Save Southbank!

A government response to the Save Southbank petition was issued from 10 Downing street today. It made it's way to Dan's inbox and managed to bypass mine. The fear of the area's imminent development prompted Toby Shuall and Winstan Whitter to make the documentary Save Southbank which backed up the petition signed by everybody. The flyers for this are on the wall right next to me now and in front of the counter. "What's going on with Southbank?" reverberates around my ears almost as much as "where did Rough trade go?". Finally there is a response and here it is...

The Southbank Centre is an independent arts organisation and decisions about the Undercroft are a matter for them. However, the Southbank Centre recognises the importance of the Undercroft in bringing together skateboarders from across the UK and the value that the skateboarding community has brought to many young people and the South Bank area itself. Any activity that engages and develops young people can have a very positive impact on society and the skateboarding community that has grown up around the Undercroft has brought together people from various backgrounds, created a vibrant public space and added real value to the lives of many young people.

The Southbank Centre has said that it has no plans to redevelop the Undercroft used by skateboarders. In fact, they are in close discussions with the skateboarding community about how to improve the current skateboard area and about how the community might become more involved in the Southbank Centre's artistic programme.

"Don't worry mate, it's saved!" was Luigi's response to the "what's going on with Southbank?" question a few weeks ago. It seems he was right on the money. Lets just hope they do intend to make improvements. Talking of Luigi you should pass by and check his sale rail..



It's filled with many Quiet Life gems.