Islington Tribune - News: Leader calls for ‘radical’ action to tackle congestion problem at roundabout

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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 23 November 2007

Councillor James Kempton wants to hear residents’ views on Highbury roundabout

Leader calls for ‘radical’ action to tackle congestion problem at roundabout

ISLINGTON Council leader James Kempton has spelled out his vision for Highbury roundabout amid growing criticism over a scheme to redevelop the area.
He revealed that he was fed up with the congestion and pollution associated with the busy interchange and believed it was time for major improvements to benefit pedestrians.
Cllr Kempton said he wanted to see pedestrianisation of the road opposite the station but was not in favour of linking the traffic island with Compton Terrace as urged by one local group.
He reaffirmed his commitment, however, to save a popular 100-year-old London plane on the Compton Terrace side which is threatened with the axe under proposals by Transport for London.
Cllr Kempton said he was determined to find a solution to the traffic problems at the roundabout and hoped everyone would contribute to the council-led consultation.
“There are various options including do very little,” he added. “But I favour a really radical change. One option is to close the northern arm of the roundabout, which probably makes the most sense because that’s where the majority of people gather.
“The northern arm closure also appears to make sense to me because the station will be even more busy in the future with the opening of the East London line.
“But that’s my opinion. Let’s hear what the residents say.”
A group of angry residents have already made their views known at a meeting of the Labour-controlled West Area committee on Monday night.
They called for Compton Terrace to be joined to the central island.
Nathan Coffey, of Compton Terrace, said: “Why was the option of closure of the southern arm dropped?
“We haven’t been given the opportunity to present different and better options. We feel left out – the council should have allowed people to be involved.”
Fellow resident Charles Constable said: “We want to make sure that there is positive change, but the process has been very orientated towards Transport for London’s requirements.”
The committee voted to recommend that the consultation be temporarily suspended, until the Compton Terrace residents’ ideas are included.

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