A CYCLING lobby group was paid £200,000 for a low traffic neighbour-hood (LTN) consultation, but failed to speak to local businesses, it has been claimed.
The Labour-run Haringey council commissioned Sustrans, a cycling charity that runs the National Cycling Network, to carry out traffic modelling, door-knocking, surveys, designs and analysis.
The group was paid £200,000 to consult on two LTNs including Bounds Green, a controversial scheme in north London introduced in August, which has reduced footfall on the high street.
Sustrans also ran the consultation for the Bruce Grove LTN in the borough.
A survey of 40 shops on Myddleton Road, the high street of bakeries, cafes and bistros that are suffering thanks to the Bounds Green LTN, found that none of them said they had visits from Sustrans.
Mark Marcou, owner of My Dental Care on the road, who ran the survey, said: "None of the shops had visits from Sustrans.
No one has listened; what were Sustrans paid £200,000 for?" Tara Hawkins, who felt forced to move her vintage furniture shop, My Little Home Emporium, to a different street after the LTN ruined trade, said: "Nobody in our high street was visited by Sustrans, no one contacted us."
Mike Hakata, deputy leader of Harin-gey council, said: "We engaged extensively with the local community before introducing the LTNs, including traders on Myddleton Road, and we continue to seek their views on how their local environment can be improved."
Sustrans did not respond to requests for comment.
Source: Sunday Telegraph 26/02/2023
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