Wandsworth Council (Conservative controlled until May 2022): Weekend Northcote Road closure

• Location: Northcote Road, Clapham

• Purpose: Northcote Road is a popular shopping and leisure destination in Clapham. To support local businesses following the challenging months of the 2020 lockdown, Wandsworth Council closed the road to traffic in the summer months. The scheme has made it safer for residents of all ages and abilities to walk and cycle to and enjoy the local high street.

• Description: Following the popularity with residents and local businesses of the weekend pedestrianisation, Wandsworth Council opened a consultation on making it a permanent fixture in the summer months. With positive feedback from residents and businesses in the consultation, the council reintroduced the weekend road closure in April 2022. Local hospitality businesses were given licences to extend their al-fresco dining space, which has increased footfall in shops and restaurants across the high street.

• Funding: The council has allocated £1.95 million from the £5 million town centre investment fund (for public spaces). This includes refurbishing the road and pavement and potentially extending the scheme.

• Conservative councillor / council lead: Council Director of Environment and Community Services, Cllr Paul Chadwick, former Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Resources and Climate Sustainability, Cllr Kim Caddy and former Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, Cllr John Locker.

• Further links: Council announcement webpage, council consultation, SW Londoner write up and the Wandsworth 2019 Environment strategy.