Swansea Council Drops Plan to Charge Yoga Teacher for Beach Classes After Public Outcry
Swansea Council has responded to the wave of anger and backlash from the community after proposing to charge a yoga teacher, Helen Wilson, £24.15 per session for conducting her yoga classes on Swansea Beach. Wilson has been organising the popular yoga sessions once a week near The Observatory on Tuesday evenings between May and August for the past decade. Her classes are free for all participants, with the option to make anonymous donations to cover costs. This inclusive approach has made the classes accessible to everyone, including homeless and vulnerable individuals.
Upon hearing about the council’s decision to start charging her, Wilson appealed against the move, sparking a significant public outcry. Over 500 people signed a petition in support of Wilson, urging the council to reconsider their stance. Following further discussions with Wilson, Swansea Council has reevaluated their position and decided not to proceed with the plan to charge her for using the beach for her yoga classes.
A spokesperson for Swansea Council stated, “The council continues to encourage the public to make the most of our outdoor spaces. We want to ensure that clubs and event organisers providing services in the city’s public spaces do so in an organised and safe manner. Initially, the council perceived the classes to be commercial in nature based on the information provided.” However, upon closer examination and dialogue with Wilson, they recognised that the classes are a community event operating on a donation basis, rather than a commercial venture.
In response to the council’s decision, Wilson expressed her relief and gratitude, stating, “I am absolutely over the moon that they have seen sense and listened to my appeal. The council is satisfied that this is not a ‘commercial venture’ but a much-loved community event that succeeds in being accessible to all by running on a donation basis.” She emphasised the difference in approach between Beach Yoga Swansea Bay and other yoga classes that can charge up to £10 per session, highlighting the inclusivity and community-driven nature of her classes.
Wilson further added, “We have been running for ten years, to support everyone in our city, regardless of income, age, gender, background, living status or employment.” She expressed her appreciation for the support received during the campaign and credited the council, particularly Councillor Peter May and The Observatory, for reconsidering their decision. Beach Yoga Swansea Bay is set to resume on Tuesday, May 6, from 7pm to 8pm, at the beach near The Observatory, offering a space for wellness and community connection.
The episode underscores the power of community activism and the importance of ensuring that public spaces remain accessible and inclusive for all members of society. By listening to the concerns raised by the public and engaging in constructive dialogue, Swansea Council exemplified responsiveness and a willingness to re-evaluate policies for the benefit of the community. The collaborative outcome serves as a reminder of the positive impact of community engagement and advocacy in shaping local decisions and promoting inclusivity within public spaces.