ENFIELD DISPATCH No.36 THE BOROUGH’S FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SEP 2021 COMMENT Residents urge council to stop using for large events P . 8 INVESTIGATION Cramped, damp and dangerous: the reality of temporary housing P . 11 HEALTH Impact of the pandemic at North Mid ‘will be felt for years’ P . 14

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WWE wrestlers invaded Enfield Town FC’s QE2 Stadium after hall-of-famer Triple H announced a shock sponsorship deal between the club and WWE’s British brand, NXT UK. WWE’s UK Performance Center opened in Enfield two years ago and Triple H said: “Enfield has played a big part in NXT UK and that is why I’m pleased to announce a first-of-its-kind partnership between NXT UK and Enfield Town FC in celebration of their 20th anniversary.” - read more on Page 19 Credit WWE enfielddispatch.co.uk

enfielddispatch@ Last-ditch bid to stop incinerator socialspider.com The letter warns they “do not slash carbon emissions by 215,000 of dioxins, NOx [nitrogen oxides] BY SIMON ALLIN, LOCAL believe the decision to proceed tonnes per year compared to the and particulate matter which have DEMOCRACY REPORTER @EnfieldDispatch has been made with Enfield current incinerator. proven to be damaging to health”. ampaign groups and residents’ best interests as a But in their letter to the council’s Because there are six other bor- residents have written to priority” and asks how the council is chief executive, Enfield campaigners oughs involved in the project, @EnfieldDispatch Enfield Council express- sourcing independent information dispute some of NLWA’s environmen- Enfield Council could not unilat- ing “strong opposition” and applying adequate scrutiny to tal claims. The letter cites research erally make a decision regarding Cto plans for a new waste incinera- the project and its governing body, claiming the new incinerator will the future of the new incinerator. /EnfieldDispatch tor in Edmonton and calling for a North Waste Authority emit 700,000 tonnes of carbon A spokesperson for NLWA pointed review of the controversial scheme. (NLWA), which covers seven bor- dioxide a year – far higher than the out that new recycling facilities Opponents of the £1.2billion North oughs. It also asks whether there 28,000 tonnes claimed by NLWA. were also being built at Edmonton London Heat and Power Project are financial incentives in place Preparatory work on the site for Eco Park and said: “NLHPP is a vital (NLHPP) – the official name for the that mean Enfield Council stands the new incinerator at Edmonton asset for North London. It is provid- incinerator development – wrote to benefit if the project goes ahead. Eco Park has recently finished and ing new flagship facilities to sup- to the council’s chief executive The letter adds: “We are con- a tendering process is now taking port our aim to increase recycling accusing the authority’s leadership fident that some independent place for its construction. NLWA and will perform an essential ser- of routinely ignoring “compelling” research will lead you to the same has not denied reports that only one vice by disposing of non-recyclable evidence against the scheme. conclusion as us; that there is real bid is currently on the table, with waste in a safe and clean way. Organisations including Enfield merit for a pause and review of the opponents questioning whether “Delaying NLHPP would severely CHAMBERLAINS ESTATES Over 50s Forum, Enfield Climate incinerator expansion.” there was a competitive bidding undermine our efforts to tackle Action Forum (EnCaf), Enfield The new Edmonton incinerator process for the project and asking the climate emergency.” 020 8366 3551 Black Lives Matter and Extinction was awarded planning permission what’s being done to ensure Enfield The spokesperson said the project chamberlainsestates.com Rebellion have signed the letter in 2017. According to NLWA, the taxpayers get “value for money”. “creates direct economic benefits to alongside 67 Enfield residents, project aligns with environmental Further concerns raised by the Enfield” and that NLWA estimates including Vicki Pite, a former Labour policies seeking to reduce landfill campaigners include their claim The Dispatch is supported by Chamberlains Estates – turn to page 3 councillor who quit last year. and increase recycling and will that incinerators emit “a wealth CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 2 NEWS No.36 SEPTEMBER 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH Park damage Man convicted over music festival due to be held at Trent Park was A cancelled with two weeks ED. bagel shop murder notice following “significant” dam- age caused by a previous event. man has been con- a concrete wall, Hogan fired tice and was himself found guilty Enfield Council announced Elrow o victed of murdering a another shot towards him, which at the Old Bailey trial. Town Festival, due to be held on N .36 29-year-old at a bagel hit him in the head. He collapsed Detective Chief Inspector Claire 21st-22nd August, would be can- restaurant in Enfield a short distance later and died Hine, the lead investigator of the celled because of the impact of AHighway in a “cold-blooded and in hospital later the same day. case, said: “Hogan carried out a 51st State Festival, held earlier that SEP 2021 premeditated” killing. Hogan fled the scene. cold-blooded and premeditated month. A spokesperson stated: “The Khallid Hogan, 20, of Manor attack on Abdullahi Mohamoud, organisers […] did not return the Enfield Dispatch is Court in , was con- “Hogan carried out shooting at him at least five times. site in a condition that meets the the borough's free victed at the Old Bailey on 11th a cold-blooded and “It was extremely fortunate exacting standards demanded by community newspaper. August of murdering Enfield that nobody else was injured in Enfield Council of all third parties. We publish monthly resident Abdullahi Mohamoud premeditated attack” this incident, as there were four “While