• THE construction of Brill Place Tower is going ahead in the middle of a pandemic, just as HS2 main works are starting and before work on any other part of the Central Somers Town CIP is complete.

Leaving aside questions on design, viability, air quality, heritage and community benefit that the revised scheme demands, there is a clear threat to public health and wellbeing.

At a time people are being encouraged to get outside and exercise in a safe manner, Somers Town residents are at a loss as to how to comply.

Few people have private gardens or even balconies. As elsewhere in Camden, ballparks and playgrounds are padlocked. Fencing surrounds outdoor gyms.

Civic open spaces, such as the British Library forecourt, have been shut for months. To the west, HS2 have taken St James’s Gardens.

Euston Square Gardens west is now a taxi rank. Euston Square Gardens east is soon to meet the same fate. To the east, Camley Street Natural Park is closed for the construction of a new visitor and learning centre.

St Pancras Gardens have been a popular retreat, although the tombstones and adjacent hospital and coroner’s court are constant reminders of the virus that stalks our lives.

At the start of lockdown Somers Town Bridge was shut, denying access to public areas in the King’s Cross development to residents who could walk a bit further. Our thanks to Cllr Danny Beales for making sure that this was rectified.

But for the last 12 weeks Purchese Street Open Space has been one of the few local spaces to exercise, sunbathe, walk and meditate. Now family, friends and neighbours can meet there while adhering to social distancing rules.

There are many, many, people in Somers Town who haven’t been out since March; children and young people who have suddenly become invisible in our community; older people and people living with disabilities who are fearful of leaving their homes.

We need to ensure that those who can spend time outdoors have the space to do so and those who must endure a longer lockdown are protected from unacceptable environmental noise and dust.

Once the nesting birds leave Purchese Street Open Space this summer, the diggers will move in.

We ask the planning committee to ensure that the maximum possible amount of green open space is retained for public use and that its quality is protected as much as possible during construction.

Ours is a vulnerable, anxious community. Please be careful.

SLANEY DEVLIN
Somers Town Neighbourhood Forum