Proposed Community Land Grab / Repossession

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bethany Burrow Atherton on February 15, 2021 at 14:58

Do you mean the section of the New River Path between the gate on Wightman Rd opposite Allison Rd and Hornsey Station? If so, while I think it could be better maintained by Thames water, I would be extremely sceptical of any plan that did anything to threaten (a) the diversity of wildlife there or (b) the feeling of having a stretch of countryside in the middle of our urban landscape.

You also need to remember that the stretch in Islington, while part of the original course of the river, is no longer actually part of it - the river has been truncated at the old pumping station (Castle Climbing Centre) in Stoke Newington. North of there, including the section in Harringay, is still a working water source supplying London, and its use as a leisure facility is secondary to that.

There is also no public right of way on the New River Path where it goes right next to the river - you are correct that it's private land owned by Thames Water, and the risk of suggesting that they "do the right thing" (which, in my view, would not be the right thing at all) is that they move the permission for the public to use the path altogether.

Permalink Reply by Mr Wodjacallim on February 16, 2021 at 18:08

Hi Bethany

Yes, that is where I mean. Pleased to see you at least agree on the point that the land should be better managed.    I know its part of the water suppy with unhygenic dog faeces draining into it.

Evidently things have not moved on since the New Flats sewage pipe drained into the water works.   ( That left the water works so contaminated, a new one was built a few years ago. All concerned kept quiet about it. LB Haringey apparently lost their pipe maps and the New Flats sewage pipe was inadvertently connected to the waterworks fresh water supply pipe I believe. Thats a secret part of Haringey History ...)

The piece of land cannot be left unmanaged and it has to be maintained.  For example, if a tree grew near the New River, the roots could breach the bank, flood Wightman Road and disrupt the water supply. That is probably why there are no big trees very near the New River. 

Have you ever wondered why there is no water weed in it?  TW probably treat it with something to prevent it growing but I have heard pike attack ducks by the New flats. 

That piece of land has unrealised community potential. Closing it off would prevent it being realised.

With my 10% of Nordic / Viking DNA, I support a land grab to bring it into community use.

I hope you can be persuaded to change your view. ;o)

Permalink Reply by Bethany Burrow Atherton on February 15, 2021 at 15:00

You may also want to educate yourself on the history and extent of the New River and, of course, the New River Path. This is a reasonable starting point: http://www.luphen.org.uk/walks/new_river/newriver.pdf but there are plenty of other resources available.

Permalink Reply by Mr Wodjacallim on February 16, 2021 at 18:14

I have explored quite bit of the Lea Network on bike. Running North up Broxbourne and Dobbs Weir. Running south on the Lee Navigation to Limehouse Basin, Dickens Inn and down the canal to Paddington via Camden.

Permalink Reply by Bethany Burrow Atherton on February 16, 2021 at 23:04

That's nice. It's not the New River, though.

Permalink Reply by Mr Wodjacallim on February 20, 2021 at 9:49

True but is part of an interesting three lane water network which started with the river Lea then the navigation and new river were added. 18/19th century engineers added a water delivery system and water source for London, the navigation and the new river.

The investors then built two very posh houses in Enfield, Middleton house and Forties hall I  think.