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| NEWS | By KIM JANSSEN |
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Towpath attraction under attack A DANGEROUS section of canal towpath in Camden Town is to be lit by an illuminated display based on children’s designs. But campaigners say the lightbox plan is out of keeping with the 150-year history of Regent’s Canal. Town Hall officials have granted permission for the six metre long, one metre high lightbox to be installed under grade II-listed North Road Bridge in Camden Road. It was designed by artist Michelle Mason with the help of children at Maiden Lane Community Centre as part of a series of measures designed to improve canal safety. She said: “This area is unsafe and this community-based scheme will improve that.” But Del Brenner, of Regent’s Network, a canal conservation group, is furious that British Waterways, which owns the bridge, did not consult the public. He said: “The only type of lighting that is appropriate under bridges is for safety purposes and that already exists at this location. “This is a very isolated part of the canal and it is not a good idea to encourage people to go there and look at children’s work. “It is not making the towpath safer, it is attracting people to a dangerous place.” He was backed by market trader Steve Lucas, of the Keep it Camden campaign, who warned that the plan was controversial. He said: “This will be a very big and sensitive issue.” The lightbox idea has been praised by other traders. A spokeswoman for British Waterways insisted the “vibrant and buzzing atmosphere” of Camden Town meant the light was in keeping. She said: “It’s really important to encourage the community and, in particular, children to use the canal.” The Town Hall plans to install CCTV and to improve lighting between Camden Road and Royal College Street in the coming months. |
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