Thursday 9th Dec 2010, 7pm, St Paul's Church Hall
(Corner of High Road and Evering Road)
This meeting will give an update from the last full meeting on the local traffic issues (see article below). We will also be electing the committee and officers for the next year.
All residents of the LARA area welcome
Help build your community. We need residents to get involved on the committee. We want to hear your views and we need your participation to help LARA succeed
Look out for the Newsletter coming through your door!
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Sunday, 24 October 2010
Open Letter Re: Stoke Newington Gyratory
In response to an article written in the Hackney Gazette recently, here is an open letter from our chair, Jim Westwood, on behalf of the LARA Commitee and its residents:
Just a reminder about the Walkabout this coming Tuesday as part of the on going consultation for the 20mph zone on our streets. All welcome. Please see previous post.
Dear Sir/Madam
I was very interested to read your article about the Stoke Newington gyratory system. While the consultation is welcome, many residents who live within the gyratory system have been discussing this issue for some time. Leswin Area Residents Association (LARA) recently held a well attended meeting on the issues faced by residents living within the one-way system.
Your readers, and others, may be interested to note that the LARA members do not, in the first instance, see the retaining or abolition of the gyratory system as their main priority. What they do see as their main priority is taming the roads around the gyratory to make them safer and more pedestrian/cyclist friendly and improving the environment and safety of the gyratory’s internal streets. For example, more safe crossing points, traffic calming measures on the gyratory, stopping the rat running that goes on through our streets and creating a 20mph zone.
In your article, Trevor Parsons of LCC implies that reverting back to two-way traffic will cure if not all then most of the ills of the one-way system. Many of the LARA residents are not so sure. They fear that whichever traffic system we end up with, the problems our children, elderly and disabled residents face in crossing the High road and other roads will not disappear.
Stoke Newington High Road has been revitalised as a shopping centre over recent years. With the introduction of supermarkets such as Tesco’s and Sainsbury’s alongside the more established shops such as General Woodwork, their is more reason and temptation to cross the road other than at the current few and far between safe crossing points. Around the gyratory system the traffic must be slowed down by introducing traffic calming measures. We also need a lot more places where residents can cross the road in safety.
The issue of whether we stay with or reverse the gyratory system is a complex and costly one that could drag on for a long time. In the meantime, we still have cars racing at high speed along Rectory Road, Evering Road and Stoke Newington High Road as there are no deterrents in place to stop them. ‘Taming’ the gyratory system and improving the local environment within it could be achieved quickly and for a lot less money.
Just a reminder about the Walkabout this coming Tuesday as part of the on going consultation for the 20mph zone on our streets. All welcome. Please see previous post.
Dear Sir/Madam
I was very interested to read your article about the Stoke Newington gyratory system. While the consultation is welcome, many residents who live within the gyratory system have been discussing this issue for some time. Leswin Area Residents Association (LARA) recently held a well attended meeting on the issues faced by residents living within the one-way system.
Your readers, and others, may be interested to note that the LARA members do not, in the first instance, see the retaining or abolition of the gyratory system as their main priority. What they do see as their main priority is taming the roads around the gyratory to make them safer and more pedestrian/cyclist friendly and improving the environment and safety of the gyratory’s internal streets. For example, more safe crossing points, traffic calming measures on the gyratory, stopping the rat running that goes on through our streets and creating a 20mph zone.
In your article, Trevor Parsons of LCC implies that reverting back to two-way traffic will cure if not all then most of the ills of the one-way system. Many of the LARA residents are not so sure. They fear that whichever traffic system we end up with, the problems our children, elderly and disabled residents face in crossing the High road and other roads will not disappear.
Stoke Newington High Road has been revitalised as a shopping centre over recent years. With the introduction of supermarkets such as Tesco’s and Sainsbury’s alongside the more established shops such as General Woodwork, their is more reason and temptation to cross the road other than at the current few and far between safe crossing points. Around the gyratory system the traffic must be slowed down by introducing traffic calming measures. We also need a lot more places where residents can cross the road in safety.
The issue of whether we stay with or reverse the gyratory system is a complex and costly one that could drag on for a long time. In the meantime, we still have cars racing at high speed along Rectory Road, Evering Road and Stoke Newington High Road as there are no deterrents in place to stop them. ‘Taming’ the gyratory system and improving the local environment within it could be achieved quickly and for a lot less money.
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Traffic Concerns – Upcoming Consultations
There are two separate consultations happening at the moment, concerning our area:
1. Stoke Newington Gyratory Consultation October 4th 2010 until January 10, 2011: LB Hackney is currently carrying out their own appraisal of the 2009 TfL study on the Stoke Newington Gyratory; as part of this Hackney are asking residents for their views. They have published a residents’ questionnaire, which can also be completed online at www.hackney.gov.uk/sn-gyratory. it would be great to see as many people as possible, particularly LARA residents, to put their views forward!
2. Brooke Area 20mph zone: the consultation for the 20mph zone on our streets will start in January 2011 and will be implemented from April 2011; we have arranged a ‘walkabout’ with Maryann Allen, Road safety Team Leader at LB Hackney, on October 26th at 5.00pm – meeting point at 1 Darville Road (corner Darville / Evering Rd). The purpose of the walkabout is to raise those issues which we have identified following discussions with other residents (see list published by LARA), ie to make our points. We’ll also have the opportunity to hear more about Hackney’s plans for the 20mph zone in advance of the consultation. Please do join us if traffic in LARA is your concern - All welcome!
Monday, 11 October 2010
Stoke Newington Gyratory Consultation
Do we need a one way traffic system in Stoke Newington? – Have your say
Hackney Council is currently consulting residents and businesses in Stoke Newington to identify traffic and road safety issues in the area and to understand how the gyratory affects you as a resident, visitor or business owner.
How to have your say
Complete our online survey available on www.hackney.gov.uk/sn-gyratory or fill in a hard copy version set to be distributed with the 18 October edition of Hackney Today.
