Keep our kiosks, council leader tells Network Rail (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Keep our kiosks, council leader tells Network Rail

June 2, 2009 10:30 AM

Council leader Terry Stacy joined the traders from Highbury and Islington station.

Leader of Islington Council Terry Stacy joined angry traders protesting outside Network Rail offices against a decision to evict them from their kiosks at Highbury and Islington station.

Network Rail made a decision to evict local traders from their pitches outside Highbury and Islington station and rent the sites to the highest bidder. A news kiosk, creperie, florist, and coffee stand are all under threat of closure. The traders collected a petition with more than 2,700 signatures, which they took their petition to the Network Rail HQ at Kings Cross this week. Terry Stacy, leader of Islington Council, has backed their calls to be treated fairly by the railway company, and joined the protest on the street.

Terry said:

"Network Rail bosses have a responsibility to the traders at Highbury and Islington. These local businesses have worked hard to build up their custom - they are trusted and valued local traders. The station needs improving, but it's stupid to get rid of the good, unique things that are already here, like these kiosks. We simply don't need another Starbucks here."