Minutes of Friends of Regents Canal Meeting 8th October 2003 Camley Street

Present: Ryan Kemp, Copenhagen Neighbourhood Forum Bill Thomas, Diespeker Wharf Seymour Laxon, Resident Thornhill Bridge Wharf Fiona Strawbridge, Resident Thornhill Bridge Wharf Fiona MacLean, London Narrow Boat Assn Iain Mactavish, London Narrow Boat Assn Clair Butler, London Narrow Boat Assn Mike Manuel, British waterways London Jon Guest, British Waterways London Steve Dixon, Groundwork Camden & Islington Marcus Jones, Camden Canal & Narrow boat Assn Regent Network James Bill, Regent Network Richard Kirby, L.B Camden Kings X Team Del Brenner, Regents Network Jim Langdon, Angel Canal Festival Richard Shaw, L.B Islington David Graham, MontaguEvans Parabola Land Paul Grimaldenburg, Co-ord Relations/Parabola Land Francis Chronnell, Islington Boat Club Chris Ashby, Islington Cyclists Action Group Stephan Schulte, York Central Residents Assn Colin Wills, Police Community Support Officer Mohammad Ahsan, Police Community Support Officer Mark Warwick, Police Jeremy Audrey, Islington Boat Club Lisa Tang, Treaty Street Residents Assn Louisa Roscoe, Nature Conservation Warden (minutes) Andrew Bedford, Ecology Manager (chair). Apologies: Mick Coady, Greenspace Ranger 1.Welcome & Introductions 2. Kings Cross Redevelopment: feedback from pre-meeting (Separate report on pre-meeting available) Discussion followed: L.B Camden encouraged all to respond individually as well as a group. Deadline for input = 10th November 03. Concern raised about Camden allowing increase in height of buildings & not protecting viewing corridors. Reassured that viewing corridor will not be affected. Islington Planning brief only covers Islington triangle. Brief is on their website; consultation period is briefer. 3. Gate Locking Trial Three month trial period of gates unlocked recently completed on east side of canal from Vincent Terrace to Sturges Lock. Feedback from residents has been mixed: some residents opposite City Road Lock raised the issue of increased noise; another resident reported noise had lessened as people no longer climbing over gates. Reported incidents of crime have been minimal. Conclusions: security of property is owner’s responsibility; noise does have impact, but there are other means to deal with this. Gates to remain unlocked. West side from Muriel Street to York Way: Andrew Bedford to recommend 3 month trial opening. This will exclude Treaty St. gate as this is used as a crime getaway route, and York Way and other entrances are near as alternative exits for users of canal. Boating community supports gates being open. 4. Security on the Canal Concern raised re fireworks; police are doing some late patrolling & will be giving mobile no. out. Difficulties in tackling firework use as people disperse immediately. Particular spot on Cally Rd is being monitored by police. & police also targeting suppliers. Cycle patrols have been effective elsewhere. Police want feedback about where main areas of concern they need to focus on. Will liase with Camden. Non-urgent concerns can be reported by e-mail (include specific details): mark.warwick@met.police.uk Discussion on different security measures: signs saying “This Park is Patrolled”; CCTV. Reality regarding patrols is that police resources are very limited so policing is primarily intelligence-led, though community police officers do patrol. Cameras only useful if staffed & unlikely to have funds for this; this could be included in Kings X Development plan. Issue of simply displacing problem, e.g. increase of sex workers in Islington having moved from Camden after Operation Whelan disbanded. 5. Cycling on the canal Brief discussion on how to slow down cyclists in specific problem spots. 6. 96 York Way Development Discussion with developers re proposal of office scheme & private arts centre. Planning application was made to L..B.I last week. Developers wanting feedback from Friends Group on: a) opportunities to provide mooring facilities b) opening up of access to basin on south side Meeting’s main concern was building proposed is seven storeys, with main height being specifically on the canal side. Developers have addressed this issue but failed to find other options that didn’t affect other areas; in order to fund arts project, require certain amount of office space to let. Point raised that no other buildings in the area are this height, will set a precedent; why isn’t arts centre being incorporated in Kings X Redevelopment instead? (e.g. use of old gas-ometers). No one against development of this site, it is the height that is the issue. Developers concerned to reassure everyone that their client is committed to running successful arts centre; green credentials of the building i.e. using air conditioning system that has lower emissions, means each floor to ceiling space has to be larger than in usual buildings. Discussion on moorings: different opinions, some concern that not enough width for on-line moorings, suggestion put out of the way in the basin because of damage from wide-beamed commercial craft (some disagreement on this point); there is scarcity of visitors moorings & secure overnight moorings needed, public access may make it unsuitable site? Others thought access to café & arts centre would attract some boats. Water bus a possibility? 7. City Road Basin Richard Shaw, L.B.I explained master plan exercise & development policy being formed. Draft document will be available for six-week consultation period within next 3 weeks. Some concern that public views will actually be taken into account & the document is not a fait accompli. Design principles are in place i.e. public access around the basin, & the quality of the environment & greenspace. Point raised that there has been no public consultation since 2000, but developers & architects etc have had an enormous amount of consultation. Concern that park will go; this has previously been raised, possibility for proposal to take this into account from start? Consultation is from end October to first week December. Friends to have specific meeting during this time for draft to be presented, & group to have opportunity to respond. Important to see plans before meeting if possible. Andrew to set date for meeting in November & inform everyone. 