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March 2026 meeting
Attendees (those who signed the attendance sheet)
Officers/Reps: Alexandra Hamit – Chair, Daphne Steele – Dog Rep, Sally Hall – Park Animals Rep, Richard Crawford – Biodiversity Rep, Amir Dotan – History Rep, Yvonne Hill – Fundraising Rep and Lucy Carter – Running Rep.
Park users: Cllr Sade Ettii, Cllr Fliss Premu, Betty Manning, Julie Ibbott, Abi Hercules, Sophie Verhagen, Belinda Evans, Sally Hazelton, Mike Llewellyn, Elanor Phee, Theresa Rarer, Maggie Sawkins, Leisha Fullick and Laura Chartier
2. Apologies
Apologies:John Hudson – Vice Chair, Isabelle Gore – Website Rep, Paul Brennells – Over 60s Rep, Theresa Boden – Vice Chair and Shelagh Prossner.
3. Minutes of the previous meeting
Circulated and approved
4. Chair and council report
Café
Group informed that customers are permitted to sit in with just a drink at peak times, but may have to queue for when a table becomes available. Group read statement from the Council in regard to the current access procedure for people with disabilities, which is going through the Rose Garden and into the kiosk, where staff will direct them to the lift to the café dining room. New signage is currently being designed to make this process clearer. In response to our request for a ramp at the steps of Clissold House, perhaps one that folds and is erected only during opening hours, we were told that the Grade II listed status of the house prevents this. No update on handrail for steps.
Action: Fliss and Sade to get update on handrail. Alexandra to chase plaque removal.
E-Bike campaign/crossing consultation
Group given an update on CPUG meeting with Cllr Sarah Young and Street Scene regarding the parallel crossing, and informed of upcoming Hackney Parks Forum meeting with Cllr Young regarding cycling in Hackney Parks. Alexandra read statement from the Council informing us that the installation of the parallel crossing has now been put on hold pending a new Road Safety Audit and redesign. Attendees extended congratulations to CPUG on all of the work involved, highlighted importance of any external organisation involved in the redesign being aware of the data and information already collected by CPUG, mentioned consultation is not starting in the right place with the right people, i.e. park staff and users. Consultation for chicane gating at London Fields, flagged to group.
Action: Alexandra to keep group updated.
Biodiversity and tree damage
Statement on cutting back around the lakes and digging in field from the Council read to the group, Council targets shared and restrictions due to staffing and costs explained. Comments on repercussions for local schools and children’s clubs having lost the field space, and suggestions on which areas would have been more suitable. Recommendations for proper care of the lakes discussed, and group informed that CPUG has already submitted a full report on the park, and the proposed next steps to increase and protect biodiversity. Attendee suggested increasing the current 2 year period between cutting back, to 4 years. Issues with Council to User Group consultation on planned works flagged, Council reminded of User Group Protocol, subsequently offering monthly updates but the group agrees we require reactive/real time updates before works take place. Major works in Clissold now completed. Cutting back of Yew hedging, relocation of Yew cuttings, and succession planting of trees and hedging is currently underway. Tiny Forest planting moved to 18th March. Contactors instructed to repair lake fountain pumps, electrics and repair and condition sluice in New River. Biodiversity Rep Richard Crawford to host Breeding Bird Survey on 30th of March 7:30am at the Queen Elizabeth’s Walk gate. Attendee reported their car being written off by a falling tree from the park, and requested information on when the trees in that area where last looked at.
Action: Alexandra to chase Clissold Management Plan and Tree Management Plan 2026.
Self-closing gates
Group read statement from Council. Contractor has proposed a self closing mechanism for all Rose Garden and dog-free area gates, barring the main gates at Clissold House which are used for deliveries and possibly subject to planning restrictions. Two test components ordered and if successful, will be ordered and installed.
Action: Alexandra to feed back to group once tests have been carried out.
Park animals
Group informed of unfortunate passing of one of the deer, and read Council statement on pest control around lakes, deer enclosure and Clissold House, on improvements planned for the aviary, and works to water damaged panelling. Park Animals Rep Sally Hall emailed recommendations on precautionary measures for the deer to the Council, but no reply was received. Attendee Abi informed the group of a petition to improve conditions in the aviary and gave an account of dealings with the Council. Issues with Council communication with CPUG Reps discussed. Question on whether the London Wildlife Trust still contribute to Clissold Park. Current design of animal feeding practice signs erected by CPUG, discussed and improvements suggested.
Action: Alexandra to get update on deer cause of death, and enquire on LWT collaborations. Sally Hall and Abi to connect on progress with aviary. Alexandra to look at wildlife feeding sign designs, when they are due to be replaced.
Defibrillator
Purchased and delivered, awaiting installation due to previous location being deemed unsuitable. Running Rep Lucy Carter GP offered to get information on defibrillator maintenance processes.
Action: Fundraising Rep Yvonne and Hackney Park Rep Georgie Brown to have a walk around to establish best location. Lucy to update group on maintenance requirements.
