Park ‘not so premier’

10:43am Wednesday 17th October 2007

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THE continuing dilapidated state of a premier park' in Hendon is evidence of a council failing to do minimum repairs and maintenance, according to neighbouring residents.

Residents living near Sunny Hill Park, in Watford Way, say it has long been neglected, with rubbish, dog excrement, and broken walls and steps. They also complain of rats and loitering youths.

For more than three years, Michael Sabel, who lives in Sunny Hill Court, which adjoins the park, has been asking Barnet Council to repair the wall and steps that lead down to the park from Sunningfields Crescent.

He said: "It's a decent area and yet the place is not kept nicely. There's often rubbish in the flowerbeds with tin cans and bits of paper and discarded McDonald's cartons. There are two or three benches that are badly damaged, and the steps leading down from Sunningfields Crescent has big gaps in it."

Doreen Reboul, of Sunningfields Crescent, said: "I've lived here for 50 years, and I've seen a huge change. They leave all the brambles, so lots of shrubs are being choked to death. There's more litter, and the steps were supposed to be fixed."

According to the council, premier parks are intended to be exemplar parks which are attractive, accessible, well maintained and offer a wide range of facilities'.

A spokesman said flowerbeds are weeded regularly, new roses and improved seating have recently been put in, and further improvement work is planned.

Andrew Dismore, MP for Hendon, said: "Getting the council to do anything to maintain the parks is like trying to push water uphill. Sunny Hill Park is big and stretches a long way. It's an important resource, but there's a general air of neglect. The wide range of complaints shows how unpopular the premier parks policy is."

Councillor Matthew Offord, cabinet member for environment and transport, pointed out that in the past two years the council had been awarded seven green flags from the Civic Trust recognising well-kept parks.

He said: "It is a pity that some irresponsible people damage our parks and green spaces. But in order to seek improvement, the Labour MP should propose constructive ideas instead of attempting to portray remedial works as evidence of neglect. The people of Hendon deserve better."