There will be a public exhibition in Stoke Newington Library between 18 October 2010 and 10 January 2011.
Drop in sessions:
Thursday 14 October 2010
6pm – 8pm
Stoke Newington Neighbourhood Forum
Stoke Newington Town Hall, Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0JR
Tuesday 19 October 2010
11am – 2pm
Stoke Newington Library
184 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0JS
Friday 12 November 2010
5pm – 8pm
Morrison’s Supermarket
47/49 Stamford Hill N16 5SR
Saturday 4 December 2010
10am – 2.30pm
Stoke Newington Farmers’ Market
William Patten School, Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0NX
Deadline for responses: Monday 10 January 2011
More information
For more information about this consultation, please contact the Traffic and Transportation team on 020 8356 4891 or email: consultation@hackney.gov.uk
Monday, 13 September 2010
Open Letter Re: Old Fire Station Planning Proposal
For the attention of:
Neighbour of Old Fire Station, Leswin Road N16
Regarding:
Proposed improvements to the building
Fire Station Community Nursery
61 Leswin Road, Stoke Newington, LONDON, N16 7NX
020 7249 3234
info@firestationnursery.org.uk
firestationnursery.org.uk
Dear Neighbour
As you may have heard from Hackney Borough Council, the Old Fire Station recently submitted a planning application for improvements to the building.
If you would like to know more about the proposals, you can:
•download our Design and Access Statement from www.firestationnursery.org.uk/plans
•contact me, Nick Saltmarsh, at the above email or postal address
We'd welcome your views on the proposals - and would also you to let us know how you think the building should be used in the future.
Please send any comments to me at the above email or postal address.
The current proposals
The proposed improvements consist of alterations to the entrance to the building and the erection of a raised playdeck over part of the yard at the rear of the building.
We are hoping to fund these works with capital funding for the Fire Station Community Nursery, which occupies the first floor of the Old Fire Station and will be the primary beneficiary of these improvements.
The benefits will, however, be wider: changes to the entrance will improve the building's appearance and access, removing the concrete ramp access that compromises the building's appearance and imposes on the street. The playdeck will also provide a covered area for vegetable packing by Growing Communities and possible other uses.
The Old Fire Station
The building provides a variety of spaces for hire by the community – see www.oldfirestation.org – and is used on a permanent basis by three community groups: the Fire Station Community Nursery (community-run children’snursery), Growing Communities (community food group) and Anika Patrice (providing support to carers of people with learning difficulties from ethnic minorities).
We would like to extend the current use of the building and hope to secure further funding for improvements and development work. As well as the spaces for hire, there is currently vacant space in the former flat on the 3rd floor (suitable for office use) and in the basement (ideal for use as a youth club or rehearsal space).
Please let us know your thoughts on how the building could be used for the benefit of the local community.
Yours,
Nick Saltmarsh
Treasurer, Fire Station Community Nursery parents’ committee
Director, Old Fire Station
Good quality, affordable education and day-care for children from 13 weeks to 5 years
Fire Station Community Nursery is a registered charity (Fire Station Nursery, charity number 285133)
www.firestationnursery.org.uk/plans
Neighbour of Old Fire Station, Leswin Road N16
Regarding:
Proposed improvements to the building
Fire Station Community Nursery
61 Leswin Road, Stoke Newington, LONDON, N16 7NX
020 7249 3234
info@firestationnursery.org.uk
firestationnursery.org.uk
Dear Neighbour
As you may have heard from Hackney Borough Council, the Old Fire Station recently submitted a planning application for improvements to the building.
If you would like to know more about the proposals, you can:
•download our Design and Access Statement from www.firestationnursery.org.uk/plans
•contact me, Nick Saltmarsh, at the above email or postal address
We'd welcome your views on the proposals - and would also you to let us know how you think the building should be used in the future.
Please send any comments to me at the above email or postal address.
The current proposals
The proposed improvements consist of alterations to the entrance to the building and the erection of a raised playdeck over part of the yard at the rear of the building.
We are hoping to fund these works with capital funding for the Fire Station Community Nursery, which occupies the first floor of the Old Fire Station and will be the primary beneficiary of these improvements.
The benefits will, however, be wider: changes to the entrance will improve the building's appearance and access, removing the concrete ramp access that compromises the building's appearance and imposes on the street. The playdeck will also provide a covered area for vegetable packing by Growing Communities and possible other uses.
The Old Fire Station
The building provides a variety of spaces for hire by the community – see www.oldfirestation.org – and is used on a permanent basis by three community groups: the Fire Station Community Nursery (community-run children’snursery), Growing Communities (community food group) and Anika Patrice (providing support to carers of people with learning difficulties from ethnic minorities).
We would like to extend the current use of the building and hope to secure further funding for improvements and development work. As well as the spaces for hire, there is currently vacant space in the former flat on the 3rd floor (suitable for office use) and in the basement (ideal for use as a youth club or rehearsal space).
Please let us know your thoughts on how the building could be used for the benefit of the local community.
Yours,
Nick Saltmarsh
Treasurer, Fire Station Community Nursery parents’ committee
Director, Old Fire Station
Good quality, affordable education and day-care for children from 13 weeks to 5 years
Fire Station Community Nursery is a registered charity (Fire Station Nursery, charity number 285133)
www.firestationnursery.org.uk/plans
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
More Pics from Sunday Lunch
Monday, 19 July 2010
The Big Lunch.....We did it!
From small beginnings.....
To a paint crazy, musical feast!
We even had a bar!
and a vintage car!
A day of lunching fun and just shows you what can happen on a little patch of forgotten green!
Don't forget the meeting this Thursday
Thanks to everyone for all there efforts to make this such a great day.
Friday, 16 July 2010
Join the West Hackney Recreation Ground User Group!
Click on the flyer above to find out more about the group and how to get involved.
The meeting is on Thursday 22nd July 7-9pm at St Paul's Church Hall.
