ENFIELD DISPATCH No. 29 THE BOROUGH’S FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FEB 2021 NEWS Council blamed over failure to stop office conversions into flats P . 4 FEATURES Campaigners seek to restore borough’s Fairtrade status P . 6 ARTS & CULTURE New photography book tells people’s lockdown stories P . 13 SPORT Enfield Town FC fans vote to cancel the season P . 15

The Dispatch is free but, as a not-for-profit, we need your support to VOLUNTEERS FROM charity Hearts and Helpers, set up by Enfield resident Adrian White (pictured far right), have received 400 pairs of stay that way. To make a one-off donation to our donated trainers to give to homeless and vulnerable people in since the start of the pandemic. Adrian says: “Our dedicated team publisher Social Spider CIC, works for hours to help people get the best footwear, ensuring all donations are cleaned and in good condition. A pair of new shoes and scan this QR code with socks can really make someone’s day.” Anyone with donations should email [email protected] to arrange for a collection. your PayPal app: Praise for hospital staff after pandemic hits new high

BY JAMES CRACKNELL sible variant of Covid-19 in Kent, lower proportion of deaths even divert some patients to hospitals which spread quickly across Lon- though we’ve had more patients. with spare capacity.” taff at North Middlesex don – with Enfield borough itself “We understand more about the dis- To date about 100 patients going University Hospital have among the worst-hit local areas for ease, using treatments such as dexa- through their recovery from coro- been praised for their several weeks. By early January, a methasone and two or three other navirus have been transferred “incredible” effort during new peak in cases led to a record drugs which we didn’t have last time from North Mid to “community Sa period when they’ve treated 322 coronavirus patients being and have really made a difference.” wards” established by other health more coronavirus patients than at cared for at North Mid, compared Maria said that the availability providers, including at Chase Farm Chamberlains Estates any time in the pandemic. with 270 in April last year. of personal protective equipment Hospital in Enfield. Extra capacity Speaking to the Dispatch, the boss Mercifully, the mortality rate (PPE) was much improved and that was also provided at North Mid by of the NHS trust that runs North has been lower with 177 deaths there had been greater flexibility repurposing wards such as pae- Residential Sales & Lettings Agents Mid admitted the second wave of between November and the end of in the availability of both staff and diatrics, with care for children Covid-19 had been bigger than January compared with 265 deaths critical care beds. At the busiest provided instead at Great Ormond feared but that they’d still been recorded at the hospital between times, however, ambulances have Street Hospital, as well the provi- able to cope – even while being March and June. North Middlesex been diverted to other hospitals. sion of a “modular ward”. 020 8366 3551 forced to divert ambulances to University Hospital NHS Trust “We were having upwards of Maria said: “We have coped, and 020 8366 3551 other hospitals. chief executive Maria Kane told 100 ambulances on some days. that is a testament to both external The Dispatch is supported Cases surged in December after the Dispatch: “It has felt different We were helped out by London by Chamberlains Estates the discovery of a more transmis- to the first wave. We have had a Ambulance Service being able to CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 – turn to page 5 020 8366 3551 020 8366 3551 Residential Sales & Lettings Agents Residential Sales & Lettings Residential Sales & Lettings Agents Residential Sales & Lettings Chamberlains Estates Chamberlains Estates 020 8366 3551 020 8366 3551 2 NEWS No.29 FEBRUARY 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH Film studios to open Councillor charged ED. at Meridian Water n Enfield councillor has been charged with breaking Covid- BY JAMES CRACKNELL A19 lockdown restrictions. o nother studios com- William Coleshill, an independent N .29 plex is set to open in councillor for , was Enfield as the borough arrested at Hyde Park in Westmin- FEB 2021 grows its reputation ster during the second national Aas a hub for the film industry. lockdown in November. A Metro- Troubadour Theatres struck politan Police spokesperson said he Enfield Dispatch is a deal with Enfield Council to was “charged with participating in the borough's free build the new film and television a gathering in public outdoor place community newspaper. studios at the local authority’s of more than two people”. We publish monthly £6billion Meridian Water devel- Cllr Coleshill, of Nash Road in and distribute 10,000 opment. The complex will be Edmonton, appeared at Westmin- free copies of each known as Troubadour Meridian ster Magistrates’ Court on 15th issue – and we will Water Studios and will “assist December, where he pleaded not with the economic regeneration guilty. He is next due to appear at continue to do so of Edmonton and Enfield”. the court on Tuesday 25th May. during the ongoing The new facility is said to be the The 26-year-old was elected in public health crisis. largest studio complex inside the 2018 for the Conservatives, but Publisher North Circular and is set to open became an independent member David Floyd later this year. It swiftly follows The proposed film studios will feature three stages initially, opening later this year later that year. the opening last year of OMA Film completed on the 2.4-hectare site. mated 150 training opportunities Editor Studios in , which A skills academy will be built on are planned in the first four years, James Cracknell itself claims to be the largest such site so local residents can be trained increasing to nearly 500 a year. High water Designer facility in London. how to work in the film and tele- Council leader Nesil Caliskan The council’s deputy leader, Ian vision industry. The initiative will said: “This is incredibly exciting ivers in Enfield recorded Jonathan Duncan Barnes, is an Oscar-nominated also provide training and logisti- news and means Enfield is poised their highest water levels Head of Advertising film director and has boasted of cal support for the media sector. to become one of the leading R in many years following a Klaudia Kiss his ambition to make the borough Troubadour is currently working London boroughs for high-end long period of heavy rain. “a premier location for TV and with the council to create six work television and film production. Salmons Brook, Cuffley Brook and Head of Operations film production in London”. placements for 18–24-year-olds not “The delivery of [these] film Turkey Brook all topped their banks Paige Ballmi Oliver Royds and Tristan Baker, currently in education, employ- studios is the boldest and most on 14th January, and again on 28th Engagement Manager joint chief executives of Trouba- ment or training. exciting project in Meridian Water January, flooding green spaces includ- Penny Dampier dour Theatres, said: “Troubadour Oliver and Tristan added: to date. It would help transform ing Cheyne Walk Open Space, White- Theatres are enormously excited “Troubadour Meridian Water Meridian Water into a destination webbs Park and Estate. Contributors about coming to Enfield and Studios will not only attract by providing a major public theatre Enfield, Whitewebbs, and Bush Hill Simon Allin, working together with Enfield world-class film and television venue and help stimulate the eco- Park golf courses were also flooded. Olivia Devereux-Evans, Council in opening Troubadour productions to the area, but also nomic regeneration of the borough Although some back gardens and Victoria Thompson, Meridian Water Studios. the skills academy will have an through the training academy and allotments were submerged, there Bill Linton, Lucy McGinn, “We strongly believe that this immediate positive and demon- a new media and arts hub. were no reports of flooded properties. Neil Littman, Glynis Vince, project will quickly become an strable local impact in an area “Not only that but the provision of For Turkey Brook, water levels were Monty Meth, integral part of the community in currently going through urban a skills academy will give Edmon- higher than they had been for seven Andrew Warshaw the heart of the council’s regen- and cultural regeneration. ton’s residents a way of entering years, while Salmons Brook recorded eration plans.” “We hope that these studios the film and TV industry, raising its highest level since February 2009. CONTACT Three purpose-built sound stages become a catalyst for employment aspirations and improving their Salmons Brook has a history of will be built as part of a first within the borough.” employability. This is genuinely a flooding but was subject to a major Call 020 8521 7956 phase of works, with a further The studios could create up to game-changing development for flood alleviation scheme in 2016, Email EnfieldDispatch@ two stages planned after stra- 450 permanent jobs once the Enfield and seriously good news when the Environment Agency spent socialspider.com tegic infrastructure works are facility is fully established. An esti- for the people who live here.” £15.3million on a series of interven- tions, including new embankments ADVERTISING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 3,500 staff had now received their across 42 surgeries in Enfield. In at Cheyne Walk Open Space. Contact Klaudia Kiss: first jab. While most vaccinations my view they are doing a great job.” A council spokesperson said: colleagues and staff at North Mid. are taking place at GP surgeries, At time of going to press at the “Several weeks of heavy and above Call 07732 000 430 We were able to scale up quickly North Mid will itself be running end of January, just under 500 average rainfall has led to many Email klaudia@ socialspider.com and make sure we had enough beds its own vaccination hub from the people from Enfield borough had of Enfield’s rivers reaching their and we felt very heartened that we Dugdale Centre in Enfield Town died within 28 days of testing highest levels for almost ten years. had done the preparation work. from the start of February. positive for Covid-19 since the “No properties were flooded during “Staff were trained and felt more Last month the Dispatch spoke start of the pandemic – one out this time, which is a measure of the comfortable treating patients – they to some elderly patients who had of every 670 residents. success of flood protection measures have been incredible, as have the received their second vaccination, Among those lost is Malinda Dis- delivered by the council and Envi- wonderful community in Enfield even though the government has sanayake, 51, an A&E doctor at ronment Agency in recent years, in supporting their local hospital.” advised GP surgeries to prioritise North Mid who died at the hospi- including the Salmons Brook Flood Enfield Dispatch is a member of IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor Vaccinations are now well first doses. Enfield Over 50s Forum tal on 16th January. A JustGiving Alleviation Scheme. Floodplains of The Press. For more information on the Dispatch’s complaints policy underway, having commenced president Monty Meth, aged 94, got page set up in his memory has including Cheyne Walk Open Space and how to make a complaint visit: in December, and Maria said his second jab in January and said: so far raised £17,000; donate at were submerged, but these help enfielddispatch.co.uk/complaints 3,000 out of the hospital trust’s “It is a hell of a job to get it out shorturl.at/bBJMX. store water away from properties.” Chamberlains Estates ChamberlainsResidential Sales & Lettings Estates Agents ChamberlainsResidential Sales & Lettings Estates Agents ChamberlainsChamberlainsChamberlainsResidential020 SalesEstates8366 & Lettings 3551 Estates Agents Estates 020 8366 3551Residential SalesResidentialResidential &020 Lettings020 Sales 83668366 SalesAgents & 3551Lettings &3551 Lettings Agents Agents 020 8366 3551 020 8366 3551 020 8366 3551 020 8366 3551 020 8366 3551 Free professional020 8366 video 3551 tours for all 020 8366 3551 020 8366 0203551 8366 3551 020 8366 3551 chamberlainsestates.com020 8366 3551 new Sales & Lettings instructions!

