Save Finsbury Leisure Centre ! Save the Pitches! Save Open Space!
Fight the council spending MORE MONEY to dismantle community facilities.
Date: Thursday 22nd June
Time : 18:45-1915
Location: Islington Town Hall Steps
Objective: Cheer, chant and sing demonstrate the strength of objection
JOIN AND SPREAD THE WORD
In a concerning turn of events, we have discovered that the local council is planning to hold a meeting and vote to increase the budget for the Finsbury Leisure Centre Development this Thursday evening at the Townhall. The plans state the intention to commence construction as early as January 2024. There is no mention of children’s sport facilities, health or environmental concerns. Islington Council Executive members will approve additional funding 22 June 2023 because of delays and cost increases.
What raises further alarm is that this budget proposal has been drafted without any further plans and without a second consultation with the community!
The council proposes this overdevelopment in the densest built up area of the UK. Proposed overdevelopment will eliminate leisure space, football pitch space, and environmental open space for all. The councils proposed overdevelopment will put existing social housing in the area into shadow and fuel poverty. The council proposes a rooftop pitch which will segregate community from access to football pitches, especially cut off from local children to access. A roof top pitch will also inflict light and noise pollution into homes as the area is already the densest area in the UK as the proposed overdevelopment and a rooftop pitch will destroy individual and community wellbeing.
To express their opposition and demand transparency, we are organising a gathering at the Townhall steps this Thursday. The aim is to have as many people as possible in attendance and to spread the word to neighbours and friends. It is disheartening to witness a lack of transparency from our local council. We urge them to listen to the voices of the community, as we have a right to be involved in decisions that affect our lives.
It's regrettable that the council deliberately organises such agenda items with minimal notice. We stand united against such tactics and will continue to advocate for a fair and participatory democratic decision-making process. Our local councillors are not listening to the community they are supposed to represent!
We demand community led design!
Projections on the Town Hall and Finsbury Leisure Centre will continue - please see attached photos.
For further details contact: betterbunhillclerkenwell@gmail.com
Item B4 https://democracy.islington.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=141&MId=4457
There is no need to build on the Finsbury football pitches. Open space and play is vital for our kids' wellbeing. There is no extra time. We need liveable cities for all now and for our future.