Kensal Rise Plea - Save Our High Street Now

An important message from Doron at Minkie’s Deli…

Dear Friends,

We have only one week to pull together and fight what will ruin the top of Kensal Rise. We need your support to preserve our thriving community and not turn it into a giant bus depot!

Brent Council is trying to build a new bus stop and layby to accommodate three buses on Chamberlayne Road, just outside Minkie’s. This involves cutting down the beautiful healthy and mature tree, and narrowing the pavement which will then be too narrow for a pushchair – all to create a layby at the top of the hill: unsightly and noisy, and exacerbating already dreadful traffic congestion on Chamberlayne Road.

No residents or local businesses were consulted before this was put into play, jeopardising Kensal Rise’s family and child friendliness. Brent Council has kept this under wraps and is closing the ‘consultation period’ on FEBRUARY 5, 2010… which is THIS FRIDAY. The consultation document neglects to state that the council also intends to abolish the bus stands in Station Terrace (which holds up to six buses): this has only emerged from a telephone conversation with the transportation department. This will cause an even greater congestion problem on Chamberlayne Road.

In the last three years, Minkie’s Deli has tried to help make Kensal Rise and Chamberlayne Road an aesthetically pleasing, welcoming, family-friendly and community-driven neighbourhood. Imagine walking up Chamberlayne from Harvist Road and all you see is stationary buses on the left and right hand sides of the hill.

Send your views to Phil Rankmore, Head of Special Projects, Transportation Service Unit: Phil.Rankmore@brent.gov.uk BCCing us at info@minkiesdeli.co.uk so we have evidence that residents are complaining. Please ask your friends and neighbours to do so too. I am sure you understand why this is extremely important to us!

View the consultation documents HERE Click on Chamberlayne Road Layby and then on the two links to the consultation document and questionnaire. We really appreciate your support in maintaining a welcoming and safe environment on our high street.

Ironically, this bus lay-by will not affect Minkie’s trade. In fact it is likely to increase our direct footfall – it will just ruin the look of the area as a whole and Chamberlayne Road will be further riddled with traffic.

You can also come into Minkie’s and sign our petition.