islington-news-shops

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 20 July 2007

Chrisitne Lovett: crime and safery are priorities

Shops put up cash for Angel troubleshooter’s
big clean-up

THE Angel has got a new town centre “troubleshooter” as part of a multi-million pound business regeneration scheme launched this week.
Christine Lovett is leading a drive to clean up the borough’s shopping and commerce area, which has been beset by rubbish and crime.
Businesses have agreed to pay more than £300,000 and Islington Council £60,000 to Business Improvement District (BID), the government-inspired project Ms Lovett heads.
A new seven-officer police team specifically for Angel has already been appointed to deal with shoplifting, drunkenness and anti-social behaviour.
The new police team – in addition to Safer Neighbourhoods cops – will patrol an area of the Angel from Sadler’s Wells to Theberton Street.
Ms Lovett, whose powers were limited under her previous role as Angel town centre manager, will now be given the responsibility of drumming up support from businesses and residents for the clean-up campaign.
About 339 larger businesses have agreed to pay a levy to the BID scheme but more than 800 will benefit from it. The Met will pay a £100,000 contribution towards the new police team. The scheme has the support of Islington Chamber of Commerce.
Ms Lovett said: “Crime and safety are people’s main concerns, followed by litter and clean streets.
“I’m going to be very pro-active. I intend to deal with everything from dog mess and litter to badly-laid pavements and anti-social behaviour.
“Businesses and residents overwhelmingly want a safer and cleaner town centre.”
New hanging floral baskets have gone up in Camden Passage antiques market and there are plans to wash down the pavements, including those at Chapel Market.
More street litter wardens and graffiti cleaners will be introduced.
Ms Lovett added: “We have also set up a steering group to promote small specialist shops and stalls and look at ways of protecting the antiques market against developers.”
Chairman of Chapel Market Stallholders Association, Peter Adamides, welcomed the new scheme. He said: “I’ve had a few meetings with Christine and she seems to be doing an excellent job. She’s trying to do her best for the market – and we are looking forward to working with her.”

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment:

Your Comments: