Press+-+Haringey+Independent+-+Wards+Corner+is+a+hot+topic+for+politicians

=Wards Corner is a hot topic for politicians= Elizabeth Pears - Haringey Independent (Wednesday 30th April 2008)

The Seven Sisters market under threat from developers has become a major focal point for political heavyweights battling it out to become mayor of London.

With just one day before voters head to the polls, Boris Johnson, Conservative candidate for mayor, became the latest City Hall hopeful over the last two weeks to visit the market in Wards Corner to pledge support to its traders.

The livelihoods of the Latin American traders are in danger under regeneration plans for the area referred to as the "gateway to Tottenham".

The planning application put forward by Haringey Council's preferred developer, Grainger, has angered the community as it includes a demolition of the Ward building, which houses the market, to make way for luxury flats.

Conservationists, including national charity English Heritage, argue that the Edwardian building is locally significant and should be preserved.

Yesterday, Sian Berry, from the Green party, visited the market to pledge her support to the traders likening the former department store to Bond Street's Selfridges.

She was joined by Jeremy Corbyn MP, on behalf of Ken Livingstone, who brought a statement from the current mayor vowing to save the market.

It stated: "I reassure you wholeheartedly that, if I am re-elected Mayor, I will prevent Transport for London from authorising any demolition of the market until the concerns of local businesses, and users of the market, have been addressed." Brian Paddick was the first to get the ball rolling earlier in the month when he visited Wards Corner arguing that markets like Seven Sisters are an integral part of London's character and must be saved.

A coalition made up of market traders, small business owners and residents' asocciations has submitted an alternative plan' to the council.

It says both applications will be considered.