Primary school kids in Harrow helped mark the completion of a makeover in Mollison Way, to commemorate the area's links to early flight.
Children at Stag Lane School in Collier Lane used their artistic skills to design history boards after Mollison Way in Edgware received a £1million grant from Harrow Council and Transport for London (TfL), to revamp the area’s transport links.
The grant saw new roundabouts, pedestrian crossings and new CCTV cameras being installed in the shopping parade, to make the area safer.
The improvements were made following recommendations from residents, businesses, ward councillors, police, transport agencies and church groups.
Mollison Way was formerly home to the De Havilland aircraft factory and Stag Lane aerodrome, where aviation pioneer Amy Jonhson learnt to fly and met her husband, Jim Mollison.
Mollison Way then served as a runway for the last few aircrafts to roll off the production line, before it was converted into a shopping parade.
Steve Pollard, site supervisor at Stag Lane Infant School, came up with the idea to inspire the kids to learn about the history of the airfields.
He said: “I first heard about the area’s history during a meeting to discuss the transport scheme, and everything snowballed from there.
“I did some research and quickly came to the conclusion that it would be a shame to do all these improvements and not create a lasting legacy for what was a hugely important site in the history of aviation.
“The whole project has given the area a real makeover and the heritage trail puts the icing on the cake.”
Councillor Phillip O’Dell, portfolio holder for environment and community safety on Harrow Council, said: “This entire project stemmed from a petition from local residents calling for improvements and I’m delighted that through a successful bid to TfL, we have been able to deliver.
“The community has been instrumental in designing the entire scheme and the heritage trail. The end result is a pedestrian friendly area, safer for children, disabled and elderly residents.
Ben Plowden, director of planning at TfL Surface Transport, said: “The completion of Mollison Way scheme demonstrates successful partnership working between TfL and London boroughs to improve public spaces as part of the Mayor of London’s Great Outdoors programme.
"These significant improvements will not only offer immediate benefits to residents and visitors, but have also visually improved the area and will make it much easier, quicker and safer to use as a pedestrian, cyclist or motorist.”
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