8. Project Updates a) Groundwork: presented Mural Project for views. Project initially came out of consultation with young people fro All Saints area. Proposal is for mural to be designed by young people in conjunction with professional artist; historical aspect of area is theme. Funding is in place. One proposed site for finished work is Thornhill Bridge West. (Maiden Lane Bridge considered, but turned down by Islington Planning Dept, although passed by Camden.) Would be mounted on boards so as not to damage brickwork, also to allow being movable. Discussion: timescale requested for how long mural in place so that not automatically a permanent fixture; pigeons may need to be netted off; benefits of engaging young people in art projects & involving them in the canal to be balanced against too many art projects that are inappropriate; on previous sites, projects like this have reduced graffiti & brightened up bridges. Generally positive feeling from the group for this project. Further feedback to: steve.dixon@groundwork.org.uk b) All Saints Garden: funding is through for wrought iron gate to be made by Freeform Arts & designed by local artist; also for mosaic to be made for wall of church overlooking garden and working with local schools. c) Treaty Street Project: Workday planned for 6th November to install window boxes, plant raised beds & inlay mosaic pavings that have been designed with children from Copenhagen School. d) Angel Canal Festival: 18th Festival went very well; lots of input from British Waterways & community involvement. Organisation is voluntary & raises own funds; would appreciate some practical help from Friends Group. Short report will be circulated next meeting. Item carried forward: Biodiversity Action Plan

Minutes of Friends of Regents Canal meeting 1/9/04 Diespeker Wharf, 38 Graham St, N1 Attendance Amanda Peck LBI Planning Chris Ashby ICAG Del Bremner Regents Network Gordon Meenn F of RC Camden Leo Chapman EC1 New Deal Lisa Tang TSRA Andrew Beharrell PTE architects Sally Sheider Islington Boat Club Mike Manuel BWL Ryan Kemp Copenhagen Neighbourhood Paul Vivian LB Camden Kings X Team Eric Sorenson Angel Association Andrew Bedford Greenspace Ecology Manager (chair) Louisa Roscoe Nature Conservation Warden (minutes) Apologies Marcus Jones & James Bill, Regents Network; Lucy Edwards, Greenspace Ranger; Jim Lagden, ACF; Mark Hammil, LBI Planning 1. Welcome & introductions 2. Minutes of last meeting a) Thornhill Bridge Community Gardens: successful launch of new mosaic on 15/7/04, attended by press, Mayor of Islington, pupils of Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School & some members of F of RC. Regular community workdays are taking place; still need more members. People’s Places Project is due to take place beginning of November: community Nature Conservation Project, developing section of the bank between towpath and top Muriel St path. b) Portal over bridge by Muriel St: BW has put up temporary fence on parapet wall to prevent people climbing down to private moorings; NCT & English Heritage to be consulted regarding permanent changes. c) BW Users Group: request for more info [Info supplied post-meeting by Mike Manuel: next meeting for East is on 12th Oct & West is on 19th Oct, venues to be confirmed. 150 people are invited representing a range of organisations.] d) Query re Richard Shaw’s response stating building heights SPG is totally consistent with master plan. e) Clarify that group wants councillors at Fof RC meetings to hear views; some disappointment expressed that councillors don’t attend v. often. Action: Andrew to send separate e-mail to ward councillors. f) Day of meeting: request for last Wednesday of the month 3. City Road Basin & Packington Estate Presentation by Amanda Peck, LBI Planning: a) Packington Estate Last year it was confirmed buildings don’t comply with building regs. Estate has now been made safe, gas cookers replaced by elec. Housing Dept has been working closely with residents. Residents Reference Group (independent & well-advised) had 3 options to consider for redevelopment & choice between housing assoc. or private. Planning Dept will develop brief which will identify key issues. Draft for 25th Oct for S. Area Cttee. Will have increase in no. of dwellings; currently is quite low density, Mayor of London will push for higher density. (Original street pattern map & planning brief site plan handed out to meeting.) Open space: the park along the canal – residents are keen to move fast & see this area as possible site for initial devel. Property facing canal will be prime for private market. LBI considering putting in new canal basin, but tenure mix means it’s probably not feasible. Council, private & shared-ownership dwellings will be prescribed to all look consistent as an estate. Residents want 2-storey terraced housing. Will be a loss of 60 affordable housing units. Residents have to decide if they stay while redevelopment happens around them or if move out, & then might have choice to permanently move out. F of RC’s concern & input is re the canal: canal is open space and needs to be regarded as this; dislike of canal being seen only as opportunity for raising housing prices, it is a water-thorough fare & public facility & needs to be respected as such. b) City Rd Basin (Amanda has taken over from Richard Shaw) Since last meeting: master plan has been adopted; developers are writing application for 2 towers. Planning application for fidelity site is in; access storage plan is on its way. SPG on tall buildings hasn’t been adopted yet & is contrary to UDP. There’s guidance at different stages. View expressed by member of group: if thorough environmental impact assessment were to be done on fidelity site, it would fail. Will be a document; Andrew will flag up via e-mail. Re-opening station has been looked into, but costs too high according to Transport Planner; meeting asked for more info on this. Section 106: lot of public interest in this, how is it going to be publicised? Broad heads of terms are in master plan. Amanda to get back to group re this. 4. Kings Place (Mark Hammill not avail, Amanda presenting on his behalf) Application approved on 1/7/04 subject to Section 106. Section 106 officer now talking to relevant parties: Zayd Al-jawad 020 7527 2564 £475000 between Battlebridge & Tiber Gdns. Andrew has met with Mary Norden (BW Ecologist) to plan establishment of canal marginal vegetation; not going to be able to establish aquatic vegetation because of overshadowing. Regents Network has had correspondence with local MPs re GLA – has consent been issued? ‘Right to light issue’ for residents was raised. Planning will regularly attend these meetings. 