Sarah Ludford backs alternative plans to save Camden Market

12.00.00am GMT Fri 21st Nov 2003

Sarah Ludford discussing the controversial plan with Henry Lennard (left) and Colin Matthews (centre), General Manager, The Camden Market.

Following a visit to the Camden Market today, Liberal Democrat MEP for London Baroness Sarah Ludford has lent her support to plans to provide an alternative to LUL's proposed redevelopment of Camden Town Tube Station, which would save the popular Camden Market. Baroness Ludford's statement comes in the run-up to the planning inquiry into LUL's proposals to redevelop the near-by tube station (1).

Having listened to the concerns of stallholders and visitors to the market, Baroness Ludford added her name to the list of those objecting to LUL's current plans, commenting that the market, which is part of the fourth most popular tourist attraction in London (2), is a key element of the area's unique character.

Baroness Ludford said: "I was keen to see how LUL's proposals would affect my constituents and in particular Camden Lock. Of course I welcome improvements to the Tube network and the local station. But I agree with my Camden Liberal Democrat colleagues that these must not damage the character and cultural heritage of valued assets like the historic market, a community church and the Electric Ballroom here in Camden."

"London deserves a world class underground service to outclass our competitor cities across Europe, and it is shocking that in the 21st century our tube is so decrepit. Liberal Democrats' criticism of the Tube 'Public Private Partnership' has always been that this part-privatisation would twist the priorities of LUL by requiring property development to come before vital investment in track and signals. "

"Even though the Lib Dems' preferred solution of a public bond issue to finance real Tube modernisation was blocked by the Government, there must be alternative proposals for Camden Town station which benefit travellers and residents while not threatening its cultural assets."

Henry Lennard, a Director of Camden Lock (London) Ltd, the market operator, added, "With the inquiry into LUL's plans fast approaching, we welcome Baroness Ludford's statement, which forms part of the groundswell of support behind the Camden Market and the alternative plans which we are proposing.

"Camden Lock (London) Limited commissioned Arup to produce three alternative schemes3 which will show that the station can be redeveloped in line with LUL's station planning guidelines in a manner that is far more in keeping with the vibrancy and distinct character of Camden, and without requiring the market site to be used, even temporarily".

Notes:

1. The inquiry into LUL's proposed redevelopment of Camden Town Tube Station is due to start on 10 February 2004. This will allow Camden's residents and local businesses, including the stall-holders whose livelihoods are threatened by LUL's plans, to have their say.

2. Camden Borough Council's 'Consultation Paper on Food, Drink and Entertainment in Camden Town', published in January 2003, states that the Camden markets are the fourth most popular tourist attraction in London.

3. Full details of the three alternative schemes currently being developed by Arups will be released later in the year. The first option involves a different temporary station that does not disturb the market and then allows LUL's proposal for a permanent station to be built. The second one involves a temporary station in the centre of the block (leaving both the market and the Trinity United Reform Church undisturbed), that can then be expanded to become the permanent station, avoiding the waste of the escalators (£1m each) and other parts of the proposed temporary station. The third option is similar to the second but involves a subterranean concourse.