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July 2002 newsletter

Local Residents and Park Users for a Green Heart of Hackney

London Fields User  Group July Newsletter

Come along to our next meeting, Tuesday the 2nd. of July at 8pm. We have arranged to meet upstairs at the Pub on the Park, Martello St. E8

Chair: Mike Martin

• mobile phone: 0775 2833 487
• fax: 020 7241 3373
• e-mail: mike101.martin@virgin.net

New Parks Manager

The parks department are changing people around again, trying to stretch fewer people to cover more work. At the moment there are only about 15 Rangers for all the parks and open spaces in Hackney. There were more than 50 a few years ago.

I have thanked John Zeraschi who has been the manager for London Fields for about a year for trying his best with the limited finances and staff. Michael Dixon who managed the Fields over 4 years ago is now in charge again. He also covers the rest of south of Hackney.

Michael came to the last meeting to introduce himself to the Users and we discussed a few problems. We discussed the vandalised toilets which will probably have to be closed down, as further spending on them is just a waste and there is no money. Regular readers of the newsletter will know the many times it has been repaired in the last few years. We also have to spend the Community Chest funding urgently or loose it. Michael will produce a list of works needed in the north children's playgrounds. This will include repair of play equipment and supplying seating (the picnic type tables with fixed seats).

Paddling Pool Broken Into

Michael later informed me that the paddling-pool drain appeared to be cleared, but the metal-grill that should cover it was missing. This blockage was the reason used for closing the pool down last year. The paddling-pool is still officially closed. But children aren't concerned with the purity of the water or other health and safety matters, they just sneak in under the fence and play in any water they find.

Apparently, local people have removed the council padlock for the pool area and exchanged it with their own, allowing their children to paddle in the pool. This direct action shows the mood of local people. Just over 2 years ago we collected hundreds of signatures calling to repair and reopen this pool. I think that the pool should be re-opened. I don't think local parents will stand for council intransigence.

Events

Event in Haggerston Park has been changed to Sun. 30th June. The Hackney Biodiversity Partnership are holding an event at London Fields on Sat. 13 of July, starting at 1pm. This is to consult on and promote Biodiversity in our open spaces. They hope to have a range of family activities and a display of Biodiversity in Hackney, including Action Plans.

Hackney Tree Wardens

The Tree Wardens spent 3 hours on Thurs. 20th June mulching all the new and fairly recent trees planted on the Fields. Any one interested in tree-planting and maintenance, can contact them at jolamb@connordog.netverse.co.uk

Regards

Mike Martin (Chair)