The planned BBQ space on Highbury Fields 

THE Town Hall has launched a consultation survey on a new by-law that will restrict barbecue use to one area of Highbury Fields.

The proposed change in the rules comes after residents clashed with the council who changed their policy in 2011 to allow BBQs in all of the borough’s parks.

Residents living by Highbury Fields said the smoke from the grills was a nuisance and lodged a complaint against the council at Highbury Magistrates’ Court. But days before the meeting the council agreed to a new by-law and paid a “substantial contribution” to the campaign group’s legal costs. The council has refused to disclose how much money was spent despite a Freedom of Information request by this newspaper.

BBQs will be restricted to the west side of the field and will have to be extinguished by 9pm under the new by-laws.

Full details of the consultation are at www.islington.gov.uk/barbecue-consultation