Published: 13 April, 2012

• THIS month sees the transfer of all canals and rivers in England and Wales to a new charity, the Canal and River Trust.

We welcome the opportunity for volunteers to get more involved with preserving Islington’s historic canal network.

It is vital that these natural green spaces are preserved.

A commission for Architecture and the Built Environment report in 2010 found that those with the lowest 10 per cent of incomes have five times less access to quality green space than the wealthiest.

In areas where the population is 40 per cent or more from ethnic minorities, the figure is 11 times less.

In Islington, with the least green space in London, the canal towpath represents an escape from noisy traffic-dominated streets.

Our canal network runs through some of the richest and poorest areas. Keeping the canals accessible for all isn’t just a green issue – it can contribute to better physical health, mental wellbeing and community cohesion.

CAROLINE ALLEN
Green Party London Assembly candidate for Islington