Lynne Featherstone

Pupils and teachers at Rhodes Avenue School in Alexandra ward are celebrating following council agreement to proposals to turn a small copse into a nature reserve for the use of Rhodes Avenue school and local residents.

A meeting on the issue took place last week to decide the future of the 'Spinney' - a small copse adjacent to Rhodes Avenue School and Albert Road Recreation Ground. The meeting was organised by Cllr Wayne Hoban (local councillor and Deputy Leader of the Lib Dems) and Haringey's Conservation Officer.

The proposals made will mean that the nature reserve will be used by Rhodes Avenue school with controlled access for local residents and other schools.

Cllr. Hoban who chaired the meeting commented,

"I was delighted that we have such a lively and enthusiastic debate with valuable contributions from all parties involved. It was a great opportunity for local residents to put forward their suggestions and also to raise issues with council officers over rubbish collection and fly-tipping on the site."

"There is a little way to go before this nature reserve becomes a reality but this meeting has shown how positive residents and council officers are about the proposals. I am sure it is only a matter of time before this becomes a reality."