The first buggy storage unit in Southwark has been installed on the Unwin and Friary estate, David Child writes.
The hanger, installed this week, will allow residents to safely store buggies and prams outside of their flats.
It is hoped the unit will alleviate build ups of buggies which had been blocking numerous fire escapes around the estate. The hanger cost approximately £2,700.
The weatherproof units are free to use and will be managed by members of the Friary Estate T&RA committee.
Rebecca Khan, a resident on the estate since 2005, is delighted with the new installation. “My entrance is always blocked, I can’t get buggies up or down the stairs as I need to. I’ll start using this locker straight away,” she said.
Michael Orey, Secretary of the Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, said: “I was getting constant complaints about this. It’s taken three years to get the funding approved but we hope to get more to help soon for a bike hanger too. The majority of fire exits in the estate have been blocked up with buggies, prams and bikes, it has been a real cause for concern.”
The scheme is one of more than 200 projects funded by Southwark Council’s Cleaner, Greener, Safer programme this year.
Councillor Barrie Hargrove, Southwark Council’s cabinet member for communities and safety, said: “This is an excellent example of how the Cleaner Greener Safer programme can improve the livelihoods of local people. Without a lift, parents were struggling to get their prams up and down the stairs. Now, thanks to the new storage unit, they’re able to store their prams in a safe space.”