File:Bin There Before.jpg

English: On Saturday 18 July 2015 I spent most of the day at what was called the "Tottenham Conference". Although it was nothing of the kind. But instead another publicly-funded Haringey Council propaganda event.

Walking home across the nearby Tottenham Green, I noticed these bins, plus some bags on the ground. Perhaps they were left there temporarily for the day - while a small market took place.

I hope so. Because for years our beautiful Green suffered from neglect. Which included the toleration by the 'powers-that-be' of waste and recycling bins left on the paths.

As 'powers-that-don't-always-do', they also let parts of the grass turn to packed mud.

And at one time an electricity substation building was used as an unofficial public toilet.

Future Threats

About the bins and bags on 18 July 2015, I wondered if there is anywhere else in Haringey - especially in the richer west of the borough - where businesses are officially allowed to store their waste bins prominently in the middle of a small public park?

Or perhaps this is a transitional stage in a longer plan to commercialise our Parks and Greens? On Tottenham Green, not only with a weekly outdoor market but a fried chicken shop close by, on the site of the former Old Fire Station.

Below is an artist's impression of the tasteful, elegant and restrained new ChickenTown premises which was posted on Haringey Council's website. (Retrieved on 29 July 2015) _____________________________

  "They paved paradise   And put up a parking lot   With a pink hotel, a boutique   And a swinging hot spot

  Don't it always seem to go   That you don't know what you've got   Till it's gone

  They took all the trees   Put 'em in a tree museum   And they charged the people   A dollar and a half just to see 'em

  Don't it always seem to go   That you don't know what you've got   Till it's gone   They paved paradise   And put up a parking lot"

   — Joni Mitchell Big Yellow Taxi