Pond Square vision deserves serious consideration

THE vision for Pond Square set out by Highgate Society chairman Gordon Forbes is fabulous. So much so that if it ever comes to pass, the statue in the middle of the artist s impression might well be erected in his honour. He sees the square not as a centr

THE vision for Pond Square set out by Highgate Society chairman Gordon Forbes is fabulous. So much so that if it ever comes to pass, the statue in the middle of the artist's impression might well be erected in his honour.

He sees the square not as a centre for night-time rowdyism, but for day time merriment. A way would have to be found, of course, to prevent a newly-invigorated square from being taken over by yobs in the hours of darkness.

One can well understand the concerns of some residents in this respect but there are more laws than ever before to prevent anti-social behaviour in public places.

It is sadly typical of policing nowadays that their solution to the possibility of rowdy behaviour is to suggest fencing off the square. It would be less bother that way of course but it should never happen. Fencing might well even add to the problem by enticing troublemakers.

Is it not a far better option to bring this prized square alive again, to the sound of local people enjoying life in a moderate and sober manner, in the style of similar spaces on the continent? Our own public open space is too precious to be allowed to stagnate.