we anticipate some wear and distribute 10,000 last year. other people in the restaurant and tear during third party events free copies of each issue The jury heard that on the Metropolitan Police detectives at the time. and allow for a reasonable amount afternoon of 19th March 2020, launched an investigation and “Thanks to the tireless and of repair to the site afterwards, Publisher Abdullahi visited Bagel Brotherz established Hogan had been the meticulous work of my team of the damage this time was beyond David Floyd in Hertford Road, Enfield High- passenger in a car that arrived at detectives, who pieced together anything we would expect.” Editor way. As he waited for his food, the restaurant shortly after Abdul- Hogan’s movements on the day of Residents have previously raised Hogan walked into the restaurant lahi. In an attempt to give himself the murder, by analysing hours of concerns about the impact on the James Cracknell and started firing a gun at him. an alibi, Hogan had phoned his CCTV footage and mobile phone park of the two large events, both of Designer Four shots were fired but the bul- friend Alex Weekes and kept the usage data, he has now been con- which were also held at Trent Park Jonathan Duncan lets all missed Abdullahi, who line open during the period of the victed of murder and will go to in 2019. Lorries had collided with then fled through a back door shooting. Weekes, 20, of Brims- prison for a long time.” the Grade 2-listed brick entrance Head of Advertising into a yard of garages. down Avenue, was later charged Hogan will be sentenced on in Road that year, and Klaudia Kiss As Abdullahi was climbing with perverting the course of jus- Monday, 4th October. this was again evident last month Local Democracy following 51st State Festival. Organ- Reporter isers did not respond to requests Simon Allin for comment. Engagement Manager Thousands raised for Penny Dampier Electric Contributors boy who lost his leg vans Claire Fisher, Dionne John, nfield Council is purchasing Neil Littman, Peter Gibbs, tation as well, which is intense. 42 electric vehicles to help BY JAMES CRACKNELL Peter Fallart, Sabah Hussain, “Kiren has two goals now; to be Ereduce carbon emissions. Dan Brotzel, Stephen Lloyd- housands of pounds able to look at himself again, and to All 34 of the council’s new small Jones, Andrew Warshaw have been raised for an be able to walk back into school.” van fleet will run on electricity, while Enfield schoolboy who Headteacher Chris Lamb said eight larger electric vehicles will be CONTACT lost his leg after being a lot of the pupils had wanted bought in addition to eight other Thit by a car. to help Kiren in the wake of the petrol vehicles. Deputy leader Ian Call 020 8367 2975 The headteacher of Enfield incident. He told the Dispatch: Barnes said: “Our climate action plan Email EnfieldDispatch@ Grammar School set up an online “There was a feeling in the includes a switch of the council’s socialspider.com fundraising page for pupil Kiren school that we wanted to do vehicle fleet to electric, with a target Post Nicholas House, River Mustafa, 16, after the incident in something for him. of 60% by 2026 and 100% by 2030. Front, Enfield EN1 3TF Enfield Town in early May which “The kids had a no-uniform We have already begun installing resulted in him losing his lower day and then the Go Fund Me charging points at council offices.” ADVERTISING leg. Within a few weeks, it had page became the central point for surpassed its £15,000 target. fundraising. It was lovely, we had CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Call 07732 000 430 Kiren, a talented footballer who local businesses contributing, the Email klaudia@ had been due to start a scholar- owner of a bed shop offered a bed £50million has already been spent socialspider.com ship with Tottenham Hotspur, to the family.” with local companies. “The project For licensing enquiries: will use the money to help buy a Enfield Grammar School pupil Kiren The incident which led to Kiren also benefits Enfield taxpayers,” Email xavier@ top-of-the-range prosthetic leg to Mustafa with mum Andrea losing his leg is still being inves- they added. “This is because, as socialspider.com help him walk again, which he is taken a toll mentally as well, but tigated by police. In addition to well as being the most environ- determined to do by the time he he is a soldier and is trying to Kiren, two other pedestrians suf- mentally responsible solution, it starts his A-levels this autumn. look to the future. fered minor injuries, as well as provides the most cost-effective Mum Andrea Mustafa told the “You can get them [prosthetics] a 79-year-old car passenger. The solution for waste disposal, retain- Dispatch: “The school have been on the NHS but they are basic. 80-year-old driver of the vehicle, ing ownership in local authority absolutely amazing, I cannot What has helped him is seeing who had mounted the pavement, hands and avoiding pressures thank them enough for what what can be done for him pri- stopped at the scene and was which would arise on council tax they have done for Kiren, it’s vately. He will need an ‘everyday interviewed under caution. costs if, instead, North London had Enfield Dispatch is a member of IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor totally overwhelming. leg’ which will cost £20,000 and to rely on capacity being available of The Press. For more information “Kiren has been super positive. a ‘shower leg’ for swimming and The Go Fund Me page for Kiren is still in private sector waste facilities.” on the Dispatch’s complaints policy accepting donations: and how to make a complaint visit: We have had some dark days and anything else, which is £6,500. He Enfield Council did not respond enfielddispatch.co.uk/complaints Visit gofundme.com/f/can-you-help- we have had a lot of tears, it has will need to do a lot of rehabili- support-our-student to a request for comment. Free professional video tours for all new Sales & Lettings instructions

