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We must help people reclaim park
• CATHERINE West, a Labour councillor for Tollington ward, has inadvertently misled readers by stating “Lib Dems wish to ban drinkers from Elthorne Park” (Must we punish park’s drinkers? April 27).
It is not the Lib Dems (we have never discussed this as a group) but local people who have called for the ban. Residents in Hillrise ward have formed a group called Park Life, with help from Elthorne Regeneration, and are campaigning for improvements to the park, both visually and to amenities. It is this group, together with the excellent police Safer Neighbourhoods Team, who have asked for a ban, and as their ward councillor I am backing them.
I have recently attended an environmental audit at the park with council officers, police and the council’s outreach workers, who are working with the street drinkers to help them engage with support services.
In the meantime, users are reclaiming the park, but need help in tackling anti-social behaviour. On a positive note, the park will also benefit from the recently-launched KICKZ football project, which has injected a huge grant to improve footballing facilities and provide coaching for youngsters.
If readers would like to learn more about Park Life group, or join, contact me at greg.foxsmith
@islington.gov.uk, or write to chairwoman Carol Clinton c/o Caxton House, St John’s Way, N19.
CLLR GREG FOXSMITH
Lib Dem, Hilrise ward |
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