Internship Final Paper (Streatham)

Streatham: Back in Business
Fatima Doumbia
14 December 2015
Internship Final Academic Paper
Dr. Jyoto Saraswati

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Streatham: Back in Business
Table of Contents
Part I: Preface………………………………………………………………………….3
Part II: Streatham’s Resurgence (2000s-Present)……………………………………..4-6
A. Registered Business Comparison with Greater London and United Kingdom
Part III: Influences of Streatham’s Boom in Business……………………………….6-10
A. Age in Population Comparison with Greater London and United Kingdom
B. Median Gross Income Comparison with Greater London and United Kingdom
C. Unemployment Comparison with Greater London and United Kingdom
Part V: Weakness of Streatham………………………………………………………..11
Part VI: Personal Account from Interview…………………………………………11-12
Part VII: Conclusion and Future of Streatham…………………………………….......12

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Part I: Preface
Today, Streatham is one of London’s most dynamic constituencies and has
experienced a lot of development since early 2000s until now. Prior to the 2000s,
Streatham was well known for its garment industry and retail businesses, which made it a
big site for consumerism in South London. Due to the decline of its garment industry,
Streatham began to decline not only in its once spotlight of retail, but also decline in
business innovation and entrepreneurship as a whole. With businesses escaping the
Streatham’s busiest streets, this led to the removal of population and its deterioration in
infrastructure. By the 1990s, Streatham had low rates in business start-ups and
infrastructure issues making it an unpopular destination for settlement or business
regeneration.
With the turn of the century, Streatham did begin with its many issues and
declining rates, Britons named Streatham High Road, one of Streatham’s busiest main
roads that connects to other parts of London such as Brixton, Clapham, Croydon, and
Gatwick Airport, was named Britain’s worst streets in 2002.1 However, Streatham was on
the verge of making a dynamic recovery that it had not seen in decades since the 1950s.
Presently, Streatham has changed drastically since 2011 due to investment from the local
government to rebuild Streatham especially its town center. Its newfound economic and
business enterprise has allowed Streatham to emerge as the dynamic constituency it used
to be. Streatham has not only seen investment in business innovations, but also in its
infrastructure.
1 “Britons name ‘best and worst streets’”, British Broadcasting Company News. 20 September 2002.
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2270840.stm> URL.

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This paper will assess the following: (i) Streatham’s resurgence in business and its
capital, (ii) factors that contributed to its redevelopment such as education attainment,
median income gross, demographics (age and ethnicity), and unemployment with
comparative analysis with Greater London and United Kingdom (iv) current weaknesses
of Streatham, (v) personal accounts from business owners in Streatham, (vi) in response
to its progress and weaknesses where will the future of Streatham be heading within the
next ten years, (vii) conclusion of Streatham’s business foundation and further notes on
continuing research on Streatham. The factors that will be explored in this paper are by
no means the only influences that are attributed to Streatham’s recent development.
Based on my research, these were the factors and important aspects that could be
attributed to Streatham’s current success in business development and entrepreneurship.
The goal of this paper is to provide a rationale for Streatham’s significant
development with the use of factual evidence and personal narratives. This paper will
deal with empirical data, but shows a fair balance between numbers and real life
examples.
Part I: Streatham’s Resurgence
Streatham suffered many years of decline to the neglect and upkeep of its
constituency. The removal of businesses placed Streatham at risk for so many other
factors to occur such as decline in population and its decay in infrastructure. Local
government officials and residents thought as a start if Streatham could rebuild its main
centers, it would become more appealing for current residents to stay and potential
residents to consider Streatham as a location for living. This became the long pondered
strategy plan amongst residents and concerned individuals as in regards to where the near

