Why WHAT?
WHAT began in 1973 as a single-issue local protest group.
We were ‘West Hampstead Action on Traffic’, a horrified response against Camden’s proposal for a ‘Network’ of ‘distributor’ roads to channel as much through traffic as possible along Fortune Green Road, West End Lane, Mill Lane and Finchley Road. Side roads would become ‘environmental areas’, largely traffic-free. WHAT felt it harshly unjust that local ‘distributor’ roads - largely residential, and already heavily used - would get even more, and faster, traffic, with even more noise, dirt, fumes and danger. Rewarding areas that didn’t have much traffic, giving them ‘environmental’ status, seemed doubly unfair.
We organised a 1000-plus signatures petition. We staged an ingenious road-crossing protest at West End and Fortune Greens: teams of supporters crossed and re-crossed the zebra crossings, holding up traffic long enough to make our point (and a write-up in the local papers!). We formally set up as WHAT on November 16th 1973, and immediately launched a serious assault on Camden, the GLC and the transport organisations.
Early WHAT: a brief summary
It rapidly became clear that traffic is not a ‘single issue’ at all.
It’s about everything: housing, cars, transport, public transport, local council and government planning, walking, cycling, play areas, parks, shops, local environment, road safety, consultation…all the factors big and small that make up a safe and pleasant West Hampstead.
That’s why in 1977 we changed our name to ‘West Hampstead Amenity & Transport - conveniently retaining the memorable WHAT acronym.
WHAT successes (A few of countless!)
The ‘Network’ was never introduced: commuter traffic in West Hampstead remained tolerable. The heavy lorries went somewhere else. Lead-free petrol was introduced. Camden now expects to involve local people in planning matters. We’ve learned how to chivvy, prod and get responses from Council, GLA, bus, train, Tube and dozens of organisations.
For the O2 Centre on Finchley Road, we persuaded Burfords, the developers, to carry out a proper consultation on what local people wanted from the site. We have monitored, complained about, and saved local bus routes. We finally got the bus stops we wanted, near West Hampstead Tube station, after years of complaining. We suggested off-peak parking on the Finchley Road Red Route, to save local shops.
Some topics have come up many times over the years. (Interchange; consultation; bus and train services;) Some have been resolved. (The O2 Centre.) Some spring to life after many dormant years. (Gondar Gardens re-development; Emmanuel School.) WHAT’s local knowledge often proves useful. History seldom repeats itself - but there’s much to be learnt from it!
WHAT today
WHAT held (and still holds) twice-yearly public AGM and Jester Festival meetings. We still host meetings that need public debate. We regularly input our views to Camden’s Local Development Plan, which shapes our local future. We comment on pan-London matters such as waste/recycling and emergency planning, and government White Papers that affect everyone, such as Transport.
WHAT are we proud of?
We think WHAT has done two really important things for West Hampstead.
First, we’ve given our local NW6 ‘patch’ a serious voice. We can raise issues and concerns with relevant organisations, and expect to be listened to.
Secondly, in a thousand big and small ways, we’ve either improved our area or averted stupidity and disasters. West Hampstead today would, we’re convinced, be a worse place to live in without WHAT’s 36 years of hard-working input.
Do join us. Or just come to a meeting - we’d be delighted to welcome you.
JOIN WHAT
Email whatnw6@gmail.com or write to Anne Harmston, 3 Ajax Road, London NW6. Membership costs £3 p.a. (£5 for 2 years) and £5 for Group Membership