In 2020 Southwark council closed Browning street, an access road that leads to East Street Market as a temporary measure to tackle traffic in the area. The council’s action has since had a tremendously detrimental effect on local trade and public footfall in East Street Market which was once a thriving market street that has been trading since the 16th century. Southwark council has recently announced its intention to PERMANENTLY close Browning Street as an access road. This is the latest in a string of actions taken by the council including the conversion of the main car park which served the market into a luxury apartment complex. These measures have been systematically destroying local trade and the livelihoods of tax paying business people who rely on the market for their daily bread.

By signing this petition you can add your voice to speak up against the permanent closure of Browning street as an access road by Southwark Council and discourage the council from creating further road closures that negatively impact the survival of East Street market’s diverse traders, the majority of whom are from BAME backgrounds and are already negatively impacted by the regeneration of the area. 

While we recognise the positive impact of cleaner greener streets and how certain road closures can be beneficial for the environment, these measures need to be implemented in a way that does not negatively impact the livelihood of traders in our community’s main area of economic activity. We want the council to work in consultation with us to stop the stifling of trade to East Street market, an area which is already disproportionately affected by gentrification. 

By signing this petition you are showing solidarity with, and lending your support to a diverse community of local traders. We are calling on Southwark council to deliver a clear strategy of support to one of South London’s most historic markets or otherwise face accusations of continued social cleansing. 

Thank you!

photo credit: https://homegirllondon.com/explore-east-street-market-walworth-london-se17/