Allow Chapel Market's small businesses to flourish
Tuesday, 30th July 2019
John Papworth, who has had a fruit and veg stall at Chapel Market since the 1970s
• WE see with interest the views of John Papworth and the Chapel Market traders (‘Leave us alone!’ Traders oppose pedestrianisation, July 19).
And we certainly agree. A closure would simply divert more traffic to Upper Street and all the side roads, which are already affected by the Highbury Corner scheme.
Historically Liverpool Road was one of the main routes to the north (hence the origin of the market). Much of its traffic has since been diverted or removed by various local schemes, including speed bumps.
All of us want to see traffic and pollution reduced, especially in the rush hour, across the borough and beyond. But we also need flourishing small businesses.
Pedestrianising part of Liverpool Road risks harming, not helping, traders.
FRANCES CAIRNCROSS, JULIA VELLACOTT and CHARLES WOOD
The Upper Street Association