For more info contact Imogen Sherwood on 020 8510 5420
imogen.sherwood@groundwork.org.uk
Don't forget to come along to our Big Lunch on Sunday 18th July and enjoy a family day out in our local park. See the plans for what this large space can become and help to bring it to reality!
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
The Big Lunch Build Up!
LARA is organising our first ever Big Lunch as part of the nationwide annual event. Friends, families and neighbours are invited to come and have fun, eat and be merry!Entrance is a plate of food to share.
We had our last meeting at the Rec tonight....That's the West Hackney Recreation Ground. It's the green space behind St. Paul's Church at the end of Leswin Road.
Kick off is at 1pm but anyone who wants to help out beforehand can meet at 11am on the day. Niall the Rector at St. Paul's is kindly lending tables and chairs, so we are hoping to set up a banquet style long table. There won't be enough chairs for everyone so it's down to you all to bring picnic blankets and deckchairs etc. and to find your spot around the park.
Bunting needs to go up, table laid and general safety check of the park as a whole before everyone arrives.
There is no money coming from anywhere, unfortunately, so at the moment it's kind donations from LARA committee members. We hope to reimburse with donations on the day or fundraising at a later date. So basically it's what we can all make of it as a neighbourhood.
The general idea is to turn up with food to share, bring your own drink, plates, cutlery, picnic blankets and anything else to add to the entertainment on the day.
Growing Communities have come up trumps with donations of delicious, local grown salad!
Gazebos and deckchairs, cushions and blankets are all welcome.
Sorry, no barbecues, dogs and unaccompanied children. We are trying to make it as safe a day as possible and want everyone to have a good time!
Please comment below if you'd like to help out or have any suggestions.
You can also contact us at Lara.n16@googlemail.com
More updates coming soon and watch out for flyers in the next few days!
Thanks to local artist, Roger Mason for the great cartoon! www.looksgoodonpaper.co.uk
TRAFFIC IN OUR AREA AND CHANGES WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE Following public meeting on June 17th, 2010
The Problems
A number of traffic issues have been identified, which are of concern to residents in the LARA area. In summary these include:
- Speeding cars along Stoke Newington High Street, Rectory Road, Manse Road and Evering Road in particular, with the LARA area effectively being cut off all surrounding areas and green spaces by fast traffic;
- Cars ‘rat running’ up and down the residential streets off the High Street, Bayston Road inparticular (this issue has been addressed in the past in Leswin Road by making part of it one-way); speed bumps are insufficient in avoiding and slowing down through traffic;
- Lack of pedestrian crossings across the High Street;
- Lack of safety of the existing crossings across the High Street; inadequate warning to drivers
- and bad traffic light phasing; this is a particular issue for people with children in William Patten school;
- Inadequate access around and into the area by bicycle, particularly on one-way stretch of Stoke Newington High St. , as well as both Brooke Rd and Evering Rd being one-way in the same direction; this leads to ‘distorted’ bicycle traffic with the result of people cycling on the footpaths to avoid longer journeys;
- Local ‘rat run’ along Lawrence Buildings and southbound drivers doing an illegal left turn onto Brooke Road in order to continue along Leswin Road;
- Inadequate access of local residents to public transport due to bus routing around one-way system;
There are other issues, which have been raised by residents’ groups of the other areas bordering the gyratory zone; these are being considered, however LARA is limiting its campaign to the area within the LARA boundaries.
The Stoke Newington Gyratory
LARA believes that many of the problems listed above are a result of the gyratory or one-way system, which has been in place for the last few decades, serving to alleviate congestion on the A10 into and out of Central London. There have been a number of campaigns in recent years for the removal of the gyratory in favour of 2-way traffic throughout.
-LCC position
In particular LARA has consulted with LCC iH (London Cycling Campaign in Hackney), who have a strong position in favour of removing the gyratory; their views are backed by experience with similar campaigns such as the Shoreditch High St. gyratory removal. Discussions with LCC also included consideration of other measures to improve accessibility to the area, including contraflow cycle lanes, and the dialogue with LCC has been particularly helpful to us in identifying possible solutions to the problems identified.
LCC’s own current position is to campaign for reinstating 2-way traffic for all road users on Stoke Newington High Street, Rectory Road, Manse Road, Northwold Road, Evering Road, and Brooke Road. Their view is that 2-way traffic is preferable to contraflow cycling lanes, being much more effective at achieving slowed down and more even traffic flow; they advised that experience has proven that contraflow cycling lanes are a second-best option to returning the streetscape to its original appearance, causing problems especially at junctions.
-TfL Study
Transport for London (TfL) has carried out a feasibility study on the removal of the gyratory which is not positive in terms of removing it. Hackney Council is currently conducting its own appraisal of the TfL study to look further into the options, results anticipated in late 2010. LB Hackney has confirmed that there will be a full consultation with local residents and stakeholders in due course, to get a more coherent sense of residents’ views on the issue. LARA welcomes the opportunity to be consulted on the matter and we shall be keeping in touch with LB Hackney in order to ensure that this happens in due course.
-LARA position
There are differing views in the area about the pros and cons of reinstating 2-way traffic in this area. LARA has consulted with residents as well as a number of other local and regional stakeholders on the matter, and, as a committee, has decided to move forward with their campaign for addressing the problems identified above, and implementing local improvements rather than pushing for the removal of the gyratory. This is considered a wider issue and too long term, and we believe that going back to 2-way traffic would even worsen some of the problems present. Further to this we want to concentrate our efforts on goals which are achievable in the short to medium term.
To summarise, our aims are to
- lessen the impact of heavy traffic on our residential area;
- discourage unnecessary speeding and rat running through our residential area;
- improve and make safer pedestrian connections within the LARA area + between the LARA
area and its surroundings, including schools, shopping facilities, public transport, green spaces and other amenities;
- create better and safer access throughout the area for cyclists;
- make the LARA area safer and more inclusively accessible for all local road users.
What would LARA like to see happen?
