Similar to a post here about ENABLE trying to get permission to us Tooting Common for entertainment (music, arts, alcohol, food, etc.), they are applying for the same activities on Wandsworth Common. This is totally inappropriate. I use the example of Clapham Common, which in my humble opinion, is far more suited to this sort of commercial use. I don't think the residents nearby think this - for obvious reasons.
First of all, I don't like the way this has been handled at all. The ONLY sign I saw in the way of notification, is the sign across from Caffe Nero. On a post below waist level so that you have to be really astute and bend down to read it. I looked for others on the way home and did not see another anywhere along the way. Not at busy junctions of paths, not at the footbridge, not where the the paths meet the road...
If you visit the website, Enablelc.org you will find a QR code that offers a link to see a map of potential venues. It didn't have map when I looked yesterday. Another author here mentions not finding a ecology study and not finding it - promised, but conveniently not available.
It is another case of something unsavoury organised by the Council and a business venture, trying to get something by under the radar. It's a wholly unethical to say the least!
Having this go ahead will mean months if not years of anguish for those of us living near the Common - and for those who use it to walk dogs, picnic, wander, exercise, play sport and otherwise enjoy its 'natural' atmosphere. Wandsworth Common is very special to us, and not really like Clapham Common. The wide open spaces on CC are pretty well suited to being boarded up by event hoardings for large chunks of the Summer. Do we want that on Wandsworth Common too??
There will be those who say, well the events held will be nice and jolly and good fun... not so noisy... only open until 10 pm and so on. This is the thin edge of the wedge. Just read through the literature - it is the commercialisation of our Common.
It will require infrastructure and vehicle access, and parking for those who come from far and wide to attend. Again, we're not like Clapham Common that has two underground stations for those attending. Doesn't really make sense here
. It just enables a company named Enable dot com a new venue to make money at the expense of large swaths of grassland that is quite unique in the area. It's already used to capacity as a place to relax and enjoy some open space and relative quiet.
Personally, I'm sick and tired of groups like Friends of Wandsworth Common (no friends of mine) promoting how we can (and must) improve our enjoyment of our Common. They seem to be comfortably in the pocket of this Enable company now. Can't they leave well alone. Why do we need these events? Do current users of the Common benefit from this commercialisation? I certainly do not believe this is the case at all.
Similar to a post here about ENABLE trying to get permission to us Tooting Common for entertainment (music, arts, alcohol, food, etc.), they are applying for the same activities on Wandsworth Common. This is totally inappropriate. I use the example of Clapham Common, which in my humble opinion, is far more suited to this sort of commercial use. I don't think the residents nearby think this - for obvious reasons.
First of all, I don't like the way this has been handled at all. The ONLY sign I saw in the way of notification, is the sign across from Caffe Nero. On a post below waist level so that you have to be really astute and bend down to read it. I looked for others on the way home and did not see another anywhere along the way. Not at busy junctions of paths, not at the footbridge, not where the the paths meet the road...
If you visit the website, Enablelc.org you will find a QR code that offers a link to see a map of potential venues. It didn't have map when I looked yesterday. Another author here mentions not finding a ecology study and not finding it - promised, but conveniently not available.
It is another case of something unsavoury organised by the Council and a business venture, trying to get something by under the radar. It's a wholly unethical to say the least!
Having this go ahead will mean months if not years of anguish for those of us living near the Common - and for those who use it to walk dogs, picnic, wander, exercise, play sport and otherwise enjoy its 'natural' atmosphere. Wandsworth Common is very special to us, and not really like Clapham Common. The wide open spaces on CC are pretty well suited to being boarded up by event hoardings for large chunks of the Summer. Do we want that on Wandsworth Common too??
There will be those who say, well the events held will be nice and jolly and good fun... not so noisy... only open until 10 pm and so on. This is the thin edge of the wedge. Just read through the literature - it is the commercialisation of our Common.
It will require infrastructure and vehicle access, and parking for those who come from far and wide to attend. Again, we're not like Clapham Common that has two underground stations for those attending. Doesn't really make sense here :shock: . It just enables a company named Enable dot com a new venue to make money at the expense of large swaths of grassland that is quite unique in the area. It's already used to capacity as a place to relax and enjoy some open space and relative quiet.
Personally, I'm sick and tired of groups like Friends of Wandsworth Common (no friends of mine) promoting how we can (and must) improve our enjoyment of our Common. They seem to be comfortably in the pocket of this Enable company now. Can't they leave well alone. Why do we need these events? Do current users of the Common benefit from this commercialisation? I certainly do not believe this is the case at all.