5. Kings X Central Intro from Lisa Tang: planning application submitted in June; last year Fof RC responded to draft consultation doc. Presentation from Paul Vivian, Planner LB Camden Kings X team: (Final published brief distributed to meeting & timetable re consultation process; also collation of all aspects of application relating to the canal) Consultation process is extended to 8th Oct. BW has had response from Camden re the issues they have raised. Discussion about proposed new bridge to provide pedestrian/cycle link; is it going to be public or private? Camley St have opposed bridge here – wanting to know about impact on wildlife in terms of height of bridge, open at night etc. Camden want good east to west link. Area doesn’t feel desirable for pedestrians & cyclists; other improvements needed. Want continuous green corridor, this has impact on Islington. Overshadowing could be from Kings Place all the way along. This could instead be an opportunity to extend Camley St., but ruled out because LWT didn’t want to manage it & development is competing for the site. Fof RC would like to see this area as habitat. South of Goods Way plan for buildings of 12 storeys where current petrol station is on York Way (now building of 7 or 8 storeys). Argent St George saying this is no problem, Camden consulting re impact of shade. Proposed 15% of Green roofs on development: Argent have kept this in their application. Proposal to have sub-group to look at planning issues in more detail. Lisa to make formal response from this group & e-mail it to Andrew. Application is available on Camden’s website & at Camden & Islington town Halls. If want CD sent out, contact: paul.vivian@camden.gov.uk Thanks to Paul for attending meeting. 6. Thanks to Pollard Thomas & Edwards for wonderful hospitality provided for our meetings. 7. Date of next Meeting: Wednesday 24th November 7 – 9pm Venue to be decided

Friends of Regents Canal (Islington) Minutes of Meeting 25th May 2005 Diespeker Wharf, 38 Graham Street, N1 Attendance Del Bremner Regents Network/Mayors Thames&Waterways Steering Grp Stephen Fisher Pollard, Thomas & Edwards Architects Adrian Judd Whitelaw Turkington Richard Warwick Bennetts Associates Amanda Peck LBI Planning Lisa Tang Thornhill Bridge Community Gardeners Stephanie Hinde Groundwork Camden & Islington Ricky Wright LBI Waste Enforcement Officer Malcolm Cree LBI Waste Enforcement Officer Frances Balfour Islington Society & resident Jim Lagden Angel Canal Festival/ Islington Canal Museum Beryl Windsor Angel Canal Festival John Cohen Resident Chris Ashby Islington Cyclists’ Action Group Leo Chapman EC1 New Deal Ryan Kemp Copenhagen Forum Gordon Meenn Camden Friends of Regents Canal John MacGowan Angel Association Eric Sorensen Angel Association Mike Manuel British Waterways Andrew Bedford LBI Ecology Manager (chair) Louisa Roscoe LBI Nature Conservation Warden (minutes) Apologies Jon Guest, British Waterways; Fiona MacLean, London Narrow Boat Association 1. Welcome & Introductions 2. Matters arising from minutes of last meeting 2:2:2e) Andrew still to e-mail Councillors Action 2:2:6) Residents feeling BW is being unhelpful regarding moorings issues. Action Mike Manuel to take resident’s details & will get Phil Bittner (BW Moorings Officer) to call asap. Phillip.Bittner@britishwaterways.co.uk 2:3a) Following Treaty Street consultation, the gates are now unlocked 2:3b) Danbury St gate: problems seem resolved, no further complaints. 2:5) Kings X Central: revised application is due in approx. 3 months. Kings X Forum is making significant input. The canal is being sidelined, so they plan another meeting to focus attention specifically on the canal. The details will be circulated to FofRC. BW has been meeting with Argent & expressed their concerns regarding the loss of basins & the locations of bridges. They are working with Camden. Request for Kings X Central to be on agenda of next FofRC meeting. Action 2:6) Packington Estate: residents are not happy with the masterplan. It has not been adopted by LBI. It will be used initially to get quotes from Housing Associations; they will be aware it is contentious. 4. Dog Fouling Presentation from Malcolm Cree of LBI’s Enforcement Team whose remit covers dog fouling, graffiti, fly-tipping etc: New officers will be attached to Greenspace & will include the Regents Canal. Officers can issue tickets if they directly witness dog fouling; they do enforce the byelaws and make the owner pick up the fouling themselves. The Team will target an area if requested by residents. They can give 100 bags to a dog owner initially; owners are then required to purchase any more. They work in conjunction with the Community Police and will have new powers from July as a result of the Safe Neighbourhood Bill. They can hold people if they believe they are not giving correct name & address. The team has been remiss in not working with FofRC before, but have more resources now. They rely on info from canal users & members of the public. Presentation from Stephanie Hinde from Groundwork: Have carried out awareness-raising projects with schools, however no longer have a full post on the Regents Canal. They have £10

Friends of Regents Canal (Islington) Minutes of the 27th September 2006 meeting held at Pollard Thomas and Edwards, Diespeker Wharf, 38 Graham Street, N1. Attendance: Ryan Kemp, Copenhagen Forum / Local Resident Lynn Hebblethwaite, LBI Greenspace Ranger Frances Welan, Local Resident Del Brenner, Regents Network / London Waterways Commission Jim Lagden, Angel Canal Festival Ruth Hargeaves, TBCG / Local Resident Edna Wilson, TBCG / Local Resident Urvisha Mistry, Groundwork Des Spellman, Local Resident Stephen Fisher, Pollard Thomas and Edwards Gordon Meenn, Reachview Residents and FORC (Camden) Jon Guest, British Waterways Andrew Bedford (Chair), LBI Ecology and Ranger Manager Chris Ashby (Minutes). Islington Cyclists Action Group 1. Welcome and introductions: Round table introductions took place and an attendance sheet was filled in. 2. Apologies: Francis Chronnell, Beryl Windsor, Lisa Tang, Amanda Peck, Louise Fishleigh, Louisa Roscoe, Jeremy Pudney, Leo Chapman. 3. Matters Arising from minutes of last meeting: 3.2.2.4. Dog fouling: Andrew explained that new legislation is now operating and the towpath will now be “dogs on lead”. Resources and means are available to enforce this initiative that will cover the west side of the Islington Tunnel, one of the eight hotspots. 