The Labour politician signed a 20,000 strong petition on Monday (October 20) after visiting two of the cafes under threat – at the Lido and Parliament Hill.
Heath managers the City of London Corporation are tendering out the leases of five popular venues, which also include locations in Queen’s Park and Highgate Wood.
Ms Siddiq also visited the Lido cafe at Parliament Hill where swimmers and celebrities are campaigning to save the popular cafe.(Image: Dave Barnard)
Campaigners fear that independent businesses that have operated for years could be replaced by large chains – and believe it could be crunch time with a possible announcement at a CoL meeting today (October 21).
After spending time in the cafes, Ms Siddiq said she was “deeply concerned” that the community was at risk of losing their beloved venues.
“These independent businesses are cornerstones of our community and part of the unique charm of the area we call home,” she added.
“They are not simply a line on a balance sheet but instead make Hampstead Heath the place it is; where families take children to run around, dog-owners meet up for a walk, and old friends have catch up over a coffee. These businesses should be rewarded for their hard work, not threatened with replacement.”
The MP has written to the Charity Commission and City of London and the Charity Commission to raise her concerns, and is meeting CoL managers on Friday to seek clarity about the tender process.
“I have signed the petition to keep the cafés independent and run by local people,” she added.
“Rather than being prioritised for profit, the Heath and its independent businesses should be protected as a vital community resource. I strongly urge the City of London to engage with the communities that use the Heath to make decisions that support irreplaceable independent businesses and protect the Heath for future generations.”
Actors Benedict Cumberbatch and James McAvoy, rocker James Righton and columnist Giles Coren are among the celebrities who have backed the Save Our Cafes campaign.
It has included staging protests and performances outside the Lido, and a day-long festival of music and words in Swain’s Lane.
Doug Crawford of the Cafes Working Group said: “The City of London Corporation has repeatedly said how much they value the contribution of the current operators and that community interests will be taken fully into account in the tender evaluation process.
“This petition, with 20,000 signatures, shows the depth of public support for the cafes to remain in the hands of local operators who know and understand the local community.”
Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park committee chair, Sheriff and Alderman, Gregory Jones KC, has previously said that all five café operators are trading under short term ‘tenancies at will’.
“This process will provide greater clarity and security for the cafés’ operators, supporting their long-term investment and future on these sites,” he said.
“We are focused on securing the best operators to serve the local community and support the aims of our open spaces charities. We deeply appreciate the long-standing contributions of our café operators. Their experience and dedication are valued, and they are encouraged to take part in this opportunity.”
In addition to the petition campaigners posted a “paw-tition” marked with the paw prints of local dogs who love the cafes.
