Green+Spaces+-+The+Friends+of+Parks+Forum+-+Ads+threat

=**Green spaces ads threat**= Friends of Parks Forum opposes advertising and sponsorship threat to Haringey's green spaces 9.4.08 The Haringey Friends of Parks Forum have noted a new drive by Haringey Council to seek advertising and sponsorship in or around parks, green spaces, flower beds and verges. According to the Council's press release of 3rd April, //'The council is offering sponsorship opportunities for an initial group of 21 sites that are managed by its parks service. For an annual fee, suitable organisations can have corporate signs with contact information installed at the sites, which include open spaces in Highgate, Muswell Hill, Crouch End, Tottenham Hale and Wood Green.'//

The Council is aware that this is a highly controversial measure, but is forging ahead regardless of the views of Friends groups and residents generally. The Forum discussed this when it was first floated and were generally opposed to such 'sponsorship'. Some Friends groups have indicated they would support 'direct action' to protect their green space from any advertising signs.

Friends groups and the Council have been working hard in partnership to ensure adequate funding and staffing for our parks. Recent cuts have not helped, but this unilateral proposal from the Council is unacceptable.

//'This is a highly inappropriate and shocking idea which needs to be cancelled immediately. Green spaces are for relaxing in and enjoying the beauty of a natural environment. People want to get away from the pressures of the rat race, including the constant bombardment of advertising.'// - Joan Curtis, Secretary of the Haringey Friends of Parks Forum


 * The Haringey Friends of Parks Forum** is the umbrella organisation/network run by and for the local Friends groups for all public green spaces throughout the borough (including parks, nature reserves and recreation grounds). There are 30 such groups. The Forum meets bi-monthly to discuss and pursue issues of common concern over efforts to improve the borough's green spaces. http://haringeyfriendsofparks.org.uk/