• MORTIMER Terrace Nature Reserve is a privately owned green space that has been managed by the local community since 1987.

The private owners are now advertising the site for sale at auction on February 10 and implying that there is significant potential for investor profit.

Camden Council has written to the owners to make clear the many protections that are afforded to the site through its designation as an open space and a site of importance for nature conservation, as well being designated as a local green space in the Dartmouth Park Neighbourhood Plan and as an ACV, asset of community value.

Although Camden has no powers to prevent a private sale, there should be no doubt that this site has strong protections in place and that the council will robustly use its planning powers to protect it as a green space.

We must send a message loud and clear that anyone seeking to purchase the nature reserve for any purpose other than to preserve it will find their ambitions thwarted. Instead the owners must see sense and agree to sell the site to the community.

As Labour councillor for Highgate, I am working with fellow Camden councillors, including in other wards and from other political parties, to support the community effort.

We are determined to raise enough money to enable the community to purchase the nature reserve and secure it for the people of Camden in perpetuity.

If you can help too, please donate. Visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-mortimer-terrace-nature-reserve-2

CLLR ANNA WRIGHT
Cabinet Member for Promoting Neighbourhoods & Communities