In Summer 2006 it emerged that Northcote Road in Battersea - recently voted London's second favourite shopping street - was losing long-established, small independent retailers and businesses, as landlords redeveloped and rents continued to escalate.A small number of local residents took action and launched the Northcote Road Action Group. It quickly became apparent that large numbers of local people felt the same, which gave the group the impetus to take on the task of campaigning to safeguard the distinctive character of Northcote Road.
The group strives to:
- preserve the unique character and vitality of Northcote Road;
- promote and support the continuing variety of independent shops;
- encourage residents to shop locally in Northcote Road and Webbs Road;
- prevent the roads being overwhelmed by large chain stores, estate agents and supermarkets;
- promote and encourage the growth of a flourishing street market;
- stress it is not against having a few multiples - they are part of the healthy blend of a thriving shopping street!
The group's plan is to unite shop owners, landlords and Wandsworth Council in agreeing a single strategy for Northcote Road to guarantee the protection of the area in a way that retains its unique character.