Caroline Pidgeon, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Transport Spokesperson, has welcomed Transport for London’s (TfL) decision to eventually back down over its plans to narrow a stretch of pavement on Streatham High Road.
As part of its latest phase of improvements to Streatham High Road it was proposed by TfL to restrict a stretch of the pavement between Becmead Avenue and Woodbourne Avenue by removing some of the pavement outside the former Woolworths store for loading bays.
Local Liberal Democrat councillors strongly objected to these proposals as they would have inconvenienced many pedestrians and local shoppers. To ensure TfL took notice of their concerns they also invited Caroline Pidgeon to support their campaign.
The campaign by the Streatham councillors and Caroline Pidgeon involved a site meeting with TfL officers on the 18th February. More recently Caroline Pidgeon also took the issue up directly with Peter Hendy, the Commissioner for Transport for London.
In correspondence received today (Monday 6th April) Caroline Pidgeon has been told by David Brown, TfL’s Managing Director of Surface Transport, that TfL have at long last changed their mind and accept the need to preserve the overall width of the pavement.
Caroline Pidgeon commented:
“This is really good news for local residents, shoppers and businesses on Streatham High Road. Ensuring the pavement is wider will create a better environment for everyone. I am delighted that at the eleventh hour TfL have now seen sense.”
Councillor Ashley Lumdsen, the leader of the Lambeth Liberal Democrat Group and Councillor for Streatham Hill Ward said:
"I am very grateful for Caroline Pidgeon taking our case right to the top of Transport for London. They must now get on with the pavement widening scheme to boost Streatham's shops."