3.3. It was reported that Howard Piper may get involved in this group in future but is also liasing with British Waterways regarding his proposal for a green corridor / park. 4. Structure of group - review of proposals: Andrew and Louisa had circulated a paper “Structure and Format of Friends of Regents Canal (Islington)” from the discussion held at our meeting on 7.6.06. The paper outlined three options and included suggestions for two sub groups that could be adopted alongside these options. If you missed this paper, it can be obtained from Andrew and Louisa. The following points were made in discussion: Del: Our group works ok at present but has a major weakness in that we don’t have much clout. If FORC had a constitution it would have more direction and more influence. FORC doesn’t currently involve enough local groups, especially residents’ groups. It would be useful to have membership of the group. Ryan: It would be beneficial to involve local councillors. They are keen to get involved, but currently they are at the Labour Party conference. It’s important to publicise the group more widely and to get more of the people who use and love the canal involved and this is the main thing to work on. Jon: The group must be small enough to be manageable and preferably consist of those who live close to the canal and who use it. Jim passed round a paper that he’d produced for the discussion. It looked at the areas covered by the canal and concluded that FORC should focus on the waterside buildings, land and streets east of the tunnel to Sturts Lock. The paper considered the types of people who might get involved, what we want the area to be and do and what any structure needs to do. Jim concluded by suggesting an Option 4 that would be set up like a trust. This could generate a large and subscribing membership from which would emerge an active volunteer force. Andrew: We should examine the two suggested sub groups to see if we think they’re relevant to incorporate within our structure. Stephen: The objectives of the group are more important than the structure. People can already get involved if they wish. Ryan: It was important to have the option of arranging special meetings to tackle, for example, proposed and ongoing planning developments that affect the canal, as well as and in addition to our main meetings. Del: The group’s catchment area should cover the environs of the canal as it passes through Islington but should also include the parts of Hackney within these boundaries. The only limit for peoples’ involvement would be whether they felt affected by waterway issues. Ruth: We should consider broadening our remit to include the relevant parts of Camden and Hackney, although this might be best done using sub-groups. Gordon: Option 3 is like Camden FORC used to be. Jon: There could be a Friends group for the whole canal with sub groups for each borough. Andrew: If another organisation took over the administration there would be a cost. For instance, Groundwork Camden and Islington would be likely to charge £3,600 pa to run Option 3. Ryan: Local concerns are the most important for the group to consider. Des: FORC should consider advertising itself. We should have a logo and meetings should be well publicised. We might consider setting up a credit union to get more people involved. Jim: Many people believe that canals are important and it’s those usually local people who we should target for involvement in our group. Chris: We have discussed the role and administration of FORC before and we overwhelmingly decided then to stay as we are with LBI Greenspace continuing to do the administration. This was because we believed the group worked fairly well, was able to get officers and developers to attend as well as reasonable numbers of people who cared about the canal, many of them local. We felt that FORC did have some influence with decision makers. We should therefore continue to stay as we are but always be open to self -examination to see if we can improve what we do. Edna: Suggested we drop Islington from the title as people will attend if they’re interested. Del: In addition to our usual business meetings, we should convene meetings with invited speakers, because many people don’t like attending meetings but do want to learn more about the canal. Chris: We should be realistic about the resources that FORC is able to draw upon and keep things as simple as possible. It would be much too time consuming to take on fundraising, for example. Andrew summarised this wide-ranging and useful discussion as follows: Option 3 was ruled out for the time being. It might be possible to merge aspects of Options 1 and 2. FORC is unique as a Friends group in the borough. Rotating the position of Chair is a possibility. We should take another look at the purpose and objectives of the group and consider setting up appropriate sub-groups and people are welcome to email their ideas on this. There were some volunteers for a planning sub-group but officers would need to be involved. There were also some volunteers for a “Social” sub group. The main meetings should include reports on the work of the sub groups. In conclusion we should stay as we are but develop as we see fit. 5. Reports back: Angel Canal Festival: Jim reported that this year’s festival was again extremely successful with over 80 stalls and many other attractions. This safe, secure and enjoyable event is both good for the canal and good for Islington and well worth its £15K budget. And it has never been rained off! Del stated that this is the best local canal festival around. City Road Basin: Andrew reported that 600 fliers had been distributed to local residents and stakeholders with 30 responses received so far. A drop-in session at the park and at the festival had been arranged. The deadline for comments had passed but any further comments would be welcomed. Andrew agreed to email this information when available. Towpath Liaison Group – BW Safety Audit: Louisa attended on behalf of Greenspace; no representative from FofRC came forward, but good representation from Islington at the meeting. Presentation of report by Transport Initiatives, commissioned by BW. 6 locations chosen – Islington section is Danbury St to Wharf Rd. Observations were carried out at peak times in a.m’s & p.m’s and at weekend. Total of 58hours observation over all locations; Islington 8 hours. Analysis of ‘interactions’ (minor) ‘conflicts’ (serious) & ‘collisions’. Interactions made up 89% of total events recorded. For Islington: 48 interactions; 5 conflicts; 2 collisions. Peak trouble spots: Wharf Rd Bridge accounted for 14% of all recorded events of entire study, due to narrow width under bridge & lack of visibility in both directions. Danbury St access next main problem spot due to step onto towpath at base of slope & directional confusion for public. NB Statistics of report showed majority of events as minor (i.e. where pedestrians & cyclists avoided each