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Our community group leading Hannah Newton, from South- the campaign is called Southgate gate Taskforce, explained: “This is Taskforce and we aim to improve a great opportunity for residents, safety, reduce litter, and expand businesses, community groups, recycling and green spaces. plus the local authority, to work Residents are being encour- in partnership to improve South- aged to sign up and take part gate and make it a better place to in a series of initiatives taking live, work and visit.” place throughout the year, such Zoey Cooper, from Enfield as litter picks, planting days and Climate Action Forum (EnCaf), street-watch patrols. added: “The aim of ‘Cleaner, The campaign has been con- Safer, Greener Southgate’ is two- ceived by local councillors and fold. We want to celebrate the community organisers, as a work being done by residents way to boost the local area and local businesses. and support residents and “But we also want to encour- We all need a little businesses to recover from the age and support people to get impact of the pandemic. to know their area and respect Southgate Taskforce is a part- their surroundings in a more nership made up of residents, sustainable way.” help sometimes businesses and community For more information about the groups. We are very excited campaign and to get involved: about the campaign and we Email CleanerSaferGreenerSouthgate Volunteer Claire Fisher on how a group of local not-for- @gmail.com are now looking for volunteers, Instagram @CleanerSaferGreenerSouthgate profit organisations teamed up to make a difference hen charities and other members of Enfield Club – Social Sphere – as part of its support groups work House have been doing over the weekly therapy sessions every together, amazing last six months in helping to set Wednesday. thingsW happen. up a community allotment, as As lead volunteer for the allot- Those of you working for part of a project from Bountagu ment project, it has been a plea- Enfield’s charity sector will Big Local, which is growing fresh sure to get to know the members already know just how much the produce for sharing in the com- of Enfield Club House and, I can most vulnerable people in our munity. Bountagu is a National honestly say, we couldn’t have community rely on small local Lottery-funded, resident-led done it without them. services and groups to keep them initiative with the ambition to There are five main pillars to going. There’s been some real support and improve the area keeping on track with mental heartwarming stories throughout of Edmonton around Bounces health; connecting with others, the pandemic of local heroes work- Road and Montagu Road, and the being active, learning, taking ing tirelessly to feed and support allotment project is part of its time to enjoy the moment, and the most vulnerable among us. environmental remit. giving back. Not only does this So, I wanted to take a moment For Pat, the work on the allot- project help tick all five boxes for to look at this from the perspec- ment and subsequent donation Enfield Club House members, but tive of someone on the receiving to The Pantry, a small act of everyone at The Pantry, Bountagu end of this help, and discuss how kindness, helped make a big Big Local, Social Sphere, as well being able to simultaneously difference to his self-esteem. He as ordinary residents, has hugely contribute to helping others has said: “I feel a real sense of pride benefited from the project too. made a real difference for them. being able to give something We all need to accept help some- Last month members of local back to the community. times and, by being involved in mental health charity Enfield “This allotment has been great doing something meaningful Club House, including Pat Col- for me, being outside, doing when you’re in that place, it can lins, went along to Bounces something useful, learning about give you a sense of dignity. Road, Edmonton, to donate some healthy food and being part of a For more information about fresh fruit and vegetables to The team working together, has been Enfield Club House: Pantry, a food club where people brilliant. It kept me going.” Call 020 8373 6387 on low incomes can access fresh In return for helping set up the Email [email protected] nutritious food and support such allotment, Enfield Club House For more information about as financial advice. has been able to use a commu- Bountagu Big Local: Hannah Newton and Dionne John at the launch last Call 020 8807 5827 month of ‘Cleaner, Safer, Greener Southgate’ This followed work that Pat and nity hub space in Bounces Road Email [email protected] 5 FEATURES No.36 SEPTEMBER 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH All in good taste Neil Littman sets out on a mission to sample some of Enfield’s best eateries as they try to recover their trade he last year or so has been a steep a long space with seating for around 30 and learning curve for all of us; we opens from morning until late afternoon. have learned to appreciate what It’s a place to escape to and pretend I am on we have on our doorsteps and not holiday in northern Italy. The ambience is Ttake for granted the places where we go out helped by the conversations in Italian being to eat and socialise. overheard in the corner of the restaurant While most restaurants and cafes around where the owners congregate. Winchmore Hill where I live have survived, The Google description is a “pizza and cake a few established places have not, and shop” which is a bit misleading since ice cream several have had to adapt and change their is one of their main offerings. They share a lot offers and be more flexible to meet demand. in common with Marine Ices in Chalk Farm; But home delivery is no substitute for being they often have queues around the block but there and soaking up the atmosphere of a that’s not the case here – yet! Their ice cream restaurant dining experience. is homemade and I cannot think of anywhere Some of those around the borough that else in the borough where you can have the didn’t make it through the pandemic include same experience. It is also a very popular after- Beautiful South, in Windmill Hill, and Turkish school and family party venue. restaurant Samdan Meze and Grill, in The The food menu is straightforward; panini, Green. They will be missed. But, in the spirit of pasta, pizza. I’ve eaten here several times enterprise, new places have also opened, and and the experience is familiar and authentic. it will be interesting to see how well they do The pizzas are big and typically Italian with and whether they succeed. One thing I have thin crusts and traditional toppings. Prices learned living in this area is that residents are range from £7–£10. Pasta dishes cost about very loyal to their chosen venues! the same and they also serve risotto and I like to experience an eclectic mix of venues, chicken escalope. La Rocca also sells a vast large and small, pubs and cafés, and even a few La Rocca in Green Lanes, Winchmore Hill, has been running for 15 years range of cakes, including cannoli, which I pop-ups – such as a greasy spoon ‘caff’ I went places to people’s attention. So with that in changed hands once since then, but still try to restrict myself to purchasing about to recently that was offering new Asian dishes mind, during a break from work last month remains authentically Italian. three times a year! in addition to egg and chips and a mug of tea! I ate at La Rocca, a little corner of Italy that I was told the interior was “imported For more information about La Rocca, I have no special qualifications as a food first landed in Winchmore Hill Broadway directly from Florence” to maintain the at 751 Green Lanes N21 3SA: writer, apart from wanting to bring these (Green Lanes) in 2006. Family-run, it has authentic look of their gelateria. It occupies Visit laroccalondon.com Advertisement

