• WE are only in the middle of May and already Highbury Fields has been vandalised by inconsiderate BBQers. Four deep burnt patches have appeared in the most northerly field.

Leftover BBQ bags and boxes of fire lighters mixed up with rotting food covered in fox pee were in evidence on Wednesday morning in the same field. When is this insane policy of the council promoting BBQs on Highbury Fields going to end? It doesn’t even favour local residents.

The Evening Standard on Thursday April 19 had an article promoting Highbury Fields as one of the few places in London where a council allows it. Hackney, which has a similar proportion of people living in high density housing without gardens, has a strict Picnics not BBQs Policy, only allowing BBQs in a designated BBQ zone in London Fields. Even there rules apply: no disposable BBQs and not after 9pm.

Unlike Hackney, Islington has only one large green space and that is Highbury Fields. When is Islington Council going to realise the benefits of a green space for everyone rather than treat it as a political football or cash cow?

Highbury Fields has an important role in Islington as the largest green space where it is possible to be in touch with nature. Walking through the Fields on hot days is now too unpleasant and unhealthy due to the toxicity of the air caused by BBQs.

YVONNE BENNETT
Leigh Road, N5