Emily Thornberry has joined local residents in calling on Islington Council to take action on abandoned trolleys across Islington. She has investigated the problem and found the council is blocking measures to get the problem fixed.
Emily met the team from the Sainsbury's at Angel who recover abandoned trolleys from the local area. She visited the Priory Green Estate near Kings Cross where abandoned trolleys block access to walkways, making life particularly difficult for parents with prams or buggies, and elderly residents. Emily was also concerned that the trolleys become make-shift rubbish bins and are often dumped in the nearby canal.
Over 1,600 trolleys were lost from the Angel Sainsbury's last year and abandoned on nearby streets and estates. Emily discussed with the Sainsbury's team technology that would prevent trolleys being removed and abandoned on nearby estates.
Emily was concerned to learn that Islington Council has been blocking Sainsbury's plan. The council has threatened to charge a fee more than three times as neighbouring Haringey Council to install the technology. She has called on the council to cooperate and work with Sainsbury's to attack the problem.
Emily said:
"Trolleys are more than an eye sore. When trolleys are abandoned on estates they fill up with rubbish and they block walkways for local residents - particularly families with prams and elderly people. I am frustrated that the council seems more concerned with profit than helping the local people in my area."
Local councillor James Murray, who represents the ward Priory Green is in, has written to the council urging them to find a solution to the problem.