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of 37sqm. At Blackhorse Tower, the smallest flat will be 31sqm. Council blamed over failure “These schemes are about as bad as planning gets,” said Matt. “They are cramming people in. It’s been going to stop office conversions on for years. The council had a report done in February 2017 which said BY JAMES CRACKNELL there was a big problem – it warned office space was shrinking because of ffice buildings are still being permitted development and that an converted into blocks of flats Article 4 was needed – but the council under ‘permitted development’ didn’t do anything.” Orules despite Enfield Council previously Many London councils have introduced pledging to ban such schemes. Article 4 directions restricting office-to- A slew of new applications for office- residential conversions, including Barnet to-residential conversions have been in 2019, and Better Homes for Enfield made in the past few months as property itself launched a petition two years ago developers seek to take advantage of calling on Enfield to make the same move. existing rules allowing them to create Matt points out that the amount of office “rabbit hutch” flats without meeting space lost to residential conversions in minimum space standards – before this recent years is comparable to what the loophole is due to close in April. council is proposing to create at Meridian The permitted development rules Water. He added: “There’s been a lot of introduced by government in 2013 can-kicking going on. If the council had allow owners of offices to convert their just got on with it, Refuge House wouldn’t buildings into new homes without be being turned into tiny micro-flats.” submitting a full planning application. The council has issued a statement on It has led, in some cases, to new homes why its Article 4 direction had stalled. that fail to meet the usual minimum It said: “In Enfield, this [permitted standards for size and natural light. development] has resulted in the loss of Council leader Nesil Caliskan previously Offices at Refuge House in River Walk, Enfield Town, are being converted office space and inconsistent standards announced her intention to use an into 76 studio flats - some smaller than minimum space standards of accommodation. ‘Article 4 direction’ to remove permitted permitted development rights. rushing to get their schemes in before “We commissioned research on the development rights for office-to- Other schemes in the pipeline include the deadline – that’s what happened at threat to the local area and started work residential conversion – and the council Ross House in Windmill Hill, where Blackhorse Tower.” to prepare a new Article 4 direction. had been set to consult on such a move 24 flats are proposed, and Southgate Pressure began to mount on the council Government changes to planning last year. But because of other changes Office Village, where 74 homes to introduce an Article 4 direction in legislation which came into force from to ‘use class’ planning law, the council are now planned. early 2019 when plans were unveiled August 2020 mean the intended Article claims it is “no longer viable”. Matt Burn, from campaign group to convert Refuge House, a five-storey 4 is no longer viable. Several office conversions have been Better Homes for Enfield, told the office building just 150 metres away “We are now investigating alternative proposed since Cllr Caliskan made her Dispatch: “In April the rules are from Enfield Civic Centre, into 76 studio options for this important issue for original commitment in September changing so they will need to flats. After a protracted battle with the Enfield’s communities.” 2019, including at Blackhorse Tower meet minimum space standards. council, work began last year, with the The owners of Refuge House, Magic in , where 200 homes It means it will become less lucrative smallest flat there just 22 square metres Living Ltd, did not respond to requests were authorised last November under for developers, so now they are – well below the national space standard for comment. Boost for cycling after £1.5m government grant nfield Council has won a second The Active Travel Fund was launched in London] in our low-traffic neighbourhood, tranche of funding from the spring last year as a way to boost cycling school streets and Cycle Enfield schemes. government to develop ‘active travel’ and walking during the pandemic, with “We will continue to make the borough a Eschemes during the pandemic – more than people being advised to avoid using public cleaner, greener, safer place for residents.” ten times larger than its award last year. transport whenever possible. The first tranche of funding awarded to the A grant of £1.55million from the council last summer caused controversy when Department for Transport is set to be spent “We will continue to it came with an eight-week implementation on completing the last section of the Cycle deadline, leading the council to skip public Enfield A1010 scheme in , as make the borough a consultation prior to installing the Bowes well as on a brand new cycle route between cleaner, greener, safer Park Quieter Neighbourhood scheme. Ponders End and Enfield Town. This time, DfT has ditched that time The last part of the grant from the place for residents” constraint. A council spokesperson said: government’s Active Travel Fund will be “This is welcomed and will allow us to apply Cycleway 1 extends through most of Edmonton spent on installing a ‘bus gate’ and other Deputy leader Ian Barnes said on Twitter: our normal process of engagement with the but has yet to be completed in Ponders End new features within the council’s low- “Absolutely delighted that Enfield Council community before any implementation. the [newly proposed] Connaught Gardens traffic neighbourhood currently being has been awarded over £1.5m from the “The Bowes [Park] project will progress Quieter Neighbourhood. Also, early trialled in – itself funded government’s emergency Active Travel Fund in conjunction with Haringey Council community engagement on two new using the council’s previous £100,000 for further schemes to encourage walking and their own low-traffic neighbourhood quieter neighbourhood projects in Upper grant from the same fund last summer. and cycling across our borough, particularly plans, along with TfL Edmonton will begin later in the year.” Bus gates are designed to block all motor in these socially-distanced Covid times. “The council anticipates further funding For more information on the council’s low- traffic except buses, and the council is “This is a huge vote of confidence from from TfL at the start of the new financial traffic neighbourhoods programme: proposing to put one in Brownlow Road. both the government and TfL [Transport for year. This funding will be prioritised for Visit letstalk.enfield.gov.uk/neighbourhoods 5 COMMUNITY No.29 FEBRUARY 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH

ENFIELD COMMUNITY HEROES Sponsored by Edmonton Green Shopping Centre Volunteer who helped transform local park Carole Stanley led the revamp of a wildlife garden and organises regular litter picks voluntary gardening there and then I on more volunteers. Anybody who BY OLIVIA DEVEREUX-EVANS started to realise that there was nobody loves the park, we can find you a job arole Stanley has been co-chair with a vision for it. The aim was to that will suit your skills.” of Friends of Bush Hill Park make it somewhere where people Enfield Council’s new ‘blue and Cfor four years and in that time can have a bit of peace and quiet and green strategy’ aims to make Enfield has helped transform the park’s somewhere children could learn a bit the greenest borough in London, but previously rundown wildlife garden more about nature.” Carole said more help was needed into a haven for nature. The garden is for everyone who in future. “We are hoping they will Local residents have called the wishes to use it. It features educational treat us a strategic partner. It is left wildlife garden a “lifeline” for them activities for parents and children to to us to get on with it now [which during the coronavirus pandemic. do together. Each section of the garden is] a bit of a shame.” The garden is one of four parts of the has a sign with information to read. park the volunteers help maintain. It includes a bug hotel, ponds, and a For more information about Bush Hill It began as a neglected space which seating area. Park Wildlife Garden: was often subject to vandalism but, Carole said many people visiting the Facebook /groups/822661584539087 after numerous meetings, the idea to garden live in flats without outdoor Visit friendsofbushhillpark.org.uk transform the garden came to fruition. space and have praised the wildlife There were volunteers with learning garden as somewhere for them to Nominate your heroes difficulties from the charity One-to- enjoy nature. “It’s a place to take the Dispatch readers are welcome to nominate their own ‘Enfield One, schoolchildren from George Spicer children – they are very grateful.” Community Hero’ – someone who Primary School, and local residents Volunteering sessions are paused you think has gone above who volunteered with the friends during the current lockdown but will and beyond to help support the group. The pupils even drew pictures resume as soon as restrictions are lifted. local community. Simply email your of what the area could look like. The garden also relies on donations. nomination to EnfieldDispatch@ socialspider.com Carole Stanley organises litter picks around Bush Hill Park Carole said: “At first I was just doing Carole added: “We could always take

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discovered a newspaper that celebrated “all that’s good in the world” called The Donate a Spreading the joy Happy News. Set up via a crowdfunded campaign in 2015, the paper is full of cuppa Victoria Thompson wants Enfield schoolchildren colourful and inspiring messages. It didn’t take me long to sign up! Lucy McGinn from The to be inspired by positive news stories Unfortunately, for schools to get Nightingale Cancer this amazing newspaper for free, Victoria with the latest t’s not often that we are two people need to be signed up for Support Centre edition of The Happy News inundated with positive news a subscription. It could be a great stories. In fact, the news is usu- tool for them; I remember being des- ally dominated with negativity, perate to share positive news stories Ionly offering a sprinkling of little in morning registrations, but found uplifting gems here and there. them hard to source. This newspaper For young people, the last year has could not only help teachers but also been particularly difficult, and we provide positivity for young people. don’t really yet know the impact So, Dispatch readers, I am asking for Branded coffee mugs will be sent to the first 15 people who sign up to the campaign this has had on their long-term your help! I would love to be able to mental health and wellbeing. In the raise money to purchase this “little id you know that the aver- UK, schools are once again closed to bit of happiness” for each Enfield age British person drinks most students and have had to battle school library or learning resource D 676 cups of coffee per year? with the government, unions, worried centre, every quarter. I have now set Many of us who are working from and scared parents, teachers, not to up a fundraising page to achieve just home and not making our usual mention the kids themselves, while this! Please have a look and donate morning commutes are saving as staying positive and enthusiastic for as little or as much as you can and much as £300 a year on coffee alone. the young people in their care. share with as many people as possible. So why not donate the cost of one Having previously worked in edu- I know this doesn’t solve many of those coffees to The Nightingale cation for 14 years, as a secondary schools’ issues, especially financially, – and help beat Covid-19 loneliness? school teacher I know all too well how but generosity in small and many For the price of just one take-away hard it is to stay positive so the stu- forms can have greater outcomes. coffee per month we can provide a dents you are teaching are taught in cancer patient and their family with an encouraging environment. Teach- Support Victoria’s fundraiser: counselling or a friendly chat to Visit gofundme.com/f/zj25j8-a-little-bit-of- ers and young people need all the help happiness support them through their difficult

