Al fresco Area Assemblies for Muswell Hill, Crouch End and Wood Green.

With excitement mounting and extra police being drafted in to control the rowdy residents of Harringay and St Ann's wards in readiness for the Area Assembly on Monday, news reaches us of much more genteel weekend affairs planned for the citizens west of the Borough;

"All three meetings (of the Area Assembly) will be held in marquees in the parks. The sessions will include information stalls giving benefits help and advice on housing, parks and planning, plus free entertainment, refreshments and children's activities.

Said Cllr Lorna Reith, Haringey cabinet member for community cohesion and involvement:

"Area assemblies are for everyone, so we want to try different meeting formats to appeal to as wide a local audience as possible. Holding the meetings at the weekend will also make it easier for families and children to come along."

Nice...our turn soon please, Lorna. I believe local band the Deviant Hearts may be available and a little salsa action never goes amiss.

Meanwhile don your combat gear and prepare to do battle on Monday night at St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church on Wightman Road.