Two-way traffic returns to Stoke Newington Church Street over the festive season, thanks to Hackney Council’s response to local businesses’ request to remove the diversion in place for essential road safety and streetscene improvement works.

The one-way system currently in operation along Church Street is to be suspended throughout December. This will ensure the street, which is a key economic and social centre within Hackney, is fully accessible to the large number of visitors it attracts from both inside and outside the borough in the run up to the festive season.

Major works to improve and regenerate the area along Church Street started in September 2009 following consultation with residents and businesses.

The Council has worked closely with Stoke Newington Business Association throughout, to ensure the scheme is delivered as soon as possible and to the highest possible standard, and has provided regular updates on the progress of the works.

As part of the frequent, shared communications, the Council has responded to concerns from the business association about impact on trade, and will suspend the works and traffic diversion in December.

Councillor Alan Laing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We have worked with the businesses when first planning these works and as the scheme has progressed. I recognise the importance of trading in the run up to Christmas for all businesses and we will suspend the works during the whole of December to ensure that there is no adverse impact on trade at this important time. The substantial investment being made and the improvements to Church Street will help shops, restaurants and bars by creating a far nicer pedestrian environment and I am confident that businesses will see this upon the completion of the works.”

The business association is delighted the Council has listened to their concerns and responded positively. Rosanne Berry, Chair of Stoke Newington Business Association, said: “We are very pleased with the progress being made and the continued support and consultation from the Council. Although there has been a downturn of trade during these works we are confident that a more pleasant shopping environment will encourage more people to stay and shop in the area.”

The Council’s vision is for a cleaner, safer, de-cluttered high street enhanced with new quality footway paving. The scheme includes: raised entry tables on some of the side roads; a large reduction in signs and guard railing; planting of new trees; and installation of new cycle stands.

Works are progressing well and will resume early in the New Year.

For more information about the works to upgrade and improve Stoke Newington Church Street, please contact Hackney Service Centre on 020 8346 2897 or email: info@hackney.gov.uk