Playground renovations
Consultation dates took place in February, Children and Young Persons Rep Emily Robson and Disabilities and Accessibility Rep Ruth Watson both attended, to put across their views. Results, proposed design and further public consultation awaited. Attendee expressed a deep fondness of the park playground over the years.
Action: Emily, Ruth and Alexandra to keep group informed on any updates they receive, and to share consultation when it is published.
Rose garden/fencing
Group read Council statement on improvements to Rose Garden, including seeding and planting.
Action: Alexandra to ask how CPUG can be involved.
Prohibited action signs design flaws
New cycling calming signs erected on park railings now have thicker zip ties, but the previously faulty metal rings have not been changed, so previous design flaws and signs ripping/sagging is predicted.
Action: Alexandra to follow up.
Paddling pool area
Informational signage requested yet to be erected. Questions on reason for further consultation put to Council, awaiting response. Informational signage requested on what is happening with the space, yet to be erected. Questions on reason for paddling pool closure and current condition of the area from a health and safety perspective. Group discussed signage wording and possibility of CPUG producing signs rather than the Council, as that process can take time.
Action: Alexandra to liaise with park management.
Park Keepers Lodge
Plans for Park Rangers to use the space while the depot is being renovated. History Rep Amir Dotan suggested arranging CPUG/public tours of the space.
Action: Alexandra and Amir to look into tours. To be kept on agenda to follow up on plans for the building, once staff vacate.
Rough sleeper/Street Link info
Rough sleepers still in situ at Butterfield Green occupying 2 tents, but being supported by relevant organisations and authorities. Issues with access to noticeboard and subsequent inability to hang anything on it, including Street Link contacts, explained.
Action: Alexandra to follow up.
Quote for noticeboard
Quote for repairs for board and polycarbonate received from Council, awaiting quote for replacement locks and keys. Group suggested CPUG have sole use of the noticeboard, since the group is paying for repairs. All costs will be discussed and officially signed off before anything is confirmed.
Action: Alexandra to follow up.
Leaf Blowers
No changes to timings of work and electric leaf blowers still not in use.
Action: Alexandra to follow up purchase of electric leaf blowers.
Duck ramps
Issues with incline of duck ramps flagged.
Action: Alexandra to follow up on when the boat is next in the park.
Hackney Mosaic
Email enquiry into a mosaic for Clissold Park sent, but no response has been received. HM workshop location problems discussed. Action: Alexandra to follow up.
CPUG officer and representative openings
Group informed CPUG have a new Treasuer and Website Rep, but are still looking for a Cycling Rep and a Secretary.
Action: Alexandra to continue to advertise positions.
Fountains and drains
Group read Council statement informing us that the water supply to the memorial fountain has been cut off due to complaints of leaking, that contractors have been to the site on numerous occasions throughout the year, but that the leaking is caused by a design flaw. The Council asked for CPUG suggestions on next steps. Group discussed ways to prevent water pooling in lower areas of the park. Attendee shared information on reasons for flooding in Clissold given by a consultant, being that groundwater was only found after drilling 43 meters under the park.
Action: Alexandra to liaise with Council on design flaws.
Splashpad toilets
Council update informed the group that the pans in the toilets will be replaced to a single pan, to reduce wear and tear. No further action.
Growing Communities
Sophie from GC attended to discuss the possibility of the organisation selling produce at the Clissold Park site, to fund school visits. Group discussed historic CPUG objections to this and Park bylaws that prohibit sales on public park grounds. GC advised to approach the Council on the subject during their upcoming review in May, as the decision will ultimately lie with the Council as the land owners. Sophie asked to be forwarded historic CPUG objections as a reminder. Cllr Fliss Premu asked to be copied in, and mentioned a recent Right to Grow measure introduced to parks.
Action: Alexandra to email Sophie and Fliss.
Hackney Parks Rep Georgie Brown
Attendee suggested we invite Georgie Brown to attend at least one CPUG meeting, possible issues and restrictions with timings of Georgie’s work schedules discussed.
Action: Alexandra to extend invite.
4. Key dates
Clissold Park Litter Pick
Saturday 28th March 2026 at 10am
Meet at Clissold House near drinking fountain
Breeding Bird Survey
Monday 30th March 7:30am
Meet at Queen Elizabeth’s Walk gate
🦇 Bat Walk
Thursday 9th April 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Meet at Fink’s Pump House
Next CPUG Meeting
Saturday 9th May
Saturday 11th July
Saturday 12th September
Saturday 14th November
11am in the New River Room – Clissold House
Contacts
Park Keepers: 020 8356 6834 This connects to a mobile so please leave a message.
Park Areas Manager (North): parks@hackney.gov.uk call 020 8356 4215
Café Management: New details coming soon
Clissold House Venues and Events Officer: venuehire@hackney.gov.uk or call 020 8356 5505
Head of Leisure and Green Spaces: lan.Holland@hackney.gov.uk
Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Parks: caroline.woodley@hackney.gov.uk
Police: 020 8721 2923 or 07879 603 106 Clissold.snt@met.police.uk
Clissold Safer Neighbourhood Team: 020 8721 2923
To join Clissold Park Users Group
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