The Fortis Green Residents’ Association was formed in May 1948 after an outcry over commercial vehicles parking in Annington Road, just behind the Muswell Hill police station.
Its aim was simple: “to foster an interest in local government and other matters of local interest”. It was to be strictly non-sectarian and non-political. The slogan adopted, strength through unity, still holds.
Landmark campaigns
- Saved the Muswell Hill Odeon. We led the campaign that secured Grade II listed status for the art-deco cinema. It is now the Everyman.
- Defeated the Archway Road motorway scheme. The proposed six-lane road would have torn through North London. We were a leading voice in the coalition that beat it.
- Stopped nearly 4,000 street trees from being cut down. Haringey Council’s plan to remove trees across the western half of the borough was halted after concerted opposition.
75 years on the page
Muswell Hill and Fortis Green Association: A History of Its Campaigns and Landmark Achievements, by former Chair John Hajdu, originally published in 2010 and updated to 2023, tells the story of 75 years of work to protect, maintain and improve the local environment and quality of life. Available free to members and anyone interested in our work.