The 8 best Twitter accounts for St Peter’s ward

When I found out that St Peter’s would be my patch for the foreseeable future last week as my Newspaper MA course got underway, I didn’t know what to think. One week ago I had never contemplated its existence and as a result had no idea who would be able to tell me more. In the process of trying to find out anything and everything about the area I made a Twitter list. It’s quite extensive but these are some of the more useful accounts so, in no particular order…

1) Friends of Regent’s Canal

Running through the heart of St Peter’s ward is Regent’s Canal. Homes along its banks are occupied by the rich and famous, including Mayor of London Boris Johnson. Friends of Regent’s Canal however, are a group dedicated to keeping the area safe and well maintained whilst simultaneously promoting its benefits. They have organised a number of petitions on issues connected to the canal.

2) Camden Passage

The collection of antique shops and independent stores mixed in with restaurants and market stalls along Camden Passage make it one of the most exciting areas in the ward. Local market traders often see boxing promoter Frank Warren walk amongst their wares on his way to Frederick’s, a family-run restaurant set up in 1969. The Twitter account for the lane keeps people up to date with everything that is happening.

3) Angel BID Islington

Though most of the Angel Business Improvement District (BID) sits outside of St Peter’s ward, some of the smaller shops and independent stall along Upper Street do fall into its boundary. The BID is designed to help stores improve their trade and the area where they are active. One of their best initiatives has allowed Mexican kitchen Chilango to save £160 a month. They typically tweet updates about the area.

4) Islington MPS

This feed, for the Islington branch of the Metropolitan Police, is really useful for keeping up to date with crimes in the area and how to prevent becoming a victim of crime yourself. Though not all the posts are relevant to my patch, they do help to identify which crimes are happening regularly in the area.

5) Islington Cyclists

This action group promotes cycling and lobbies local government to make the streets safer whilst improving the environment. The organisation is very active and often petitions the council on local issues. They are currently trying to work with the council to develop a plan that will improve road safety for cyclists in the borough.

6) Martin Klute

Labour councillor Martin Klute regularly tweets important information relating to the ward, and the borough more widely. In recent days he, and his colleague, Alice Perry, have launched an assault on Boris Johnson’s decision to approve a housing development at Mount Pleasant despite pressure from local residents and the borough council.

7) Candid Arts Trust

Opening last weekend for the tenth time, the Islington Contemporary Art and Design Fair is the brainchild of the Candid Arts Trust. Tucked away down Torrens Street, behind Angel Tube Station, the charity seeks to promote both well established artists and those who have recently graduated from university. They have an active presence in the area throughout the year offering gallery spaces for hire and life drawing classes amongst other activites.

8) 31st Islington Scout Group

Celebrating its 100th year this year, the group is set to be very active in the community and are currently seeking former members of the group to get in touch to help record the memories of those who have helped to shape the local movement.

That’s all for now folks, there is sure to be more to come in the very near future. if you think I’ve missed out a useful account then make sure you let me know @cdtilbury.