Time to cross the river: London urged to end north/south divide
North and south Londoners are being urged to take part in a "culture swap" after researchers found their fear of crossing the river is alive and well.
A survey by museums and galleries partnership CultureLine shows only 46 per cent of people from the north ever crossed the Thames for work or leisure. But the aversion appears to be unequal, with 83 per cent in the south leaving their side of the city at some point.
Some 80 per cent of south Londoners crossed over at least once a month for cultural activities, almost twice the number from the north.
To give a truer picture of the divide, the poll discounted the city centre area. Janet Vitmayer, chief executive of the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill and CultureLine spokeswoman, said: "It seems some old prejudices are alive and well. It is high time these are challenged and we are inviting Londoners to try a culture swap' and cross the river to visit new places and attractions."
Mayor Boris Johnson said: "I urge Londoners to cross the great divide and discover rich treasures." CultureLine is hosting events at its 10 venues from August 6 to 8. A total of 300 people were questioned in the poll.