Fans of the Giacoabazzi’s deli showed their support last week

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TRANSPORT for London has behind closed doors outlined a series of concerns about Camden’s controversial traffic changes in South End Green.

Opponents of the transfer of the bus stand for break time drivers to Fleet Road only discovered the scale of TfL’s objection by submitting a Freedom of Information request. Camden wants to move the bus stand so it can close off a slip road and create a new streatery for al-fresco dining.

It says this will mean less pollution and a cleaner place for people to visit.

But people living in Fleet Road are furious that trial plans will leave buses parked up outside at their homes and have created the “Save Our Street” campaign, while businesses – including the long-standing Giacob­azzi’s deli – say they will be adversely affected.

Previously unseen correspondence between Transport for London and Camden Council shows TfL warning the Town Hall: “We are not able to support this proposal, even in principle at this current time.” The messages, sent over the summer and released to the group after an access request, said TfL is willing to continue conversations with Camden to attempt to “refine the design proposals to achieve the objectives of both parties”.

The final report about the streatery plans was then published by Camden Council a month later on August 8. TfL, at this point, again sent a mesage of opposition which said: “The removal of the bus stands and stops has not yet been subject to formal consultation and therefore, there is concern over a hasty implementation without satisfactory resolutions taking place, especially if done under an experimental order with a view to tweak the scheme on site as the experimental order progresses.

“As yet, we have not been satisfied that the proposals provide TfL with a scheme which maintains current bus services and resilience. The designs presented offer no flexibility in terms of exact positioning. Many of these manoeuvres are not straight forward and therefore, the possibility of aligning as shown cannot be guaranteed.”

As for the residents of Fleet Road, the TfL emails said: “With many of the bus stops and stands being placed in front of residential properties, there is a very high risk of opposition from residents during consultation/the experimental order process (and on an ongoing basis if made permanent).”

The message added: “This creates concern about the long term security of bus infrastructure at these locations. Therefore, we would seek Camden’s commitment to manage any opposition to stand and stops changes from local residents and stakeholders.”

Pat Newby, a resident on Fleet Road said: “What is striking in this whole process is how we are completely overlooked, as though we don’t exist. Another example of this is in an email from the FoI from Camden to TfL where they list the pros and cons of moving the bus terminus to Fleet Road and under pros it says there will be ‘no impact on local business.

“Fleet Road has several businesses and they will be severely impacted with constant traffic congestion outside, most notably the Italian deli, Giacobazzi’s at 150 who have been here since 1991 and say their business will be destroyed.”

She added: “The FoI response is a scandal. No communication between TfL and Camden for 15 months until May this year and TfL’s last email to Camden before the decision was made said they can’t support the proposal, even in principle. Do Camden ever listen to anyone?”

A TfL spokesperson said: “London’s bus network plays a vital role in enabling people to travel sustainably and affordably, which is why we regularly engage with organisations on proposed new developments and any proposals that they may have, to ensure the network can continue to function effectively. We are keen to continue working with Camden in order to achieve our shared objectives.”

A Camden Council spokesperson said: “We’re continuing to work with TfL throughout the development of the scheme and have amended plans following their feedback. These discussions will continue while the project is ongoing.”