Local campaigning groups over many years have generated a real sense of community around the many redevelopments of Kings Cross.  They have made developers think much harder about their proposals and ensure that they preserve and create far more heritage and community features than would ever have happened without a strong local lobby. The personal commitment in emotion, time and money by local people is huge and a massive sacrifice for the common good.

These long term grass roots local campaigns are the real heart of democratic activity in Britain.  Sadly the latest campaign from the Kings Cross Think Again group fell at the last hurdle.  They sent me this:

‘Sadly, our legal challenge to Camden council over the King’s Cross development failed. Last Friday Mr Justice Sullivan rejected the case for judicial review made by our legal team. You can read more in our press release and by logging on to www.kxrlg.org.uk.

‘We’re very disappointed we’ve failed to get this scheme reopened. The people of King’s Cross (and London) deserve more affordable housing, to keep more of our wonderful historic buildings and a development with a much smaller carbon footprint. All the groups involved will go on campaigning for a better King’s Cross. Thanks to everyone who has supported us, and I’m afraid we need to ask for more help now.’

‘We have to pay £10,000 costs to Camden and we urgently need donations. If you can help, please send a cheque (however small) made out to ‘King’s Cross Railway Lands Group’ to KXRLG, c/o 5 Caledonian Road, London N1 9DX.’

This is a huge bill for a community group with little formal funding.  I’m sending £50 (the value of the last two rounds of drinks I bought in a pub) – please send what  you can afford.

UPDATE

There is a well balanced write up of this in the Camden New Journal here.