A FINCHLEY rabbi has welcomed changes to Henlys Corner during a visit from London Mayor Boris Johnson last week.

Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis of Finchley Synagogue, Kinloss Gardens, said the community had called for a safer intersection for years and was relieved by the new safety measures introduced as part of a £8 million upgrade to the junction.

He said: "We are delighted that Henlys Corner is much easier and safer for pedestrians to cross.

"Members of our community can now get to synagogue without fear of being knocked down.”

Synagogue members joined with community leaders and residents on Friday as Mayor Johnson visited the junction to mark its completion.

Finchley and Golders Green MP Mike Freer said: “I have been campaigning for years for this notorious junction, one of the busiest in London, to be upgraded, so it is a delight to see it officially opened by the Mayor.

"At a time of tight budgets, Mayor Boris Johnson secured funding for the scheme, realising the importance of this upgrade to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians and for that he should be congratulated.”

Following Friday's opening, Mayor Johnson visited Kinloss Synagogue for Friday evening prayers.