LARA believes that, in order to achieve our goals outlined above, measures must include:
Traffic calming measures:
- 20mph speed limit throughout residential streets, properly enforced;
- Effective speed controls to one-way portion of Stoke Newington High Street, Rectory Road and Evering / Manse Road;
- ‘filtered permeability’ measures, ie motor vehicle barriers mid-way along residential roads, Leswin, Bayston and Darville Road in particular, to ‘filter out’ traffic unsuitable as through traffic in a residential area;
- Removal of local ‘rat run’ along Lawrence Buildings and stopping southbound drivers from doing an illegal left turn onto Brooke Road in order to continue along Leswin Road;
- Increase number of pedestrian crossings across the High Street to account for better connection to shops and to schools;
- Make existing pedestrian crossings across the High Street safer by means of better warning to drivers, better traffic light placement and more pedestrian friendly phasing;
- Improve pedestrian connections to Stoke Newington Common and West Hackney Recreation Ground green spaces;
Improvements for cyclists:
- Implementation of separate , safe, cycle lanes, including contra-flow cycle traffic, to
Stoke Newington High Street, Brooke Road and Evering / Manse Road;
How can we bring about improvements?
The Roads within and around the LARA area are owned by TfL (red routes A10, Manse, Evering and Rectory Road) and Hackney Council (all other roads). LARA’s campaign must therefore now pursue its campaign with both these organisations.
LARA’s discussions to date have included Louisa Thomson, councillor Stoke Newington Central ward, as well as Andrew Cunningham, head of Streetscene (LB Hackney). No contact has yet been made with TfL – this should be our next step.
June 2010
A number of traffic issues have been identified, which are of concern to residents in the LARA area. In summary these include:
- Speeding cars along Stoke Newington High Street, Rectory Road, Manse Road and Evering Road in particular, with the LARA area effectively being cut off all surrounding areas and green spaces by fast traffic;
- Cars ‘rat running’ up and down the residential streets off the High Street, Bayston Road inparticular (this issue has been addressed in the past in Leswin Road by making part of it one-way); speed bumps are insufficient in avoiding and slowing down through traffic;
- Lack of pedestrian crossings across the High Street;
- Lack of safety of the existing crossings across the High Street; inadequate warning to drivers
- and bad traffic light phasing; this is a particular issue for people with children in William Patten school;
- Inadequate access around and into the area by bicycle, particularly on one-way stretch of Stoke Newington High St. , as well as both Brooke Rd and Evering Rd being one-way in the same direction; this leads to ‘distorted’ bicycle traffic with the result of people cycling on the footpaths to avoid longer journeys;
- Local ‘rat run’ along Lawrence Buildings and southbound drivers doing an illegal left turn onto Brooke Road in order to continue along Leswin Road;
- Inadequate access of local residents to public transport due to bus routing around one-way system;
There are other issues, which have been raised by residents’ groups of the other areas bordering the gyratory zone; these are being considered, however LARA is limiting its campaign to the area within the LARA boundaries.
The Stoke Newington Gyratory
LARA believes that many of the problems listed above are a result of the gyratory or one-way system, which has been in place for the last few decades, serving to alleviate congestion on the A10 into and out of Central London. There have been a number of campaigns in recent years for the removal of the gyratory in favour of 2-way traffic throughout.
-LCC position
In particular LARA has consulted with LCC iH (London Cycling Campaign in Hackney), who have a strong position in favour of removing the gyratory; their views are backed by experience with similar campaigns such as the Shoreditch High St. gyratory removal. Discussions with LCC also included consideration of other measures to improve accessibility to the area, including contraflow cycle lanes, and the dialogue with LCC has been particularly helpful to us in identifying possible solutions to the problems identified.
LCC’s own current position is to campaign for reinstating 2-way traffic for all road users on Stoke Newington High Street, Rectory Road, Manse Road, Northwold Road, Evering Road, and Brooke Road. Their view is that 2-way traffic is preferable to contraflow cycling lanes, being much more effective at achieving slowed down and more even traffic flow; they advised that experience has proven that contraflow cycling lanes are a second-best option to returning the streetscape to its original appearance, causing problems especially at junctions.
-TfL Study
Transport for London (TfL) has carried out a feasibility study on the removal of the gyratory which is not positive in terms of removing it. Hackney Council is currently conducting its own appraisal of the TfL study to look further into the options, results anticipated in late 2010. LB Hackney has confirmed that there will be a full consultation with local residents and stakeholders in due course, to get a more coherent sense of residents’ views on the issue. LARA welcomes the opportunity to be consulted on the matter and we shall be keeping in touch with LB Hackney in order to ensure that this happens in due course.
-LARA position
There are differing views in the area about the pros and cons of reinstating 2-way traffic in this area. LARA has consulted with residents as well as a number of other local and regional stakeholders on the matter, and, as a committee, has decided to move forward with their campaign for addressing the problems identified above, and implementing local improvements rather than pushing for the removal of the gyratory. This is considered a wider issue and too long term, and we believe that going back to 2-way traffic would even worsen some of the problems present. Further to this we want to concentrate our efforts on goals which are achievable in the short to medium term.
To summarise, our aims are to
- lessen the impact of heavy traffic on our residential area;
- discourage unnecessary speeding and rat running through our residential area;
- improve and make safer pedestrian connections within the LARA area + between the LARA
area and its surroundings, including schools, shopping facilities, public transport, green spaces and other amenities;
- create better and safer access throughout the area for cyclists;
- make the LARA area safer and more inclusively accessible for all local road users.
What would LARA like to see happen?
LARA believes that, in order to achieve our goals outlined above, measures must include:
Traffic calming measures:
- 20mph speed limit throughout residential streets, properly enforced;
- Effective speed controls to one-way portion of Stoke Newington High Street, Rectory Road and Evering / Manse Road;
- ‘filtered permeability’ measures, ie motor vehicle barriers mid-way along residential roads, Leswin, Bayston and Darville Road in particular, to ‘filter out’ traffic unsuitable as through traffic in a residential area;
- Removal of local ‘rat run’ along Lawrence Buildings and stopping southbound drivers from doing an illegal left turn onto Brooke Road in order to continue along Leswin Road;
- Increase number of pedestrian crossings across the High Street to account for better connection to shops and to schools;
- Make existing pedestrian crossings across the High Street safer by means of better warning to drivers, better traffic light placement and more pedestrian friendly phasing;
- Improve pedestrian connections to Stoke Newington Common and West Hackney Recreation Ground green spaces;
Improvements for cyclists:
- Implementation of separate , safe, cycle lanes, including contra-flow cycle traffic, to
Stoke Newington High Street, Brooke Road and Evering / Manse Road;
How can we bring about improvements?
The Roads within and around the LARA area are owned by TfL (red routes A10, Manse, Evering and Rectory Road) and Hackney Council (all other roads). LARA’s campaign must therefore now pursue its campaign with both these organisations.
LARA’s discussions to date have included Louisa Thomson, councillor Stoke Newington Central ward, as well as Andrew Cunningham, head of Streetscene (LB Hackney). No contact has yet been made with TfL – this should be our next step.
June 2010
Monday, 28 June 2010
Minutes from our Last Public Meeting
LARA meeting on June 17th 2010 was held in the Church Hall at St Pauls at 7pm and was attended by over 30 local residents.
Also present were representatives of the Council, The London Cycling Campaign, the Stoke Newington Common User Group, Stoke Newington Local Business Association and Stamford
Terrace residents’ Association.
There were two agenda items for the meeting – a local traffic strategy and the planned BIGLUNCH event to be held in the Church garden or ‘Recreation ground’ on July 18th.
The Chair (Jim Westwood – Leswin Rd) opened the meeting and thanked everyone for
attending, explaining that the retention or scrapping of the Stoke Newington one-way system
which borders the LARA area (‘the gyratory’) was not the main item for debate at the meeting. The attendees were asked to offer views and suggestions for what might be achievable in the shorter term that would reduce traffic risks to pedestrians, cyclists and local residents and their children. A paper was distributed that identified these key points.
Andrea Jung, (Darville Rd resident and traffic sub-group lead) had invited representatives of local bodies, councillors and Andrew Cunningham from Hackney council to the meeting to take part in the discussion and to give their views. She outlined the background to the Lara traffic sub-group and her own involvement which had grown out of frustrations with cycling around the traffic system to get to her home. Since then investigations of previous and ongoing work and consultations on this subject had shown that;
A representative of the Stoke Newington Local Business Association was opposed to a return to two way traffic on the grounds that business deliveries, already difficult on the red route, would become impossible if the high road became single lane in two directions. Many residents spoke of their concerns about speeding and the dangers posed to children. A 20mph zone was proposed for the LARA area and councillors and Mr Cunningham were asked why this could not be implemented immediately. Residents were also broadly in favour of contraflow cycle lanes.
Mr Cunningham explained the reasons why the new speed cameras could not be installed on Rectory Rd but would be placed on Church Street. This was a result of traffic and risk analysis which had shown that statistically, accidents were far more likely on Church Street. He explained that funding was earmarked for implementing a new traffic scheme in the next financial year ( beginning April 2011) and that a public consultation would follow on from the publication of the report in the autumn. This consultation would involve residents, businesses, shoppers and other local stakeholders
Another resident proposed that community and arts based schemes should be considered as a means of changing the local area with the goal of calming traffic flows, as well as or instead of a rules and regulatory based approach to the problem.
Air quality was thought to be a significant risk too, though some felt that congestion would worsen if the high street was returned to two way traffic.
The Chair described earlier work that the previous LARA had done to lobby for one way traffic in Leswin Road. This had been considered a qualified success as it had created similar problems in Bayston Road. This was one of the reasons why Councillor Thompson was supportive of the Council’s position regarding a more wholistic review of the problems and solutions – it was tempting to take immediate action but this could have the effect of moving the problem to other roads. LARA had proposed a more comprehensive scheme at that time but this did not have the support of the police, as the position of the station on the one way system meant that they relied on using side roads to exit the area quickly when needed. There was no representative of the police at the meeting but it was agreed that they should be involved in these discussions at the earliest opportunity.
Generally there was much support from the meeting to taking action and maintaining pressure for change. Mr Cunningham agreed that he would launch the report and consultation at the next meeting in September.
The next item was the announcement of the LARA BIG LUNCH, a community picnic event which would be held in the church ground, or ‘rec’ on 18th July. Niall Weir, the Rector of St Pauls, explained some of the history of the closure of the ground and a recent initiative to reopen it and secure heritage funding to have it restored to full accessibility and community use. The afternoon would include entertainment, music, children’s activities and a bring-a-dish meal. Volunteers to take part and help with setting up, publicity and marshalling on the day were encouraged to contact one of the committee members to get involved. Everyone will be welcome at the lunch.
The meeting closed at 8.15pm
DAJ June 2010
Also present were representatives of the Council, The London Cycling Campaign, the Stoke Newington Common User Group, Stoke Newington Local Business Association and Stamford
Terrace residents’ Association.
There were two agenda items for the meeting – a local traffic strategy and the planned BIGLUNCH event to be held in the Church garden or ‘Recreation ground’ on July 18th.
The Chair (Jim Westwood – Leswin Rd) opened the meeting and thanked everyone for
attending, explaining that the retention or scrapping of the Stoke Newington one-way system
which borders the LARA area (‘the gyratory’) was not the main item for debate at the meeting. The attendees were asked to offer views and suggestions for what might be achievable in the shorter term that would reduce traffic risks to pedestrians, cyclists and local residents and their children. A paper was distributed that identified these key points.
Andrea Jung, (Darville Rd resident and traffic sub-group lead) had invited representatives of local bodies, councillors and Andrew Cunningham from Hackney council to the meeting to take part in the discussion and to give their views. She outlined the background to the Lara traffic sub-group and her own involvement which had grown out of frustrations with cycling around the traffic system to get to her home. Since then investigations of previous and ongoing work and consultations on this subject had shown that;
- Transport for London were the body responsible for all main red route roads while the council had responsibility for all residential and side roads.
- TFL had completed a report on the gyratory which had concluded that it should remain in place.
- Hackney council were conducting their own review in response to this published report and this would be available in the Autumn
- London Cycling campaign were opposed to the continuation of the one-way system and supported a return to two way traffic on the high street
- Local opinion was not unanimous on this topic, with some residents in favour of a return to two way traffic and some opposed.
- The council were proposing to trial speed cameras in Church Street in the Autumn
A representative of the Stoke Newington Local Business Association was opposed to a return to two way traffic on the grounds that business deliveries, already difficult on the red route, would become impossible if the high road became single lane in two directions. Many residents spoke of their concerns about speeding and the dangers posed to children. A 20mph zone was proposed for the LARA area and councillors and Mr Cunningham were asked why this could not be implemented immediately. Residents were also broadly in favour of contraflow cycle lanes.
Mr Cunningham explained the reasons why the new speed cameras could not be installed on Rectory Rd but would be placed on Church Street. This was a result of traffic and risk analysis which had shown that statistically, accidents were far more likely on Church Street. He explained that funding was earmarked for implementing a new traffic scheme in the next financial year ( beginning April 2011) and that a public consultation would follow on from the publication of the report in the autumn. This consultation would involve residents, businesses, shoppers and other local stakeholders
Another resident proposed that community and arts based schemes should be considered as a means of changing the local area with the goal of calming traffic flows, as well as or instead of a rules and regulatory based approach to the problem.
Air quality was thought to be a significant risk too, though some felt that congestion would worsen if the high street was returned to two way traffic.
The Chair described earlier work that the previous LARA had done to lobby for one way traffic in Leswin Road. This had been considered a qualified success as it had created similar problems in Bayston Road. This was one of the reasons why Councillor Thompson was supportive of the Council’s position regarding a more wholistic review of the problems and solutions – it was tempting to take immediate action but this could have the effect of moving the problem to other roads. LARA had proposed a more comprehensive scheme at that time but this did not have the support of the police, as the position of the station on the one way system meant that they relied on using side roads to exit the area quickly when needed. There was no representative of the police at the meeting but it was agreed that they should be involved in these discussions at the earliest opportunity.
Generally there was much support from the meeting to taking action and maintaining pressure for change. Mr Cunningham agreed that he would launch the report and consultation at the next meeting in September.
The next item was the announcement of the LARA BIG LUNCH, a community picnic event which would be held in the church ground, or ‘rec’ on 18th July. Niall Weir, the Rector of St Pauls, explained some of the history of the closure of the ground and a recent initiative to reopen it and secure heritage funding to have it restored to full accessibility and community use. The afternoon would include entertainment, music, children’s activities and a bring-a-dish meal. Volunteers to take part and help with setting up, publicity and marshalling on the day were encouraged to contact one of the committee members to get involved. Everyone will be welcome at the lunch.
The meeting closed at 8.15pm
DAJ June 2010
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
LESWIN AREA RESIDENTS (LARA) PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday 17th June 2010
7pm
St Paul’s Hall (entrance on Evering Road, N16)
ALL WELCOME
**************************
Traffic problems in the LARA area
Are you concerned about road safety in your area?
We are hoping to have a lively discussion and hear the views of other local residents, groups and organisations on traffic, safety and accessibility in this area - so please do join us to share your views! There will be two council officers attending and answering questions on wider traffic issues in the area.
**************************
Only a month to go until the Big LARA Lunch!
LARA is organising our first ever Big Lunch as part of the nationwide annual event. Friends, families and neighbours are invited to a free picnic,
entrance is a plate of food to share.
We need lots of help to get it off the ground and ideas for games, keen face painters, barbecue superstars, gazebos, deckchairs, ice cream vans,
first aiders, party people, foodies and volunteers to help make this a fab fun event for everyone.
The Big Lunch is on Sunday 18th July 2010 from 1 – 4pm on the
West Hackney Recreation Ground, Evering Road N16
If you can help out in any way email lara.n16@googlemail.com or come along to the LARA Public Meeting on 17th June
St Paul’s Hall (entrance on Evering Road, N16)
ALL WELCOME
**************************
Traffic problems in the LARA area
Are you concerned about road safety in your area?
We are hoping to have a lively discussion and hear the views of other local residents, groups and organisations on traffic, safety and accessibility in this area - so please do join us to share your views! There will be two council officers attending and answering questions on wider traffic issues in the area.
**************************
Only a month to go until the Big LARA Lunch!
LARA is organising our first ever Big Lunch as part of the nationwide annual event. Friends, families and neighbours are invited to a free picnic,
entrance is a plate of food to share.
We need lots of help to get it off the ground and ideas for games, keen face painters, barbecue superstars, gazebos, deckchairs, ice cream vans,
first aiders, party people, foodies and volunteers to help make this a fab fun event for everyone.
The Big Lunch is on Sunday 18th July 2010 from 1 – 4pm on the
West Hackney Recreation Ground, Evering Road N16
If you can help out in any way email lara.n16@googlemail.com or come along to the LARA Public Meeting on 17th June
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
The LARA Big Lunch
What? Looking for locals to have a good old get-together.
Where? West Hackney Recreation Grounds on Evering Road
When? July 18th 2010 1pm to 4pm
How? Bring a picnic and one dish to share and you're in!
Who? Anyone living in the LARA catchment area, friends and family.
Looking for: Ideas for games, keen face painters, barbecue superstars, gazebos, deckchairs, ice cream vans, first aiders, party people, foodies, volunteers to help make this a fab fun event for everyone.