other, sometimes unconsciously). This was challenged by 2 reps for Islington – William Owen, Hanover School & Howard Piper, Angel Association. Both also thought the number of cyclists recorded for Islington was an underestimate. Also that report does not recognise that a number of people have stopped using the towpath because of safety/cyclists. Outcomes & proposals: Infrastructure: main emphasis on widening towpath where possible; improving sightlines by cutting back vegetation; resurfacing areas; railings; silvering under bridges. Educational: better & consistent signage; code of conduct; rangers on bikes – one each side of the tunnel, cross-borough; keep left campaign; ‘two-ting’ bell use TfL will look at road networks adjacent to towpath with view to improvements to encourage commuter cyclists to use these. BW’s timetable for whole area: TfL money to be spent by 31st Mar 07 Sept & Oct – liaise re proposals Nov – contractor procured Dec – Feb – works on site (Works will be vegetation clearance, removal of conflicting signage, installation of railings & other surfacing repairs & improvements.) March – public awareness strategy Louisa raised point of canal being Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation. BW have made commitment to consult re ecological value of areas where vegetation clearance & towpath widening has been proposed. Fof RC was not represented at last meeting. If they want to be, need to elect rep at this meeting. Rep to contact Louise Fishleigh, BW Recreation Manager: Tel 020 7985 7234 Louise.Fishleigh@britishwaterways.co.uk (rep not elected) BW also wants to know general views on ‘keep left’ proposals FORC agreed that alternative commuter cycling routes to the canal should be better promoted. 6. Groundwork: Urvisha informed us that Groundwork are preparing to work on access improvements to the west side of the canal but are waiting for a formal commission. Once confirmed, they will consult with stakeholders and the suggestion of using West Library was noted. Please send ideas for small projects along the canal to: urvisha.mistry@groundwork.org.uk Del suggested signposting implementation through this project. The money, £6K, is available from a Section 106 agreement and from the Guardian. Urvisha also reminded us that information about events etc can always be included in the Islington Environment Forum newsletter which has wide circulation as well as on the IEF email list – contact details as above. 7. Date of next meeting: No date agreed at the meeting as next one due at the end of December, during holiday period. Note from Louisa: after consultation with Andrew & Ward Councillors, date of next meeting has been set as follows: Wednesday 31st January 2007 7pm – 9pm at London Canal Museum 12-13 New Wharf Road, N1 Addendum: For those not on e-mail contact: sadly, Mike Manuel of British Waterways died recently. Copies of e-mails circulated to the Friends of group are enclosed for those on the postal system. If FofRC would like to make a contribution to the memorial fund, this can be discussed at the next meeting.

Friends of Regents Canal (Islington) Minutes of meeting 27th June 2007 Diespeker Wharf, 38 Graham street, N1 Attendance Louise Fishleigh British Waterways Lynn Hebblethwaite L.B.Islington Park Ranger Derek Keig L.B.Islington Park Ranger Chris Ashby Islington Cyclists Action Group Fiona MacLean London Narrow Boat Association Del Brenner Regents Network/London Waterways Commission Beryl Windsor Angel Canal Festival Jim Lagden Angel Canal Festival/Islington Museum Leo Chapman Regents Network/EC1 New Deal Gordon Meenn Camden Friends of Regents Canal/Reachview Court Residents Stephen Donaghy Pollard Thomas & Edwards Des Spellman Film/Local Resident Rob Inglis artsXchange Avis Baldry Resident Stephen Glass Chair, Friends of Wilton Square Andrew Bedford L.B.Islington Ecology & Ranger Manager (chair) Louisa Roscoe L.B.Islington Nature Conservation Ranger (minutes) 1. Welcome & introductions 2. Apologies Frances Welan; Lisa Tang; Lisa Pontecorvo; Jon Guest; Francis Chronnell; Cllr Martin Klute; Cllr Ruth Polling; Cllr Marisha Ray Proposed agenda item on presentation of the Waterspace Strategy for City Road Basin has been postponed to the next meeting due to Islington Boat Club being unable to attend. Agenda items rearranged to accommodate those who needed to leave early. 3. Two tings campaign: presentation by Louise Fishleigh, British Waterways Awareness campaign has been done, a summary of what it entailed was distributed,& Groundwork’s contribution outlined. The next stage: TfL has given £300,000 for this year: £250,000 from the Greenways Budget, and £50,000 from the Walking Budget. From this, a study has been commissioned to look at parallel routes on roads – CRISP study, and will work with the Boroughs. Question about what will happen about the few cyclists that don’t abide by towpath guidelines: hopefully these are the ones who will divert to the parallel route as it will be faster; police are able to stop them. Safety improvements is a bigger subject than cyclists. Everyone welcomes safety initiative. The Councils have responsibility, along with BW. At Caledonian Rd end of the canal there have been issues of burnt out motorbikes, graffiti etc – Greenspace tackling this holistically, using Safer Neighbourhood Team, Magpie meetings, local residents & anglers to report anti-social behaviour to Community Police. Cllrs Ruth Polling, Marisha Ray and L.B. Islington are setting up a meeting with BW to tackle this issue. Different views expressed about how many resources BW has to deal with this. Reality regarding towpath is it will be a shared use path – TfL’s policy is to get more people cycling, and BW’s money for improvements is tied to TfL. Some expression of towpath feeling dangerous to use outside of busy times in terms of isolation. BW have a cyclist who patrols, and Islington have the Dog Patrol who can be called out. Police will patrol areas if they get lots of reports regarding the same area. Member of the group had a bag of rubbish deliberately thrown at her; reported to the police and it was investigated. Safety issues are everyone’s responsibility to report. Support from meeting for Louise’s work, shame not better resourced. Public education is the best way, a reinforcement campaign will take place at the end of the summer. Chicanes have been put in place – feed back shows some think they are pointless, others that it makes people slow down & think. Rumble strips with words SLOW & GIVEWAY have been put in place – and have shown that do make people think and modify behaviour. There will be some trials of getting cyclists to use alternative routes.There is a view that there will always be some cyclists who go too fast no matter what measures in place, just as with motorists. 