Cllr Sarah Williams focuses on one aspect of life in West Green

One aspect of life in West Green
By

I’m very pleased to highlight West Green ward here in Tottenham. I live here and raised my family in our community. I’m proud to be living in the ward where I represent my neighbours. It’s hard to pick just one aspect of life in West Green, but one of my favourite places, Lordship Rec is right in the middle of the ward – connecting Broadwater Farm to Downhills Park.

Just about every day I walk, run or cycle there – and over the years I’ve watched its transformation from a rather desolate, neglected place to become the vibrant centre of our neighbourhood. Now, more than ever, our community is using this vast open space to play, exercise, appreciate nature and meet neighbours. The park has never been busier and I was privileged to join the thousands who attended the Black Lives Matter events in July.

Lordship Rec (and its neighbour Downhills Park) is fortunate to have an active friends group. Launched in 2001, the group is still determinedly community led. They have worked tirelessly to secure funds and restore the lake area, cycling facilities, and the Shell Theatre, as well as install a permanent memorial to the victims of the Second World War Downhills shelter tragedy.

The Friends work closely with the Broadwater Farm Community Centre, which is home to Harmony Gardens, Back2Earth and numerous health and fitness classes. Other park users include Broadwater United FC and Rockstone Cycling.

We also have the Hub café, a community run cooperative, that is now open again after lockdown, offering takeaways, hot and cold drinks, and nutritious home-made food. I’ve been known to grab an ice cream there too, when the weather’s right. And because the Hub is right next to the lake, they’ve got food for the ducks.

The Hub is looking forward to re-opening fully, providing a friendly place to meet, and offering classes for all ages – from Tiny Time Music to Silver Fit. As a local councillor I’m glad that Haringey Council’s parks team is able to support Lordship Rec by offering a low rent for the Hub.

Local news needs your support

We are proud that we were at the forefront of reporting on the recent local elections. We can’t do this without the support of our readers.

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.