Does park need a cat?

Published: 1 October, 2010

• WHAT is happening to Whittington Park in Archway?

About two-and-a-half years ago a large hole was dug beside the new artifical football pitch. This was going to be a new pond. The hole remained for about 18 months or so. There were more rumours that there was going to be a pond and a skate park as soon as the council could sort out contractors. It is still not finished.

Last September, they cut down half the wooded area to make way for new changing rooms. We understood that for every tree cut down two or three would be planted. I’m not sure who was to keep count of the trees and when or where the new ones would be planted?

Today, the changing room has been built but looks more like a detention centre. Not only is there no anti-graffiti paint, there is also no fence at the back and side so anyone can go behind for drug exchange or whatever. Again, no real thought for the protection of residents’ homes behind the park.

The opening for this building was due six months ago and still has not happened. The April event was cancelled due to inclement weather. The June event came and went. By July, with no opening, park rangers revealed that a component for the computer at the centre was missing and was on order from America.

The next planned opening was the end of August, but again this did not take place. Now, at the beginning of October, it still has not happened. Oh, and neither has the eco-friendly grass/weed roof, which looks like a desert, survived.

Near the Holloway Road entrance, a large metal frame of a cat has been installed. Who has been consulted? I live locally and I certainly wasn’t. And why is it necessary to have a cat? Surely Highgate is the home of Dick Whittington and his cat?

Whittington Park is for everyone to enjoy. Don’t sterilise it. There is a lack of communication between park users and the management, who will have to justify the money spent and the benefits gained.

DEBORAH ROBERTS
N19