Campaigners have been arguing for some time that Hornsey Lane Bridge (across Archway Road) in Haringey is a suicide hot spot. They have argued that simple measures at the bridge could cut the number of these tragic deaths. Last year, after a series of deaths over the space of a few weeks there was a call for nets to be installed at the bridge.
The long-term reputation of this bridge was reinforced in March when the Guardian carried a touching story by comedian Rory McGrath about a low time in his teenage life. “Because I lived near Archway at the time I often found myself wandering near suicide bridge, and on that morning I ended there. And it just makes you think, fucking hell, here I am at the lowest point in my life and it’s as if God has said, ‘Where are you standing?'”
Thankfully for Rory his story did not end in tragedy, however, this afternoon another man in his thirties committed suicide at the bridge reigniting calls for action on the bridge.
Some time ago a notice with details on how to contact the Samiritans was removed. Many local residents have called for this to be replaced and maintained for those who desperately need someone they can talk to. At this time last year Green Party campaigner Sarah Cope said that “It’s my belief that in these difficult times the need for a working SOS phone on Archway Bridge, as the recent sad spate of suicides suggests, is more pressing than ever.”
While nets could not prevent self-destructive desires removing easy methods of suicide has been shown to save lives. Making it impossible to kill yourself by falling from this high bridge above a busy road it removes an opportunity in what has become a well known area for suicides.
A petition calling for action states “Haringey Council have said that they will not be taking any action despite the death toll mounting. We believe that this is unacceptable, and that the cost of implementing these measures (the net will cost approximately £95,000), is far outweighed by the cost of the road closure, police time, coroner’s inquest and report, and ongoing counselling for families and witnesses each time a death occurs at this notorious spot.”
You can sign the petition to have anti-suicide measures installed at the bridge here or visit the campaign website here.
2 Comments
And there was another suicide there this morning at 7am. Entire road blocked off, everything on diversion.
Oh dear….that explains why all the buses (including mine) were on diversion this morning. Very sad…..that yet another person felt so hopeless that they felt the only option was to end their life. It’s a great shame also that Haringey Council refuse to invest in nets (and other measures) that might deter people from jumping off the bridge! The Samaritans notice that was removed should also be replaced.