Deptford campaigners call for Lewisham council to close ‘rat-run’ street to traffic

Campaigners want to close a “rat-run” street to reduce pollution and allow safe access to a local park.

The Deptford Folk parks group has already carried out a trial closure of Rolt Street, Deptford and wants Lewisham council to permanently shut the road where it surrounds Folkestone Gardens.

The proposal is included in a community-led £2.9 million project, which, in collaboration with walking and cycling charity Sustrans and the council, aims to “make routes to parks, green spaces and schools healthier, safer and traffic free”.

A consultation on the Deptford Liveable Neighbourhoods Project launched this month includes plans for opening Canal Approach as a cycle way, making Woodpecker Walk safer and more accessible, improving and possibly closing Rolt Street by Folkestone Gardens and closing the road in front of Sir Francis Drake Primary School.

The group successfully had Princes Street closed for a trial where a pickling contest took place last week.

Chairwoman of Deptford Folk, Trina Lynskey, said: “Rolt Street was just a car park for people who are not local to dump their cars and go elsewhere.

It’s really just a car park, it’s a rat run – it’s not necessary.

Closure would pave the way for a much larger play area for local children. At the moment there is a small playground by the Gardens and a skatepark.

The consultation closes in January.