Liberal Democrats Launch Streatham Vale Alley Survey - Nicholson

10.45.51am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 2nd Oct 2007

Local Liberal Democrat campaigner, Chris Nicholson, has launched a survey of Streatham Vale residents following concerns about the security and hygiene of the alleys running between their houses.

The alleys are owned by the original developer, Wates. As they were intended to allow access for rubbish collection, Wates kept ownership of the alleys when the houses were sold, so they are neither the responsibility of the home-owners or Lambeth Council.

Local people complained to the Liberal Democrats that the alleys are dirty and covered in dumped rubbish. They are also a security risk, potentially allowing burglars access to homes.

There are differing views as what needs to be done to sort these alleys out. Some want to see them maintained by the council while others want them shut off all together.

Local Liberal Democrats Ahmad Ali, Karen Davies and Chris Nicholson have now launched a survey to find out what most residents want done with them.

Chris Nicholson, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Streatham, said "These alleys are often dirty and uncared for as the owner fails to provide maintenance of them."

"These developers should be held responsible by Lambeth Council for the neglect of these alleys," said Chris Nicholson when he saw first-hand the state of the alleys.

"We are in the process of surveying local residents, so we can gather more opinions on the situation. When we have recorded our findings we will be raising the issue and possible solutions with the owner and the Council."

Lib Dem Campaigner and local resident, Ahmad Ali said: "I have already received dozens of completed surveys, and everyone is united by the need to do something about the menace of these abandoned alleys."

NOTES

1) The survey was delivered to around 1200 homes situated on and south of Glenister Park Road.