http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23493118-details/Anne+Marie-Duff+supports+fight+against+artificial+pitches+on+Tooting+Common/article.do
Anne-Marie Duff supports fight against artificial pitches on Tooting Common
Katharine Barney, Evening Standard
10.06.08 Residents are campaigning to stop artificial pitches being built on Tooting Common. Wandsworth council plans to earn £50,000 a year by leasing out part of Tooting Triangle to developers who want to build sports facilities there. It says the area, including a playground, needs refurbishment, which would be paid for by the developers. It also promises to add nearby Woodfield Recreation Ground to the common, increasing the total green space by 7,500 square metres. But locals say about 12 floodlit football pitches would take away their green space, ruin a wildlife habitat and increase traffic and noise pollution. They are supported by Anne-Marie Duff, who stars in new film The Waiting Room, which features Tooting Triangle. The actress said: “You can see from the film what a lovely place it is to go for a walk. I’d be really sorry to see it disappear.” A Wandsworth spokesman said: “This part of the common is tucked away between two railway lines and has already been built on. It is home to a disused youth club, a playground and one o’clock centre, which are all in need of refurbishment. It has existing floodlit all-weather pitches and is not a grassed area.”
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June 12th, 2008 at 5:57 am
Yep! She’s a star! This is fantastic news - a high profile actor and a new film THE WAITING ROOM featuring the Tooting Triangle. Who could have seen that one coming - congrats to you Precious People for all your hard work. I’m still with you!
June 12th, 2008 at 6:20 am
‘is not a grassed area.’
Oh, yes it is!
June 13th, 2008 at 10:32 am
The Wandsworth spokesman needs to get down there and have a look. I am there often and have walked in the area for over 10 years - there is only one all-weather pitch, he seems to think there are more; he is also under the illusion that it is not a grassed area? To which area is he refering? The playground? The all-weather pitch?
On Monday evening this week I was there with my family. Between the four of us we flew a kite, walked the dog and played frisbee, and were free to do as we pleased.
Others on that same area of the common were enjoying picnics, playing team frisbee, walking and enjoying the freedom that that space allows.
It must not be lost.
June 15th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I am a local resident and walk there frequently. You can imagine yourself miles from a city in this green area, as even though the railway lines are on two sides, they are hidden by the trees. The only building that’s visible is Ducane Court.
Thanks to all who support Precious Tooting’s efforts to keep this a place for ALL to enjoy.