4. Angel Canal Festival – presentation from Beryl Windsor This year’s festival on 2nd Sept is the 21st year. Thanks to Jim Lagden for his work over the years. Costs £14000 to stage each year, 70% of this comes from fundraising, 30% from stalls. London Canal Museum have donated a birthday cake. This will be the last year with Packington area as it is – having a climbing tower there this year. Hanover School also involved for the first time. National Grid have currently dug up towpath right where festival takes place – finish date is mid-August. ACF have been in discussion with NG; also have a ‘Plan B’ if works not complete. Call for volunteers – just 2hours on the day. Beryl has arranged ‘Band of Angels’ events to encourage involvement. Holding an awareness day on the towpath on 15th July to get more local people involved. Friends of Wilton Square can offer volunteers for the festival, in return for borrowing ACF’s sculptures. Funding from London Canals Committee – have not been able to access London Waterways Commission money – Del will raise at London Waterways Committee Action Towpath hut – used every year as festival base. Broken into in May. Council want to knock it down rather than repair, have agreed to at least wait until after this year’s festival. Point made that hut could also be used at other times of year, is not just of use for the festival: City Rd Basin re-development is going to make this area the largest open space in Islington. Seems a waste of a potential resource – e.g. use as an information point on the towpath. Is not covered by conservation order and planning permission not required to remove it. Hut needs repairs to make it secure & watertight and Islington don’t have resources to repair it. ACF have had quotes to repair it. Decision by Andrew: if ACF can repair it, Greenspace will not demolish the hut. Repairs can be by volunteers or contractors, just needs to be signed off by Greenspace as being in a fit & safe condition. Discussion widened to City Rd Basin issues: concerns still about master plan and loss & redesign of current playground; questions about how the civic space will be used and who will lead the management of the basin & entertainment; potential is great and local involvement important. 5. Matters Arising 5.3.2.2.4 Dog fouling: no enforcement powers yet, should be able to implement Oct/Nov 5.3.4 Councillors: individuals were invited and Cllr Martin Klute was asked for a specific topic – all apologised though. Deputy chairs: Lisa Tang and Chris Ashby have been nominated. Agreed by meeting, thanks to them both. 5.4 Packington Estate: meeting on Monday with Hyde Housing, Intermodal, LBI Councillors, Del, Leo & others – to look at use of waterway for construction works. Waste by water will also be raised – potential for taking lorries off the road. Will report back at next meeting. 6. AOB 6.1 Floating Islands Project Installation to take place 3rd July to 5th July. After consultation with range of stakeholders, agreement reached to install 60m at Ice Wharf Marina and 60m in canal alongside Ice Wharf and part of Regents Wharf. This is reduction of 30m as decided by BW to ensure islands remain in widest part of waterway. Question regarding if they cause problems with navigation – they will be anchored and so are moveable. Project will be monitored and there is a two year maintenance programme planned for follow up. Young people from Islington Boat Club will be doing litter-picking of the islands . Question as to why it’s taken so long to realise the project – the consultation process was full and extensive, along with negotiations with BW – this all takes time. Sunday 8th July will be a community event to plant up two of the islands and install them with the help of Islington Boat Club. Support expressed by members of the group. 6.2 Vincent Terrace Cllr Klute secured some funds from S. Area Committee for improvements to Vincent Terrace, to be carried out by Nature Conservation Team. First stage of works has taken place this spring – repairs and repainting of railings, and native hedge planted along the length of the site. Second phase to take place in autumn: tree works and planting of native bulbs. 6.3 Kings Place Rob Inglis from artsXchange explained plans for festival at Kings Place. London Sinfonietta and the Orchestra of Enlightenment have been working with Bengali, Somali, Chinese and Italian musicians, planning a festival of music on boats next year, between Battlebridge Basin and Camley St. A small steering committee has been putting ideas together and applying for funding. Lisa Pontecorvo has been meeting with the Education Strategy Manager, Judith Webster and proposes that she attend FofRC to discuss ideas. Meeting welcomes Rob’s plans and interested in Lisa’s idea to have as agenda item at next meeting. Action Louisa to also invite Maria Bota, Director of Kings Place Music Foundation 9. Thanks to PTE for being such good hosts of this meeting. Date of next meeting: Wed 26th Sept 07

Friends of Regents Canal (FoRC), Islington Wednesday February 28th 2008 Diespeker Wharf, 38 Graham Street, N1 Chair – Lisa Tang Present: Lisa Tang (LT) Chair Gordon Meenn (GM) Camden Friends of Regents Canal Andrew Bedford (AB) London Borough of Islington (LBI) Des Spellman (DS) Local Resident Lynn Hebblethwaite (LH) LBI Greenspace Lisa Pontercovo (LP) FREDS Fiona Machee (FM) LNBA/LNBC Andrew Bedford (AB) Greenspace Chris Ashby (CA) ICAG Ryan Kemp (RK) Huntington St. Resident Florence Saltberter (FS) British Waterways (BW) Sam Thomas (ST) British Waterways Caroline Hickey (CH) Capacity- Community Organisations Lorraine Fox (LF) Eco-sandwich barge/local boater Ashleigh Wight (AW) Boater Catherine Gleeson (CG) Local resident- Wharf Basin Catherine O’Shea (CO’S) Resident- Sturts Lock Moorings Leo Chapman (LC) Regents Network Anna Walnycki (AW) Secretary, FoRC Apologies: Cllr Martin Klute, Cllr Ruth Polling, Beryl Windsor, Francis Williams, Gillian Commins Issue Action 1. Welcome and introductions 2. Regents Canal and the London festival of Architecture Florence Salberter, Heritage Advisor, British WaterwaysFlorence Salberter of BW told the group about the planned events along the canal between Camden and Islington as part of the London Festival of Architecture.When: Thursday 4th -Sunday 6th July 2008 Where: Regent’s Canal between the Islington Tunnel and St Pancras LockWhat: Regent’s Canal: A Fresh Perspective