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Are campaigners doing more harm than good?
• JOANNE Chorley was unfairly scathing when attacking the motives of Better Archway Forum, but it has led me to consider what exactly should be the role of local pressure groups such as BAF in the regeneration of a rundown community (The art of lap dancing, November 16).
Residents’ groups of this kind are very good at stopping things happening, but they are less effective when it comes to providing any innovative and original ideas.
Like Prince Charles, they are very sure about what they don’t want – and this certainly has its place in local campaigning. For example, without strong opposition the Archway Road would have been widened back in the 1980s, and that was certainly a victory for the community, and a campaign that many of us were proud to have been part of.
But constant opposition to new ideas can strangle an area. Look at the massive resistance to the N1 Centre at the Angel. This raged on for years, but the centre has transformed the area in a way that those of us who live up in N7 can only dream of.
I admire the members of BAF for their commitment to Archway, but perhaps they should ask themselves if they are doing more harm than good.
ANDREW SWARTLAND
Archibald Road, N7
• THE letter from Better Archway Forum chairwoman Kate Calvert, to which Joanne Chorley referred, was in defence of all residents opposing the pole-dancing application, not about publicity for BAF, which is simply ensuring local people’s opinion is heard.
I wrote to the Tribune a few weeks ago in a personal capacity and organised a petition of residents in my street against the lap-dancing club.
More than 40 people signed up; in fact, pretty much everyone who was in when my partner and I called round.
BAF doesn’t “squabble” with anyone about representing the views of Archway residents but works for a consensus view about the best solutions for the area. Although BAF is less than three years old, its success in this role has meant that its advice has already been sought by others wishing to help communities elsewhere.
BAF has not opposed Archway market but, on the contrary, has asked members to support it when its licence was up for renewal.
As for the bizarre idea that BAF has “put off developers”, the only potential investors who might have been “alienated” from Archway are a superstore (Tesco or B&Q) and an eighth betting shop.
We know from the overwhelming number of responses to the statutory consultation and the views voiced at BAF community planning sessions (attended by upward of 500 people) that local people did not want those developments because of the damage they would have done to the existing social network and economy.
However, a new investor is considering a wide variety of new uses to enhance the offices he has bought in Hill House and Hamlyn House, which are such a key element in the local economy.
The arrival of an investor with millions of pounds worth of property in the West End and Camden is a big vote of confidence in BAF’s approach.
BAF is supporting schemes for new housing and an arts centre in a derelict building which would offer opportunities to young and old.
We think the arts centre project and activities like the Brownies and Girl Guides at the Methodist Church on Wednesday and Friday evenings would be adversely affected by a lap-dancing club almost next door.
Although there is still work to be done, Archway is improving, with pavements re-laid (and those outside the Co-op widened), new trees planted and the appointment of a town centre manager, who is already ensuring the relevant council officials are aware of the potential of our area.
BAF doesn’t spend time publicising its successes. What we are about is simply the organic and long-term regeneration of Archway.
We think that is starting to happen, with our councillors’ support, and that is why we all – from across the political spectrum – think a lap-dancing club will be a bad thing.
It appears Ms Chorley would prefer a sex establishment, more betting shops and perhaps a big store like B&Q, which would lead to the closure of valued businesses such as Thomas Brothers, Goodwoods, Sparks, Abacus and Chris Stevens.
Do you really live in Archway, Ms Chorley? I’m afraid I do wonder.
CHRIS BAILEY
Harberton Road, N19
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