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future of Streatham was heading. Business in Streatham would flourish and reappear has
a result of the community’s infrastructure development.
In 2011, Streatham’s road to recovery was more evident due to its selection to
receiving through the Mayor of London’s Outer London Fund more than £370,000 to aid
in redeveloping their town center and economy.2 Following this award, Streatham was
also awarded another £2.6 million through the local government and council, Lambeth.
Now, Streatham needed to find a legitimate and efficient plan to maximize the potential
use of its monetary funds and capital resources. With the use of funds, the donors made it
clear to what the raised capital would be used for. Both funding from the local
government and its council, Lambeth was strictly to be used for rebuilding the main parts
of Streatham. This consisted of its main points of infrastructure: (i) the Streatham High
Road, which holds most of the businesses within the constituency, (ii) roads, streets, and
pavement creating greater accessibility within Streatham, (iii) public spaces such as
Streatham Library and Streatham Ice Arena. The funding more specifically matched up
with earlier sentiments over what Streatham’s development should focus on providing an
atmosphere that is pleasant for mass consumerism within the constituency.
As a result of the incoming funding, Streatham has rebuild its most important
places of navigation, study, and recreation. Before, Streatham used to be congested on the
High Road experiencing significant delays crossing from the neighboring constituency
into central London. This was a main site to use the necessary funds to aid in its
decongestion. Within the past few years, Streatham High Road was reconstructed on
fixing the pavement and sidewalks making it accessible for pedestrians, but also vehicles
2 Rachel Blundy, “Streatham town centre to receive cash boost” StreathamGuardian. 3 August 2011.
Accessed 1 December 2015.
<http://www.streathamguardian.co.uk/news/9175267.Town_centres_to_receive_cash_boost/>URL.

6
to navigate more efficiently on the main road. The new Streatham High Road’s expansion
includes handicap accessibility, lane for TFL buses and cyclists, and enhanced lighting
during night hours. Even though, Streatham High Road may be congested at times during
peak hours, the ease of navigation is friendly than it was before reconstruction. The
rebuilding of the Streatham High Road is actually one of the main positives in
regenerating business life in Streatham. Most of the small businesses in Streatham are
located on the High Road making it a convenient location for businesses to be created
around this area.
In addition to the ease of traffic on the High Road, Streatham invested £1.4
million of its given funds in rebuilding its main library.3 It reopened its door in March
2014 providing a public space for residents to have access to a literary and communal
resource center. Lambeth publicized this new development with specific instruction on its
amenities and what it consists of. The new Streatham Library has library-hosted events,
free Wifi, unlimited usage of technology including enhancement devices for those with
disabilities, accessibility for disabled individuals through a new entrance, a reading hall,
and community rooms for rent to hold sessions and events. The library is a strategic place
for business development, as the library becomes a center of exchange and promotion for
businesses. The investment also continued with the rebuilding of its former Streatham Ice
Arena, now the Streatham Ice and Leisure Center opened again on November 2013
providing a recreation center worth £26 million4 not only for residents in Streatham, but
also neighboring resident of other constituency to use. This recreation has been a meeting
3 “Streatham Library”, Lambeth Council,11 December 2015. Accessed 12 December 2015.
<http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/places/streatham-library> URL.
4 “Streatham ice rink and sports centre opens”, British Broadcasting Company News, 18 November 2013.
Accessed 1 December 2015. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-24984921> URL.

7
point for residents of Streatham and nearby to use enabling Streatham to generate even
greater revenue. The overall development that Streatham has experienced brought about a
new huge supermarket Tesco in efforts to provide business and accessibility of good to
Streatham’s residents as well as 250 new homes and 1,000 jobs followed.5 The conditions
within Streatham have provided a better environment for growth in business and
entrepreneurship.
All these major and significant improvements have a led to positive growth within
the constituency overall especially compared to early 2000s. With the investment all of
these areas previously stated, Streatham within its constituency has been experiencing
positive increases of businesses.
Figure 1: Registered Businesses from 2010 to 2014
Years Streatham London UK
2010 2920 331540 2100370
2011 2930 334395 2080860
2012 3185 359880 2149190
2013 3250 372375 2167580
2014 3600 400930 2263645
Net change
on year*
350 28555 96065
% Change on
year*
9.7% 7.1% 4.2%
Source: ONS, UK Business:Activity, Size and Location, Table B 6.1 and House of Commons Library
calculations [http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/all-releases.html?definition=tcm% 3A77-21554]
This chart provides statistical data of business in Streatham prior to and after
investment within the constituency. It provides us with an overview of how well
5 Ibid.

