Northern Line closures

In recent weeks we have been asking residents to sign up to our petition for proper consultation from Tube Lines about the Northern Line modernisation.

Abdiwali collecting petition signatures

The current proposal is for 82 weekends of closures.  The experience of residents and traders along the Jubilee Line is that weekend closures have had a terrible impact on their lives and businesses.

We all want the Northern Line upgraded – it’s long overdue.  And we know it will have to cause some inconvenience.  But users and the community still deserve to to be involved in the decisions about how it is done.

For example, why not shut the line for August when lots of users are on holiday, and use that time to work 24/7 in order to make big progress without stopping and starting?

Will the Mayor of London and TfL ensure that Thameslink is not shut at the same time as the Northern Line?  Will they instruct First Capital Connect to make more trains stop at Kentish Town (at least as many as at W Hampstead, say), so that passengers can quickly get to Kings Cross and change lines there?

Will they ensure they only close part of the line at a time, so that as much as possible is open?  Will TfL restrict weekend parking on the routes of Replacement Buses so that they can keep moving – a big problem for the Jubilee buses?

Right now it seems that Tube Lines are doing what suits them best.  We say that users and local communities should have a big say in how to minimise the disruption, and are seeking meetings with the Mayor and TfL to fight for that.

Sing Up!

Having spent most of my childhood singing, I was really keen to go along to the Sing Up at the Roundhouse the other day.  Both Torriano Juniors and Kentish Town C of E School were there, along with Primrose Hill School.

singing together

180 youngsters were singing their hearts out – often with matching gestures – and the audience enjoyed it all as almost a much as the kids.

Having venues like the Roundhouse to use for such events is one of the joys of Camden. It is such an exciting space and makes the event seem even more special – and the warm welcome from the Director showed how closely they have been involved.

Kentish Town C of E

The great things about singing in choirs are that almost everyone can do it, it opens up the whole world of music, it helps self-expression and it’s a skill you never forget.

Torriano Juniors

The concert was the end of a 10 week singing programme delivered by teachers from Camden Music Service.  There was fun rhythm as well as good tunes and the choirs were singing several parts most of the time.  Add then you have to add in all the hand and body movements – a lot to think about.

Many thanks to all the students and staff who made it such a good concert.  Nick