Railings Camden’s poor decision process – response to delayed documentation

In the ongoing saga of Camden's process and decisions on the removal of the internal railings on the Fields the Chair of the Friends of Lincoln's Inn Fields  (FLIF) writes back to the Council after the delayed receipt of crucial documents. 26th September 2011 I have now received some of the material for which I …

Camden Council removal of railings at Lincoln’s Inn Fields – chronology

This new website for the Friends of Lincoln's Inn Fields hopes to explain what is going on around the Fields and the background to major developments.  The internet allows us to share information more readily and conduct business in a more transparent way.  An immediate issues is the removal of the railings by Camden Council. …

Cllr Sue Vincent pauses precipitate removal of railings by Camden officers

The Friends did not receive a reply to the Chair's correspondence with Fiona Dean Assistant Director Culture and Customer Directorate at Camden Council questioning the basis for her decisions in removing the railings and asking for further information. Local people spotted on 16 September 2011 that Camden contractors had begun to remove the railings.  Cllr Vincent stepped …

Camden Council removal of railings – letter to Shaun Kiddell Head of Parks and Open Spaces

At the AGM Camden's proposed removal of the railings was a major topic of discussion. The Friends Chairman wrote to the head of parks to try and get to the bottom of the strange lack of communication from Camden Council officers. 9th June 2011 Shaun Kiddell Head of Parks and Open Spaces Camden Council 7th …

English Heritage draft masterplan for Lincoln’s Inn Fields July 2009

English Heritage produced a draft plan for Lincoln's Inn Fields several years ago.  The diagram below shows the draft circulated in 2009.  EH's approach is an odd one, picking and choosing historical features.  They propose to restore the historical patterns of the C19th but choose to remove the internal railings even though they are a …

People who use the railings in Lincoln’s Inn Fields

One of the lovely things about Lincoln's Inn Fields is the huge diversity of people who use the place.  This young man, we understand from his friends habitually uses the railings for support when out walking as you can see in the photo.  Sadly if the railings are removed by Camden Council this won't be …

English Heritage 2008 consultation workshop reveals concerns about removing railings

English Heritage consulted local people in 2008 about their original plans for the Fields - the plans that Camden is now pressing ahead with.  The workshops revealed concerns about removal of the railings.  Two of the three workshop groups saw the removal of the railings as a weakness or a threat.  The English Heritage record …

Removal of Railings – initial correspondence with Camden Council

Camden Council first alerted the Friends to imminent removal of the railings in this email to the Secretary Walter Hand of 1 June 2011 from Gabi Howard, Parks Engagement Manager. It's worth noting that Camden's time line suggests that invitations to tender for the work had already been sent out to contractors prior to informing …

Internal railings at Lincoln’s Inn Fields – Camden Council’s plans to remove them

Lincoln's Inn Fields has been divided into internal quadrants for over 100 years.  This helps different uses of the Fields to happen at the same time without interfering with each other.  People can walk around the outside, play ball games, frisbee, picnic, chat, sit, lounge, sleep without these different activities overlapping.  Fitness instructors use the …