Northcote Road summer pedestrianisation splits opinion of local residents

As the pedestrianisation of Northcote Road has drawn to a close for a second year the council are asking residents to have their say on the future of the initiative via their online survey.

Wandsworth Council authorised the pedestrianisation from April 17 to October 31 2021.

The six month period has encouraged locals and visitors to enjoy al fresco dining and shopping during the warmer months.

While the trial has proven popular, encouraging people to dine in the area and shop locally, it has also created a divide in the community.

One resident wrote an open letter to the council voicing their concerns with the scheme.

The letter, noting the disruption to the 319 and GI bus routes, stated the longer walk to the bus stop on Bolingbroke Road is challenging for elderly residents or anyone who is physically impaired.

Some also feel that the area is disrupted by drunken partygoers' who create excessive noise and inflict anti-social behaviour on the community.

However other residents have argued the benefits of pedestrianising Northcote Road, which include a boom to local businesses and support for the Council's #ShopLocal and #EatLocal campaigns.

Many believe it has injected cheer and life to the area on the weekend and encouraged drivers to leave their cars at home.

During the weekend closures, buses on Northcote Road are diverted via Bolingbroke Grove with temporary bus stops outside and opposite Bolingbroke Academy.

The Council is keen to hear what residents and local businesses have to say on the pedestrianisation of Northcote Road via this online survey.

If you require a paper copy of the survey or a different language/format you can call Josephine Cachia on 020 8871 7595.

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