Road closure has ‘brought out a sense of community’

By Davina Hyde

Residents have been enjoying a wonderful summer of al fresco dining.

Northcote Road, in Wandsworth has been a favourite spot to drink and dine at weekends while it has been closed to traffic.

Hannah Gregory, who used to live near Clapham Junction railway station and regularly returns to visit Northcote Road, said: “I love the road being pedestrianised and it has increased how much I use the shops there and eat out at the cafes and restaurants. It has brought out a real sense of community in the area.”

The popular shopping and leisure destination has been closed to traffic at weekends from April 16, running through to September.

The pedestrianisation was first arranged in the summer of 2020 when lockdown rules had been eased so that busineses could open safely by using the extra space outside to adhere to social distancing rules.

Former Wandworth council leader, Ravi Govindia, said: “These measures have proved immensely popular in previous years so we are keen to continue with these changes and bring a welcome boost to local businesses and offer visitors and residents a much more pleasant shopping and leisure time experience.”

Pictured top, Northcote Road closed to traffic Picture: Davina Hyde