By Thomas Brandes, Bradley Bennette and Billie May Mason
Islington residents on Tuesday were left confused by ongoing road works and the recent closure of a bus stop on Holloway Road.
The bus stop, at the intersection with Liverpool Road, was closed by Transport for London due to ongoing road works, but it is not guaranteed that the stop will ever be reinstated. The road works are estimated to last until next year, with the construction works having begun in early May of this year.
Fast-forward six months, and multiple bus stops on Holloway Road have been removed or closed for the foreseeable future, leaving residents irritated.
Members of the local community are growing increasingly frustrated. Tina Scott, 71, from Liverpool Road, describes the closure as an “inconvenience”. Because the bus stop closest to her home was closed, she complained about having to walk a longer distance to the next stop, adding that it isn’t ideal for her due to health issues.
Scott expressed concern about the longer walk carrying a toll on her: “I have bad legs, my back hurts, I always have to walk here now.” Scott is one of many residents bewildered about the transport adjustments.
Local businesses are perceiving consequences as well. Some of the shops in the area have noticed less foot traffic since the closure.
Pepe’s Piri Piri chicken shop worker, Oman Mohammed, 22, said: “We have less people coming in, those barriers block us, but I guess it’s business. I think after the road works it’ll be much better.”
Islington Council stated that construction works are meant to reduce traffic congestion and improve overall traffic control. These works are expected to be completed around February 2024, leaving the community to deal with the changes.
As construction continues, some residents are embracing a positive attitude. A couple (photographed below on left) shared that the road closures have acted as an opportunity to enjoy leisurely walks together.
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