Islington settles legal action over Highbury Fields barbecues

Islington Council has settled a legal action brought by claimants over barbecues on Highbury Fields, with the local authority agreeing to introduce a new bye-law.

The council said barbecues would continue to be allowed in a marked area on the west side of the field closest to Highbury & Islington station. Barbecues will also have to finish by 9 pm.

The byelaw will be made under section 15 of the Open Spaces Act 1906.

The legal action related to Islington’s previous policy, which had allowed the public to barbecue responsibly in any part of the park.

The claimants instructed William Upton of 6 Pump Court and law firm Richard Buxton Environmental & Public Law to bring a case in statutory nuisance against the council under s.82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Cllr Claudia Webbe, Islington’s executive member for environment and transport, said: “Allowing barbecues in our parks has been very popular. Most of our residents do not have their own private space to enjoy a summer meal outdoors, and we want our parks to benefit everyone in the local community.

“I am pleased that we have found common ground with those who opposed our barbecue policy in Highbury Fields. We have listened to them, taken account of their views, and made appropriate changes.”

Cllr Webbe added: “The agreement secures our ambition to protect the freedom of people to have barbecues on the Fields, while also taking objections into account.

“As ever, we expect anyone who barbecues to do so responsibly, cleanly and safely, and these extra measures at Highbury Fields will help strengthen that.”