they can get and, although I’ve now Find out more about The Happy News: cancer journey and deal with the left the teaching profession, I truly Visit thehappynewspaper.com mental health effects made worse believe that our young are extremely Check out Victoria’s debut children’s picture by the pandemic. important and hugely underrated. book, ‘Guess What I Found in the Playground’: Our head of clients services, Fiona Visit troubador.co.uk/bookshop/picture-books/ At the beginning of last year, I guess-what-i-found-in-the-playground Connell, says that since the start of the pandemic she’s seen an increase in the number of clients needing one-to- one support. “Many are dealing with Making Enfield Fairtrade again a cancer diagnosis and the mental health effects of long-term isolation Bill Linton on how Enfield Fairtrade Campaign is caused by the pandemic,” Fiona says. “Over half of our clients have felt seeking to restore the borough’s former status panic, despair and hopelessness he last week of February and the lated in the UK by the Fairtrade Foundation, about their situation in the last first week of March each year are which sets five tough criteria for a Fairtrade year and we want to change that.” designated as Fairtrade Fortnight, community to meet, there are now hundreds Those undergoing cancer treat- when communities across the of such communities in the UK and worldwide. ment are classed as extremely vul- Tcountry attempt to shine a spotlight on The campaign to add Enfield to that number nerable to Covid-19. With more than Fairtrade products. started in early 2005 and reached fruition half of our clients shielding since Fairtrade goods are those for which a co- in September 2008, when we were declared the start of lockdown nearly a year operative of poor farmers somewhere in the a Fairtrade borough. Enfield’s success was ago, we have seen the lasting mental developing world have been paid a fair price; mirrored by London’s – the declaration of health effects that self-isolating can a price that permits the farmers and their London as the world’s largest Fairtrade city have. To battle this, at The Night- families to live a dignified existence with at came just days before ours. ingale we have regular telephone least the minimum of life’s necessities, and Since then the Enfield Faritrade campaign catch-ups with each and every one for their community to begin to develop. has faltered and our accreditation has sadly of our 300-plus clients – so they This year’s Fairtrade Fortnight runs from been lost. But now we are back in business know we’re always there for them. David Lowbridge from Fairtrade Foundation (left) presents a Monday 22nd February until Sunday 7th certificate declaring Enfield as a Fairtrade borough to then again with a dynamic steering group in We’ll be sending our branded mayor Lee Chamberlain (right) in 2008 - the borough has since March and the theme is ‘choose the world lost its official Fairtrade status (credit Keith Emmitt) charge and we will be particularly active mug or travel bamboo coffee cup you want’. That seems appropriate, as most Additionally, there is a small premium for during Fairtrade Fortnight – so look out for to the first 15 people who sign up of us want a world that is fair! community development, which the whole us and for the Fairtrade logo! to donate £5 per month. But no But how does Fairtrade work? For each community must decide democratically how Fairtrade communities aren’t confined to matter if you donate the cost of a commodity – such as tea, coffee or bananas to use – perhaps for a school or local health towns, cities and London boroughs. Your short, tall, grande or venti coffee – a Fairtrade price is set, sufficient for a dil- post. The whole process is minutely inspected school or place of worship can be one too; the with us, all donations make a huge igent small farmer to make a decent living. to ensure there’s no cheating either by farmers main thing is to make a point of including and drastic difference to the lives The farmers get the market price or the or by companies labelling produce as Fairtrade. Fairtrade in your weekly shop, or when you of those affected by cancer. Fairtrade price, whichever is higher. This Garstang in Lancashire declared itself the buy a cup of coffee. Support the ‘share a coffee’ campaign: frees farmers from the whims of the New world’s first official Fairtrade town in April Get involved with Enfield Fairtrade Campaign: Visit nightingalesupport.org.uk/share- York or London stock markets. 2000, and the idea quickly caught on. Regu- Visit fairtradeenfield.btck.co.uk/news a-coffee 7 HISTORY No.29 FEBRUARY 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH

Erich Honecker’s East Berlin. The solutions of the past, however How past redevelopment well intentioned, quickly became the problems of the present. Redevelopment has stopped and started several times and shaped Edmonton’s present the worry is that simply replacing tower blocks with new ones, even if they are more contemporary in design, does not Neil Littman takes a look at how past development resolve the issues of the 1960s and 70s. Another major issue, still evident now, schemes have influenced the Edmonton of today is the loss of identity for the borough of Edmonton. This has been an issue since 1965 when it became absorbed, together with Southgate, into the modern Enfield borough we know today. Although similar mergers were going on all over London, the later demolition of the historic Edmonton Town Hall building in 1989 – to be replaced by Asda – confirmed fears that the area would eventually lose its individuality. Looking ahead, Enfield Council recently published a development plan for the next two years entitled A Lifetime of Opportunities. Leader Nesil Caliskan said it will launch “the most ambitious council-led house- building programme in the history of the borough”. Future plans commit the council to “directly deliver or acquire 3,500 new council-owned homes over the next ten years” as well as making new employment opportunities for young people. The key to all these potential achievements is having the financial resources to implement them. While it is impossible to ignore the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and how its longer-lasting effects on the community could set back social change, hopefully the next budget from the council Edmonton Town Hall stood for will reassure the residents of Edmonton more than a century before being that their future is a positive one. knocked down and replaced by Advertisement an Asda supermarket

uch has already been not benefit from a direct route into tower blocks, centred mainly around LICENSING ACT 2003 written about the central London until 1872, when the lines Edmonton Green. But this investment also Notice of Application for sharpening divide from Liverpool Street were extended into resulted in the obliteration of Edmonton’s a New Premises Licence between the east and this part of North London. historic town centre, demolishing cottages west of Enfield borough, but I want with back gardens to make space for Notice is hereby given that Ledi Cafe Ltd has applied to the Licensing M Authority of London Borough of Enfield for a Variation of Premises to focus specifically on Edmonton high-rise developments. These tower Licence to permit: and the events that shaped it. blocks brought with them a series of Sale of alcohol “It created Monday to Friday, 08:00–22:30 Enfield Council today is facing social issues and, combined with the new Christmas Eve, 08:00–23:30 the same challenges that have been a confusing, shopping parades, created a confusing, New Years Eve, 08:00–24:00 Provision of late night refreshment around for well over a century. disharmonious urban jungle landscape Christmas Eve, 23:00–23:30 These challenges were clearly spelled disharmonious that remains today. One of the few historic New Years Eve, 23:00–24:00 Playing of recorded music out by the Enfield Poverty and Inequality features that survived was The Crescent, Christmas Eve, 23:00–24:00 Commission, which published its urban jungle in Hertford Road, and it now acts as a New Years Eve, 23:00–00:30 New Years Day findings one year ago and was covered reminder of what Edmonton once was. For the premises Ledi Cafe situated at 1 Savoy Parade Southbury Road Enfield EN1 1RT by the Dispatch at the time. landscape that The Angel Road and Silver Street areas, The public register where applications are available to be viewed Annual surveys of London boroughs meanwhile, also endured change at this by members of the public can be accessed online by visiting remains today” https://new.enfield.gov.uk/services/business-and licensing/ show that Enfield compared favourably time – the development of the North and following the link to the Licensing Register. Email licensing@ enfield.gov.uk to request a copy of the application within 28 days with neighbouring Barnet in 2015, but Circular led to slum clearances. One of the from the date of this notice. Any person wishing to submit relevant representations concerning this application must give notice by that the gap has since widened in three Fore Street at that time still consisted results was that the gentry that had lived emailing [email protected], giving in detail the grounds of areas; employment, average weekly of a mix of 18th and 19th Century in the area since it was a rural Middlesex the representation no later than: 19/02/2021 Representations received by post will not be accepted during the earnings, and home building. These are terraced houses, interspersed with grand village fled Edmonton and never came back. Covid-19 emergency period. also the same issues that affected the merchants’ residences and their walled In 1974, Edmonton Green was relaunched The Council will not entertain representations where the writer requests that his identity remains anonymous. Copies of all representations way the borough developed and grew gardens. Things largely stayed this with optimistic fanfare, boasting “North will be included in the papers presented to the Licensing Authorities Sub Committee and will therefore pass into the public domain. in its early days. way until the 1950s, when the former London’s newest and most exciting Representations must relate to one or more of the four Licensing Objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the In 1850, the borough as we know it Municipal Borough of Edmonton carried shopping centre”. But it was only two prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm. today was actually three separate districts; out a series of ambitious comprehensive decades later, in 1995, when further mass It is an offence, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application Enfield, Southgate and Edmonton. development schemes and, within ten demolition took place and the area was for a premises licence. A person guilty of an offence is liable on summary Despite the growth of the railways during years, left little of the original dwellings. revamped yet again, this time drawing conviction to a fine not exceeding level five on the standard scale. Dated: 22 January 2021 the early Victorian period, Edmonton did In the 1960s the council built a number comments comparing the development to 8 No.29 FEBRUARY 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH

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www.haringey6.ac.uk #MoreThanACollege 9 COMMENT No.29 FEBRUARY 2021 LETTERS Send us your letters Got an opinion on something in Enfield? We accept letters of up to 150 words from people and organisations in the borough. Email EnfieldDispatch@ socialspider.com before the next deadline on Tuesday 16th February.

farming heritage in Enfield; com- Strategic munity involvement, exacerbated by a limited online consultation; and approach targeted interventions to address the identified health inequalities Dear Enfield Dispatch between east and west. The working group that reported ndy Young writes opposing on EnCaf’s behalf concluded that low-traffic neighbourhoods the strategy has strengths in pro- A (LTNs) on behalf of the oth- viding for cycling, water and flood erwise secretive ‘One Community’ management, and climate-friendly group (Divided, Page 9, Issue 28). transport. It’s ambitious, with The “tokenistic schemes” being laudable goals and intentions. criticised span the UK, are govern- Nevertheless, the working group ment funded, and are increasing in also felt that some of the benefits number, while locally they reflect anticipated for the draft strategy the implementation of London’s were over-inflated and that the transport strategy; an approach priorities identified do not fully long since developed, in public, in address the recognised weaknesses answer to adverse strategic trends. and threats, particularly regarding One Community suggest these the impact on health inequalities schemes will hinder drivers such and carbon emissions. as the elderly, disabled, busy fam- We hope Enfield Council responds ilies and others going about their constructively. day-to-day business. It neglects to mention that one third of our bor- Vicki Pite Enfield Climate Action ough’s households have no access Forum (EnCaf) to a car, thus having always faced Cllr Vince was elected to represent Highlands ward in such matters. 2014, having previously represented Grange since 1994 In campaigning against fore- casted short-term LTN impacts, Cancel rather than addressing underly- ing transport challenges, while the cut Hitting the Highlands ignoring a substantial portion of the borough’s population, One Dear Enfield Dispatch In our latest councillor’s column, Highlands ward Community risks being seen as no am calling on the government more than a self-serving segment, to urgently cancel their plans member Glynis Vince discusses the issues faced by considering today at the expense to slash Universal Credit by of tomorrow, looking to embed a I more than £1,000 per year in residents and her hopes for ending the pandemic particular lifestyle choice irrespec- April – a move that would affect tive of its implications. have been a councillor in I and my two ward colleagues together to work for the most thousands of families in Enfield Enfield for 26 years and work closely with Western vulnerable during this difficult Karl Brown North. Under current government during that time I have Enfield Residents’ Association, time, and it is also good to see plans, 13,495 people in Enfield Iseen many changes – sadly, not which represents people living that the most at-risk groups of North who claim Universal Credit all for the better. in Highlands ward, and I reg- residents are now being vacci- will see their income slashed by Highlands ward is having more ularly attend CAPE meetings nated. Hopefully all adults will £20 a week as cuts come into planning issues at the moment (Community Action Partnership be offered their vaccine within a Missed effect in April. than I have seen for some in Enfield) with local residents few months – it’s important that Families across Enfield North have considerable time, with con- and Met Police officers. when you are contacted by the chances had to make so many sacrifices troversial developments being One of my main interests on NHS that you please make sure over the past year, and Universal submitted at Chase Farm Hos- the council is providing support you take the vaccination. Dear Enfield Dispatch Credit has been a crucial lifeline pital, Windmill Hill and Royal for vulnerable children and for This is our route out of the pan- read the recent article on Enfield for many households. But instead Chace Hotel in The Ridgeway. the last nine years I have sat demic. There is now light at the Council’s draft ‘blue and green of providing support for low-in- Residents are concerned about on the fostering panel, which end of the tunnel and, if every- I strategy’ with great interest. come families, Conservative MPs any developments being pro- is one of the most worthwhile one keeps to the rules of staying EnCaf (Enfield Climate Action are instead choosing to push them posed on the Green Belt – such and satisfying roles I have ever home and following the rules, Forum) is a local organisation of 100- further into hardship by cutting as the one previously mooted had. Fostering makes so much Enfield and the country can get plus affiliated community groups this lifeline by £20 a week. for the open space in Enfield difference to the young people back to normal later this year. and took part in the consultation It is unthinkable that the govern- Road – as well the high-rise involved and our excellent foster Please take care of yourselves – you can read our response at encaf. ment is choosing to slash Universal development now planned for carers are doing an amazing job. and continue to stay safe. org/working-groups. To summarise, Credit as this most critical point Enfield Town, which would During the first lockdown, overall the strategy is an important of the pandemic. I will continue take away from the character when the pandemic began last Glynis Vince is one of three development which will drive our to stand up for struggling families councillors representing Highlands across Enfield North, and call on of the historic town centre. year, I spent a large amount of ward, along with Joanne Laban and environmental infrastructure for a There is also concern from res- time calling residents who were Lee David-Sanders (all Conservative). lifetime, so we welcome a great deal Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak to idents over a lack of planning shielding, as I was myself. It was Ward surgeries are not being held at of the content. However, we have cancel the cut. the current time. enforcement action being taken very worthwhile. The local com- Call 020 8379 2589 specific concerns about the lack Feryal Clark by Enfield Council. munity and the council has come Email [email protected] of proposals to capitalise on our Enfield North MP (Labour) 10 HEALTH No.29 FEBRUARY 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH Tackling the wider impact of Covid-19 Monty Meth from Enfield Over 50s Forum on a new project to help address the fallout from the pandemic he coronavirus pan- tackle loneliness and help bring grant, I wondered what the govern- demic is causing not people back into the community. ment was doing at a local level to only record death rates The forum will be battling on three help prevent this deterioration in and pressure on our fronts to involve people aged 65 people’s health. There have been hospitals,T but also unprecedented and over living alone; low-income three ministers for loneliness since demands on Enfield GPs tackling pensioners over 75 without a free the first was appointed in April the fallout from Covid-19 among TV licence; and lastly people over 2018 and the current post holder, older people – loneliness, depres- 50 seeking help with their CV to Baroness Diana Barran, a former sion, isolation, stress and anxiety. find work, or anyone needing help investment banker, has managed I’ve spoken to one local GP about in applying for Universal Credit. to find a trifling £5million to tackle this, who told me: “In the third We are hoping that Dispatch read- loneliness since July 2019. It is lockdown we are seeing more ers, with their special links in the being shared among nine organi- older people than ever before and community, will spread news of sations – one of them the wealthy having more and more mental these initiatives so that people special lockdown display will go munity members, and we’ll also be English Football League. health consultations, resulting feel there is no need to be old and on public view in June, or when inviting residents from 24 Enfield So it is largely being left to vol- from increased social isolation. lonely in Enfield. Our membership the good times return.” care homes to participate.” untary sector organisations like Patients with a mix of financial secretary Jan Oliver, who applied To help combat loneliness, the The forum will be encouraging Enfield Over 50s Forum to grapple problems and increased depriva- for the lottery grant, is planning forum will also launch a telephone more low-income pensioners aged with the mental health outcomes tion are of particular concern. a unique public display of artistic friendship group, provide mobile over 75 to apply for a free TV from coronavirus. In a separate “We are also seeing elderly items created at home by older phones to our most vulnerable licence. Jan adds: “With 1.3 million project, forum volunteers and patients with significant digital isolated people around the themes members, enabling them to have pensioners aged over 75 still not a professional job coach will be isolation, not being able to contact of hope and despair. These can be safe contact while chatting with applying for the pension credit enti- offering remote support to resi- their GP practices, the NHS and poems, a song, painting or photo- self-isolating friends. tlement to a free TV licence – at dents aged over 50 who are seek- other services, and this is both caus- graph, a video, woodwork, knit- Jan explains: “We shall ensure least 400 of them Enfield residents ing employment. ing and adding to their depression.” ting, a cake, or anything else you that those most at risk from iso- – the forum sees this as another Fortunately, Enfield Over 50s can think of. lation are involved – people living campaign helping to reduce lone- For more information about any of the above projects: Forum has recently won a £9,600 “It doesn’t have to be a master- alone over the age of 65, black, liness among older people.” Call 020 8807 2076 (Mon-Thurs, 10am–2pm) National Lottery grant to help piece,” says Jan. “Hopefully this Asian and minority ethnic com- When we applied for the lottery Visit enfieldover50sforum.org.uk Advertisement

