Plans for two beach volleyball courts have been scrapped after Highbury residents complained they would end up as a glorified “dogs’ toilet”.
Residents feared the sand courts, originally designed to be built on Highbury Fields, would encourage dog fouling and consequently require expensive maintenance.
Bettina Reiber, a member of the Highbury Fields Association, said: “I’m keen on keeping the park as a park. I am 100 per cent opposed to any more grassland being taken away from those who don’t play volleyball.
“It’s about striking a balance. The park is such an oasis and something that’s natural.
“We’ve already got a swimming pool and half of it is already overbuilt.”
Terry Stacy, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition and councillor for Highbury East, was informed on Tuesday that the council had abandoned the plans.
He was pleased that the council had listened to the many complaints from residents.
Carrick Jones, another member of the Highbury Fields Association, said: “I love the idea of people sitting on the grass and enjoying themselves. There’s been a lot of nonsense about ruining the fields. There should be some sort of regulation.”
One Highbury resident added: “The fields need more fields. Highbury Fields is not large enough for another organised sport.”
At a feedback meeting organised by Mr Stacy some residents were concerned that the courts were “likely to become a dogs’ toilet and worse”.
Despite opposition to the volleyball courts, some residents would like to see more facilities for young people.
Caroline Russell, a member of the Highbury Fields Forum, an organisation dedicated to advising the council on matters relating to the management of Highbury Fields, said: “Facilities for teenagers are very important. There is nothing at the moment.”
With £5k council funding, the Highbury Fields Forum is about to start work on installing table tennis facilities in the north-east corner of the park . A ping-pong table is due to be completed in June, just in time for the Olympics.
