Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Shouldn't Haringey Borough of Culture leave a legacy that's worth breathing for?
In 2027, Haringey will celebrate its year as Borough of Culture. There will be exciting events, creative projects and community celebrations. That's something to look forward to.
But when the banners come down and the applause fades, what lasting legacy will remain?
How about cleaner air?
Every evening, many residents in Harringay are exposed to pollution from restaurant extraction systems. The council calls it the "dinner rush". Most residents would probably call it something else.
This isn't just an inconvenience. It's an ongoing public health issue affecting residents, restaurant workers and customers alike.
So instead of spending every available pound on temporary events, why not invest some of the funding in something with benefits that last long after 2027?
Create a grant programme to help local restaurants install effective air filtration systems.
It's one of those rare ideas where everyone benefits:
- Residents breathe cleaner air.
- Restaurants receive financial support to upgrade ageing equipment.
- Customers enjoy a better experience.
- Staff work in healthier conditions.
- And Haringey gains a legacy that people will still appreciate years from now.
The Borough of Culture is meant to be "created with communities, shared across neighbourhoods, and felt in everyday life."
Surely there can be no more meaningful legacy than cleaner air—protecting children's lungs, supporting healthier ageing, and improving the wellbeing of everyone who lives, works and visits here.
I've submitted an application for this funding. Now I need your help.
Please email your local councillor and ask them to support using Borough of Culture funding for a clean air grant scheme. A lasting legacy should improve everyday life—not just fill a calendar.
As the funding comes from the Mayor of London, please also consider contacting our London Assembly Member, Joanne McCartney, to ask for her support.
Let's make Haringey Borough of Culture remembered not only for what happened in 2027, but for the healthier neighbourhood it helped create.
- Attachments:
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Funding application.docx, 20 KB
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Alice B
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I've just shared this with Joanne Mccartney and Catherine West asking for their support to champion funding for lasting change wherever they can. Support shouldn't be limited by borders - whether Major of London, Member of Parliament or council, everyone should push for clean air for the people of Harringay (Ladder and Gardens)
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Permalink Reply by Clive Carter
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Alice, good stuff!
In March 2019, Labour’s Motion to Declare a Climate Emergency was passed at a meeting of Full Council, unanimously.
Such was the urgency, a lengthy Climate (in-) Action plan (Draft?) was published 12 months later. In any event, tt was vague, largely empty and worthless. Deadlines for action represented officers' humour or lack of self-awareness: some council “deadlines” were actually a bracket of years!
Since the formal Declaration seven years ago, anything that was remotely consistent with any response to the climate crisis was implemented years later: wholly, partially or simply not done.
“Officer” inertia has been intense, while New Labour cosiness and indulgence was chronic.
Given Labour's original good intentions of 7 (seven) years ago, one might have supposed that more action would have been taken on air pollution.
Under the previous Administration, Public Health had a low priority and a low profile. The narrow focus meant there was insufficient attention given to preventative measures.
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Borough of Culture: the Legacy (slush) Fund
A Borough of Culture may be a nice-to-have, but surely not before a local council gets the basics right.
However in the climate of New Labour, Bread & Circuses ruled, with the effect of distracting the peasants from more fundamental needs. When it came to a local Labour Leader’s pet project, money was no object (e.g. the Director of Culture enjoys a salary of £165,000, plus £29,000 pension contribution). And the council claims—untruthfully—that it has no money.
I hear huge amounts of public money are going into the Culture Legacy Fund.
But, what is to be the council's real legacy for all Haringey residents?
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