Richard Wilson

Yesterday, I investigated the site of a proposed ‘backlands’ development off Elyne Road, which residents who back onto the area are up in arms about. The proposal is to put a large five bedroom house onto the small site just a few meters from the edge of residents’ gardens.  What I hadn’t realised fully until I visited, was just how narrow the access to the site is – less than one metre wide in places, and not enough space for even a wheelbarrow. Residents are concerned this would mean chaos when building materials are delivered to the site.

Last week I attended a Stroud Green Residents Association meeting, where it was clear residents wanted to try to stop the development.  The official deadline for objections is next week, but I’m concerned that the summer holidays mean many people wont get a say.   The site is bound by Elyne, Quernmore and Stapleton Hall Roads, but many people on Quernmore and Stapleton Hall have said they never received any notification from the Council about the planning application.

I’ve written to the Council conveying residents concerns and demanding an extension to the consultation to make sure everyone can have their say.  I’ve also provided them with a list of 13 properties that did not receive any notification from the planning department about the plans.

I can understand why people are so keen to object to this proposal.  I don’t think the site is really suitable for development – and certainly not for a house of this size.  I hope that the consultation period is extended so that all residents can make their views known to the Council.

Stalls, games, displays, an ecology tour and a chance to quiz  Katherine, Ed and me ahead of the Election – all form part of the third annual Neighbourhood Day which takes place in Stroud Green this Saturday (April 24) from 2-4.30pm.
 
The idea behind the day is for people to get out and about in their local streets, meet their neighbours, have some fun and find out what is happening locally.
 
Neighbourhood Day is organised by the Stroud Green Residents Association (SGRA) and covers Mountview Road, Stapleton Hall Road, Granville Road and all the roads inbetween (Quernmore Road, Albany Road, Elyne Road, Addington Road and part of Oakfield Road).
 
This year, the events and activities include:

• Residents’ stalls and games around the area offering  secondhand and new books, plants, cakes, pottery, household items, children’s clothes and toys, bric-a-brac and lots more!
• Meet your local politicians (Oakfield Road) and ask their views on local and national issues
• Visit the Safer Neighbourhoods Police Team (at the library) – with fingerprinting for children
• A fascinating history and ecology tour of Granville Road Spinney.
• Fairtrade stall at Holy Trinity Church and ‘The Story of Fairtrade Cotton’ display at St Aidan’s School
• A chance to see inside Holy Trinity Church
• Craft Fair in the library
• Talk and Q&A by local photographer and librarian Don Holtum
• ‘Map your Neighbourhood’ activity with the Greenwood Elfins – the local Woodcraft Group
• A ‘Dr Bike’ session to help repair bikes and offer cycling advice

Helen Riley from SGRA said: ‘This is the third year we have held the event and it promises to be the best yet. People enjoy the chance to chat to their friends and neighbours and let their children play in the local streets. Everyone is welcome to come along and see what it is on offer.’

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!