Barbecues are turning our Fields into oasis of brown

Published: 10 June, 2011

• IF Councillor Paul Smith does indeed consider that “Anyone who is opposed to barbecues is a killjoy”, then he is, at best, short-sighted and unsuited to be Islington Council’s executive member responsible for the environment (Boris named BBQ ‘killjoy’, June 3).

Those of us who have enjoyed Highbury Fields for more than 30 years as an oasis of green surrounded by trees have seen a rapid deterioration of the grassland in recent years. Today, large patches are denuded of grass, wide cracks have opened up and other areas consist mainly of broadleaved weeds rather than grass.

Several causes are contributory: compaction caused by Arsenal fans walking across the Fields, heavy articulated lorries driving on the grass for funfairs and inadequate maintenance by the council.  

In recent years these effects have been compounded by barbecues that have left increasing numbers of rectangles of scorched grass that subsequently become rectangles of brown earth. The litter left is unsightly, but this is reversible. Loss of grass is irreversible. 

Highbury Fields is the largest, and one of the few, areas of green in the borough. However, if the current trend continues, in a few years the Fields will be an oasis of brown, like large sections of Clapham Common.  

The vast majority of picnickers and others will be denied the pleasures of the Fields because of the actions of a selfish few and a council that has failed to protect the environment with which it has been entrusted.

JOHN HANDS
Battledean Road, N5

• I CAN’T believe that the supposedly “fun-loving” Tory Mayor of London Boris Johnson is thinking about stopping us from allowing barbecues in Islington parks.

Our parks belong to the people, many of whom don’t have gardens or any outside space. 

We have spent a year in the Fairness Commission looking at inequality and the effect it has on happiness and wellbeing. Why should anyone in Islington be excluded from enjoying a delicious barbecue in the sunshine because of where they live?

The truth is, despite all the Tory rhetoric about the Big Society, they are addicted to telling councils and their residents what to do. 

I hope Lib Dem councillors will support the Labour council in allowing barbecues in our parks.

CLLR JOE CALUORI
Labour, Mildmay ward