Transition Willesden make their voice heard on redevelopment

Willesden Transition at an earlier event

Transition Willesden is a local group offering a community-led response to the challenges of peak oil, climate change and the economic crisis.  We are not a campaigning organisation, but wish to issue the following in response to this local issue:

Viv Stein, Co-ordinator of Transition Willesden, says:

We are very concerned about the impact the proposed development will have on both the local community and the environment.  We oppose the loss of green space and are calling for a community food growing area within the plans.

The loss of the existing library, bookshop, meeting rooms and other facilities will have a damaging affect on community cohesion during the closure period.  Following the closure of other local libraries in the area, we do not consider that adequate interim facilities are being made available for local residents.

The scheme appears to have come about as a result of the cash-strapped Council letting the developers call the shots, at the expense of the local community.  Willesden High Road is supposed to be undergoing regeneration for the benefit of local residents and businesses.  The community is rightly angry that decisions have been made without listening to them from the start.

We welcome Keep Willesden Green’s aim to get the Council to pause and reflect on the plans.