The chair of the Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee, Gregory Jones has spoken out about some of the claims that have been made.
He said: “It’s important to be clear about the facts. These cafes are not closing.
“Previously, the cafes were operating on short-term arrangements that made it difficult to invest in their buildings and facilities. Moving to longer-term leases under Daisy Green allows that community investment to happen and secures the cafes’ future.
“As trustee of the charities that manage these open spaces at no expense to the taxpayer, the City Corporation has a duty to act in the best interest of those charities.”
Mr Jones – who as an alderman is an elected member representing one of the City of London’s 25 wards – described Daisy Green as “an independent, London-based business, not a national or multinational chain”.