• AS a shop owner who has both lived and worked in Highbury since 1978, I must say the recent low traffic neighbourhoods, LTNs, have had a huge impact, not only on my businesses but also on my own life.

Living and working on the main road is becoming impossible with continual traffic outside my door. I am having issues with getting deliveries to me on time, sometimes not at all.

My staff are spending more time travelling to and from the shops (and are sometimes late) and many of my customers who live outside the area and drove in, no longer do so because of hugely extended and stressful journeys.

I wholeheartedly support Keep Highbury Moving – who are campaigning for a fairer solution to a problem we are all very aware of, and agree needs addressing.

In addition to all of the problems caused to my business by the new systems, I am now being told by long-standing customers, that they will not shop in my shop any more because I am supporting this campaign.

I find it both hard to believe and also very sad that these customers seem to have no understanding whatsoever of the problems myself, and many other shopkeepers, have experienced.

None of them have taken the time to speak to me personally – my staff have simply been told this.

I would welcome the opportunity to speak to them directly as well as representatives from Islington Council in order to try to help them to understand why this just doesn’t work for the businesses of Highbury.

STEPHEN BEHNAM
Da Mario and Donna Sofia
Highbury Barn