Locals are concerned after a recent spate of vandalism in Canonbury has disrupted the ward’s new Low-Traffic Neighbourhood scheme.
Since the start of October, signs in Canonbury West and Alwyne Road have been defaced with graffiti. Moreover, planters put in place by local businesses that mark the start of LTN’s have been upturned or broken, including those outside the Rosemary Branch pub last week.
Talia Hussain, a founding member of local community group Canonbury2020, said: “It’s happening a lot and it’s happening a lot all over London, especially where LTNs are being set up and people are vandalising them.” She added, “It costs us money. You’re paying to clean up vandalism, to have this work all done twice […] they’re just living in a parallel universe.”
The LTN scheme has proved controversial since being set up in Canonbury earlier this month, with grassroots group Ludicrous Road Closures protesting against the rollout across the city and in the ward. Earlier this week, members held a protest outside Canonbury Place, advising drivers about the “extortionate fines” of £130 they faced by driving through the zones, with protests also held outside Islington Town Hall.
In a recent call to answer residents’ questions, councillor Nick Wayne said: “This is a trial scheme. Any scheme of this nature will anger some residents. Opponents of these schemes often use language such as “Save our Streets”. The reality is that streets are for all residents – they are not the sole province of car drivers. […] It’s about striking the right balance.”
