A community square in Islington has been voted the nation’s fourth favourite green space.
Arlington square, which used to be a wasteland, has not only been recognised by the London Garden Society Awards as one of the best parks in London, but also as the Best Residential Community Garden in the Bloom Awards.
Gordon McArthur, chair of the Arlington Association, said: “It’s good to know that experts think that we are good at gardening. I am proud of that and of our community.”
“It’s well deserved. Gordon is amazing and very knowledgeable. I’m very happy of the national award that this square has won,” added Dee Austin, a member of the association who has lived in the square for more than 20 years.
The neighbours of the area are in charge of maintaining the garden but as Mr McArthur recognises, it has become a “challenge for the community” as not everyone has experience in gardening.
“The reality is that local government doesn’t have any money so if we don’t do this as a community, they won’t do it,” added Mr McArthur.
The Arlington Association was created in 2002 after a community drive to solve the antisocial behaviour problems that the park was suffering.
Picture Source: Arnau Vila
