So whilst elsewhere in the world, the chaos of an earthquake is measured and Colonel Gadaffi is about to get ‘Saddamed‘, here on the former Stockwell ‘frontline’, residents in SW9 have come together to show that many drops make a mighty ocean [lawd have mercy, I'm coining too many of my Dad's favourite phrases :-s]
So, this all started when one local resident put forward plans to build two three storey houses, on what has been a vacant site since being bombed in WWII. What ‘Monsieur Grande Design‘ didn’t know was, you do not ramp with the community spirit of Edithna Street! (No, seriously. We could give EastEnders‘ Albert Square a run for it’s money!!!)
With plans disapproved, our neighbours have set about creating The Edible Bus Stop [name based on it's proximity to an actual bus stop].
The idea is to create and foster a space that is a well considered alternative to just building on another free London plot. Perhaps tie in some connection or involvement with a local youth group; you know, all that good stuff like get the kids to stop dealing drugs and plant flowers instead – don’t knock it, it’s a possibility!!
But what’s prettier than the weeds that have been removed and new flowers planted, is the power and sensibility of a group of people, neighbours, but in some cases strangers, to bring about change, empowering themselves to make a difference. Oh but wait, the kinship doesn’t stop there! We’ve got a Street Party set for June 
You’re neighbourhood needs you!
I’ll keep posted of developments as they happen…
Dear Edible Garden,Iam sorry i could not be there on the Big Day it self, as i was in Manchester for a Soul weekender, but i was there in spirit’ Iwould just like to say THANK YOU for all you are doing for our community, i feel privilliged to be part of it. Love, and light, Mags.
Power to the people right on! Thanks to Team Incredible Edible! It was amazing to see so many folks turn up on the day and give it some serious welly! Young and old and everyone in-between made it happen. Even our local Community Police Officer dug up some weeds. There’s more set for next Sunday… bring a plant day. 12-4pm Come along, bring tools, gloves, suitable foot wear and lets symbolically plant some more… How will the council be able to refuse our request to hand over the land to us, when it is, effectively already a community amenity…?!
I don’t get it. It looks a tiny little plot – much too small to build two houses on. Or is it a magic plot?
Ha ha – no Will it’s no magic plot, actually the same area of the other houses on the road, but I guess we’re accustomed to it looking like a side walk.
Did you need to get permission to do this or did you just go ahead anyway?
HI Ali,
Yes permission was sought between the council and highway patrol agency (as it’s on a main road). Is it giving you food for thought?