Playing the fields

12.00.00am GMT Wed 13th Mar 2002

Highbury Fields is the biggest piece of green grass in the borough and although well tended has never been given the loving touch that it deserves. Under Labour chronic under-investment in all things green (from grass to recycling) has meant that regular maintenance and improvements went by the wayside. But things are about to change. Over the next few months a major investment is being made to bring the fields up to scratch - and this is just the start. Church Path Lighting The path will have a new look when Victorian lamp columns are replaced. The path is a well used route for pedestrians and cyclists but inadequate lighting has left some residents in fear of using it. Over the next 10 weeks, three Victorian cast iron lamp columns will be removed for cleaning. Three columns will be recast so that when the lighting scheme is finished, six columns will be standing - doubling the existing number. Temporary lighting has been installed while the works are completed. Whilst this has taken some time, but it is important that we get the right lighting for this conservation area. This is only the start, in this last weeks budget announcement council agreed to spend Millions across the borough on new lighting including on Highbury fields. Highbury Clocktower - battle against graffiti The council has now taken up the job of graffiti removal on the clocktower after the volunteer network originally set up found it was lacking in volunteers. Restored in the late 90's the clocktower was meant to get a coat of paint on various occasions and when there was graffiti from local volunteers, however in recent months that system has not worked so the council will now take up the gauntlet. With improved staffing on Highbury Fields and a successful green- team taking more care of such sites in the borough it makes sense we do this. A new pot of paint has been ordered and staff will check it regularly. Help us by letting us know when it has been defaced by phoning us or contacting us on clocktower@highburyeast.org.uk Highbury Recycling facility - Clean-up New facilities, extra collections and increased inspections should mean that the mess that surrounds the recycling bins will be a thing of the past. The old-style bottle banks next to Highbury Pool are soon to be replaced with new 'eurobins' purpose built for recycling. In addition to being more attractive, the council will be servicing the bins themselves (rather than through a recycling company) and will be able to deal with any problems straightaway. Additional inspections are already happening at the site so rubbish surrounding it is taken away as soon as possible. This is excellent news. This has always been a problematic recycling site and this has not changed despite bringing in door-to-door recycling. Highbury Fields recycling is the most heavily used in the borough. In the future i hope we can get the community more involved by "adopting" community recycling facilities across the borough so problems can be nipped in the bud. In the meantime you can report problems with the site by call ICSL on 020 7527 4501 or by emailing recycling@highburyeast.org.uk Highbury Fields re-seeding underway Persistent rain and poor leaf clearance have taken its toll on the grass in Highbury Fields - but soon it will look new again thanks to a programme of re-seeding and re-turfing. The tennis courts, area around Calabria road and the orchard area are to be redone and new turf is going down along the footpath to the church. Leaf collection has now been prioritised so that early clearance will mean the grass will not be killed The planters near the oasis cafe are to now be replaced with cast iron bins so that the area is clearer of rubbish and looks nice. As well as these improvements in recent months the tennis courts have been resurfaced and up-dates, Highbury Pool changing rooms re-vamped and the new gym built at the pool. Next on our hit list will be new benches, poop-a-scoop facilities and even more lighting.