Please email lara.n16@googlemail.com, leave a comment below or come along to our public meeting on Thursday June 17th and find out how to get involved.
St Paul's Church Hall 7pm on Evering/Amhurst Road
Find out more about The Big Lunch
Monday, 24 May 2010
LARA (Leswin Area Residents’ Association) TRAFFIC IN OUR AREA AND CHANGES WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE
The Problems
A number of traffic issues have been identified, which are of concern to residents in the LARA area. In summary these include:
- Speeding cars along Stoke Newington High Street, Rectory Road, Manse Road and Evering Road in particular, with the LARA area effectively being cut off all surrounding areas and green spaces by fast traffic;
- Lack of pedestrian crossings across the High Street;
- Lack of safety of the existing crossings across the High Street; inadequate warning to drivers
- and bad traffic light phasing; this is a particular issue for people with children in William Patten school;
- Inadequate access of local residents to public transport due to bus routing around one-way system;
- Inadequate access into the area by bicycle, particularly due to both Brooke Rd and Evering Rd being one-way in the same direction;
- Cars ‘rat running’ up and down the residential streets off the High Street, Bayston Road in particular (this issue has been addressed in the past in Leswin Road by making part of it one-
way);
- Local ‘rat run’ along Lawrence Buildings and southbound drivers doing an illegal left turn onto Brooke Road in order to continue along Leswin Road;
The Gyratory
We believe that the majority of the problems listed above are caused by the gyratory or one-way system and would like to see this reviewed in light of these local issues.
We recognise that the A10 is a major artery into and out of London and we accept that this cannot be changed. Our aim however is to lessen and channel the impact of heavy traffic and unnecessary speeding through what is essentially a residential area and to improve pedestrian and cyclists’ connection between the LARA area and its surroundings, which include schools, shopping facilities, public transport, green spaces and other amenities.
LCC iH(London Cycling Campaign in Hackney) Position
LARA has consulted with LCC, who have a strong position on the above issues; their views are backed by experience with similar campaigns such as the Shoreditch High St. gyratory removal. Discussions with LCC also included consideration of other measures to improve accessibility to the area, including contraflow cycle lanes. Please see below for a summary of the LCC position.
LCC’s own current position is to reinstate 2-way traffic for all road users on Stoke Newington High Street, Rectory Road, Manse Road, Northwold Road, Evering Road, and Brooke Road. Their view is that 2-way traffic is preferable to contraflow cycling lanes, being much more effective at achieving slowed down and more even traffic flow; they advised that experience has proven that contraflow cycling lanes are a second-best option to returning the streetscape to its original appearance, causing problems especially at junctions.
In summary, some of the benefits of reintroducing 2-way traffic to the area could be:
- More continuous traffic flow generally
- No more speeding cars along the High Street, Rectory Road, Manse Road and Evering Road in particular
- Less rat-running;
- Reduction of density of traffic on the High Street at peak times;
- More local journeys undertaken on foot or by bike—the current picture is heavily distorted and not ‘normal’;
- Vastly improved access to public transport, mainly bus services, for local residents;
- Making for a more pleasant and less dangerous environment for pedestrians
- Increased retail activity as a consequence;
What would LARA like to see happen to the one way system and what other local traffic calming measures or complementary measures would we like to see put in place?
The suggestion here is a two-stage process: The removal of the gyratory, if this is agreed to be the long-term aim, must be preceded by local traffic calming measures - or In the very least local traffic calming would need to be introduced as complementary measures. The reason for this is that a reintroduction of a two-way system might increase rather than resolve some of the problems in our area, the major issue here being rat-running.
Step 1 – Local traffic calming measures, which are to include:
- 20mph speed limit throughout, properly enforced;
- ‘filtered permeability’ measures, such as ‘modal filters’ mid-way along residential roads, Leswin, Bayston and Darville Road in particular, to ‘filter out’ traffic unsuitable as through traffic in a residential area - across-the-road barriers in other words;
- Removal of local ‘rat run’ along Lawrence Buildings and stopping southbound drivers from doing an illegal left turn onto Brooke Road in order to continue along Leswin Road;
- More and safer pedestrian crossings across the High Street;
- Better traffic light placement and phasing;
Step 2 – Removal of the one-way system
The return of the gyratory to two-way operation could have the following benefits:
- Slower and more regulated motor traffic flow around the area;
- Less rat-running;
- Better pedestrian connections;
- Better permeability for cyclists (‘maximum route choice, minimum diversion’); thereby enabling more local journeys to be taken on foot or by bike;
- Improved accessibility throughout the area and to public transport;
- Less pollution and noise;
- A better public realm;
- Better access to and therefore possibly greater prosperity for local Businesses;
How can we bring about improvements and include also the views other local stakeholders?
LARA’s initial discussions have also included Louisa Thomson, councillor Stoke Newington Central ward. Louisa advised that TfL is the main organisation to be lobbied for our purpose- it is important to note that the A10, Manse, Evering and Rectory Road are all red routes and controlled by TfL.
TfL has carried out a feasibility study on the removal of the gyratory which is not positive in terms of removing it. Louisa Thomson advised that Hackney Council is currently conducting its own appraisal of the TfL study to look further into the options. The results of this are due this year and we understand there will be a full consultation with local residents and stakeholders in due course, to get a more coherent sense of residents’ views on the issue. She felt that there is an opportunity for the wider LARA meeting with local stakeholders to feed into this consultation but this would be more effective as a resident led campaign.
