Finsbury Park sit-down protest after benches are removed from Stroud Green Road

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.”