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CLUB OF Call the office on 020 3146 9890 today THE YEAR 2021 or visit bhpgc.com 6 NEWS No.36 SEPTEMBER 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH Council admits failings over forced marriage case ‘Rigorous review’ promised by council leader

BY SIMON ALLIN, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER, AND JAMES CRACKNELL nfield Council will conduct a “robust and rigorous review” of the events leading up to a girl being forced into a marriage with Ea man who beat and allegedly raped her. Last month, Judge Oliver Jones found the council and its social services missed opportunities to protect the girl, now aged 15, from being married to a man ten years older than her. Barnet County Court heard the council failed to take action despite warnings from teachers and social workers in 2019 that she was at risk of a forced marriage. In June 2020 the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was forced to marry the man after travelling to a dif- ferent country. A council spokesperson said it “accepted the judge’s findings and should have dealt with the case far better” and pledged the authority would do more to ensure all potential victims of forced marriage are protected from harm, as well as conduct- Charles Babbage House in Melling Drive is home to Enfield Council’s children’s services ing a review of the case. But in a letter to the council leader, oppo- practice are maintained. I tration, have commissioned be performing alternative sition councillors demanded answers on am extremely disappointed a comprehensive review of duties while the outcome the political oversight of the case, asking “One case like this that those standards were the actions taken by officers is pending.” what actions were taken by the then- not fully met during this and an investigation of all If you suspect a child is being is one to many and exploited or at risk, contact the cabinet member in charge of children’s investigation and, in con- similar cases. council’s child safeguarding hub: services, Rick Jewell, and when he was I have asked for a sultation with the adminis- “The officers involved will Call 020 8379 5555 personally notified. The letter also asked Advertisement why he was not attending the safeguarding robust review” partnership board meetings “and asking the important and relevant questions”. many and I have asked for a robust and Cllr Jewell was cabinet member for chil- rigorous review so lessons can be learned dren’s services from May 2019 until June for the future.” this year, when he was handed the envi- Cllr Caliskan added that, since 2019, it ronment portfolio by the council leader. has not been mandatory for the cabinet Ayfer Orhan, an ex-Labour councillor member for children’s services to attend who is now Community First’s shadow local safeguarding board meetings, but lead for children’s services, said that when that Cllr Jewel had been “extremely she was cabinet member for children and committed and effective” and was schools she regularly attended the chil- “attending the six-monthly wider part- dren’s safeguarding partnership board nership meetings and monitoring local “to hear first-hand from all stakeholders learning reviews”. […] to see how diligent they all were in Tony Theodoulou, the council’s statu- protecting children and young people”. tory director of children’s services, said: Community First’s letter, co-signed by “On behalf of Enfield Council, I express group leader Dinah Barry and Cllr Orhan, my deepest regret for the harm suffered also asked when the council leader and by the victim of this horrendous abuse. cabinet were made aware of the case, and All the professionals involved are doing why the leader “failed to take all neces- everything they can to help her recover sary action […] to protect this vulnerable from the trauma she experienced. WE ARE young person”. “Enfield Council has an unwavering It continues: “We want assurances the commitment to do everything to protect new lead cabinet member will be instructed children from abuse, and the council has to attend with regularity the children’s invested in additional staff and services executive board meetings so as to have in response to a rising demand for child political oversight.” protection services in recent years. HIRING! In a written response, council leader “Investigating child abuse is complex Nesil Caliskan did not address these points work that requires a range of checks and www.gpgardenservices.co.uk | 020 8351 0804 | but said: “One case like this is one too balances to ensure that high standards of No.36 SEPTEMBER 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH

ENFIELD COMMUNITY HEROES Sponsored by Edmonton Green Shopping Centre Cleaning up our local streams Alison Archer co-founded a voluntary group to help reduce pollution and improve water quality

