Highbury East Liberal Democrats

As a result of action by Highbury East Liberal Democrat Councillors the Council has undertaken a Stop and Advise Campaign targeting anti-social cycling in Highbury. At the same time as improving the crossing as part of a safer routes to school project at St John’s Highbury Vale

Road safety concerns had been raised about the zebra crossing near St John’s Highbury Vale primary school. Cyclists were reported to be cycling over the crossing before the children and the School Crossing Patrol Officer were safely on the pavement. An initial stop and advise session with local police, was scheduled where errant cyclists were given advice on safe cycling. This was followed up a week later with an enforcement session where cyclists were fined £30 for cycling through the zebra crossing. The large majority of cyclists waited at the crossing, however four fines were issued.

The campaign also saw major improvements to the zebra crossing and roads in front of the school, including additional fencing at the crossing, extended pavements and the introduction of a speed table at the junction of Conewood Street and Highbury Park, were the school is based.

Cllr Terry Stacy, who is pictured with local lollypop lady Janet Wooden, said “Local parents have told us that these improvements are great and going to and throw from school is a lot safer. Janet, the local lolly pop lady, should be congratulated for being such a great advocate for improving safety at this crossing”

Notification about a Full Planning Application in East Area (P081522) 27, Highbury Place, Islington, London, N5 1QP
Loft conversion including dormer windows (Full Planning application ref: P081512 also submitted)

The planning application can be viewed on the Council’s website by clicking here. The application can also be seen at Contact Islington (open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.45 pm).

As you know the Council has a limited time to consider the application.
Comments to Benjamin Dixonon 020 7527 2792 or by clicking here by 18 September

Notification about a Full Planning Application in East Area (P081369) 13 Mountgrove Road, Islington, London, N5 for the change of use from single dwelling house to 2 x self-contained flats.

The planning application can be viewed on the Council’s website by clicking here. The application can also be seen at Contact Islington (open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.45 pm).

As you know the Council has a limited time to consider the application.
Comments to Roger Allanon 020 7527 2166 or by clicking here by 12 September

Over 50 new bike racks have been installed across Highbury as a result of your Liberal Democrat Councillors. Using money from their Area Committee allocation, Terry, Laura and John put forward sites for new bike racks in our area.

But we need ideas for more locations. Got an idea then email us by clicking here or directly to Shaman at the council clicking here

Local Lib Dems are fighting plans for TfL to extend the Red Route restrictions on Holloway Road to Sundays. Lib Dem objections have meant the process has been suspended for now but the threat of the extension is still very real.

Cllr Laura Willoughby said: “We are very concerned that the proposal to extend operation of the A1 red route had been decided with no consultation with local traders and residents. The impact on local businesses (especially Camden Passage Market at the Angel) could be significant - we must protect our local shops. TfL are using Arsenal match day traffic flow figures as the reason - but we all know that matches rarely happen on Sundays.”

Sign the petition by clicking here

TfL have been quite since we requested that they stop this mad scheme so we have tabled questions to the Mayor of London for his September Question Time. The questions are as follows:

We have all moaned about it for so long, and once again local Lib Dems are taking the battle of the pedestrian Crossing outside Highbury and Islington tube to City Hall - along with concerns about the crossing times at Islington Park Street/Upper Street/Canonbury Lane.

Cllr John Gilbert said “We have tried many times before to get the timing of these crossings changed - there is just not long enough to cross! We hope a new, local Mayor, will listen this time!”

The question, which will be asked at the September Mayors Question time asks:

Will you ask TfL to review the pedestrian waiting times and crossing times at the crossings outside Highbury & Islington station and at the junction of Upper Street and Islington Park Street, as both are too short and pedestrians are taking risks to save time ?

You can sign a petition that we will be presenting at City Hall at …..

As you know the council have been clamping down on those parking illegally and fraudulently at Arsenal match games. We have put lots of pressure and Arsenal to reduce disruption to residents as much as possible.

As a result a season ticket holder has been banned from the next three home games. The ban was imposed after he was caught illegally using a disabled blue badge to park in local streets while attending the match.

Cllr John Gilbert said: “Dealing with fraudster and those parking illegally will make a big difference to the good management of match days. Whilst there are many things we need to do to improve the situation for residents I am pleased to see that we are tackling blue badge fraud - it is not only illegal but very distasteful!”

Along with working with young people to deter knife and other crime, the Council has another tool to help it tackle the problem - age restrictions on knife sales.

It has been illegal to sell knives to under 16’s for some time now, and the council is responsible for ensuring businesses don’t do this. Those caught face huge fines. In the last year the council has increased the number of test sales and prosecutions it has brought against those selling to under 16’s.

Cllr Terry Stacy said: “This is just one route we have for tackling knife crime. We will come down hard on anyone selling knives to under 16’s. Undercover visits make sure prosecutions stick.”

Notification about a Full Planning Application in East Area (P081453) Flat A, 4, Witherington Road, Islington, London, N5 1PP for alterations to rear elevation .

The planning application can be viewed on the Council’s website by clicking here. The application can also be seen at Contact Islington (open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.45 pm).

As you know the Council has a limited time to consider the application.
Comments to Robert Armsbyon 020 7527 2151 or planning@islington.gov.uk by 04 September

More than 6,000 lamp posts in Islington have been replaced over the past five years as part of our promise to revamp of street lighting. Through a Public Lighting PFI Project an extra 1,360 lamp posts across the borough and replaced 1,240 traffic signposts and belisha beacons.

Together with partners Southern Electric Contracting (SEC) the council has relit 105 miles of roads and responded to over 28,000 work requests.Whislt the big replacement programme is coming to an end there will still be more replacement and maintenance work going on - so if you have a faulty light do let us know.  But at the end of 5 years nearly every road in Highbury East has had new lamps, including hundreds of heritage lamps for our conservation areas.

Cllr Terry Stacy, said, “Out streets are now safer and more attractive but it does not stop here - our investment in improved lighting is assured for the next 2 decades.”