Our streets

The young people's manifesto for London "My City Too", was prepared by 1000 young Londoners for presenting to the mayoral candidates last year. The mayor suggests these be taken up at borough level, and I hope these will be discussed at the State of London debate next week.

My City Too Manifesto

1. Let us have our say and young people will be fully involved in planning, designing and decision-making in their city
   We can’t vote – yet – but it is our city too! We can help improve places and spaces and we’ll use and respect them more if we’ve been asked
2. We want every inch of the capital to be used and not left derelict
   Even if unused spaces can’t be redeveloped immediately, we’ll help you find new uses for them; when left derelict they are dangerous and make our area look and feel abandoned
3. We need sheltered places to sit and to meet people that are better designed and well looked after
   Quality design and materials that are well looked after tell our communities that we are worth investing in
4. We need broader pavements and car-free streets
   Pedestrian areas need to be planned and designed to be safer for everyone
5. We want lively streets with better and more creative lighting
   Busy, well-lit areas will help us and everyone else feel safe on our streets
6. We want every generation to have their own corner in public spaces, acknowledging their needs and making them feel welcome
   Separating activity zones for small children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens through soft zoning (floor markings, tree fences, etc) will ensure everyone feels happy about sharing the same public space
7. We want play and performance areas for young people that are at the heart of shopping centres, main streets and parks
   Design places where we can meet each other and be seen doing something worthwhile while feeling safe
8. We want playful signs, bright colour schemes and changing public art
   Give our local areas a stronger identity and make them places that we are proud of
9. We want trees, pools and fountains everywhere
   Greenery and water features have a calming effect and make places feel more welcoming

If some of these feelings are shared by local residents, it would be great to campaign to extend some of them in our area, along with Kings Cross (Battlebridge) access and 20mph streets.. join us at our next meeting or write to us!