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Executive recognises unique history of gardens
• CAMDEN'S executive has not closed the door on Town Green status for Talacre Gardens.
While opposing the specific request by the Friends of Talacre, the executive has recognised that, given the Talacre’s unique history, it does warrant additional protection.
The law sets a clear test for residents who want to get their park registered as a Town Green.
Simply having access to a piece of land for a long time does not qualify it.
For Camden’s executive to allow the Friends of Talacre Gardens’ application to go unopposed when we did not think it met the test or was in the wider interests of Camden’s taxpayers would have been irresponsible and the implications for other land we own potentially serious.
The key decision, not reported by your paper, was that Camden will be kicking off a consultation that will go to all residents around Talacre Gardens to ask people if they want this extra protection and, if so, how it should be achieved. This consultation should include options for voluntary registration of Talacre Gardens by the council as a Town Green and/or the creation of a trust to look after the land. Either option would protect the land against development and safeguard this space for future generations.
The Friends have run an effective campaign, but both of these options would be long-term implications for the Talacre and how it is managed. It is therefore right that a wider group of residents in the area should be asked for their views before the council takes a binding decision. This is the appropriate democratic route to take.
We anticipate that that decision will take place in autumn this year.
CLLR RALPH SCOTT
Executive Member for Resources
Option open
• YOUR piece “Residents fail in bid to use legislation to protect cherished green areas of borough” (June 26) was a real kick in the teeth for people who have campaigned to have Talacre Gardens granted Town Green status.
Residents did not “fail”. In fact local campaigners are celebrating a huge step forward, with unprecedented recognition from senior councillors that our park deserves an extra layer of protection. The council will now seek the views of residents on what that protection should be, with the Town Green option still very much on the table.
We would like to congratulate the residents on their success, pledge our support for the aims of their campaign, and encourage as many more residents as possible to have their say on the future of our park.
Talacre really is a special space at the heart of our community, and it should be preserved for future generations. The campaign is not over yet, but this decision was a clear step in the right direction.
Cllr Matt Sanders
Cllr Jill Fraser
Lib Dems, Haverstock ward
Cllr Philip Thompson
Lib Dem, Kentish Town ward
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