Residents in the Bowes Park area will have additional choice in how to make their area safer, following intervention from Lib Dem Cllr Lynne Featherstone. This will come as part of consultation for a 20mph scheme for the area designed to deal with the rat-running problem.

Two additional features will now be considered in the scheme – a pedestrian view mirror and a small railing at the end of a potentially dangerous ramp.

Cllr Featherstone asked Haringey Council to look at erecting a pedestrian view mirror at the end of Whittington Road, where a blindspot prevents pedestrians seeing drivers turning off Bounds Green Road into Whittington Road. This will now be considered in the development of safety measures for the area.

The ramp to the bridge over Bowes Park Station from Ireland Place, a small cul-de-sac including Bowes Park Nursery, was being used by older children as a skateboard ramp. This created potential danger for residents, especially parents with toddlers, going to and from the station and being met by skateboarders on the path.

Following requests for help from local residents, Cllr Featherstone secured the agreement of the police to send patrols to the area – and the problem has eased off considerably.

“Residents will now be able to decide if they want these two extra measures included in the scheme,” says Cllr Featherstone. “They could help prevent accidents and make crossing the road and walking to the station a much easier and safer task for residents. I am delighted that the 20mph scheme is on the table – this is a great opportunity to make seemingly small improvements which can have a big effect in making the area a safer and more child-friendly place to live.”