A butcher is leading a celebrity-backed revolt against plans to build a £42 million cycle lane through one of London’s most affluent neighbourhoods.
Campaigners want Transport for London to re-think the scheme, which they fear would increase congestion and damage small businesses in Holland Park and Notting Hill. Almost 6,000 people have signed a petition opposing the loss of 19 trees.
A crunch meeting at Kensington town hall tomorrow evening is expected to see hundreds of residents challenge TfL officials prior to the close of consultation on Sunday.
Danny Lidgate, of C Lidgate butchers, who is leading the objectors, said many local cyclists also opposed TfL’s plans.
He insisted they were “not Nimbys” and urged TfL to come back with a better scheme. He said there was wide support for making Holland Park Avenue 20mph to reduce road danger and switching the route to back streets.
“With this particular design, congestion is going to get a lot worse, air pollution is going to get a lot worse,” said Mr Lidgate, chairman of the Holland Park Traders’ Association. “It only suits the [commuter] cyclists.”
The proposal would create the first protected two-way cycle route between Wood Lane and Notting Hill Gate via Holland Park Avenue. One of two westbound lanes would be removed to create the bi-directional cycleway.
TV star Jeremy Clarkson tweeted: “They’re going to take down all the trees to make life easier for cyclists. I mean, who voted for these people?”
Actress Felicity Kendal said the proposals would “cause considerable lack of trade to the area” by requiring a “short-sighted” reduction in parking spaces. She added: “It is a dreadful plan and needs to be reconsidered.”
Will Norman, the Mayor’s cycling and walking commissioner, said: “There were 128 collisions over the last three years on this short stretch of road. It is dangerous.
“A tiny number of trees can be replaced, but the lives lost as a consequence of dangerous roads and the impact of air pollution cannot.”
TfL has vowed to plant new trees and disputes claims that the cycle route would harm businesses.
