Stroud Green Liberal Democrats have called for action on long term vacant commercial property owned by Haringey Council after it was revealed that two shops in prime locations on Stroud Green Road (N4) owned by Haringey Council have remained vacant for several years.

The Stroud Green councillors have written to the Labour leader of Haringey Council demanding an action plan to bring these buildings back into community service.

The properties concerned are 80 Stroud Road which has been empty since it was vacated by the Mental Health Trust over 12 months ago, and Shop 20, Charter Court on Stroud Green Road, which has been empty for several years.

Commenting, Cllr Ed Butcher said:

“Vacant shops are a blight and give completely the wrong impression to shoppers and other potential business.We have long known that Labour-run Haringey Council has all but given up on Stroud Green Road, but I was shocked to learn that it has sat on its hands for so long.”

Cllr Laura Edge added:

“Our Safer Neighbourhood team is based in Crouch End and we know many local residents desperately struggle to find a GP.If Haringey Council cannot find a commercial tenant why is it not working with these important frontline service providers to provide better services for Stroud Green and Finsbury Park residents?It is surely better that these properties are brought into community use rather than just left empty year after year.”