Local residents believe that Finsbury Park should be used to host some large events, but are unhappy with the levels of consultation over its use, according to the results of a survey carried out by Stroud Green councillor Laura Edge and the local Liberal Democrats. The Lib Dem survey was delivered door-to-door in late 2004.

By just over two to one, residents backed the idea that there should be large events in the park, but 81% said that they did not think residents in the area were consulted enough. Furthermore, less than one in five residents (16%) said they were happy with the state of the park after events have been held. The concern follows repeated pressure from residents’ groups for a better clean-up and action to address damage to the park’s facilities after major events. Councillors Laura Edge and Lynne Featherstone are following up the issues raised in the survey.

Lynne Featherstone comments:

“Many residents feel that the clean-up after events varies greatly in quality. I am investigating what action we can secure to ensure that a proper clean-up always occurs. We also need better consultation in future.

“While there isn’t opposition in principle to some events, Finsbury Park is first and foremost a local park. I will be working with Laura Edge to ensure future improvements.”