part of London Festival of Architecture 2008The Regent’s Canal will be buzzing with a packed schedule of activities as part of the London Festival of Architecture 2008: walks, talks, events and information points all along the canal, there will be plenty to see and do. To see the full programme of events please visit www.refreshregentscanal.co.uk. The events scheduled include guided walks on Thursday and Friday lunchtime with FS and Louisa Roscoe giving local residents/workers who live near the canal the opportunity to take time to find out more about its history and wildlife. Bob Gilbert, Assistant Director for Environmental Sustainability at LBI’s Environmental Sustainability Division will give a talk on Wildlife on canals on Thursday evening between 7.30 – 9pm at The Canal Museum. On Friday, LR and FS will lead a guided walk along the towpath between Islington Tunnel and St Pancras Lock, for people working locally, discussing the history and wildlife of the area from 12.30 onwards· A guided walk of Regents Canal from The Canal Museum to Camley St. will be held from 2.30pm on Saturday. From 10am until 5pm on Sunday, the BW boat ‘Jenna’ will be moored along the canal as an info point throughout the day: The work of Thornhill Bridge Community Gardeners will be showcased through display from the period of 2002-2008 and provide fun activities, looking at the historic architecture and biodiversity along the canal. Please click on main link for more information about whole LFA festival http://www.lfa2008.org/event.php?id=629&name=Regent%27s+Canal%3A+A+Fresh+Perspective%3A+Thornhill+Bridge+Community+GardenersISSUES FS told the groups that cyclists would not be banned from the canal for the event, but, that as the majority of activities are on a Sunday, it is unlikely that there would be any high speed commuter cyclists. There will be signs at key access points and volunteer stewards to man the towpaths.LT thanked FS for her presentation. FS extended thanks to members of the community such as Thornhill Bridge Community Gardeners and local businesses such as Canal 125 who have volunteered to contribute to and support the festival.Several members asked whether there had been sufficient publicity to local people, to ensure that local residents and businesses are able to attend. RK suggested some small posters should be put in the shop windows of Caledonian Road. LP suggested that posters be distributed to local schools and pubs. FS said BW would consider these options. AB suggested there was a balance to be made between letting people know and encouraging so many people that over crowding occurs3. Minutes from last meeting and matters arising Minutes were agreed apart from Dells name being mis-speltLT conveyed the plans for herself and LP to form a culture and arts sub-group as part of Team Cally http://northkingscross.typepad.co.uk/teamcally/ (unfinished website) As there are now two major orchestras at Kings Place and many artists are based in the area, perhaps this could lead to some sort of alternative art festival being held in the area, to which the group agreed4. Nomination of chair and electionAB introduced the item to nominate and elect a chair. Having received the nomination of LT from CA he asked if there were any other nominations.LF asked what the aims of FoRC were. AB responded that it was an information sharing and discussion groups for canal issues, which linked the activities of two Camden and Islington canal groups.LF asked if any boaters were involved. GM told the group that FoRC was formed to encourage canal use by all sorts of groups. LF said that as a boater she was affected by noise along the canal; does the group discuss issues of canal neighbourhood safety, and the need to lock gates along the canal. AB responded that gates are no longer locked along the canal in Islington. RK suggested that it might be useful for LF to attend one of the regular meetings of her local safer neighbourhood team that meet every 4 to 6 weeks. AB then reminded the groups of the decision at a previous meeting to set the task of deciding the aims and objectives of the group to a sub group. AB then asked if everyone was in agreement that LT should be the next chair.All members present backed the motion Issues LT then suggested that the groups have a rotating chair. CH commented on her own experience of working with community groups. She had been working with a community group who were made up of 4 sub-groups each of which had chair, the four chairs then came together to propose meeting agendas t the group. This formation seemed to work well. LP then suggested that CA could rotate the chair with LT, while AB could be at hand to step in if neither chair was available. CA responded that although he agreed to be deputy chair in the past, he had only done it to keep the meetings rolling along. CA chose to nominate LT as he felt her passion for the canal, the fact she has lived near the canal and had been involved in canal activities meant she was in a better position to take the chair. CA didn’t feel it was appropriate for him, as someone who does not live near the canal. In light of the recent change in administration CA felt that LT would be in the best position to take up the chair for the next 4 meetings.LT accepted but suggested that AB be available to step in when necessaryThe group agreed unanimously.5. AOBLT told the group about 15 volunteers who came down to the canal with Thames 21 that day. They had planted hundreds of wildflowers, painted railings and pruned along the canal between York Way and Islington tunnel. LT then told the group that there were volunteer days for local community members along the canal that were being organised by Islington Ecology Centre. Several people who attended for the first time that evening commented that they had never come across FoRC before. They only attended that evening because they saw posters along the canal.LH suggested that we might need to advertise the group more widely. LP suggested that FoRC could be represented at the ‘Love Your Parks’ event in JuneRK suggested that all local ‘Friends of’ groups could be advertised on LBI’s website AW suggested that more posters could be put up in different areasRK and LP suggested the posters be extended to schools, pubs and other amenitiesLF asked of notices could be put in the notice boards along the canal ST told the group the display cases were reserved for specific notices and were not open to all groups. CA suggested that AW could extend the invite out to the Islington Environment Forum mailing list AW agreed and confirmed she would get