|
|
 |
| |
Victory for traders as Tube station closure is cancelled
PLANS to close Archway Tube station at weekends in the crucial run up to Christmas – which would have devastated local business – have been cancelled thanks to a huge concerted campaign.
However, there are plans to close the station at 10pm from Sundays to Thursdays, which will upset thousands of late-night commuters.
Transport for London (TfL), who are due to carry out major refurbishing work, said they decided not to close the station following an outcry by traders and local politicians.
The Tribune was thanked by traders for highlighting the issue in a story last week.
Stephanie Smith, secretary of the Archway Town Centre Management committee, said: “I had a call from TfL who told me that the work will now happen at night and at a non-festive time when fewer traders will be affected.
“We’re delighted. There would have been no point having a shiny new station, but no local businesses.
“We’d like to thank everyone including politicians from both parties, traders and the Tribune for all putting pressure on TfL to change their minds.”
Islington Council, desperate to improve trade in the area, is due to remove parking restrictions in Junction Road shopping centre in the three weeks up to Christmas.
Local Assembly Member, Jennette Arnold, who wrote to Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy to raise the concerns of local traders, said: “I am glad that TfL has seen sense and has now agreed to keep Archway station open during the weekends in December so that local businesses do not miss out on vital Christmas trade.
“It is unfortunate that the station will have to close at 10pm from Sundays to Thursdays, but I do understand that TfL is doing its utmost not to disrupt people’s celebrations over the festive period by keeping the station fully operational on Friday and Saturday nights.
“We are striking a balance here because I know local people would like TfL to stick to its pledge to finish the refurbishment of the station by April next year.” |
 |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
