There has been much public outcry about the closure of the
Vincent Terrace canalside open space.
Many residents have said forcefully that they use and enjoy the space,
and that in a borough with so little green space it is highly valued, and a
great area for children and dogs to go exploring.
Many people want to know why, when there is such significant
support to reopen the gardens, that the Council has not re-opened them yet.
The space belongs to the Canal and River Trust (CaRT). Islington Council held it on a 42 year lease
which expired 2 years ago. Negotiations
to renew the lease stalled, and CaRT locked us out earlier this year. Council officers believed (wrongly) that the
space was little-used, and thought it best to relinquish the space. I circulated this view to residents, which
generated the outcry.
Since officers understood that the space is used and needed
there has been some dialogue with officers over what the costs would be to
carry out any repairs to the space to make it safe for the public to
re-enter. These costs are now at an
acceptable level. This was followed by
negotiations with CaRT to agree the terms of a new lease with them. There were a number of contentious issues
that needed to be discussed, relating to which elements of the space the
Council would be responsible for maintaining, and also some planning
issues.
We have now reached agreement with CaRT on these terms,
which include a new long lease on a peppercorn rent, with the Council
responsible for maintenance, including trees.
We need to lease to be signed, in order for the Council to
get access to the area to carry out the necessary repairs, after which the
space will be re-opened.
In the mean time I have heard it reported that the gates have
broken open and trespassers entered the site.
The Trust are aware of this, although I’m not sure what action they have
taken to secure the area. Some local residents are also trying to keep the place
tidy, and trim back some of the overgrown shrubs. It would be good to get some proper community
gardening going in the space once it is reopened.
