Wray Crescent park where a proposed new cricket pavilion and pitch is planned

• I WONDER how many people are aware of the proposal to restrict community use of Wray Crescent open space in Tollington?

I think that Islington Council has been quite – er – obtuse about this.

The recently-released proposals – and funding is secured we are told – are to build a new cricket pavilion and revamp the pitch.

We know that there are not many cricket pitches for hire in north London and the revamped pitch and new pavilion will, no doubt, attract more teams to play there from all over… Which excludes the general public and the local people who are desperate for outside space.

We are not a leafy suburb. We live, crowded together, in flats.

And over lockdown the space looked like Brighton beach with people relaxing, children playing, ball games, yoga, jogging and workouts in progress at all hours.

Local councillors are quiet about this. Well it is their plan isn’t it?

I have a few questions:

– Is there any benefit for local people? Yes, I know that they said we can use one room in the building, but only when it is not being used by cricketers.

– Why wasn’t the community consulted before this proposal was hatched and oven-ready?

– Why was cricket prioritised over multi-use?

VIV WHITTINGHAM
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