Amy Lamé, London’s Night Czar (left) and Labour Cllr Kemi Akinola (right)
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Wandsworth Council is the first to take up the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) recommendation of a night time strategy to improve life in the borough between 18:00 and 06:00.
Labour Councillor Kemi Akinola, Deputy Leader of Wandsworth Council, says the plan represents a “vision to improve the night-time experience for Wandsworth residents, workers, and visitors”.
Under the title ‘Night Time, Our Time’ it outlines night-time improvements to the borough with a focus on safety, economy, and transport.
Safety
The plan suggests ways to improve safety in Wandsworth by providing better street lighting, more CCTV, and more activities such as night markets, as well as a “broader range of night time businesses in town centres – beyond just eating and drinking”.
The plan will also encourage spill out cafés, restaurants, and bars where possible to contribute to a sense of safety through community observance.
Police, Council and businesses are to work together to reduce crime through initiatives such as Ask for Angela, Wave training, the Good Night Out campaign, White Ribbon, and the Women’s Night Safety Charter.
A council spokesperson said that safety for women and girls is of the utmost importance following the deaths of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa in 2021.
Economy
Wandsworth is estimated to have a night-time workforce of 112,000, worth at least £1bn per annum (around 10% of the Borough’s Gross Value Added).
This plan aims to further boost the night-time economy and promote later opening hours for a range of businesses, music venues, and community facilities.
In a survey conducted by the Council, people of all ages said they now want a wider variety of evening activities and more than just bars and clubs to attract them to the Borough’s high streets.
The Council is to engage Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) promoting the night-time economy, such as by encouraging paint shops to work with furniture shops to deliver an interior design night.
The council said it will respond to the feedback of Queer Wandsworth on a variety of issues, including a new LGBTQ+ venue in the borough, and will encourage venues to present rainbow flags, and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
Transport
The council acknowledges that much of the Borough is not served by the London Underground and a special focus is needed on transport at night.
To help people get home safe, the council recommends more free phone charging points, calming music in transport hubs, and clearer bus timetables.
Improving night-time transport, including more seating at transport hubs, and providing specialist transport services for less mobile residents are also recommended.
Amy Lamé, London’s Night Czar, said the strategy will “help local businesses to thrive, make neighbourhoods feel more welcoming and streets safer for everyone, particularly women and girls, after dark”.
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HeadlineWandsworth organisations to work together to improve night-time safety
Short HeadlineNew strategy to improve Wandsworth Borough night-time safety
StandfirstWandsworth Council plans to boost night time economy and provide an inclusive and safe environment for all
Wandsworth Council is the first to take up the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) recommendation of a night time strategy to improve life in the borough between 18:00 and 06:00.
Labour Councillor Kemi Akinola, Deputy Leader of Wandsworth Council, says the plan represents a “vision to improve the night-time experience for Wandsworth residents, workers, and visitors”.
Under the title ‘Night Time, Our Time’ it outlines night-time improvements to the borough with a focus on safety, economy, and transport.
Safety
The plan suggests ways to improve safety in Wandsworth by providing better street lighting, more CCTV, and more activities such as night markets, as well as a “broader range of night time businesses in town centres – beyond just eating and drinking”.
The plan will also encourage spill out cafés, restaurants, and bars where possible to contribute to a sense of safety through community observance.
Police, Council and businesses are to work together to reduce crime through initiatives such as Ask for Angela, Wave training, the Good Night Out campaign, White Ribbon, and the Women’s Night Safety Charter.
A council spokesperson said that safety for women and girls is of the utmost importance following the deaths of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa in 2021.
Economy
Wandsworth is estimated to have a night-time workforce of 112,000, worth at least £1bn per annum (around 10% of the Borough’s Gross Value Added).
This plan aims to further boost the night-time economy and promote later opening hours for a range of businesses, music venues, and community facilities.
In a survey conducted by the Council, people of all ages said they now want a wider variety of evening activities and more than just bars and clubs to attract them to the Borough’s high streets.
The Council is to engage Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) promoting the night-time economy, such as by encouraging paint shops to work with furniture shops to deliver an interior design night.
The council said it will respond to the feedback of Queer Wandsworth on a variety of issues, including a new LGBTQ+ venue in the borough, and will encourage venues to present rainbow flags, and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
Transport
The council acknowledges that much of the Borough is not served by the London Underground and a special focus is needed on transport at night.
To help people get home safe, the council recommends more free phone charging points, calming music in transport hubs, and clearer bus timetables.
Improving night-time transport, including more seating at transport hubs, and providing specialist transport services for less mobile residents are also recommended.
Amy Lamé, London’s Night Czar, said the strategy will “help local businesses to thrive, make neighbourhoods feel more welcoming and streets safer for everyone, particularly women and girls, after dark”.
