Dear Residents
Thanks to everyone who came, baked cakes, chatted, ate, laughed, drank and contributed to the FOBS Summer Party In The Square on Saturday. It seemed to be a great day and good to see so many friends and neighbours.

You'll be aware of our consultations with the Friends Of Bsq and various other users of the Square re: how best to increase positive community ownership of the gardens.  We're very grateful to the Friends Of Barnsbury Square and the regular users for their help in this.

We're pleased to report that The Council have allowed us to temporarily use the fenced-off grass area on the East Lawn for any pop up events;  - sunbathing, picnics, kids parties, eating sitting down during the summer etc.  The temporary fencing will be removed in September.  Please do jump in and use this friendly space, we've worked hard to get this concession and we should make good use of this opportunity.  

At some point the council will put a temporary gate on. It is not an official dog-free area and won’t be sign posted as such however, most of the park users broadly understand its intention to be dog-free.  If most people respect this most of the time, it's a good start.  Remember to take any litter away with you.

GARDENING volunteers NEEDED
You'll have seen the new planting which is looking great thanks to all the volunteers .

Any help with summer watering in the square would be gratefully received!- .  Even an hour a week would be fantastic.  There are several bulb planting and gardening days organised and kids planting days too. Please email friendsofbsg@aol.com for details.

Re: The terrible state of the West Lawn 
We are still pressing on with this.
The council have costed around £8,000 to clean out the drainage under the lawn, however, they were uncertain this would help, as the trees are so overgrown. The Islington tree policy prohibits trees being cut due to 'lack of light' reasons.
Various other options being mooted include digging drainage trenches round the perimeter, on-going weekly maintenance, re-instatement of central flower bed... We will keep pressing the council on how break this cycle of decline of the muddy patch. 

Future Dates:
Tuesday 12 Sept 6.30pm 7.30pm– Barnsbury Sq Residents Open meeting & AGM  (Venue TBC) then at 7.30pm same evening,

END OF SUMMER EVENING DRINKS and NIBBLES in the Mountfort Terrace Open Space.  Bring a bottle and some nibbles.  It was a great success last year, see you there

Monday 4 December 7pm - Barnsbury Square Residents Christmas Drinks at the Albion Pub

To report any unsociable activates to the Council hot-line call:  0207 527 7272

 
When things are reported to this number (24/7), Islington Council try and deal with issues on the spot and at least have a record of calls.  We recommend calling this number and the police too on 101.
You could also email Bhupesh.Thapa@islington.gov.uk or Tel: 07825 098458.  His address is: Islington Council Realm, PO Box 2025 PERSHORE WR10 9BU.
Please contact your local councillors:
​Councillor Rowena Champion rowena.champion@islington.gov.uk
Councillor Jilani Chowdhury  jilani.chowdhury@islington.gov.uk
Mouna Hamatouche mouna.hamitouche@islington.gov.uk Tel: 020 7713 0875 Mobile 07956 552 829.