‘We’ll defy footy ban at Fields’

A GROUP of “lads and dads” are threatening to ignore attempts to stop them playing football on the grass at Highbury Fields tomorrow (Saturday).
The 20 mainly primary school children aged between six and eight – including writer Nick Hornby’s two sons – have been accused of churning up the grass close to the indoor swimming pool. One father, equalities officer Paul Weller, said: “The parks rangers suggested we were destroying the grass. We think that’s ridiculous. The Fields are meant to be for everyone.”
Green councillor Katie Dawson said: “Highbury Fields is not an ornamental garden. I can’t understand it.”
But the council’s Lib Dem leisure chief Councillor Ruth Polling insisted: “We’re not stopping people having a kickabout. The surface is delicate at this time of year and we’ve had concerns from other park users about its condition. We have asked park officers to use their judgment and to politely ask people to stop when necessary.”
PETER GRUNER