Campaigners have tied yellow ribbons around several mature trees in Wray Crescent that could be chopped down as part of council plans for a new cricket pavilion and an ‘equipment storage area’

CAMPAIGNERS are calling on the council to halt plans to axe several mature trees in a cricket pitch revamp.

A petition against the Wray Crescent redevelopment, first unveiled in 2021, has reached 796 signatures and yellow ribbons have been tied around the ones facing the chop.

It is hoped to reach 1,000 signatures which would trigger a debate in the Town Hall at the next full council meeting on September 24.

The proposals include a new cricket pavilion and an “equipment storage area” that would replace a woody grove.

Jonny Evans, chair of the Friends of Wray Crescent group, called the plans “poorly thought through”, adding: “The whole project has been designed with one use in mind. The park should serve the 12,000 Tollington ward residents rather than a few cricket teams.”

Mr Evans stressed that residents’ objections are nothing to do with the sport itself but the lack of consideration for wider community needs and environmental protection.

“Unfortunately, we’re looking at climate change, drought and failing crops, not just here but in Europe. The idea of clearing away trees seems ridiculous. Save the trees – we’ve got to do what we can where we can.”

Residents have over the years argued that Islington has little green space and that the open space should be multi-purpose rather than just reserved for one sport.

At the time the Town Hall said the pitch would only be used between April and October, and that it wanted to encourage a “new generation of cricketers”.

After the plans went ahead, a further consultation was opened in 2024 for a £1.5million plan to cut back space of the woodland to build a new storehouse, which was met with protests by neighbours and the Friends of Wray Crescent.

Jonathan Ward, councillor for Tollington ward where the park is located, said that although “everyone wants to see the eyesore of an old pavilion gone” the current plans will cause a “needless loss” of trees.

Tension over the project’s budget has also been bubbling away, with campaigners suggesting it could have been completed for considerably less than the projected £1.5million.

Cllr Ruth Hayes, the Town Hall health chief, said: “Following a robust consultation process with local people, including a formal planning consultation and consent, the council is progressing plans to build a new community and sports pavilion at Wray Crescent Open Space.

“As part of this investment, a range of improvements will also be made across the wider park, including new outdoor gym equipment, updated signage, enhancements to the play area and refurbishment of the basketball court, creating better facilities for residents of all ages.

“As part of the project, six trees and a small area of shrubbery will be removed. This was carefully considered and approved through the planning process. To ensure the park’s character is enhanced over time, and as part of our commitment to maintaining the tree canopy in the borough, the council has committed to planting four new trees for every tree removed, either within the park or nearby.

“Overall, the project will deliver significant benefits for the local community while improving biodiversity through new trees and planting, alongside the addition of a biodiverse green roof on the pavilion.”