The Green Party is the only party in London to have given its full support to a campaign run by the pedestrians’ organisation Living Streets to protect the city’s high streets.
The “Speak up for High Streets” campaign is calling on all council candidates in London to pledge to speak up for their neighbourhood high street if they are successfully elected following the May 22nd local elections.
The Green Party, which is fielding candidates in more wards across London than in any previous council election, has declared its full support for what it describes as a “vital campaign to support communities, build neighbourhoods, and protect pedestrians.”
Green Party council candidate for Islington and Local Transport Spokesperson for the Green Party Caroline Russell said:
“Thriving High Streets make London a great place to live and work. London Green Party council candidates are happy to pledge their support for the six Living Streets measures to ensure the success of our High Streets. If elected, Green councillors will champion walking, cycling and more people-friendly streets.”
Tom Platt, London Manager for Living Streets, the organisation responsible for the campaign, said:
“London’s high streets are part of our daily lives; they’re places where we live, work and shop. It’s not acceptable that many are unpleasant or unsafe places to walk. By taking some simple steps, borough councils can help create thriving neighbourhoods where it’s great to walk and boost local trade by up to 40%. Living Streets are calling on local parties to pledge to speak up for high streets if elected in May. We’re delighted that Green Party candidates across London are supporting the campaign.”
Living Streets argue that there is now an urgent need across London to protect local high streets – both to provide safer places for people to walk and to help protect community hubs. They point to research which shows that making streets better for walking can boost footfall and trade by 40%.
For further information on Living Streets, please see: http://www.livingstreets.org.uk/
For more information on Living Streets’ High Streets campaign, visit: http://www.livingstreets.org.uk/make-a-change/urgent-actions/london-speak-up-for-your-high-street/pledge-your-support-for-high-streets