A mother has shown that council red tape need not get in the way of people who want to see action and improvement in their area.
Aisling Lee, of Farnan Avanue, Walthamstow, today spoke about her experience of working with Waltham Forest Council after she wanted to see a new pedestrian crossing put on Chingford Road.

Originally suggesting the idea in March last year, she spoke of the work she needed to put in and the ultimate success of her attempts to see the crossing come to life.

She said: “One older gentleman simply wanted to use the post box on the other side of the road, but was wary about crossing.”

Ms Lee proposed the idea last March and in September council officers presented a design to her and Councillor Clyde Loakes, Waltham Forest Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment.

Initiating the process by contacting her local ward councillor, she had to pitch a case for the crossing outlining who would walk the route.

She said she had to highlight the different groups that would benefit from the crossing and tell personal stories of what it would bring to individuals.

She said: “Not only did the council have to buy the idea but it was necessary to persuade people such as Transport for London and the emergency services that the crossing was necessary.”

Along with other campaigners support was marshalled when the consultation was launched by rallying over 320 signatures.

The crossing was completed last month, almost exactly a year on from the first meeting.
“This will make a big difference to their lives,” Cllr Loakes said.

“I know, for instance, that some parents have said they now have the confidence to allow their children the freedom to walk to and from school.”

He added: “There were some clear benefits and it really did make sense to help residents from both Chapel End and William Morris wards go back and forth to local facilities such as Lloyd Park, William Morris Gallery, Waltham Forest Pool and Track, Winns Primary School and George Monoux College.”