leaning up a heavily polluted The group is officially called ‘Pymmes stream running beside a and Salmons Brookers’ because the busy dual carriageway might volunteers have also carried out work not sound like everyone’s along the Salmons Brook, which Cidea of fun, but for Alison Archer, it’s merges with the Pymmes in Edmonton. been a life-affirming experience. They also organise walking tours and Three years ago Alison, from Bowes sometimes get involved with the creation Park, started organising a group of of wetland areas in green spaces such as volunteers whose mission was to Broomfield Park, helping to create new improve water quality and reduce habitats for wildlife as well as cleaning pollution in , a tributary streams and reducing flood risk. of the River Lea that flows east through “It’s impossible to describe the feeling Barnet and Enfield boroughs. you get after a day working in a river, For much of its length, the stream and that sense of achievement,” added runs alongside or underneath the Alison. “It’s extraordinary.” Alison Archer pictured at Broomfield Park where she was one of the North Circular, attracting a lot of litter. volunteers who helped create a new wetlands Credit Vinnie Lo To get involved with Pymmes and Salmons Brookers: Undeterred by these challenges, Alison Email [email protected] and the other volunteers have helped past, the river needed our help!” that we’re proficient and we can go in spark a big improvement in the Pymmes. A water quality modelling project had ourselves and pull out old bikes and Nominate your heroes “I didn’t know the river that well but originally been run by environmental whatever else we find. Dispatch readers are welcome to nominate it was obvious that it wasn’t being well charity Thames21, but after it ended “We have grown amazingly well and their own ‘Enfield Community Hero’ – looked after,” she told the Dispatch. “We the volunteers took it upon themselves new people are always welcome at our someone who you think has gone above realised how poor the water quality was, to take action. Alison had no prior clean-ups. The thing about rivers is that and beyond to help support the local community. Simply email your nomination it was one of the worst in the UK, and knowledge of working with rivers, but you are learning all the time and you to [email protected] we decided we couldn’t keep walking said: “We are trained by Thames21 so are all learning together.”

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Extremely in a Safe Safe For Sign up: and secure You 0204 542 7606 Environment Schindler Hall eepurl.com/dIDKNH 8 COMMENT No.36 SEPTEMBER 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH These large events are destroying Trent Park

The chair of the Friends of Trent other issues such as safety, crowd control, prevention of anti-social Country Park, Peter Gibbs, has behaviour, drug dealing, conges- tion, or transport? How assured heard enough of the council’s excuses can we feel about these? The council still sets aside all hy does Enfield damaged. This was the third time of August for promoters to build Council insist this has happened in recent years, their stages and palisades to sup- on hosting and it is caused by festival organ- port each event. During this time, major events at isers who continue to insist on at the height of summer, free TrentW Country Park attended by using massive twelve-wheeler access to the ‘core area’ of these 25,000 footloose revellers? trucks to deliver their equipment. events is denied to visitors of Trent The park is not set up to handle The council is apparently too Park. The council instead invites such events safely without there weak to tell them to stop doing it. families to push their buggies over being an impact on visitors and In addition to this damage, one tree roots, through the woods, or neighbouring residents. The coun- of the flat, grassy areas within the around the bushes elsewhere. The “sea of mud” after 51st State Festival at Trent Park Credit Friends of Trent Country Park cil’s record of allowing such events event [51st State] and will take Tottenham Hotspur FC, with to be held there in recent years all necessary steps to ensure the its public golf course already – including last month – is bleak. “All we hear is that events grounds are returned to their pre- closed. It shows a pattern of The Friends of Trent Country are the responsibility of vious condition” before admitting commercialisation of open Park and Cockfosters residents that “this remedial work will take space in Enfield that does not in general have had to put up promoters, not the council” some time to complete”. benefit the 330,000+ residents with this annual invasion for six The council also insists it has of the borough. years now. This year two large park that many visitors use for Recriminations are flying. The “robust and stringent standards We want this changed. We festivals were planned on two family picnics and games became council stated the damage follow- and measures which all organ- want the council’s leadership different weekends in August; a sea of mud, because the festi- ing 51st State Festival was “beyond isers have to abide by” – but do to recognise that its policies are 51st State (7th–8th) and Elrow val promoter did not lay down anything we would expect to see” they actually care a jot? All we counter-productive, unsustain- Town (21st–22nd). sufficient protection. Again, the and announced the cancellation hear is that events are the respon- able and harmful, that there is During the staging of 51st State council apparently did not insist of the second of August’s large sibility of promoters, not the nothing beneficial to show the Festival the 200-year-old, Grade on sufficient safeguards. events, Elrow Town Festival, stat- council. Really? On public land? people of Enfield in return for its 2-listed gateway to the park, If these basics are so poorly ing it was “in discussions with A large section of Whitewebbs loss of amenity. After six years we in Cockfosters Road, was badly managed, what can we expect of the organisers of the previous Park is now set to be leased to reckon we’ve waited long enough.

