Long battle for Talacre Gardens has been well worthwhile

Many local residents have worked hard to campaign to save Talacre Gardens, their local park. Our councillors have been very supportive too. But always there seemed to be enormous resistance on the part of Camden Council officers and the executive to gra

Many local residents have worked hard to campaign to save Talacre Gardens, their local park.

Our councillors have been very supportive too.

But always there seemed to be enormous resistance on the part of Camden Council officers and the executive to grant Town Green status for Talacre Gardens. Bearing this in mind, the executive meeting last Wednesday was nothing short of a miracle.

That is when the boundaries of the Town Green were determined. The threat was that protection would only be granted to a small portion of park - no more than a gesture. But battle-weary campaigners, executive members and officers finally got together to find a satisfactory resolution.

Even Conservative leader Andrew Marshall, a vocal opponent of Town Green status conceded with grace that the generous boundaries were appropriate.

It has taken a while to sink in that a thousand years from now, when all of us will have long been dead and buried, Talacre Gardens will still be there for the enjoyment of the community.

Residents love and cherish their park. It is safe forever.

DAVID LANDMAN

Southampton Road, NW5

1