The subject is complex, and no doubt there are many different views and interests at stake. LARA would like to have an open discussion with interested residents and other local stakeholders, including residents’ and business associations and the local police;
We are therefore inviting the following persons, groups and organizations to a meeting on Thursday 17th June at 7.00pm at St Paul’s Church Hall to discuss their views:
- All residents of the LARA area
- Anyone living in the adjoining areas who is interested
- Living Streets
- NARG (Northwold Area Residents’ Group)
- CAAG (Cazenove Area Action Group)
- SNUG (Stoke Newington Common Users Group)
- Stoke Newington Business Association
- Stoke Newington Police
- Councillors Stoke Newington Central Ward
- Any others who have an interest in the matter
A number of traffic issues have been identified, which are of concern to residents in the LARA area. In summary these include:
- Speeding cars along Stoke Newington High Street, Rectory Road, Manse Road and Evering Road in particular, with the LARA area effectively being cut off all surrounding areas and green spaces by fast traffic;
- Lack of pedestrian crossings across the High Street;
- Lack of safety of the existing crossings across the High Street; inadequate warning to drivers
- and bad traffic light phasing; this is a particular issue for people with children in William Patten school;
- Inadequate access of local residents to public transport due to bus routing around one-way system;
- Inadequate access into the area by bicycle, particularly due to both Brooke Rd and Evering Rd being one-way in the same direction;
- Cars ‘rat running’ up and down the residential streets off the High Street, Bayston Road in particular (this issue has been addressed in the past in Leswin Road by making part of it one-
way);
- Local ‘rat run’ along Lawrence Buildings and southbound drivers doing an illegal left turn onto Brooke Road in order to continue along Leswin Road;
The Gyratory
We believe that the majority of the problems listed above are caused by the gyratory or one-way system and would like to see this reviewed in light of these local issues.
We recognise that the A10 is a major artery into and out of London and we accept that this cannot be changed. Our aim however is to lessen and channel the impact of heavy traffic and unnecessary speeding through what is essentially a residential area and to improve pedestrian and cyclists’ connection between the LARA area and its surroundings, which include schools, shopping facilities, public transport, green spaces and other amenities.
LCC iH(London Cycling Campaign in Hackney) Position
LARA has consulted with LCC, who have a strong position on the above issues; their views are backed by experience with similar campaigns such as the Shoreditch High St. gyratory removal. Discussions with LCC also included consideration of other measures to improve accessibility to the area, including contraflow cycle lanes. Please see below for a summary of the LCC position.
LCC’s own current position is to reinstate 2-way traffic for all road users on Stoke Newington High Street, Rectory Road, Manse Road, Northwold Road, Evering Road, and Brooke Road. Their view is that 2-way traffic is preferable to contraflow cycling lanes, being much more effective at achieving slowed down and more even traffic flow; they advised that experience has proven that contraflow cycling lanes are a second-best option to returning the streetscape to its original appearance, causing problems especially at junctions.
In summary, some of the benefits of reintroducing 2-way traffic to the area could be:
- More continuous traffic flow generally
- No more speeding cars along the High Street, Rectory Road, Manse Road and Evering Road in particular
- Less rat-running;
- Reduction of density of traffic on the High Street at peak times;
- More local journeys undertaken on foot or by bike—the current picture is heavily distorted and not ‘normal’;
- Vastly improved access to public transport, mainly bus services, for local residents;
- Making for a more pleasant and less dangerous environment for pedestrians
- Increased retail activity as a consequence;
What would LARA like to see happen to the one way system and what other local traffic calming measures or complementary measures would we like to see put in place?
The suggestion here is a two-stage process: The removal of the gyratory, if this is agreed to be the long-term aim, must be preceded by local traffic calming measures - or In the very least local traffic calming would need to be introduced as complementary measures. The reason for this is that a reintroduction of a two-way system might increase rather than resolve some of the problems in our area, the major issue here being rat-running.
Step 1 – Local traffic calming measures, which are to include:
- 20mph speed limit throughout, properly enforced;
- ‘filtered permeability’ measures, such as ‘modal filters’ mid-way along residential roads, Leswin, Bayston and Darville Road in particular, to ‘filter out’ traffic unsuitable as through traffic in a residential area - across-the-road barriers in other words;
- Removal of local ‘rat run’ along Lawrence Buildings and stopping southbound drivers from doing an illegal left turn onto Brooke Road in order to continue along Leswin Road;
- More and safer pedestrian crossings across the High Street;
- Better traffic light placement and phasing;
Step 2 – Removal of the one-way system
The return of the gyratory to two-way operation could have the following benefits:
- Slower and more regulated motor traffic flow around the area;
- Less rat-running;
- Better pedestrian connections;
- Better permeability for cyclists (‘maximum route choice, minimum diversion’); thereby enabling more local journeys to be taken on foot or by bike;
- Improved accessibility throughout the area and to public transport;
- Less pollution and noise;
- A better public realm;
- Better access to and therefore possibly greater prosperity for local Businesses;
How can we bring about improvements and include also the views other local stakeholders?
LARA’s initial discussions have also included Louisa Thomson, councillor Stoke Newington Central ward. Louisa advised that TfL is the main organisation to be lobbied for our purpose- it is important to note that the A10, Manse, Evering and Rectory Road are all red routes and controlled by TfL.
TfL has carried out a feasibility study on the removal of the gyratory which is not positive in terms of removing it. Louisa Thomson advised that Hackney Council is currently conducting its own appraisal of the TfL study to look further into the options. The results of this are due this year and we understand there will be a full consultation with local residents and stakeholders in due course, to get a more coherent sense of residents’ views on the issue. She felt that there is an opportunity for the wider LARA meeting with local stakeholders to feed into this consultation but this would be more effective as a resident led campaign.
The subject is complex, and no doubt there are many different views and interests at stake. LARA would like to have an open discussion with interested residents and other local stakeholders, including residents’ and business associations and the local police;
We are therefore inviting the following persons, groups and organizations to a meeting on Thursday 17th June at 7.00pm at St Paul’s Church Hall to discuss their views:
- All residents of the LARA area
- Anyone living in the adjoining areas who is interested
- Living Streets
- NARG (Northwold Area Residents’ Group)
- CAAG (Cazenove Area Action Group)
- SNUG (Stoke Newington Common Users Group)
- Stoke Newington Business Association
- Stoke Newington Police
- Councillors Stoke Newington Central Ward
- Any others who have an interest in the matter
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