‘Essential to breathe clean air’: Canonbury councillor spends £3k to improve New River Walk access

Disabled people now have better access to one of Islington’s few green beauty spots.

Diane Brace and Jack Lambert of Friends of New River Walk with Cllr Clare Jeapes on one of the raised walkways leading to the New River Walk. Picture: Sophie Carroll - Credit: Archant

Islington has the least green space of any London borough, meaning the picturesque New River Walk in Canonbury is especially popular.

However, a lack of level access has always made it difficult for disabled people and parents with pushchairs to visit.

But Canonbury Cllr Clare Jeapes has used £3,000 from the town hall’s local initiative fund to create level access at various points through the path.

Cllr Jeapes said: “Islington is a densely populated borough, so it is essential that residents can get off pavements and onto footpaths to exercise and breathe cleaner air.”

Jack Lambert, of Friends of the New River Walk, added: “We are pleased that our concerns about the lack of level access have been listened to and acted upon.

“These changes to create step-free access are relatively simple and in keeping with the aesthetic of the rest of the walk, and will make a big difference to residents who would otherwise struggle to visit this lovely part of Canonbury.”