Regeneration is ‘one way street’ fear Narrow Way traders

Narrow Way: a narrow-minded approach? Photograph: Hackney Citizen

Businesses in an historic shopping street hit hard by the 2011 riots fear plans to pedestrianise the area for a trial period will further harm trade.

The Narrow Way in Hackney Central will be purged of buses for six months and cycling will be allowed in both directions in the street, which is currently one-way.

Snarled up traffic has long been a feature of the street, which – as its name suggests – is notoriously cramped.

Charity Living Streets is backing the move and says it is looking forward to seeing the results of the trial.

But Pawan Chawla, a spokesman for group Hackney Traders, said diverting buses down Amhurst Road and Dalston Lane risked turning the Narrow Way into a “ghost street”.

Mr Chawla, who runs shop Designer Baby, has sent the council a petition which he says is signed by the majority of the Narrow Way’s independent traders.

The petition states: “Trade is already suffering due to the opening of Westfield, a cut in the bus routes, internet shopping, high rent and rates, poor parking, poor loading and unloading facilities.

“All of us fellow traders feel that your action may lead to the death of the Narrow Way. If you really want to help us out then bring the buses, routes 30 and 276, back.”

Ayub Shaikh, co-owner of family run clothing shop Lookers said: “When it’s pedestrianised the buses will be dropping people at the top of the street and no one will be coming down here.

“Hackney Council want to get rid of us so they can buy these places up.”

Mr Shaikh, who has helped run the business for 22 years, cited the creation of the controversial new up-market fashion hub in Morning Lane as a sign of the “yuppification” of the area.

He added: “The Narrow Way is not clogged up with buses. There have been so many diversions of buses they are killing us.

“The new buses are electrical so they don’t create pollution and the street is not congested.”

The pedestrianisation scheme has been funded with the help of £500,000 from the Mayor of London.

It is part of wider remodelling plans for plans for Hackney Central, the historic heart of the borough.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson, said: “Hackney town centre is vital to the local economy, which is why I’ve committed £2million to support ambitious regeneration plans and create local jobs.

“These funds are supporting independent retailers so they can offer a better experience for shoppers with improvements set to be finished by the end of year in time for the important Christmas rush.”

Cllr Guy Nicholson, Hackney Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “The council is working with the business community in Hackney Central to realise the investment that is being made into our town centre by the Mayor of London, the Council and the businesses themselves.

“This investment and the collaboration that it has supported has come at a time of great change in our borough and it is helping us all to shape a future where local businesses can prosper by embracing and taking advantage of the changes happening around us.”

You can comment on the proposed changes to bus routes in Hackney town centre here.