Waterloo's village green

The Millennium Green at Waterloo has been officially opened. The ceremony, with MP Kate Hoey cutting the ribbon, had to take place on the wet winter Sunday as funding was conditional on the opening taking place within Millennium year 2000. About 100 people attended the opening and were kept warm with mulled wine served in Cafe Dante opposite. Konditor & Cook supplied mince pies.

The site, in Waterloo Road opposite the Old Vic, is the only Millennium Green in an urban area. All the other 249 are in rural areas. At Waterloo grass has been laid and trees planted. A water feature being completed will include a marsh to reflect that this was once Lambeth Marsh as recalled by the name of the Lower Marsh market. At the new green's southern tip work has begun on a youth centre which will have electricity generated by solar panels.

The Millennium Green programme is run by the Countryside Agency. There will be a second community celebration in the spring.