Haringey Liberal Democrats have expressed their concern at a meeting of the Alexandra Park and Palace Advisory Committee about proposed redesigning of the park following the Palace Board’s successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid.

According to the Lib Dems, the proposals would see welcome improvements to the Park’s main entrances, but would not result in improvements to lesser entrances from Dukes Avenue and Muswell Hill and would see the removal of the distinctive gantries from the main road entrances. Lib Dem Councillors are also deeply concerned that the wildlife area at the garden centre in the park is not being maintained and under new leasing arrangements may be allowed to fall into further disrepair. Lib Dem Councillors will be writing to the Council and the Palace Board to express their concerns.

Commenting on the proposals, Lib Dem Alexandra Palace spokesperson, Cllr Bob Hare, said:

“There are many good ideas and much needed work in the proposed changes to the park, but we have real concerns about the loss of the distinctive, and we believe popular, gantries at the entrances to the Palace. It is also important that the Board retains its commitment to the maintenance of the wildlife garden at the garden centre. It is important that this site is maintained for public benefit and would be a great loss to the people of Haringey if it were to be removed or fall into disuse.”

Cllr Ross Laird, Leader of the Opposition, added:

“I will be writing to the Council and the Palace Board to ensure that money is earmarked in the future for clearing up and signposting the pedestrian access points to the park. Many of the entrances are a real eyesore and need cleaning up.”