Finsbury Park sit-down protest after benches are removed from Stroud Green Road
We won’t stand for it!
Published: 5th November, 2010
by PETER GRUNER
COMMUNITY activists in Finsbury Park brought their own chairs to a “sit down” protest this week after three popular wooden benches were suddenly removed because they had become a target for “undesirables”.
The protesters called for the benches outside Tesco Metro in Stroud Green Road to be re-instated, particularly for the elderly who carry heavy shopping.
Steve Cook, secretary of the Woodstock Road Tenants and Residents Association, yesterday (Thursday) accused Islington Council of “overreacting” in a to a minor anti-social problem associated with the benches.
The council removed the benches after complaints from shoppers that they attracting street drinkers and anti-social behaviour.
But teacher Mr Cook, who brought his own fold-up chair for the demonstration, says he is appalled that the benches were taken away without any apparent consultation.
“The three wooden benches were installed a few years ago,” he said. “The elderly or the disabled would come out with their shopping and sit down for a rest before continuing their journey home.
“Even when Tesco was closed there were people who liked to sit on the benches and relax and chat. It was a bit of a social hub.”
Cllr Paul Smith, executive member for environment said: “Concerns were raised with us about these benches as they’d been taken over by a few people using them as a base for drinking and other anti-social behaviour – which is why they have now been removed.
“The local Tesco store have agreed to put more seating inside their store so that people who need it, have somewhere to rest and take a break during their shopping trips along Stroud Green Road.”