8
Streatham did relative to its London and the whole of the United Kingdom. In 2010,
Streatham stood at 2,920 registered businesses and by 2011 at the announcement of the
funding Streatham would receive the amount of registered businesses had only reach an
additional ten. Within a year of redevelopment, Streatham experienced a drastic increase
of 255 new registered businesses and continued to increase steadily each year with 9.7%.
Streatham’s 9.7% was significantly above compared to the citywide and regional rate of
7.1% and 4.2%. In other words, Streatham within the past five years has been increasing
its businesses twice as more than the national average. The investment in Streatham’s
redevelopment did cause some positive results for the constituency promote business
investments in the constituency after implementing reconstruction strategies.
Part III: Influences of Streatham’s Boom in Business
1. Demographics
Figure 2: Age in Population in 2012
Streatham London UK
Age Group Numbe
r
% Number % Number %
0 - 19 25710 21.8% 2039100 24.5% 15140400 23.8%
20 - 64 82990 70.3% 5331900 64.2% 37723700 59.2%
65+ 9300 7.9% 937500 11.3% 10841000 17.0%
Total 118000 100.0% 8308400 100.0% 63705000 100.0%
Source: ONS, Parliamentary Constituencies Population Estimates, Mid 2011 (Census Based) General
Register Office for Scotland. Mid 2011 Westminster Parliament Constituency Estimates
[www.nomisweb.co.uk]
This chart depicts the population demographics based on age in 2012. It is
assumed that Streatham’s active workforce population is within the ages of 20-64. This
group makes up at least 70.3% of Streatham’s overall population meaning that Streatham

9
has a potential and capable workforce that can be independent and work actively within
this range age just before retirement. This is higher than London by 6% and United
Kingdom by 10%. Streatham has a higher chance of mobilizing their active workforce
since they have an abundant pool of labor force. This leads us to ask does Streatham
provide enough employment and business opportunities for this large population of
potential employees or employers. There is a possibility within the 70.3% of the
population; some work in neighboring areas or other parts of London.
Figure 3: Ethnicity in Population in 2011
Source: Qpzm Local Stats UK, Streatham Hill Demographics (Lambeth, England), 2011
[http://streatham-hill.localstats.co.uk/census-demographics/england/london/lambeth/streatham-hill]
This pie chart includes a brief overview of the different ethnicities in Streatham
within the population from 2011. More than half of the population is born in England
with 59.10% and continues with its ethnic minorities of 3.8% South America, 2.9%
Jamaica, 1.7% Ireland, 1.6% Nigeria, 1.4% Scotland, 1.2% Ghana, 1.1% Wales, 0.9%
Australia, 0.8% India, and 25.5% as other. Streatham does have an ethnic population that

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makes up 40.9% of their total population that were born outside of England. This may
have an influence in the diversification in businesses within Streatham. Certain
businesses built by the ethnic population could be based in foreign goods, exchange, and
services that extend to an international global market. For example, opening up an
African and Caribbean food market would need the supply of imported goods from either
Jamaica or Nigeria. It will be beneficial to the cultural development of the community,
but also encourage potential consumer from other areas who may not have these stores
near them to travel to Streatham to obtain such goods.
2. Median Gross Income
Figure 4: Median Gross Income Per Week in 2015
Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, 2015 Provisional Results
[http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/ashe/annual-survey-of-hours-and-earnings/2015-provisional-
results/index.html]
This chart provides a median gross income that demonstrates Streatham’s median
income in 2015 compared to the citywide and region’s median income. Streatham’s
median gross income is higher than these both citywide and regional’s gross income. This
may demonstrate that the cost of living in Streatham is expensive on average that workers
within that constituency have to be paid a little more to make ends meet. With
Streatham’s increasing economic development, the cost of living may have skyrocketed
leading to constituents’ salary having an adjustment to afford basic living costs. This only
Median
Gross
Income per
week
Streatham London UK
£s per week 650 620 530

