HELPING TO CLEAN UP OUR COAST AND COUNTRYSIDE
Having lived in Belsize Park, North London for a short time during the 1980's, I've recently read with interest how the local businesses have helped themselves to rejuvenate their local area and opened London's first 'Streatery'. I recently paid a visit to see for myself what they've been up to.
It was a lovely sunny morning when I caught the bus to Archway and walked a route I used to do almost daily passing the famous Highgate Cemetery to Holly Village with it's beautiful gothic style buildings. From here, it was a walk past the tennis courts at Parliament Hill Fields, where I played tennis during the summer evenings, and across Hampstead Heath to Well Walk and Flask Walk then down the High Street to Belsize Park. I walked along Glenloch Road (opposite the tube station), where I used to live, and around the corner to Belsize Village where I spotted a gentleman in a suit and camel coat with a bucket and picking up some litter. I guessed right away that this was Bob Stephenson-Padron who I had been in touch with and he asked me to visit when in the area. We sat in Roni's Bakery/Deli and had a coffee while Bob told me how the local businesses had worked together to encourage more people to visit this quiet spot away from the main footfall area. One problem to deal with was flytipping and litter from people's rubbish outside of their properties which instantly made a difference. Camden Council were initially hesitant to allow tables and chairs to be allowed on the open paved area but with traffic banned and new planters in place, it has transformed this small square, which was rather scruffy on my last visit, into a place that people want to visit and relax whether it's someone on business grabbing a coffee while having a conversation or reading emails on their phone or friends and families enjoying the atmosphere of a peaceful square which is hard to believe is a stone's throw from London's West End. Belsize Village's shops now include Roni's Bakery/Deli, a greengrocers, newsagents, Indian restaurant, hair and beauty shop plus others with just one remaining premises vacant which is in the process of being occupied. There are still more plans in the pipeline to improve the site even further of which much of the hard work is done by Bob who is the co-head of Belsize Village Business Association (BVBA). There are also a group of people who volunteer as litter pickers around the area which is a huge benefit to the businesses as anywhere can look more inviting if there is no litter in sight. During my visit, I was also welcomed by local Councillor Oliver Cooper who is proud of what has been achieved here. After a photo of the three of us (above), I had some lunch before heading off back to Archway for the bus. I really enjoyed visiting this hidden jewel in North London today and hope it won't be long before I return, complete with my Belsize Village hi-vis vest and litter picker, to enjoy a bit more time there. You can keep up to date with daily life here on twitter @BelsizeVillage
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AuthorBorn in West Somerset, I have always been proud of where I live and want everyone else to enjoy it too! Archives
September 2022
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