News

Campaigners celebrate five-year victory as sign welcoming visitors to Battersea is erected at Clapham Junction

Summary:

Love Battersea was set up to stop confusion over locations.

Image:

By Rachel Jenkins

Campaigners were celebrating today after Clapham Junction revealed a sign welcoming people to the ‘heart of Battersea’, the culmination of a five-year battle.

In 2007, the SW11tch campaign was set up by Love Battersea after passionate residents were growing concerned the station name was confusing travellers about where they really were.

Co-Chair of Love Battersea, Philip Beddows, said it took a big team with a big heart to overcome five years of obstacles to get the sign put in place.

“It means everything because it goes to the heart of the problem, having the world famous railway station in the centre of Battersea named after another place in another London Borough, Lambeth.

“And that is what we want, to help people and businesses to appreciate and be proud of this heart of Battersea.”

Love Battersea will continue to campaign until the confusion has stopped.

Mr Beddows continued: “We’d like the railway companies whose predecessors imposed this confusion on Battersea, to add under all their signs in and around Clapham Junction, Heart of Battersea. Now that really would right an historic mistake and help travellers arrive at the right place too.”

Many people at the station today agreed the sign will help stop any confusion about whether or not they are in Clapham or Battersea.

Chevonne Willis, 18, who is from the area said: “The sign will help people not from the area realise where they are, but I knew before as I am from here.”

Her friend Kristine De Jesus, 18, who is also from the area, said that she didn’t realise they were in Battersea, and agreed that the sign would be a big help in clearing up any confusion.

Supporters of this move have also taken to Twitter to congratulate the group for all their hard work.

Kate Meacock said: “@LoveBattersea1 fantastic well done to all who campaigned #claphamjunction#heartofBattersea

Love Battersea was originally set up in 2005 to make it clear to people that Clapham Junction is in Battersea. The sign can be found above the station exit in the shopping centre.

The group now has over 3,800 followers on their Twitter page @LoveBattersea1.

Follow us @SW_Londoner

Related Articles