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factor in particularly for employees’ salaries and does not factor in self-employed
individuals’ or business owners’ incomes.
3. Educational Attainment
Streatham definitely has an educated workforce relative to some of its other
neighboring constituencies. According to LocalStats UK in 2011, Streatham had the
following occupations from greatest to least: Professional 24.6%, Associate Professional
and Technical 19.3%, Managers, Directors and Senior Officials 11.7%, Business, Media
and Public Service Professionals 11.0%, Administrative and Secretarial 11.0%,
Elementary 10.2%, Business and Public Service Associate Professionals 9.9%,
Elementary Administration and Service 9.6%, Administrative 7.6%, Caring, Leisure and
Other Service 7.4%.6 Streatham has a mixture of diverse professional in most industries,
which may increase their potential to receive employment or even create their own local
business within Streatham. Prior to the redevelopment, these educated individuals
probably preferred to be employed elsewhere, but with the regeneration of Streatham
they may potentially look for other opportunities near home eliminating the hassle of
commuting since Streatham is looking more like an attractive destination for business
entrepreneurship and ideas.
4. Unemployment
Figure 5: Unemployment from May 2010 to March 2012
Streatham London UK
6 “Streatham Hill Demographics (Lambeth, England)” Qpzm Local Stats UK, 2011, [http://streatham-
hill.localstats.co.uk/census-demographics/england/london/lambeth/streatham-hill]

12
Claimants Rate
(%)
Claimants Rate
(%)
Claimants Rate
(%)
May 2010 4142 6.2% 218734 5.2% 1502155 4.8%
June 2010 3975 6.0% 212362 5.0% 1444096 4.6%
July 2010 3970 5.9% 212521 5.0% 1441035 4.6%
August 2010 3896 5.8% 214407 5.1% 1456023 4.7%
September 2010 3876 5.8% 215599 5.1% 1439601 4.6%
October 2010 3821 5.7% 213911 5.0% 1416785 4.5%
November 2010 3779 5.6% 211769 5.0% 1413265 4.5%
December 2010 3805 5.6% 209692 4.9% 1425192 4.6%
January 2011 3941 5.8% 214710 5.0% 1505068 4.8%
February 2011 3944 5.8% 220064 5.2% 1538187 4.9%
March 2011 3957 5.8% 220974 5.2% 1526946 4.9%
April 2011 4094 6.0% 226311 5.3% 1520806 4.9%
May 2011 4094 6.0% 225851 5.3% 1504913 4.8%
June 2011 4081 5.9% 224534 5.2% 1493077 4.8%
July 2011 4200 6.1% 229946 5.3% 1541793 4.9%
August 2011 4299 6.2% 235699 5.5% 1576835 5.0%
September 2011 4341 6.3% 237548 5.5% 1578609 5.0%
October 2011 4310 6.2% 237076 5.5% 1562501 5.0%
November 2011 4268 6.1% 234860 5.4% 1558756 5.0%
December 2011 4305 6.2% 233673 5.4% 1568849 5.0%
January 2012 4361 6.2% 235177 5.4% 1649190 5.3%
February 2012 4419 6.3% 239557 5.5% 1685989 5.4%
March 2012 4429 6.3% 237138 5.5% 1666859 5.3%
Source: ONS, Nomis database and DWP Universal Credit monthly experimental official statistics;
House of Commons Library calculations
Based on those who claimed unemployment (JSA) starting from 2010 to 2012
who were economically active ages 16-64 residents, Streatham experienced heavy rates
of unemployment with at starting rate of 6.2% above the citywide and region’s average
rate. We must acknowledge that this high rate was prior to any assistance from the local
government or Lambeth Council. At this time, Streatham was still experiencing poor
infrastructure and lack of business regeneration, little to no investment did Streatham
have. Streatham’s unemployment rate was still fluctuating between 5.8% and 6.3%
between these years even after rebuilding and investment. This is not a cause to be

