Neglect of High Road Must Stop - Nicholson

2.48.00pm GMT Mon 28th Jul 2008

Local Lib Dem campaigner Chris Nicholson has called for an end to the neglect of Streatham High Road as a consultation of over 400 Streatham residents suggests that the high street is now getting worse, not better.

The survey, conducted by Streatham Liberal Democrats, asked local residents what they thought of the High Road and how it could be improved.

8 out of 10 people wanted a new department store on the High Road

Almost half of those asked said that the High Road had become worse in recent years - double the number of people who said it was better.(1) A lack of shops selling clothes was singled out as a particular problem while 8 out of 10 said that the High Road was in need of a new Department Store.(2)

Concern about being a victim of crime was also seen as 185 people said they felt unsafe while on the High Road.(3) Overall, only 16% of people thought that there were enough police on patrol along the High Road.(4)

The consultation formed part of local Liberal Democrats campaign to support the High Road. Their five-point plan includes:

• New landmark developments at the old Safeway site by Streatham station and at the Caesars/Megabowl site on Streatham Hill - including the return of a department store to Streatham.

• A new dedicated High Road police team

• A deep clean of the High Road and then regular, sustained cleaning

• Removal of the central barriers and completion of plans to improve the 'streetscape' of the High Road

• More support to independent, local businesses on the High Road

Chris Nicholson and Streatham Liberal Democrats have already scored success on point two as a new police patrol has been implemented along the High Road.

. Chris said:

"Streatham's High Road was once thought of as the "west end" of South London, but that is now a distant memory."

"We had seen signs of hope that the High Road was on the way back but Lambeth Council's dithering over the Streatham Hub project and the lack of progress on removing the central reservations from the High Road is putting this at risk."

"The High Road has so much potential but the combination of general economic problems and neglect by Lambeth's Labour led Council means that it risks going into a downward spiral again unless action is taken."

"Local Lib Dems will continue to campaign for the High Road and put an end to Streatham constantly being in second place when it comes to Council priorities."

Notes

(1) In total, 417 responses to the survey were received.197 people said High Road had become worse in recent years, only 84 thought it was better with the rest (115) saying there was no change.

(2)188 people said High Road had become worse for clothes shopping. 82.73% wanted a Department Store encouraged on the High Road

(3) Do you feel sage on the High Road? Yes: 197, No: 185, No answer: 35

(4) Do you think there are enough Police or Wardens on patrol on the High Road? Yes: 69, No: 315, No answer: 33

The Survey's results can be found by following the link below.

Related Link:

Streatham High Road Survey