2013-08-29



The man at the helm of an Island Gardens charity has vowed it will fight "tooth and nail" to protect the area and its amenities.

Resident Eric Pemberton was elected chairman of the newly-established Friends of Island Gardens at its inaugural meeting on Thursday, with a 12-strong committee put in place to support him.

Eric was one of many vocal campaigners fighting recent proposals for a community centre in portable buildings in the north-east section of Island Gardens Park, securing more than 2,000 petition signatures.

Last week, Tower Hamlets Borough Council confirmed the applicant had withdrawn the controversial plans.

Speaking at the meeting, Eric said: "There comes a time you have to fight back. That's what we have been doing and what we should continue to do.

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"We won the argument on the toilets on Manchester Road, we have saved the park and if anything happens at Calders Wharf it has to be a multi-use community centre - it will not be just for one group."

Cllr Peter Golds, representing Blackwall and Cubitt Town, welcomed the group's formation and said: "Island Gardens Park is there for all of us, not just a select few.

"It always has been for the residents and, God willing, it always will be.

"What we have achieved is the opportunity to bring the Island together.

"Residents, myself, Cllr Gloria Thienel and others worked and worked and worked and we stopped that thing [community centre planning application] in its tracks.

"If we had done nothing I assure you, that would have gone ahead.

"We did it by bringing everyone together and we have to in the same way stop the Calders Wharf scheme.

"If we don't shout and yell and jump up and down then this thing will happen."

Mr Pemberton said a petition against the Calders Wharf proposals - which would see a four-storey building created by EastEnd Homes and Telford Homes - had already been launched.

A separate objection list has also been formed in an attempt to put a stop to a beer festival proposed for Millwall Park in October.

Mr Pemberton added it would be important for the group to work with the local authority to see changes made to Island Gardens Park - whether that be reinstating public toilets, water fountains or the installation of a memorial garden commemorating veterans from the two world wars.

Cllr Golds said: "For years Tower Hamlets believed the Isle of Dogs you can do what you like and no-one will say anything. The Island is going to stand up."

The Friends of Island Gardens will agree its constitution and next meet in March 2014.

In addition to preserving and protecting the Island Gardens area, the organisation will strive to promote high standards of horticulture and public amenities as well as ensuring the continuation of its natural and architectural history.

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