Putney High Street
I went to a Putney Society event discussing "how can we improve Putney High Street?" There was a really good turn out and some heated debates. Putney high street has problems with congestion and also terrible pollution. This conversation is ongoing but the consensus was it needs improving.
The challenge is how to make it a more liveable and attractive for all roads users, plus pedestrians in particular, and to ensure that the high street can continue to provide a range of retail services for the local community. Already there are signs that retailing is under stress, as evidenced by the recent closure of premises and the large number of charity shops.
A gentleman called Dave Irwin spoke passionately about his vision of giving pedestrians more space on Putney high street
The challenge is how to make it a more liveable and attractive for all roads users, plus pedestrians in particular, and to ensure that the high street can continue to provide a range of retail services for the local community. Already there are signs that retailing is under stress, as evidenced by the recent closure of premises and the large number of charity shops.
A gentleman called Dave Irwin spoke passionately about his vision of giving pedestrians more space on Putney high street
Do we want this?
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Instead of this?
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Read Mr Irwin's proposal in detail below. Then ask yourself how would you improve Putney high street?
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Can it be done?
Yes. Similar proposals have been completed with success elsewhere, Walworth Road in Southwark for instance. There is no reason why the lessons learned cannot be applied in Putney as a showcase example of how government policy for promoting high streets can be put into practice. Potential benefits outweigh costs - directly, in the form of a more pleasant environment, and indirectly by improved business for shops.
Grant funds are available. Following the Portas Review the government has offered a £1million “Future High Street X-Fund”, for effective and innovative plans to bring town centres back to life. Also, the Mayor of London has an “Outer London Fund” for high street improvements
We would love to know your thoughts in the comments. But if you really want to help, lobby your local councillors and/or the London Assembly member for Wandsworth Richard Tracey, write to your MP Justine Greening and join the campaign to improve Putney high street for us all.
Grant funds are available. Following the Portas Review the government has offered a £1million “Future High Street X-Fund”, for effective and innovative plans to bring town centres back to life. Also, the Mayor of London has an “Outer London Fund” for high street improvements
We would love to know your thoughts in the comments. But if you really want to help, lobby your local councillors and/or the London Assembly member for Wandsworth Richard Tracey, write to your MP Justine Greening and join the campaign to improve Putney high street for us all.