A Tottenham street sign has been vandalised less than 24 hours after the road was renamed due to concerns about racist connotations.

Black Boy Lane in south Tottenham was yesterday (Monday, January 23) renamed La Rose Lane in honour of the late Black publisher, poet and essayist John La Rose (1927-2006).

The change of name was organised in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020, which ignited anti-racism protests around the world.

But this morning (January 24), less than 24 hours after the official renaming, Haringey Council leader Cllr Peray Ahmet tweeted a picture of the street sign with La Rose Lane crossed out with black spray paint. 

In the tweet, Cllr Peray said: "Really sad and disappointed to have been sent this today. 

"What could this ever achieve beyond mindless vandalism."

La Rose played a key role in founding New Beacon Books in Stroud Green and, later, the Caribbean Artists' Movement.

Following a public consultation, the council made the decision to change the street name in February 2022.

In a statement on its website, the council said “a significant number" of people living in the street were against the name change at that time.

Speaking about the decision to change the name, Cllr Ahmet previously said: "I’m delighted that we’re able to pay tribute to John La Rose with a new street name.

"John made such a huge contribution to Black life both here in Haringey and across the UK and played an important role in gaining recognition for Black authors and artists, as well as championing inclusive education.

"I understand that this is a decision which has generated passionate responses.  

"Several rounds of consultation were held, and I know that the corporate committee took the full range of views into consideration when deciding to change the name of the road.  

"It is time now to move forward with this...

"I also want to be clear that this is just one small part of the work that we must do to ensure Haringey is a place where everyone feels welcome and included. 

"I look forward to working with residents and communities on this important mission in the months and years to come."

Renaldo La Rose, grandson of John La Rose, said: "John’s family are really proud that John’s life and work is to be recognised by having a road named after him.  

"We hope that through having his name memorialised in this way we will bring the message of his work – the urgent need for race equality and justice – to a new audience."