posters and flyers advertising the meeting a few weeks in advance of the next. LT asked the small group that attended for a FoRC meeting for the first time that evening, if they could tell the group a little bit more about their proposed business for the canal.CO’S told the group that they had applied to have an eco-friendly organic sandwich bar with a pedal powered juicer and solar panels that would be based on a fixed boat. She then asked the group if they would have any objections to that sort of business along the canal. ST reminded the individuals that any business would have to apply to BW for a licence to operate along the canal. LC told the group that it was now highly unlikely that the two towers planned for the end of the canal would go up, as the credit crunch had had negative impacts on the companies responsible for putting them up.CF asked whether there would be increased security for the social housing along the canal, to reflect the increased security attached to the private development son the opposite side of the canal.RK suggested that residents concerned with safety issues should go along to the Safer Neighbourhoods Team’s (SNT) meeting for the St Peter’sarea.LT suggested that FoRc could invite the local SNT along to a future meeting.AB gave an update on the new dog control laws; consultation has just finished and LBI are looking to start enforcing the new laws from July 1st. Several officers will be able to enforce the new by laws including Park Patrol and PCSOs. The initial period will attempt to educate dog owners, and then fines will be implemented. LT asked whether this meant that there would be more officers along the canal to enforce the new rules. AB told the group there would be additional Park Patrols, during the interim he advised towpath users to contact park patrol on 07970 893588 if they observed dog owners allowing their dogs to fowl the footpath. AB recommended that towpath users shouldn’t take pictures of dog fowlers to inform the park patrols; instead he suggested that dog walkers often walked their dogs at the same time and place, so a description along with the time should be sufficient.ST suggested you could also pass information about dog fowlers on to BWLC suggested that dogs needed places to go and that there was a play area for dogs near Finsbury Park leisure centre. If anyone is interested please get in contact with the secretary and she will pass LC details on.6. Future meetingsLT sets date for next meeting as Wednesday September 24th, 7pm at the Canal MuseumSuggested agenda items for the next meeting included an update on planning around proposed and ongoing projects along the canal. LC w ill pursue this as an agenda item and AW will conduct some further research.AB told the group that he would meet with LT to discuss potential aims and objectives for FoRC which could then be raised as an agenda item at the next meeting.LT suggested feedback from the Angel Canal Festival and the London Festival or Architecture as an agenda itemLP suggested a ‘News from the canal’ as agenda item, so that those who live and work along the canal can share their news.

Friends of Regent’s Canal (FoRC), Islington Wednesday 4th November 2009 Islington Canal Museum, Wharf Rd, N1 Chair- Lisa Tang Present: Lisa Tang (LT) Chair (Thornhill Bridge Community Gardeners) Bupesh Thapa LBI Greenspace Fiona McLean LNBC Eric Sorensen Angel Association Chris Ashby ICAG Leo Chapman Regent’s Network Del Brenner Regent’s Network & London Waterways Commission Joe Young BW Gordon Mum Reachview Ct Resident Henrietta Ross Issue Action 1. Welcome and Introductions 2. Minutes of last meeting and matters arisingLocations of further moorings should be carefully chosen & moorings assessed on their merits No update from Seema Manchanda BW re-structure comes into effect in November 3. Noel Road Entrance 3.1 DB wrote to BW, he received a reply which stated that small alterations, such as levelling out or putting in a chicane would be considered 3.2 LT suggested that ES takes pictures so that FORC can comment 3.3 DB to forward e-mail to LT. 3.4 CA commented that surface could be made smoother. 3.5 Gate locking: LT received an e-mail from AB; John Martin (boat warden) is concerned about the section where canal boats are nearest the Islington tunnel; this section used to be locked at night, but isn’t any more. Residents are experiencing asb. 3.6 BT made reference to the opposite side, Vincent Terrace, and fed back that rough sleepers have been observed. SNT responded and recommended that parts where boats are should be locked. However, those who are up to no good might climb over the fence, while others would be locked out. 4. London Waterways Commission- presentation on freight. Summary by DBIs there potential for freight or will the canal become a theme park?DB provided brief history of London’s canals and waterways, as well as a hand out of key waterways. There is huge potential- waste could be taken to the waste recycling site by water. Packington and King’s Place developments used the canal for freight. There is a potential conflict between users - barges, residential boats, river taxis, etc. However, there should be room for everyone. Freight could create employment opportunities, new skippers, deck hands, etc. A new career structure could be created. There are currently very limited training opportunities. Feedback from the TFL presentation was that freight is not possible on the Regent’s Canal due to moored boats. Kim Mills who is employed by TFL & BW gave a presentation to LWC. He recommended water taxis from Paddington to Camden. FM flagged up that commuting would only be feasible on certain routes due to limited speed. 5. Networking Event 5.1 DB suggested that it should include a debate; BW user groups could give a presentation followed by questions. 5.2 LT fed back that BW are supportive and would like meaningful outcomes. The event is an opportunity for groups and individuals to come together. Possible venues are the canal museum (might be a bit too small?) or King’s Place or could link in with Argent’s showcase at the German Gym. Format of the event could be a social/ networking event with a few presentations, debate and guest speakers. 5.3 Forward suggestions to SH 6. AOB6.1 Tiber Gardens consultation- majority in favour of opening it up; budget of £150k to be spent by March 2010 Date of next meeting: TBC For more information please contact Sandra Hoisz (Friends of Regent’s Canal Secretary) via Groundwork on 020 7239 1389 or e-mail Sandra.Hoisz@groundwork.org.uk

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