The North London Waste Authority household recycling direct to the 2021 marks major manages the waste produced EcoPark for the first time ever by two million north London l A Resource Recovery Facility with milestone with residents, including the London capacity to recycle 135,000 tonnes Borough of Enfield. of materials every year Construction is now under way on new, l A visitor and education centre called construction modern recycling facilities as part of EcoPark House, where you will be the North London Heat and Power able to learn more about waste starting on new Project. The facilities will help boost management and recycling. recycling rates in north London and continue diverting waste from landfill. We are creating local recycling facilities When completed they will bring new apprenticeships and training benefits to the community including: opportunities, with eight Enfield in Edmonton l A Reuse and Recycling Centre residents already on apprentice where you’ll be able to bring programmes in the project.

Find out more on the North London Heat and Power Project website at northlondonheatandpower.london

Indicative image of Edmonton EcoPark from across the North Circular Road 11 NEWS No.29 FEBRUARY 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH Tube car park flats plan rejected Mayor of London will have final say on proposal “All TfL buses are accessible. TfL also offers help and support to those who most need it, through assisted travel programmes, its travelling mentoring services, door- to-door travel services, and its support for visually impaired travellers and those with hidden disabilities.” But the plans were sharply criticised by several committee members. Conservative member Maria Alexandrou claimed there was a lack of larger, family-sized units, with only 14 homes containing three bedrooms and the rest either one or two-bed flats. Labour’s Hass Yusuf also said the fact that the affordable homes were situated all in the same block amounted to “segregation”. Kate Anolue, another Labour member, said most Edmonton residents would be unable to afford the flats, meaning they were “not addressing the issues in our borough”. And Derek Levy, who was substituting on the committee as a member of Community First, described it as the worst application he had ever voted on. Eleven out of twelve committee members How the Arnos Grove development would look if built voted against planning officers’ recommen- BY SIMON ALLIN, nents claimed they would have a negative to ensure they are genuinely accessible to dations to approve permission, with only LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER impact on elderly people and those with those on low and middle incomes, including chairperson Sinan Boztas abstaining. All mobility issues who do not own a blue badge. key workers and local employees.” members then voted to refuse the scheme. plan to build flats on the car Speaking at the meeting, Peter Gibbs, vice Lee Campbell, senior property develop- Because it is a major application, the plans parks at Arnos Grove Station has president of the Federation of Enfield Resi- ment manager at TfL, refuted claims that have been referred to Mayor of London A been resoundingly rejected in a dents and Allied Associations, warned of the building on the car parks would make Sadiq Khan – who is also the chair of TfL – setback for Transport for London’s (TfL) impact of losing the car parks on “mums Arnos Grove Station less accessible for to decide whether to confirm or overturn housing programme. with kids and buggies, shift workers, unso- those with extra mobility needs. He said: the committee’s decision. Councillors threw out plans to build cial hour workers, health workers travelling blocks up to seven storeys high at the with equipment, visually impaired persons, Advertisement Grade 2-listed station, following a planning women, pregnant mums and so on”. LOOK HIM IN THE EYES committee debate last month that lasted He added: “Beyond that, there are trades- nearly four hours. men, commuters and key service workers Planning chiefs at Enfield Council had – not just now, but in the future as well. recommended the 162-home “build to rent” It is a very large community, and they are scheme for approval, claiming the propos- all dismissed by this report.” als “align with relevant local, regional and The scheme was also criticised over national policy”. the affordability of the planned homes. But the committee disagreed after hear- Although 39.5% were classed as ‘afford- LOOK HIM IN THE EYES ing objections from residents, councillors able’, opponents argued most of the flats and Conservative MP Theresa Villiers, who would be out of reach of the majority of represents neighbouring Chipping Barnet Enfield residents. and criticised the housing mix, impact on Southgate Green councillor Daniel Ander- the station building, and loss of 292 park- son, within whose ward the station sits, ing spaces. Two petitions with more than objected to the scheme as a ward councillor AND TELL HIM 3,000 signatories were also submitted in and told the committee only 19 units would objection to the scheme. be at London Living Rent levels, meaning The decision is a setback for TfL’s wider less than 12% of the homes would be “gen- THE RISK ISN’T REAL. plans to develop several tube station car uinely affordable to local residents”. Tony Covid-19 patient parks across suburban North London, He added: “The other 45 affordable homes including at Cockfosters, High Barnet and will only be affordable to those on annual Finchley Central – all of which are larger incomes of between £50,000 and £60,000, schemes than the one rejected this week. and there are no homes at social rent levels.” AND TELL HIM During the meeting, planning officer Alli- TfL and its developer, Grainger, defended the Around 1 in 3 people who have Covid-19 have no symptoms son De Marco said a survey showed 98.8% of scheme. Rebecca Crow, associate director at THEand RISKare spreading it without ISN’T knowing. Are you REAL. absolutely car park users could use alternative modes Grainger, said the flats would provide an option positive you’re not one of them? Only go out if essential. of transport, as they lived close to bus routes for “Enfield’s growing population of renters”. Sticking toTony the Covid-19 rules stopspatient the spread. and other railway stations, or within walk- Rebecca claimed 40% of the homes would ing and cycling distance of Arnos Grove. be “genuinely affordable” and added: But although the plans included eleven “Affordability has been considered alongside parking bays for blue badge holders, oppo- information on local household incomes Around 1 in 3 people who have Covid-19 have no symptoms and are spreading it without knowing. Are you absolutely positive you’re not one of them? Only go out if essential. Sticking to the rules stops the spread. 12 ARTS & CULTURE No.29 FEBRUARY 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH

a love song about falling for someone who you know tells lies. Time to get political “There is an irony to the album as well. It is called Communion because the dictionary definition of the word is ‘communicating The ‘Asperger Artist’ is releasing a new album intimate thoughts and ideas’ – but with the lockdown, being able to commune with inspired by the seismic global events of the last year others is something quite difficult to do.” As well as a creative outlet, Patrick uses last year, from the bushfires in Australia to the both painting and music to manage his pandemic, Black Lives Matter and Trump, it mental health and cope with his emotions. created a lot of anxiety, anger and frustration, “When I am frustrated I write, I record, or I but I was able to put it all into my music. paint. I felt with the last album I said enough “Up until then I was writing music about about my autism and this time I wanted to my autism and how trauma has affected tackle these other ideas. me, but I started looking at everything “I felt it was the best way to deal with it, going on globally and tried to put myself in rather than going online, on social media, other people’s shoes, experiencing it from a where people go around in circles arguing different perspective and channelling that with each other.” through my music.” Being cooped up indoors for most of the Unlike Patrick’s previous efforts, the album last year also gave Patrick plenty of time to is overtly political, opening with the des- get creative with making music videos in perate cries of “I can’t breathe” that rallied his own home, with the help of close friend Palmers Green artist and musician people against racist police violence last Uwe Nietzold. These are now being uploaded Patrick Samuel has channelled his thoughts and frustrations from the last summer. He explains: “The album opens to YouTube. year into his new album, ‘Communion’ with a song about not being able tolerate Written and performed by Patrick, BY JAMES CRACKNELL exhibitions at the Dugdale Centre. But Patrick fascism, and that is a theme that continues and produced by Uwe, Communion is decided early on in the pandemic that music all the way through. being released on Friday 5th February via ow can we try to make sense of would be his primary focus, writing songs to “There is another song called White America Tiergarten Records, a label run by and for the events of the last year, and the deal with his frustrations of the seismic events which is a frightening title but it is saying things neuro-diverse artists. emotions that arise from them? going on around him, beyond his control. need to change and we can’t go on like this. Order a copy of ‘Communion’ and check out H Patrick’s music videos: Patrick Samuel from Palmers Green – also Now, he is ready to launch his third full- “There is optimism sprinkled throughout, Visit patricksamuel.bandcamp.com known as the ‘Asperger Artist’ – is both a painter length album, Communion. Patrick told the Dis- but there is a lot of heavy stuff all around Visit tiergartenrecords.com/patrick-samuel-communion and musician, known locally for his popular patch: “With everything that was happening it. There are a couple of ballads, including YouTube /user/staticmass

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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ARRANGE A VISIT AT OUR SHOW SUITE: Call: 020 8175 5100 I Email: [email protected] www.oaklandcare.com/our-homes/elsyng-house 1 I Enfield EN2 9HT 13 ARTS & CULTURE No.29 FEBRUARY 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH Portraits from a pandemic A new photography book tells the stories of people from across Enfield as they live through lockdown lockdown, but soon she found her- their worries, reaching out to help Elli and Theodore from Grange Park are among scores of families photographed by self hopping on her bike to meet each other. Personally I felt bereft at Katrina Campbell and featured in her new people in , Palmers not being able to work, and wanted book, ‘When We All Stayed At Home’ Green, Southgate and other parts to capture this unusual time – the of Enfield borough. The images challenging circumstances every- and the accompanying stories one faced, as well as the buoyant were shared on Instagram at first, mood and sense of community.” before the opportunity arose to put The range of people Katrina met them all together in a book, When during this project were incredibly We All Stayed At Home. diverse. There was a furloughed taxi driver, a family of Iranian “I was struck by refugees, a yoga teacher using Zoom to run classes, an architect the many and working from home, a vicar of a varied stories local church, a nurse from North Middlesex Hospital, foodbank vol- from all the unteers, people who were sewing people I spoke to” NHS gowns, and families who had lost loved ones, to name a few. “The idea came to me right at Katrina adds: “In the first cou- the start of lockdown,” Katrina ple of months there was a real explains. “I was struck by the sense of togetherness, of a shared many and varied stories from all experience. I asked local people if the people I spoke to. they would let me photograph and “Not only was a deadly virus interview them and was surprised BY JAMES CRACKNELL erness and community spirit, with looking for other things with which overwhelming the country, it was by the huge response, especially by neighbours reaching out to support to occupy her time. She decided apparent that behind every front people’s willingness to share how hile we are enduring vulnerable people, everyone tak- to try and capture the collective door, there were so many everyday they were really feeling. a third national lock- ing part in the ‘clap for carers’ on mood of her local neighbourhood lives unravelling; postponed exams, “The need to hear about other peo- Wdown, it’s an apposite Thursday nights, and the idea of of Grange Park, and began photo- delayed medical treatment, chil- ple’s experiences and share their own time to reflect and think back to staying at home for nearly 24 hours graphing people on their own door- dren struggling to study at home, stories was clearly very important.” how we were feeling in March a day was still a novel concept. steps, capturing little snippets of loss of income, to name a few. 2020 when the pandemic first Like many others, portrait photog- personal stories as she went along. “Yet at the same time there was ‘When We All Stayed At Home’ is self- published and can be bought online: closed in around us. rapher Katrina Campbell suddenly It began with Katrina’s own a heightened sense of connection, Visit katrinacampbell.co.uk/galleries/ There was a strong sense of togeth- found herself out of work, and was street, in the first week of the first people were talking more, sharing when-we-all-stayed-at-home

Singer songwriter’s “The song has debut single an underlying, n Enfield singer has released her debut single, Some Days. hopeful message” A Caitriona Burke is a former George Spicer Primary School and St Anne’s and Woodhouse College pupil who has spent the last few years running Crouch End Studios. But after watching countless other artists recording and releasing music and curating a music blog, Caitríona is finally ready to release her own music. “I actually wrote the chorus to this one quite a few years ago while in sixth form college,” said Caitriona. “I had a bit of a stumble right before that in my personal life, and after a bit of soul-searching I realised that I need to learn to give myself permission to take time out for myself. “I guess the song is a take on the ‘it’s okay not to be okay’ slogan, but with an underlying, hopeful message that it’s better to be getting better.” Caitriona’s style is compared to Kate Bush, Lisa Loeb and Taylor Swift, among many others, and she is described as having “gentle, melancholic vocals with narrative, emotive lyrics”. All proceeds from Caitriona’s single are going to Beder, a Caitriona is a former St mental health charity that she says is “close to my heart”. Anne’s and Woodhouse College pupil Check out Caitriona’s music and listen to ‘Some Days’: Instagram @caitrionamusic Visit caitrionamusic.com 14 NEWS No.29 FEBRUARY 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH

AROUND THE BOROUGH

GORDON HILL Justice for James New supermarket

TWO TEENAGERS HAVE BEEN years’ imprisonment. The youth different groups. He was arrested BY SIMON ALLIN, LOCAL planning committee. Council- jailed over the violent death of cannot be named for legal reasons. on 1st November 2019 and charged DEMOCRACY REPORTER lor Anne Brown said: “There is James Amadu in October 2019 During the case in October last with murder. no similar facility within easy – one for murder and another year, the court heard how James James was a father of a young ALDI HAS BEEN GRANTED reach of the site, and the range of for manslaughter. had been stabbed by Mapeza fol- daughter and had recently launched permission to open a new supermar- products to be offered would be Nineteen-year-old Romeo Mapeza, lowing a confrontation near a block a clothing business at the time of ket on the site of a former DIY store. very welcome to local residents of Watermill Lane in Edmonton, of flats in Blossom Lane. Police had his death. Detective Chief Inspector Councillors approved the dis- – in many cases, it will avoid the was found guilty of murder, vio- been called just after 1pm on 31st Laurence Smith said: “This was a count retailer’s plans to convert need for lengthy journeys by car lent disorder and possession of an October 2019 to reports of a stab- piece of appalling violence on a the former Homebase in Station or public transport to obtain offensive weapon in his trial last bing but did not find any victim quiet Thursday afternoon that Road into two separate premises. day-to-day items.” year and was sentenced at the Old when they arrived. A short time brought terror to local residents. Aldi will move into one of the The plans were unanimously Bailey last month. He received life later, James arrived by himself at a “The participants didn’t care units, while the other will become approved on a temporary basis, imprisonment with a minimum local hospital, but died at 2.21pm who was nearby and sadly this a B&M Home Store outlet. as the site is part of an area term of 20 years. from a single stab wound. shocking violence led to the death The application was given a expected to undergo large-scale Another teenager, a boy from Officers were able to determine of James Amadu. warm welcome by local coun- residential development in five Enfield aged 16, was found guilty that Mapeza had stabbed James “I would like to thank those who cillors on Enfield Council’s years time. of manslaughter and violent disor- following a “shocking and fast came forward to assist the police der and has been sentenced to five paced” violent dispute between in this investigation.” ENFIELD TOWN Park award BY OLIVIA DEVEREUX-EVANS The council connected Enfield Town Park’s 1930s boating lake ENFIELD TOWN PARK’S NEW to a new flood storage area. wetland scheme has scooped a A LocalGov spokesperson said: prestigious award. “Our judges were overwhelmed Enfield Council’s work on reju- by the quality of the scheme and venating the park won it the 2020 awarded it the highest possible Street Design Award for Urban score for sustainability, achieving Green Space from news website its original objectives and use of LocalGov, which commends “inno- materials. It also scored highly vation and effective approaches to for design quality, environmental local borough renewal schemes”. impact and value for money.”

BOTANY BAY Woodland boost Murdered dad James Amadu pictured with his young daughter A PROJECT TO PLANT 100,000 to plant 100,000 trees over a trees has been granted more than stretch of council-owned land half-a-million pounds as one of beside Salmons Brook. The the first environmental schemes money from the Green Recov- chosen to benefit from a new gov- ery Challenge Fund will also Motorway junction upgrade ernment fund. contribute to at least 20 small WORK HAS STARTED ON AN cost between £25million and £50m also increase capacity and help to Restoration Proj- ponds and wetlands to improve “essential” major upgrade of junc- and is due to finish in summer 2022. boost the economy.” ect, run jointly by charity Thames wildlife habitats and reduce tion 25 of the M25 – in an effort During construction, motorists Research by Highways England 21 and Enfield Council, is receiv- flooding, while the council’s to cut congestion at the notorious are being urged to avoid the junc- showed that if improvements to ing £679,000 from the Green public health team will offer traffic hotspot. tion whenever possible. Highways the junction weren’t carried out, by Recovery Challenge Fund, which “nature prescribing” to deliver Several parts of the junction will be England project manager Indy 2037 journey times could be dou- has set aside £80m for ecological health and social benefits. widened and reconfigured, includ- Grewal said: “Improving this junc- bled and average speeds reduced investment around the UK. Thames21 boss Debbie Leach ing slip roads, while new crossings tion will mean better journeys by up to 30%. The project launched last said: “We’re inspired by the scale

for cyclists and pedestrians will also for the 6,300 drivers who use it For more information: year with a tree-planting event and ambition of this partnership be built. The work is estimated to every hour at peak times; it will Visit highwaysengland.co.uk/m25j25 near Botany Bay Farm and aims initiative with Enfield Council.” 15 SPORT No.29 FEBRUARY 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH Into the null and void Andrew Warshaw on why Enfield Town are backing another curtailed season

nfield Town FC’s members have voted Enfield Town fans could “There has been no clarity on government overwhelmingly to accept a board rec- have to wait several funding to step three clubs [such as Enfield months before watching ommendation to declare the season their team take to the Town]. We believe the vast majority of the E‘null and void’. field once again money talked about will come in the form The vote came in response to a question- of loans, so whatever we can take we’d have naire from the Isthmian League, with club to pay back. chair Paul Reed warning of the financial “There are no assurances of promotion consequences of trying to play on without and relegation either, so what would we fans through the turnstiles or any second- be playing for?” ary income such as bar sales. On a brighter note, Paul praised fans Since the start of the second national for their generosity and understanding lockdown back in November, the Towners during the toughest period in the club’s have been able to fulfil just one solitary recent history. fixture – the fateful FA Trophy defeat “By far the biggest positive of the last 12 against Maldon & Tiptree in December – months has been our people; the financial with a number of Town players instead support from our members, the work from moving a division higher to play in the our volunteers, in really trying conditions.” second step of the non-league pyramid, month: “No-one wants to watch games more period, we could minimise losses by further The meeting also saw the election to the where games are still permitted. than I do, but this is the situation we find cutting the budget next season, but that could board of this correspondent, as a numeri- Enfield were third in the Isthmian Premier ourselves in as a board. It’s not a position any potentially mean failing to compete in the cal replacement for the outgoing Ken Bra- Division when the league campaign ground of us want to be in. way we would like.” zier, who received a well-deserved accolade to a halt in November and, although the “We have to balance the short-term desire Paul’s comments drew widespread support for his tireless dedication over the past option of a mini-season starting in March of all of us to play football versus the lon- from those attending the meeting via Zoom, seven years. was still on the table at time of going to ger-term financial stability. Trying to play with 94% backing the decision to bring an As a passionate fan, I decided to put my press, the more likely outcome remains a now and force the issue with not as much early end to the season. own name forward in order to help maintain second successive voided campaign. It has income means we run the risk of not having Paul continued: “We’ve had to face a whole the club’s standing in the community, widen left the club’s board feeling frustrated, dis- sufficient funds to put together a competitive new world of operations and finances that we its appeal as the country’s first supporter- appointed and realistic in equal measure. side next season. didn’t even know existed 12 months ago. We owned club, and enhance its exposure on Paul told a well-attended virtual AGM last “If were forced to play within a condensed have seen our secondary income heavily reduced. and off the field – in whatever way I can.

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