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Email [email protected] 9 No.36 SEPTEMBER 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH LETTERS Peter Fallart was elected to represent for the Conservatives at a by-election in July 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 Monday 20th September Bad plan Bad service Dear Enfield Dispatch Dear Enfield Dispatch

aving spent several weeks am an elderly disabled man who reviewing the 413-page draft needs to renew my Blue Badge H Local Plan and the 60 or so I pass. When my disabled female documents in the evidence-base, I have friend made a personal visit to Enfield been alarmed by what I have read. As Council she was met by two male it stands, the plan will lead to expen- officers who were very unhelpful and sive, car-reliant homes being built on abrupt when she requested them to environmentally-valuable Green Belt print out a Blue Badge form. She was land, such as Vicarage Farm near Trent made to feel uneasy and stupid. Both Park. The evidence overwhelmingly officers kept saying: “No-one is in the shows that the homes built on sites office, we don’t print any forms.” like this will be unaffordable to most When my friend asked to call the local people, especially first-time manager she was told there was buyers and key workers. no manager and to go to any local We need to build new homes, but library to fill out an online form. I there are plenty of brownfield sites find this attitude from council staff in Enfield that could be reused and very unpleasant and discriminating recycled. These sites have not been against disabled residents. Older properly considered in the plan. There residents like myself do not have are hundreds of small sites, which can a clue how computers work. I also be built out quickly by local firms, have no family members who own as well as large regeneration sites. a computer. So why does the council We face an affordable housing not have any discretion to print out crisis and a climate emergency, but Blue Badge and other forms to help the draft Local Plan does not realis- disabled residents? tically or innovatively tackle either Mr Jordan Taking pride in of these issues. It is developer-led Bush Hill Park and fails to properly consider the needs of local people. Charith Gunawardena Bad timing Bush Hill Park Green Party councillor in Southgate Bush Hill Park ward by-election winner Peter Dear Enfield Dispatch nderstandably, train services Fallart wants to improve the local street scene Bad location were reduced during the U recent lockdown. While I an I begin by thank- of Great Cambridge Road and large parts of the fields and have Dear Enfield Dispatch welcome proposals to increase the ing the residents of Church Street. This was allowed become scrubland, full of dog frequency back to four trains an Bush Hill Park for to get into a shocking state, mess and wind-blown rubbish. egarding the Covid-19 hour [on the Hertford Loop line] from electing me in July. strewn with litter, overgrown The irony to the council refus- memorial planned for Town next May, I believe Great Northern CI am proud to join the ward’s weeds and offensive graffiti – ing to cut the grass to ‘promote R Park (Our plans for Covid-19 could bring this uplift forward to existing team of hard-working to name but a few issues. After nature’ while at the same time memorial in Enfield, Page 4, Issue 34); accommodate the gradual increase Conservative councillors; James much badgering by my ward planning to build thousands of while this is a laudable project, could we are seeing in passenger numbers. Hockney and Clare de Silva. colleague Cllr Hockney, the houses on Green Belt land has we possibly not locate this in the This is also an opportunity to go One key concern is the way council cut back the weeds, not been lost on residents who middle of Town Park? This is a multi- further in the long-term. With the Enfield’s Labour-run council cleared some litter and removed are understandably fed up with functional, municipal open space in the new trains now running on the line, has allowed the borough’s the graffiti. But the skatepark is having to live with this eyesore. heart of town, largely unencumbered having a ‘turn up and go’ service street scene to deteriorate. still in a very poor condition and Frankly they deserve better, and by obstacles. Why fill it up with trees in place in the future, of six trains As I walk around the ward we will continue to chase the we will continue to push the and turn it into an arboretum? per hour, would encourage more with my fellow councillors, outstanding problems. council to sort this out. The rose garden area near the Londoners to come back to using we find too many broken road Another example is King Finally, we have resumed our entrance has changed into mixed public transport and deliver a much signs, dangerous pavements, George’s Field in Delhi Road face-to-face surgeries at Ridge planting, but that now seems better passenger experience. faulty street lights, and roads (pictured above). For some years, Avenue Library for Bush Hill neglected. The toilets are, in my This will not only have environmen- in need of repair. the council has adopted a policy Park residents to raise issues opinion, atrocious. The former tal benefits by reducing reliance on We report problems as we find of ‘meadowing’ parts of the field. with us about council services. paddling pool has morphed into a cars, but it will also provide more them, but we shouldn’t have This has meant not cutting the Please email me if you would splash park. The model boating pond space for passengers on platforms to. Enfield Council should be grass or maintaining those parts like to book an appointment. closed many years ago. and in carriages to ensure better identifying these problems of the field; this is badged as ‘pro- Is there a development plan for social distancing while the virus is the park, and if so, how does this and acting first, not neglecting moting nature’, though I suspect Peter Fallart is a councillor representing still in circulation. them until being chased. cost-cutting is the real reason. Bush Hill Park ward, along with memorial fit in? James Hockney and Clare de Silva (all Joanne McCartney One example of this neglect Over the years, these unman- Conservative). To get in touch: John Usher London Assembly member for is the skatepark at the junction aged areas have expanded to Email [email protected] Enfield and Haringey 10 NEWS No.36 SEPTEMBER 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH Leaks force residents to flee temporary housing block afraid I’ll run out of money soon and have nowhere to sleep. A lot of other tenants in People placed this building have also been left without anywhere to sleep, or have had to sleep in temporary in the damp and rain that comes through the roof. accommodation in “There are 83 flats, and over 60% of the flats are leaking. I’ve got damp or mould, Harlow by Enfield and we are expected to live in these condi- tions pretty much forever. The council are Council fear for outright refusing to fix the building, and most of us have been left in unlivable and their safety unsafe conditions.” BY SIMON ALLIN, People on Enfield’s housing waiting list LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER were moved to the building – a former office block in Harlow Business Park that was con- omeless people placed in a verted into flats – in 2018. At the time, it temporary housing block by appeared brand new, the resident said. Enfield Council have been hit But at the end of the year, the leaks began. by repeated flooding, leaving The man described water pouring through Hthem in “unlivable” conditions. the building’s smoke vent “like a waterfall” A resident, who wished to remain anon- and running down the stairs to properties ymous, said he and dozens of other people on the ground floor. from Enfield placed in temporary accom- He claimed the leak had never been fixed, Water has been running down the walls, causing extensive damage to homes at Greenway modation at Greenway House in Harlow, and more leaks later developed in other House in Harlow, where people have been housed by Enfield Council Essex, had been suffering from leaks and parts of the building. When the resident to start phasing out the use of temporary Housing Gateway has appointed the pro- flooding for more than two years. complained about the problems in his flat, accommodation outside the borough. fessional team that will lead the project, But he claimed the building was not being he said he was moved to another flat, which It said tenants in a separate block in Har- and work is expected to commence on 16th fixed because the council and the company was also affected by leaks. He was moved low, Redstone House, would be moved to August. The programme of works is antic- that manages the block, Grange Homes, again, only to experience similar problems. “more suitable accommodation” over the ipated to take nine months to complete. were “passing the buck” and each saying The man said he was still living in a hotel following six months, and a review of the “We are aware of the resident’s situation the other should foot the bill for the repairs. more than a week after fleeing his flat, and council’s use of other accommodation in and are urgently trying to find a solution Extreme weather at the end of July led the the situation was affecting his health. He the town would follow. to meet his specific needs. man to flee the building and stay in a hotel, said: “I’ve been in constant contact with “Since October 2019, we have changed fearing the flooding had put him at risk of the council, and I’m just being passed from our approach to emergency accommoda- being electrocuted. department to department and have not “A lot of tenants tion. We have ended our large-scale use The resident said: “A lot of flats here are been housed even for emergencies. have been left of privately-owned blocks in other bor- flooded, and people have been left homeless. “I’ve been left to book hotels, but I’m oughs and aim to place residents needing My flat is completely flooded and unsafe. It afraid I will run out of money soon and without anywhere emergency accommodation within Enfield is unlivable. The electrics have been affected. have nowhere to sleep.” wherever possible.” “I’ve been left to book hotels, but I’m In September 2019, Enfield Council pledged to sleep, or have had Grange Homes was approached for comment.

