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New light on High Road
Shoppers could see the High Road in a new light at Christmas under an ambitious plan being put forward by traders.
The idea is to install thousands of white fairy lights in the large trees on either side of the High Road to supplement the existing coloured lights mounted on lamp posts.
Traders group REEF says the lights would mark out East Finchley as a Christmas shopping destination and bring new shoppers to the area. Funding, however, is the challenge. To light each tree properly would cost £1,200 per tree per year and the money will need to come from local businesses.
Paul Homer, Phoenix Cinema general manager, is keen to test the water on behalf of REEF. “More Christmas lights in East Finchley would make people stop and shop, and spend more money in our local bars and restaurants,” he said. “If we want to do this we’ll have a lot of money to raise. I’d like to see how local businesses react to the idea. Please get in touch with me at the Phoenix and maybe we can make it happen.” Barnet Council has told the traders that it will be able to obtain the lights from its regular supplier and install them but will not be able to contribute financially.
The existing coloured lights were funded by the former East Finchley Traders Association, led by Lawrie Chivers, amongst others. They cost £12,000 to buy, with a major contribution coming from McDonalds.
The Archer Any views published here are those of the original authors, and not necessarily representative of REEF or east-finchley.com
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