Five more of Haringey’s parks have been given bad ratings following inspections – but the council is challenging the judgements.
Woodside Park, Priory Park, Bruce Castle Park, Markfield Park and Albert Recreation Ground were all rated red following mystery shopper visits by Keep Britain Tidy – meaning inspectors had major concerns about their upkeep.
It comes after Finsbury Park and Downhills Park were temporarily stripped of their green flags – which are awarded to well managed parks and green spaces – following visits in September and October.
Problems such as graffiti and damaged bins and play equipment were highlighted in Keep Britain Tidy’s inspection reports.
A further ten Haringey parks were rated amber, meaning inspectors had “some concerns” about their state, while only three were rated green, signalling they had no concerns.
The Liberal Democrat group has accused the council of trying to conceal inspection results, claiming it turned down several requests to see the red-flagged reports.
But the council said it is challenging the five red ratings and the reports will be published once its discussions with Keep Britain Tidy are over.
It also claimed to have received one Freedom of Information request “which has been lodged and will be responded to within the 28-day limit”.
Finsbury Park and Downhills Park have had their green flag status restored after improvement works were carried out by the council.
Cllr Bob Hare, Haringey Liberal Democrat spokesperson on parks, said: “Haringey is blessed to have so many parks and open spaces. However, it is imperative that they are kept safe and maintained to a high standard.
“Even more importantly, Haringey Council should be open with its residents which means they must stop trying to hide these reports from the public.”
Cllr Kirsten Hearn, Haringey Council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “There are a number of points which we do not agree with in Keep Britain Tidy’s assessment of five of our parks. We are asking them to look at these again.
“In Haringey we have some amazing green spaces which, as with many busy London parks, are well-used and get thousands of visitors every month.
“We have a comprehensive clean-up programme and work tirelessly in partnership with the Friends groups to keep them in the best possible condition.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here