Damage to a ceiling at Greenway House to sleep in the damp Leaking water around a light switch and rain that comes through the roof”

An Enfield Council spokesperson, respond- ing in early August, said: “Greenway House was purchased by [council-owned company] Housing Gateway in 2018 and is used by Enfield Council to house families who are at threat of homelessness. “Greenway House was fully refurbished to a high standard prior to purchase but has been experiencing issues with its roof, which have worsened over the last month due to the torrential rain experienced over the summer. Where tenants have reported severe water ingress, action has been taken to move them to alternative accommodation either within Greenway House or elsewhere. “The roof at the property has been repaired when leaks have been identified, but an over- haul of the roof has now been commissioned. 11 INVESTIGATION No.36 SEPTEMBER 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH The reality of living in temporary accommodation The first of a two-part investigation into Enfield’s housing problems

been changes in service charges”. BY SABAH HUSSAIN A former office building, Brickfield House in Southbury Council officials also incorrectly nfield’s most vulnerable is used by Enfield Council to reported Helena’s rent statements, residents have accused house hundreds of people in suggesting she needed to pay more temporary accommodation the council of neglect rent than she actually did, caus- and mismanagement ing her undue stress. Helena was Eover many years. given less than 48 hours to accept The borough has the country’s a housing offer, with the risk the second-highest number of home- council would withdraw its help less families living in temporary in finding her suitable accommo- accommodation, and several resi- dation if she didn’t respond within dents have spoken to the Dispatch their allotted time period. for this investigation to discuss how Councillor Dino Lemonides was they feel let down by the council. a council cabinet member for Michelle* and her two-year- housing in Enfield prior to leaving old daughter escaped domestic the Labour Party last year. He says violence in 2016 and, after that Enfield’s housing problems approaching the council for stem from a “national shortage” emergency help, was offered a in affordable housing, which is one-bed flat. But Michelle says it only worsened by Enfield’s “very was mould-infested, damp, and old” housing stock, leading to unsafe for a vulnerable family. poor conditions for residents. The council subsequently moved Michelle into a one-room studio in An immense challenge 2017. It was one of many at Brick- A council spokesperson said: “Enfield field House, a former office block Council is committed to using all its in Southbury Road converted six resources to make the experience years ago into 115 homes under of homelessness rare, brief and ‘permitted development’ rules and families having to live in a single In common with many other into another flat, but problems with non-recurring. We are determined to now used for temporary accom- room with one or more children. councils across the country, damp meant she had mould on enable everyone to access a stable, modation by the council. As with One resident wrote about the Enfield Council has a ‘take it her walls, clothes and daughter’s secure and decent home. many other converted office build- “cramped conditions”, as well as or leave it’ approach to hous- belongings. Kelly is now living in her “Enfield Council’s aim is to bring ings, some homes there are smaller “terrible” noise levels, cockroaches, ing offers. The council states on third emergency housing property an end to the long-term use of than the minimum size normally and “nightmare neighbours”. its website that people making in six years and has been sleeping temporary accommodation within allowed for a single person. homelessness applications “will on a sofa bed for most of this time the next five years. However, we Treated as insignificant not have a choice” of where they because there hasn’t been enough face an immense challenge. In Living in a nightmare Another resident wrote that live if they are placed into tem- space for her own bed. 2019, we were accommodating Michelle said living in Brickfield “none of [their] needs are consid- porary accommodation, adding: Welfare advocate Philip Courtney 3,414 households in emergency House felt like “living in a night- ered” and that they are “treated has worked on dozens of social accommodation. This equates to mare”. While her stay should as insignificant”. And a tenant “It feels like living housing cases and says the way more than 11,000 people, with have been short, Michelle lived who lived in a small one-room his clients have been treated over 4,000 of these being children. there in cramped accommodation studio unit at Brickfield House in a nightmare” suggests there are high levels “The current government has for four years. During this time with their three children for of “bullying” at the council. done little to address the funding she witnessed a violent physical three years claimed “nobody “We will only make one offer for While the local authority has a or infrastructure needed to deliver attack and saw blood on the walls, wanted to help”. temporary accommodation and, duty to help its residents, Philip the homes desperately needed and experienced bullying and verbal In response, a council spokes- if you don’t accept this, then it’s suggests the council has ignored to [meet] the needs of thousands abuse from staff, and was told by person said: “We take the quality likely you will need to find your the “suffering” of residents. of families living in temporary neighbours about maggots, mice, of our services and accommoda- own accommodation.” A spokesperson said the author- accommodation in Enfield. leaking and flooding. tion extremely seriously. Last ity “takes any accusations of “In an effort to break the cycle While Michelle and other resi- year, following complaints about Forced to take an offer verbal abuse or bullying by staff of long-term temporary accom- dents made repeated complaints Brickfield House, we commissioned In these circumstances, homeless members, or of staff members, modation, Enfield Council is about the state of the block, she an independent report into the and vulnerable Enfield residents extremely seriously”. embarking on a programme of says the council took little action management of the building. This feel forced to take whatever they get building safety and providing sus- to make improvements. “I lived found that while the building was offered. Kelly Pummell is another Contradictory messaging tainable and affordable homes. in a forgotten house,” Michelle generally well managed, there of these. The 38-year-old has been One of Philip’s clients, Helena*, We are investing £1billion to pro- said. “It feels like [the council] were some specific improvements living in emergency accommoda- was told by the council her rent vide 3,500 new council-led homes have no heart.” that we could make. tion for six years. While she had would increase by over £50 a week. over the next ten years. Respondents to a 2019 survey “We are implementing an action always lived in Enfield, Kelly was But she received contradictory “In addition, the private rented conducted by Housing Gateway plan in response to the report. The moved to Tottenham when she messaging, as one council official sector has an enormous role to Limited, the council-owned key actions being addressed include first needed emergency housing, told her there was no reason to play. To protect tenants Enfield company managing Brickfield new processes for managing com- away from the friends and family increase her rent, while another Council has introduced private House, suggest living condi- plaints, increased staffing levels, she needed for support. “confirmed the rent would be rented sector licensing schemes.” tions there are “unacceptable”. and sensitive lettings to minimise Kelly said she felt “isolated” and increased”. A council spokesper- This investigation has been funded by In anonymous comments, disruption. To minimise overcrowd- that the Tottenham flat was so small son denied rent charges for tempo- Trust for London, in conjunction with The Centre for Investigative Journalism. many residents cite overcrowd- ing, Brickfield House residents are she didn’t have enough space for rary accommodation residents had Part two will be published next month. ing, with many single-parent prioritised for ‘move on’.” her daughter’s cot. She later moved been raised but said “there have *Name changed to protect person’s identity 12 ARTS & CULTURE No.36 SEPTEMBER 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH How an email thread became a novel Dan Brotzel introduces the comic novel he and his neighbours wrote via email

fter five years of writing and The manuscript was accepted for publication crowdfunding a comic novel by Unbound, a publisher which eschews the written by myself and two traditional publishing model in favour of other authors – all living on a crowdfunding approach. theA same road in Southgate – has finally Martin said: “The idea is that you raise been published. the money up front in advance sales to The book, Work in Progress, is about a cover all the costs of producing the book, group of oddball wannabe writers who from editing, to publicity, to distribution. meet regularly to feed back on each other’s “Once the book is published, there’s no work. The seven members are all quite advance to work off, but a profit-share eccentric in their different ways, and agreement operates instead.” the plot involves romance, deception, a cosplay stalker and an alien mothership invasion, among many other things! “Writing the book We all belong to a writers’ group, which together was a joy – gave us the idea for the book, which we originally called ‘Kitten on a Fatberg’. Alex a real celebration of explained: “We each took on a couple of our friendship” the characters, and sent each other email From left; Southgate authors Martin, Dan and Alex messages in character. shelves this summer and has been receiving friendship. Crowdfunding is hard work but “None of us knew exactly what would Raising the money took about 18 months. very positive reviews – it currently averages we’ll definitely do another book together.” happen next, so you’d have to read the In addition to attracting over 200 advance 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon. The new story centres on a fading UFO email, find out what your character had customers, we raised some of the money “This was a funny, clever book that made cult that’s running out of members. been up to and come up with a response. ourselves, for example by writing articles me laugh out loud,” said one reviewer. “It’s another comedy about a kooky group Every so often we’d have a pub meet and and editing other people’s books. “What more can you want in a pandemic?” of unappreciated misfits,” says Martin. “I try to think about the overall plot. It’s not a quick process but it was a fantas- Would we ever do it again? Well, we can’t think where we get these ideas from.”

