Progress on Highbury Corner pedestrian scheme

Londons Mayor has voiced his support for multi-million pound plans to reshape Highbury Corner but warned there were still major funding issues to be overcome before the scheme can go ahead.

At a meeting with Islington Council chiefs, Boris Johnson also praised the councils role in setting up a new London bike hire scheme and said he was looking forward to working with the authority to increase the number of cyclists in London.

Transport for London was working with the borough a year ago over plans to shut an arm of the Highbury gyratory system to through traffic. Local residents gave their backing but the project was shelved after Londons mayoral elections.

However, during last weeks City Hall summit, Mr Johnson said that he was supportive of the scheme which would allow pedestrians to stroll into the green space currently isolated at the centre of the roundabout, but that both the council and TfL still need to find funding.

Cllr James Kempton, Leader of Islington Council, said: Highbury Corner is one of the most used but least loved public spaces in our borough. Our residents have already told us how much they want the area to be changed.

Boris's support for the scheme is very welcome at this time as we continue to work to find the funding necessary to start work together on this prime location in Islington.

During the mayoral meeting, Islington was also praised as a key borough in London for delivering the bike hire scheme similar to a project in Paris, where residents and visitors can hire a bike from one location and return it to another. People who have paid a small registration fee will be able to use bicycles for free if they are returned within a certain time.

Cllr Kempton said: We want to become the most environmentally-friendly borough in London. Cycling and leaving your car at home is a big part of this so its only right were leading the way with this bike hire scheme.

ENDS

NOTES

Background information about Highbury Corner:
Proposed improvements to the roundabout and surrounding areas would make changing between transport services quicker and safer for the increased number of passengers the area is expected to handle when the East London Line arrives at Highbury and Islington in 2011. The proposals are subject to planning permission and funding.
Creating a more accessible and pleasant environment for people would help prioritise the space for walking, cycling and public transport.
Residents were presented with four options during a wide-ranging public consultation.