We are sad to report that, after over a year of fighting and trying to stop what we consider to be a short-sighted and bad development, Brent Council have given Westminster notice that they will shortly begin works on the roundabout.The last year has been one of ups and downs on this issue, with fantastic support from residents, nearly a dozen update leaflets put out by us, visits to planning committees, meetings in Maida Vale, arguments with Brent Councillors and site visits. Only recently we appealed to the GLA (without success) and even held a meeting about the possibility of judicially reviewing the decision by Brent (unfortunately not likely to succeed we are advised).The stopping up order for the roundabout has now been issued and it is likely that work will begin towards the end of the year to close it. We are on record to say we believe this is a major mistake.We'll be getting in touch with Kilburn Park Road residents so that they are able to plan for what inevitably will be a major period of disruption which will likely result in a deterioration in their quality of life and the aesthetic of the area. Whilst we are fully supportive of Brent's desire to remove the towerblocks which blight the area, we have consistently argued that they do not need to do this by removing one of the few green spots in the area, nor by causing additional traffic congestion to local residents. Brent have consistently ignored us on this.Fifty years ago a generation of town planners caused geographical and aesthetic vandalism to many city areas with idealistic notions of urban design which proved to be wholly unsuitable to the residents who had to endure them. Brent should remember that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.LeeLabels: Carlton Vale, Kilburn High Road, Shirland Road
