Camden Highline: Idyllic but would there be a budget to keep it nice?

• I JUST returned from New York City where I marvelled at the number of tourists and locals strolling quietly and peaceably along the Highline, yet having fun.

I wish the Camden initiative well and welcome it, but have doubts, (New images as Camden Highline plans are submitted to the Town Hall, May 19).

In London, and it could be nationwide, people treat green spaces (look at Hampstead Heath in summer) and planters (look at Regent Street) as ashtrays and rubbish bins. Why are there piles of rubbish bags around the roots of trees?

People also pick wild flowers, roots and all, and steal public flowers. That’s why a group of volunteers stopped maintaining the flower bed on the Savernake Road footpath onto the Heath.

On the New York City Highline people sit on the benches in their Sunday best; they don’t put their dirty feet on them. The Highline there prohibits dogs, bicycles, radios, scooters and smoking. It’s a strollers’ paradise. Good luck with that in Camden.

The New York Highline has interesting sights to look out onto from the Hudson River to graffiti by (it is reported) Jean-Michel Basquiat, to sculptures and interesting architecture on both sides, all along the route and things to do at the start and finish making it a destination walk.

Most significantly there are friendly but watchful stewards who patrol the NYC Highline who are barely visible – unless people are abusing it. Once the Camden Highline is built, decorated with greenery and open to all, will there be the budget to police it and maintain it?

JOYCE GLASSER
Savernake Road, NW3