We want a safe walk home, say locals

More than 100 residents took part in a walk for women’s safety, last month, calling for immediate safety measures to be implemented at Tottenham Marshes Bridge.

The torch-lit walk was organised by the Friends of Tottenham Marshes Bridge, following reports in the community of a man indecently exposing himself to women around the bridge.

Other key concerns include the lack of lighting on the bridge, overgrown foliage and several blind spots.

The friends’ group is urging Haringey Council, Network Rail, and the Metropolitan Police to address these concerns, and is calling for lights and mirrors to be added to the bridge, and for the fence at the Carbuncle Passage approach to be moved back.

This, they say, will open up the approach so that there are clear sight lines and no hiding spaces, making the bridge feel inviting, safe and more accessible.

The group also want general maintenance and upkeep of the area, requesting for tarmac on the approach to be fixed, signage to be installed, and for overgrown foliage to be cut back.

Cherry Fitzsimmons, co-chair of the Friends of Tottenham Marshes Bridge, said: “We have been asking Network Rail and Haringey Council to address these issues for two years now, worried that it is so unsafe. We were devastated to hear reports that women had been subjected to these crimes of indecent exposures, and it has highlighted how essential it is that improvements are made now.

“So many people feel too afraid to cross the bridge; during the walk we spoke to someone who has lived in the area for 40 years and has been too nervous to ever cross the bridge.

“Tottenham Marshes has been a lifeline to many, especially during the pandemic, it’s an essential green space which is currently underused because of the poor access. It is also an important link to the bus stop on Watermead Way, with people crossing the bridge to get to and from work. We have an amazing natural resource on our doorstep, it should be well used by the community. Instead, people are too scared to get there.”

Photos courtesy of Stephen Furner

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “These bridges form part of the highway network, which is managed by the local highway and lighting authority [Haringey Council].

“We are happy to work with the [council] to facilitate any works it would like to undertake to improve lighting and public safety.”

Haringey Council stated it is working with the police and Network Rail to establish ownership for carrying out the necessary works.

This would include looking at measures including cutting back hedges, removal of graffiti, improving lighting and installation of

CCTV. An environmental visual audit will also be undertaken to determine what measures will be required to enhance safety.

The Met Police is in the process of confirming any reports they have received concerning sexual predatory incidents, and will be providing updates on any ongoing investigations linked to sexual offending around the bridge.

The local safer neighbourhoods team is said to be conducting regular patrols of the area.