13
alarmed considering that despite the funding being granted, it may have taken time to be
allocated to the areas in which Streatham needed most rebuilding in. The rates potentially
may have continued to stay high similar to prior due to the time and planning that was
required to initiate strategy or build again area which would have positive benefits in the
months or years to come in Streatham.
Figure 6: Unemployment from January 2013 to October 2015
Streatham London UK
Claimants Rate
(%)
Claimants Rate
(%)
Claimants Rate
(%)
January 2013 4097 5.7% 221127 5.1% 1581838 5.0%
February 2013 4146 5.8% 225630 5.2% 1613789 5.1%
March 2013 4158 5.8% 223003 5.1% 1584468 5.1%
April 2013 4079 5.6% 218528 5.0% 1538576 4.9%
May 2013 4017 5.5% 213302 4.9% 1495758 4.8%
June 2013 3848 5.3% 205895 4.7% 1439782 4.6%
July 2013 3749 5.2% 201747 4.6% 1418674 4.5%
August 2013 3689 5.1% 198119 4.5% 1389688 4.4%
September 2013 3588 4.9% 191586 4.4% 1324725 4.2%
October 2013 3463 4.8% 183189 4.2% 1268751 4.0%
November 2013 3299 5.0% 175313 4.0% 1225109 4.0%
December 2013 3222 4.0% 169696 4.0% 1203875 4.0%
January 2014 3200 4.0% 170478 4.0% 1245616 4.0%
February 2014 3168 4.4% 170587 3.9% 1247095 4.0%
March 2014 3125 4.3% 166428 3.8% 1200144 3.8%
April 2014 3000 4.1% 161007 3.7% 1146415 3.7%
May 2014 2904 4.0% 156185 3.6% 1094149 3.5%
June 2014 2760 3.8% 146922 3.4% 1024834 3.3%
July 2014 2656 3.7% 144142 3.3% 1001003 3.2%
August 2014 2585 3.6% 141737 3.2% 968977 3.1%
September 2014 2508 3.4% 138224 3.2% 933105 3.0%
October 2014 2411 3.3% 133345 3.0% 899866 2.9%
November 2014 2357 3.2% 127586 2.9% 862854 2.7%
December 2014 2312 3.2% 122929 2.8% 840993 2.7%
January 2015 2359 3.2% 123275 2.8% 873466 2.8%
February 2015 2348 3.2% 124532 2.8% 886069 2.8%
March 2015 2272 3.1% 121453 2.8% 858413 2.7%
April 2015 2235 3.1% 118918 2.7% 832008 2.7%

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May 2015 2227 3.1% 116506 2.7% 805557 2.6%
June 2015 2169 3.0% 113566 2.6% 782517 2.5%
July 2015 2077 2.9% 112260 2.6% 784544 2.5%
August 2015 2112 2.9% 112603 2.6% 782794 2.5%
September 2015 2068 2.8% 111998 2.6% 773224 2.5%
October 2015 2038 2.8% 110128 2.5% 759307 2.4%
Source: ONS, Nomis database and DWP Universal Credit monthly experimental official statistics;
House of Commons Library calculations
From the start of January 2013 to October 2015, we all of sudden see a steadily
decline in the rates of unemployment in Streatham simultaneously with the citywide and
regional’s average as well. As of October 2015, Streatham’s unemployment rate is still
slightly relatively high compared to the citywide and region, 2.5% and 2.4%, but not that
fair behind with 2.8%. This shows a positive change or some development occurring with
Streatham. It is safe to assume that the investment may have had some influence in giving
growth of jobs within the constituency, but overall Streatham has emerged in somewhat
of a healthy state than prior to before.
Part V: Weakness of Streatham
Despite Streatham having an overall high success rate in redevelopment, there is
an issue that Streatham is struggling to battle with in the midst of all its success, housing.
Housing has been a major concern not only amongst residents, but especially working
with the Member of Parliament of Streatham, Chuka Umunna. The constituency office
deals with loads concerning this issue of housing. Even though, Streatham did get enough
financial capital to fix certain parts of the constituency, not everything was fixed.
Streatham focused heavy amount of its rebuilding on its main and public areas has
previously stated, but neglected its other main issues such as housing infrastructure.

