Richard Wilson

Following lots of lobbying from Stroud Green Residents Association (SGRA) - with a bit of support from me - the Council have agreed to replace the streetlights on the section of Stapleton Hall Road between Quernmore and Oakfield.  According to the email I have had from the Council 9 new lamp posts will be installed in September.

This is because of complaints that the poor lighting on that section makes the road dangerous at night.  Earlier this year a local woman was flashed by a man hiding in bushes on this section of the Road - who was probably taking advantage of the poor lighting.

In my 3 years of being a Councillor this is the first time I have ever heard of the Council replacing street lights in Stroud Green ward – so lets hope this is the start of something bigger.  Last I heard is that the lights are so ancient (they are the original Victorian gas lights converted to electric use) that English Heritage were trying to get them listed!

I’ve contacted the Council to find out what’s happening to the old lights and if some of them are going to be re-conditioned and preserved somewhere else.  We need to preserve our heritage as well as keeping our roads safe.

Ed at the book 'stall'

Yesterday’s Neighbourhood Day seemed to be a big success.  Ed and I manned a book ’stall’ outside the library – which was a great opportunity to chat with everyone passing by.

I also managed to see some of the other stalls and activities - for instance the pin the organ on the skeleton (pictured).  Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves – and the weather was excellent.

Well done to Helen Riley and the Stroud Green Residents Association for organising the day.  This was only the second year it has been  held and I hope that over the years it continues to grow – with more and more neighbours joining in and more stalls.

Stroud Green Neighbourhood Day is this Saturday (24th) 2pm-4.30pm.  It takes place in the area on top of the hill near the Library – Mount View Road, Granville Road, Stapleton Hall Road – and the streets in between.

I was away for the last one, so I will be attending for the first time.  But I’m told its quite fun and eclectic, with residents putting out stalls on the street and at the church hall with bits and peices to buy - and there are free refreshments.  A tour of Granville Road Spinney is planned at 2.45pm (a great little green space that not many people realise exists).

The neighbourhood day is organised by the Stroud Green Residents Association (SGRA) and is all about bringing local people together.  So please come along and help create some community spirit in Stroud Green!