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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 9 November 2007

Cllr Catherine West and Abdul Matin

Estate campaigners told: You can have
playground back

AN estate is to get a new playground to replace one that shut seven years ago.
The playground at Blythwood Road on the Holly Park estate in Stroud Green was closed in 2000 after complaints from residents that bouncing balls were causing vibrations to their homes.
Islington Council announced this week that it has ordered a structural survey by independent charity Groundwork, which will ask residents if they want the original playground reopened or rebuilt nearby to remove the noise problem.
Labour opposition leader Councillor Catherine West said: “This is a perfectly good playground. Seeing it empty day after day has been really frustrating for residents with children.”
But a resident who did not wish to be named said: “I certainly wouldn’t want it reopened like before. That was a nightmare. Every time someone kicked a ball it vibrated throughout the house. The playground also attracted young troublemakers.
“A new playground nearby would be a far better solution.”
Last year, residents presented a 156-signature petition to the council calling for the playground to be reopened amid fears that homes could be built on it.
Lib Dem deputy council leader Councillor Terry Stacy said there were no plans to build on the site. “It’s up to residents to decide how they would like to see the area develop. Repair or demolition?” he added.
Abdul Matin, chairman of Holly Park Estate Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, supports demolition.
“Ideally, the playground could be rebuilt with new equipment and in a better area away from people who might complain,” he said.
For a copy of the questionnaire survey, contact Sandra Hoisz at Groundwork on
7239 1389.

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