Lib Dems win booze ban for church gardens (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Lib Dems win booze ban for church gardens

May 21, 2008 4:10 PM

Councillor Emily Fieran-Reed in St. Mary Magdalene Gardens

Cllr Emily Fieran-Reed inspecting St. Mary Magdalene Church Gardens

Local Liberal Democrat councillors and residents demanding action on crime and anti-social behaviour in the gardens of St. Mary Magdalene Church in Holloway Road have won their fight for a 'no drinking zone' in the park.

Following a recent Sunday morning attack on the church's vicar, residents on the Mersey Estate started a petition calling for a crack-down on people loitering in the 5-acre park around the church. The petition was handed in to the Council by local Lib Dem councillor Emily Fieran-Reed on the 3rd of April. The Liberal Democrats also launched an online petition.

The Council has already responded to residents' fears by:

carrying out an audit of the area's environmental and visual problems
allocating funding to improve the gardens and make the area safer.
agreeing plans for a 'no drinking zone' around the church.
holding a 'cleaner, greener, safer' activity day at the church gardens (25th June).

Mersey Estate resident Irene Spence said:

"The 'no drinking zone' will definitely make the area feel safer. I'm glad the Council and Police have responded in such a positive way to the problems residents and other park users are facing in St. Mary Magdalene Church Gardens."

The local Lib Dem councillor for St.Mary's ward, Emily Fieran-Reed, said:

"The Liberal Democrats are pushing hard for safety improvements around St. Mary Magdalene Church. Following the shocking assault on the church's vicar recently we have stepped up our campaign. This new 'no drinking zone' is a good first step.

"The park audit will identify the current problems and possible solutions. One possibility is fitting some lighting in the gardens as there is currently none. Areas will also be considered for fencing off.

"The Council is listening to the worries of residents on the Mersey Estate and users of the gardens and I hope we will soon be able to get some real physical and safety improvements to the park. I want residents to feel safe to use this park again"