Cricklewood is on the verge of a major development to transform its future. But one group of residents have been looking hard at its past. JULIAN HILLS reports

While plans for a £3billion transformation of Cricklewood take shape, the colourful history of the terraces surrounding the huge development site are being explored in a new book.

The unique character of the community centred around Midland Terrace is uncovered in Cricklewood Railway Terraces: A Village History.

The book was put together by a group of 11 residents living around Midland Terrace, with support from the Midland Railway Society, museums and historians.

"It is an unusual community, we are like a little village in the middle of London," said Sue Regan, spokeswoman for the book's collaborators.

"You cannot pretend that it is the same as it once was but that bond and community has remained."

Ms Regan is concerned about plans put forward by Cricklewood Development Ltd which will see 2,000 homes, hotels, shops and a leisure park on London's biggest brownfield site but remains confident developers are listening to residents.

"We are just one small area," she said. "This is something that is going to affect the whole of Cricklewood."

The book, published by the Residents' Community Association (Edgware Road), took more than a year to produce and is full of vintage photos, illustrations, plans and colourful anecdotes from the area's residents.

Cricklewood Railway Terraces is available for £6 from Willesden Book Shop, High Road, Willesden, or from Sue Regan on 020 8450 0549.

December 31, 2001 14:39