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Failures mean we have more than just one ‘paradise lost’
• IN response to your article (Paradise lost as wall wilts, August 21) I remember the point at which the wall was nominated for regional architectural awards and the contractor’s disappointment as we shared a taxi to the station, following their rejection.
Despite this I believe Islington Council should be encouraged in its will to experiment.
I have also seen cases like The Hub at a West Ham park, where similar technical difficulties were encountered, in getting turf to stick on a steep slope up a building.
More to the point in Islington the council and Homes for Islington are neglecting open space, like Marie Lloyd Gardens wildflower area in Marie Lloyd Gardens.
This area on a housing estate was set aside as a wildflower garden in the 1990s and has enjoyed unrestricted access by local people for purposes of dog-walking and play, since well before that date, so could have potential to be registered as a Town Green, like new Talacre Town Green in Kentish Town.
I am an Open Spaces Society member and despite my having completed a survey and making management recommendations a few years ago, which the council/HFI acted upon, ordering new sections of fence and a gate and carrying out cutting and grounds maintenance, the situation is now similar to the Paradise Green wall.
The ground is left uncut, with accumulating rubbish, raising security, fire, visual and safety issues, as children use this area.
I was told by the local estate services officer at HFI Holland Walk Office they are considering the area as allotments (this was one of the options looked at in the past but not favoured by local residents, as far as I am aware).
I ask the council/HFI to continue to care for the site as valuable local amenity and also hope to win support for its eventual consideration as a Town Green for local use.
ADAM COOK CMLI
Landscape Architect and Planner, Hornsey Rise Gdns. N19
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