This petition was created by the members of Acklam Village Market Team, set up following imminent closure by Westway Trust.

Set under the flyover, we're predominantly visited by local residents who work at and frequent the live music venue, food market and bar, as well as musicians and performers who have played here, and supporters from further afar who enjoy the venue's eclectic atmosphere. Over the years, we've championed community initiatives, from supporting food banks to organising children's outings and fundraisers.

Our market is more than just a venue with the flyover as it's roof (!); it’s a community hub brimming with artists' installations, murals, sculptures, and beloved blue plaques dedicated to our local heroes. 

Termination of Liscence
The Westway Trust plans to terminate Acklam Village Market's licence by July 2024. This comes at a time when we are regrouping after the loss of our founding director, striving to continue our tradition of hosting live music, food stalls, and a bar every Saturday. Shockingly, the Trust has proposed converting our vibrant space into storage is one possibility put forward. Does anyone know what Acklam Village will become? Have you been asked? Is there finding?

"Phased" Building Planning
Westway Trust have implemented the repaving of the long-neglected adjacent road surfacing next to Acklam Village. Failing to complete their proposal in phases, as planned and promised, will soon leave Acklam Village stranded. . By June, our market will be a "marooned island" amidst unfinished roadworks, cutting off access and disrupting our operations.

Erasure of Live Music
It's no secret that the UK is loosing live music venue's at a rapid rate. London's live music scene is dwindling, and Acklam Village has been a steadfast supporter, offering free live music every Saturday. We've nurtured relationships with emerging artists, resident DJs, and renowned performers like Paul Weller and Don Letts. We aim to continue as a cultural hub for music enthusiasts as well as a breadth of artists from the local area.

Loss of Jobs
The closure of Acklam Village Market will lead to job losses for our bar staff, security personnel, market food traders, and musicians. This will significantly impact our local community’s economy and livelihood.

We are calling for community support to demonstrate to the Westway Trust the essential role Acklam Village Market plays in the cultural and artistic life of Portobello Road. We celebrate the diversity and heritage of our community and are committed to preserving it.

We urge you to support our petition to the Westway Trust to:

1) Acklam Village is asking for an extension to our licence for a year to close down and allow for new ideas to celebrate the cultural heritage of Portobello and north Kensington.

2) Adhere to the phased building plans, ensuring minimal disruption to our market.

3) Support local live music venues.

4) Protect local jobs

Please sign today!