| |
Eleventh-hour intervention really has brought some hope
• YOUR article (It’s the new space race in fight to preserve our parks forever, June 26) was correct inasmuch as our bid to have Talacre Gardens registered as a Town Green was denied by Camden executives last Wednesday.
Self-registration by Camden would have protected our park from any further attempts by developers encroaching on this crucial patch of green space in Haverstock ward.
A “no” vote had been predicted since the officers’ report on the issue of granting a Town Green status to local residents had been published just a few days earlier.
A report which was, indeed, very negative and presented an unbalanced view. It totally disregarded any benefit whatsoever to the community which might come from the new Commons Act 2006. I and other supporters present in the Town Hall last Wednesday who were anticipating a “no” vote with regret, were wrong, however.
The council were instead inclined to meet local community needs with a positive stance. This entails a proposed public consultation in late summer following by an autumn decision.
At the 11th hour, just as the executive meeting was coming to an end, a new resolution was introduced to give residents some hope that all was not lost. It reads: “That the officers are requested to bring a further report to the executive concerning Talacre Gardens. The report to include options for a consultation exercise with those within the area of the gardens as to how we may provide further protection. Such consultation should include voluntary registration by the council as Town Green and/or the creation of a trust and lease of the land.”
Although the community is weary of continuing to fight for this issue, these words have brought some hope. There is now a realistic expectation for a peaceful and satisfactory resolution. The battle has not yet been won, but we have firm grounds for believing the council will deliver the local dream of a secure park forever.
PETER CUMING
Chairman, Friends of
Talacre Gardens
|
 |
|
| |