15
Many housing estates have complained about this issue in needing the capital to
rebuild the infrastructure of homes, but since residents are already living there and it
would cost additional money to relocate them that Streatham and Lambeth Council does
not currently have. Many residents are living in obscene conditions where for example,
there is a hole in bedroom’s ceiling with water leaking when it rains and no construction
has been done to repair these conditions. Even after a year and half of notifying officials,
this resident of 68 years old is forced to sleep on their kitchen floor since repairs cannot
be commenced due to lack of funds and management issues. This is just one of the many
stories a good amount of residents have to face with Streatham’s housing estates inability
to fix construction and rebuilding issues.
Housing can be a potential area of disaster for Streatham in the wake of making
such progress especially if residents are living uncomfortably in their homes. A resident
can decide to relocate or demand another reassessment for another accommodation to
another constituency where their needs will be met more efficiently in a timely manner.
Streatham needs to find ways to work on housing or the constituency may face a decline
in population and residents. This can and will have overt effects on the business scene
and regeneration of Streatham. As residents leave, businesses can be affected with not
generating enough or expected revenue and investment will stop entering because of the
fear that it will not yield any results if a business is established in this area.
Part VI: Personal Account from Interviews

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Even though this paper provides a lot of factual and statistical evidence, it is
important to balance out the given information and support evidence with personal
narratives from business owners or resident that live or in Streatham every day. The
personal accounts given will be from business owners and residents of Streatham. These
two personal accounts provide a unique perspective based on how they carry out their
every day life in Streatham.
The first personal account I interviewed two Arab men, one was originally from
Morocco and the other, Algerian. I bonded with them while having a lunch break during
my internship at their first business in Streatham, The Filling Station. Their store
specializes in foods such as sandwiches, pasta, burgers, and pastry making. Both started
their business in 2012 after the infrastructure plans had commenced, building their shop
on the Streatham High Road. Both are also residents of the constituency as well and
noted that they were significant changes in the neighborhood since they moved in 2010.
“Streatham is changing surely, honestly it is one of the reasons [my friend and I] decided
to start up our business here. The High Road is such a lucrative place to build a business
with all renovations occurring each passing day.”7 Both found the High Road to be very
good in terms of generating revenue for their business, but noted some concerns with the
rapid development. “It is good that Streatham is getting better and helping us business to
have only residential customers, but also we need to keep in mind that excessive
rebuilding can create fierce competition for those who are already established. We are
small business what if in years we are competing with a major food supplier. These are
things to consider.”8 These business owners did provide some clear idea of the intrinsic
7 Interview from the Filling Station. Interviewed on 16 November 2015. Fatima Doumbia
8 Ibid.

17
benefits of redevelopment, but also some of their fear in their business journey while in
Streatham.
Part VII: Conclusion and Future of Streatham
Considering the issues that Streatham has had to face within the past decade and
its redevelopment, Streatham does have some good times ahead if it finds ways to keep
its economic growth and eliminate any potential threats that can harm this newfound
success. Housing can be one of them, but with investment in the housing sector,
Streatham can eradicate further issues with residents if it handed appropriately. Streatham
has shown some recovery, but still needs to achieve full growth. This can be achieved
potentially with the same means they have been using these past five years. Areas that
can be explored in researching more about Streatham and understanding the magnitude of
its growth could be with neighboring constituencies such as Sutton, Clapham, or Croydon
to better emphasize the overall economic growth of Streatham. Despite the challenges
Streatham faces, it is still headed in an economically upward direction and needs to
continue to provide an atmosphere that is conducive for business making.

18
Bibliography
“Britons name ‘best and worst streets.’” British Broadcasting Company News. 20
September 2002. Accessed 1 December 2015.
<<http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2270840.stm>>URL.
Interview from the Filling Station. Interviewed on 16 November 2015. Fatima Doumbia
Office of National Statistics, Statistical Data Charts, 2012, 2015.
“Streatham Hill Demographics (Lambeth, England)” Qpzm Local Stats UK, 2011,
[http://streatham-hill.localstats.co.uk/census-
demographics/england/london/lambeth/streatham-hill]
“Streatham ice rink and sports centre opens”, British Broadcasting Company News, 18
November 2013. Accessed 1 December 2015.
<http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-24984921> URL.
“Streatham Library”, Lambeth Council, 11 December 2015. Accessed 12 December
2015.
<http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/places/streatham-library> URL.

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