Lynne Featherstone

The annual battle by residents of Stroud Green and Finsbury Park to get Stroud Green Road decorated for Christmas has been won this week with the timely intervention of Islington Council. Lamposts and trees will be decorated with lights, which will be switched on between the 30 November and 5 December.

Stroud Green is a major local social hub and a popular shopping street, but represents the border between Haringey and Islington with Haringey Council being responsible for the north side of the street, Islington for the south. This unusual situation has meant that residents often don’t know which way to turn.

After a failure of negotiations with Haringey Council, Lib Dem run Islington Council has lobbied the Regional Development Agency and put up its own cash to get Stroud Green Road decorated in time for Christmas.

Cllr Ed Butcher, Liberal Democrat for Stroud Green, comments:

“It’s disappointing that Haringey’s Labour Council really doesn’t seem to care about Stroud Green Road and aren’t prepared to contribute their fair share to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to our corner of Haringey. We are thrilled that as local councillors from Stroud Green we’ve been able to work with Islington Council to help deliver Christmas lights for local residents and businesses on Stroud Green Road in spite of our own Council’s indifference. It will no longer be the road that Santa forgot.”

Local Islington Cllr Terry Stacy adds:

“People have told us that they want their street decorated for Christmas, and unlike the distinctly unfestive Haringey council, we’ve listened.We’re getting lamposts and trees decorated, and hopefully we’ll have them on by the 5th of December.

“It’s disappointing that Haringey haven’t contributed a penny towards getting the road ready for the festive season, but I’m glad that we’ve been able to go forward without them.Here’s wishing happy holidays to everyone in Stroud Green and Finsbury Park.”