Whitewebbs Park must remain open to all

Conservative councilor for Whitewebbs, David Skelton, reacts to last month’s legal verdict

Whitewebbs Park is a very precious part of Enfield. It is very precious to the people of the neighborhood and beyond, who love it for its tranquility, open green spaces and diversity of wildlife with over 70 species of birds, some rare butterflies and ancient forests.

The park is a hallowed link to the borough’s rich and varied history, with links to the park going back to figures as diverse as Henry VIII and the Gunpowder Plotters. What has been the case for nearly a century, however, is that the people of Enfield have had unfettered and unfettered freedom to enjoy the beauty of the park.

This freedom could be brought to a screeching halt. The proposals by Tottenham Hotspur and Enfield Council mean that half of the open pitch at Whitewebbs Park will be largely rebuilt, laid out with manicured grass and artificial turf. This ground would be fenced off, being used primarily for the use of elite footballers rather than locals. High fences, patrolled by security guards, will keep the locals away.

It is a deeply symbolic move, given that the park was sold to Enfield Council in 1931 on the condition that it be held in public trust and used for the benefit of the people. It should come as little surprise that there is almost universal local opposition to these plans to fence off and privatize public parks.

Unfortunately, the council has chosen to ignore the clearly expressed views of park users and local residents and is continuing with its plans to exclude the public from large areas of Whitewebbs Park.

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This is an issue of great importance not just to Enfield, but to the people of London and beyond who value their local parks and green spaces. There is no denying that last month’s High Court verdict upholding the council’s decision was a blow to those of us campaigning against this modern fencing of public land.

Local residents, led by Sean Wilkinson, are right to appeal the decision, which sets a precedent that could jeopardize the future of public land across the country. This is not the place to go into the legal details, but it is worth noting that the judgment, while ultimately disappointing, recognized that the proposals would lead to a “significant” decrease in public access to the park and create facilities that “are not (…) to a significant extent (…) accessible to the public for recreation”.

There is, of course, an alternative to pursuing the legal route. Even at this late stage, the council could engage significantly with park users to ensure continued public access to the entire park. One of the world’s richest football clubs could withdraw its bid and instead pursue alternative, commercial routes that do not encroach on public land.

The fight to save Whitewebbs Park is far from over. It is essential that the council fulfills its responsibility to keep the whole park in public trust and it is essential that the park remains open to all.

David Skelton represents Whitewebbs alongside Hannah Dyson and Reece Fox (all Tories). Get in touch:
E-mail (email protected)

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