been taken away.
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Council’s justification
Ian Holland, assistant director of parks, leisure and green spaces, told the Skills, Place and Economy Scrutiny Commission that the scheme was built in line with the planning permission granted in August 2024. He said the fence was installed for “safety and swimmers’ privacy”, adding that the increased footfall required a controlled access point to the activity area.
A council spokesperson echoed the safety argument, stating that the West Reservoir is a “significant leisure and natural resource” and that the upgrades aim to make the site more inclusive, accessible and environmentally friendly. The spokesperson also noted that the path was kept closed during summer to allow reedbeds and new landscaping to establish.
Consultation record
Hackney Council’s own July 2023 consultation report recorded 794 responses, with 78 % from existing users and 66 % from open‑water swimmers. The report listed a proposal to relocate the café and add outdoor seating but made no mention of fencing or separating paying from non‑paying users. Of the 522 objections to specific features, 113 concerned the café’s location and its interaction with swimmers.
Sarah Young, Labour councillor for Woodberry Down, offered a different rationale for the fence, saying it was placed to deter unauthorised entry into the swimming area and to respect swimmers who do not wish to be observed. Campaigners counter that the swimming zone already has private changing cubicles and mixed‑gender use, making the fence’s purpose unclear.
The council has not indicated any plan to modify the fence pending further review. Residents can submit additional comments to the council’s planning department before the next scheduled review in early 2027.
Questions this report answers
+When did the east‑bank path at West Reservoir open?
The path opened on 9 September 2026 after summer works were completed. The opening gives the public a new route along the east side of the reservoir, but it also introduced a fence that limits beach access to paying swimmers.
+Why has the new fence caused controversy?
Residents and a Green Party councillor say the solid fence and turnstile block non‑swimmers from viewing the water and force them away from the café. They argue the fence was not part of the 2023 public consultation and that it creates a divided space.
+What reason does the council give for the fence?
Hackney Council states the fence is needed for safety and to protect swimmers’ privacy, especially as footfall is expected to increase. Officials also say the fence prevents unauthorised entry into the swimming area and balances public access with user safeguarding.
+Can residents still comment on the fence?
Yes. The council invites further comments before the next planning review, scheduled for early 2027. Residents may submit feedback to Hackney Council’s planning department, where it will be recorded alongside earlier consultation responses.
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