Chance for change for Highbury Corner

9.09.00am GMT Wed 28th Nov 2007

Cllr James Kempton: seeking your views

Lib Dem Council leader James Kempton is calling for everyone to have their say on the future of Highbury Corner.

The council, along with Transport for London and the Mayor of London, has issued more than 20,000 consultation documents to seek people's views on what should be done.

Planning experts have identified three possible schemes for the area - essentially, closure of the western side (outside the Cock pub), closure of the northern side (near Highbury Fields) or minor improvements to the existing layout.

James says "I am enthusiastic about improving Highbury Corner for pedestrians, public transport users and residents. Highbury Corner is not only a major transport interchange for Islington (and the 40,000 commuters that use it daily) but an important landmark and public space. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rid the borough of this failed post-war gyratory which blights the area for everyone."

"It's important we get everyone's views. For example, the option to close the western arm of the roundabout could involve the loss of a 100-year-old plane tree. I have pledged to do all I can to protect it and have urged the Mayor of London to work with me to ensure this would not have to happen.

"Genuinely listening to people's views will help us avoid repeating the mistakes that were made at Highbury Corner in the past."