• I WOULD love to improve the look of my neighbourhood. I am talking about Hornsey Lane and all the side streets on either side which are situated in two boroughs – Islington and Haringey.

Contrary to what most people say, the architecture in this part of Islington doesn’t match the beauty of Highbury, Canonbury, Angel and Highgate Village. On the Archway side of Islington, we might not have stunning architecture, but we can work to create more beauty around us with what we have and in so doing enliven the spirits of people.

Nature is allowed to run riot here. There is far too much of it, obscuring every fence, wall and boundary (railings can be attractive and so can walls). Residents are allowing their front garden to become some kind of fortress, against what I am not sure. Hedges are left to grow high, deep and dense. As for trees, the area looks unkempt and dreary.

In the name of conservation and ecology, the council forbids any changes. Much of the summer is lost to me. I have to move up to Highgate or other areas to realise that it is a beautiful sunny day. Frankly, people look sad around here.

I bought my flat because of the 90ft garden, which I fell in love with, so I am far from against nature. I love trees but I also love architecture and I love the sky and sunshine.

As my neighbour so rightly put it, when he moved here 25 years ago there were trees but they were lovely and the area was pretty. Ten years ago, the trees were becoming too tall and foliage rampant. Now, it is unbearable and we are in darkness.

Islington Council has a draconian attitude to tree pruning, unlike other councils such as Camden, Kensington and Westminster. It seems to have no authority to advise residents to keep vegetation (I can’t really call them gardens) in check, that is under control with some sense of aesthetic consideration.

I am sure that someone could, with small resources and a mandate to clear up this mess, shape up this area into something normal, even attractive, in no time (I am not looking for a job but will help). I photograph streets and gardens in other areas to build a dossier to support my point.

Of course, we also have dirty, littered streets and horrible pavements. Highgate Village isn’t like that. Neither do you find this level of dirt and neglect in Camden, Islington proper, Kensington, not even in Hackney, where people are taking pride in their area.

As a result, house prices are increasing, interesting creative industries and shops are popping up, bringing a real sense of life, joyfulness and prosperity.

I wish to see something of this around here while at the same time maintaining its quaint, village character. Examples are Greenwich, Blackheath, Wandsworth, Battersea and other lovely, clean, tranquil but thriving areas of London.

VALERIE BROWN
Hornsey Lane, N6