Downhills Park Café in Tottenham could be forced to shut if Haringey Council removes the free play equipment that has attracted families for over a decade, according to owner Neri Gun. The café, which relies on the toys and splash pad as a major draw, faces an uncertain future if the council follows through on removal plans, citing health and safety concerns.
Play area at risk of removal
Neri Gun, 42, has been setting up donated toys and plastic houses on the public grass beside the café for more than 10 years. The items, along with a recently added splash pad, are reportedly at risk of removal after being deemed a health and safety risk by council officers. Gun said her business would not survive without them.
"If they completely eradicate the play equipment, that will in turn eradicate us being viable. We would close down. I'd have to move on," she told MyLondon. "The toys are a huge part of why people come here. It's a struggle every winter, but we ride it out until March, and then things pick back up again. They're going to destroy a community space, and there's really no justified reason for it."
Previous removal attempt sparked community backlash
The dispute began last summer when café staff found the toys thrown in a dump with 'no fly tipping' signs. Within hours, residents replaced the equipment and emailed the council in large numbers. Councillor Erin Wolson, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said at the time that the council was exploring how to "take responsibility for them and ensure they meet the safety standards for public use."
Gun has since learned of a second removal attempt in recent weeks, prompting her to involve Green councillors and launch a campaign group. She claims there has been little direct communication from Haringey Council, which is the landlord.
Owner proposes permanent structure
"There's supposedly concerns surrounding liability, but no conversation was had with me to discuss us taking it on," Gun explained. "I'm happy to do so, but that's never really been offered. We've presented the idea of us decking this area. It would be lovely to have something that will last another 20, 30 years, so kids don't ever have to have things removed again. Everyone in this community is willing to help to make that happen."
A handful of cyclists have complained about toys occasionally creating a hazard on the adjacent path, a problem Gun believes would be solved by a fixed structure, which would include mud kitchens and kid-friendly seating. Councillors Wolson and Mark Blake, the Leader of the Council, have met with Gun and the Friends of Downhill Park group to discuss the café's future, with Wolson describing the talks as "constructive and encouraging."
Community value and mental health support
Gun's main concern is the borough's young people, many of whom lack access to a garden or paid activities. She also believes the current playground in Downhills Park is inadequate for toddlers.
"The play spaces often have zero shade, are poorly maintained, and not designed by someone who has a small child," she said. "There's no dedicated under-5s area, and it's not a good idea to have one away from facilities. You need first aid, you need toilets. We offer all of that - and the kids can run about in a safe place made for them."
Gun, who has personally struggled with postnatal depression, sees the café as a vital community hub. "Isolation in adults can be a real problem. People can come to the café and spend the day here - you're not obliged to spend money. Tottenham is traditionally somewhere people come and go but this a place where everyone can mix, where everyone knows each other's names," she added. The café works with mums' groups and is known as a breastfeeding-friendly venue.
Parents rally in support
An online petition urging the council to reconsider has garnered over 900 signatures in days. Parent Charlie Dodd, 42, said: "The playground in this park is awful and completely unsuitable for little children. My daughter always loved the cafe's toys and now my son does too. I just think it's the wrong thing to be worrying about. I understand there is that health and safety element, but it's surely at parents' own risk?"
Millie Morgan, 34, agreed: "This a community hub that everyone comes to. Your kid can play with other kids, and loads of connections are built here. The toys are the epicentre of that. I get what they're saying about children maybe trapping their fingers in the houses, but I've never seen that happen." She suggested the council could "take it on, fence it off and build a shed for the toys to go at night."
Mum Lizzie Boyce added: "It doesn't seem to be an issue for anyone but the council. I feel like their own playground is much more dangerous. Everyone comes here on the weekend, it's very popular. As far as I'm aware there's never been an incident. It feels like there are much bigger fish to fry."
Council response and investment
Haringey Council has committed £250,000 to Downhills Park, including a new playground. Councillor Wolson said: "This is a much-valued community project that the council is committed to supporting, and we have worked proactively with the café to secure a positive way forward."