“It’s not the most straightforward process tic feeling when it was done. After another already are. Alex says: “Writing the book ‘Work in Progress’ is available from Amazon, but it was brilliant fun.” year of production, the book finally hit the together was a joy – a real celebration of our Waterstones and Bookshop.org, among other retailers. Popping up at the palace artists to work on site, with a shopfront ace Gardens centre manager, said: “We are so much that they will keep coming back to Shopping centre to host gallery space and a range of workshops very excited to be hosting Culture Palace at see what else there is and what’s new.” and activities. Palace Gardens this autumn. Our shoppers are Deputy leader Ian Barnes said: “Theatres, temporary culture space Field and Culture Palace will work together sure to find lots of great things to see and do. museums, libraries and art centres support for local performers on special events and activities to get people “We expect visitors will enjoy their time at our local economy, bring character to our from across Enfield involved. Paul Duke, Pal- the arts and community hub in Palace Gardens town centres and connect and educate com- munities. This is a fantastic collaboration with pop-up arts and community Palace Gardens, to whom we’d like to extend hub is launching this month our thanks for hosting this as the first of a in Enfield Town. series of culture and community pop-ups.” ‘Culture Palace’ inside Palace Local arts and culture groups have been GardensA Shopping Centre will be a tempo- critical of the council’s future plans for rary cultural playhouse that will host exhibi- the Dugdale, which will see more office tions, theatre, children’s books, art activities, space created on the first floor by reduc- workshops, a mindfulness café and more. ing the space previously used by Enfield The hub will be run by the same team at Local Studies Library and Archive, as well Enfield Council responsible for running the as others. The ground floor theatre and cultural programme at , Museum of Enfield will remain. which is currently being refurbished ahead Cllr Barnes added: “We have been proud of its reopening next year having previously to support the NHS Covid-19 vaccination been used as a Covid-19 vaccination centre efforts and are thrilled the Dugdale has for the past few months. welcomed more than 35,000 people to be In addition, Pickled Pepper Books, an inde- vaccinated over the last few months. But pendent children’s bookshop and theatre com- we are also looking forward to the Dugdale pany from Crouch End, will also use the space. Centre reopening as the borough’s beloved Palace Gardens will host a pop-up from cultural hub in spring 2022.”

Edmonton-based Artist Hive Studios. This Children’s puppetry will be among the activities hosted at Palace Gardens Shopping Centre this autumn To find out more about Culture Palace: pop-up – ‘Field’ – will bring in a range of Credit Enfield Council Visit dugdalecentre.co.uk 13 No.36 SEPTEMBER 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH LISTINGS The new exhibition space at The Southgate Club is free to browse for non-members Submit your listing We can include low-cost community events taking place in Enfield. For next month's listings, email the details of your event to [email protected] by Monday 20th September

MARKET FAIR

Crafters Corner Fancy Fair Saturday 4th September, 9am–4pm Saturday 11th September, 10am–7pm Enfield Charter Market, Market The Green, Winchmore Hill N21 1AY Place, Enfield Town EN2 6LN Back for the first time since 2019, Browse and buy from an amazing range enjoy a wonderful day with a of handmade crafts and arts created by huge selection of arts and craft people local to Enfield. Work includes stalls, street food and bars, classic children’s knitwear, reusable bags and fairground rides, our lovely Brighton fabric gifts, turned wooden ware, beach donkey rides, plus lots of attractions new for 2021! paintings, pottery, jewellery and more!

Free entry Free entry Visit fancy-fair.co.uk Visit thetrustenfield.org.uk DOGS MARKET

Forty Hall Farmers Market Fun Dog Show Sunday 12th September, 10am–3pm Sunday 5th September, 12pm Farm, Enfield EN2 9HA Henry Barrass Stadium, Jubilee Park, Houndsfield Road, Edmonton N9 7RE Local food producers and street food stalls with a focus on local, Jubilee Park Dog Training Club presents organic produce. Come ready to fill Community art space ‘Fun Dog Show’ with a chance to enter your shopping baskets with a feast your pooch into a range of different of tasty morsels. awards categories, at just £2 per entry. On the day there will also be hot food, Free entry music, stalls, beer, face painting and Visit fortyhallfarm.org.uk opens in Southgate a bouncy castle. Free entry New gallery at The Southgate Club Email [email protected] TALK

will showcase local artists An Audience with DANCE Stuart Lawrence BY JAMES CRACKNELL “We realised there was a lack of hanging space has always Wednesday 15th September, 7.30pm , Silver Street, of exhibition space in the area been a problem. To this effect, Winchmore Folk Dance Club Edmonton N18 1PJ private members and we wanted to support tal- the redundant area was given Tuesday 7th September, 10am–12pm club in Southgate ented local artists.” a new floor, paint scheme, new Winchmore Hill URC, 77 Compton Road, Winchmore Hill N21 3NU Join Stuart Lawrence, younger has opened up to The gallery’s new “atmo- sofas, good lighting and an effi- brother of Stephen Lawrence who the public to help spheric” hanging space, includ- cient hanging system. was murdered in a racist attack in Starting this month Winchmore Folk 1993, as he talks about what inspired supportA local artists. ing lighting and fittings, was “It’s curious, double-sided Dance Club will meet every Tuesday him to write his book ‘Silence Is Not The Southgate Club is better funded by benefactor Ralph fireplace has been stripped morning to enjoy folk dancing from An Option’. known as a live music venue, Hutchings. It is now open back to the brickwork.” every era. Experienced callers used. regularly hosting the popular during the club’s regular hours, Anne says her print and pencil All welcome, including beginners Tickets £18 adults, young people £8 St Harmonica’s Blues Club, from 5pm until late Monday– drawings are “driven by an untidy – join us for a free taster session! Call 020 8807 6680 but is expanding the use of its Thursday, from 3pm on Fridays, mind” while Nicola’s work “uses Members £2.50, non-members £3 Visit millfieldtheatre.co.uk premises in the town centre to and from 12pm at weekends. nature itself, with hints of decay Call 020 8360 6226 address a shortage of and regeneration”. She gallery space in Enfield. adds: “Future shows already FESTIVAL The club in Chase “We realised there was planned will be abstract WORKSHOP Side is now providing a lack of exhibition canvases, panoramic pho- a community space for tography and printmaking. EnCaf Big Green Festival space in the area and Landscape Photography Workshop Sat 18th to Sun 26th September artists to display and “Post-pandemic, the Sunday 12th September, 10am–1pm Various locations around Enfield sell their work, allowing we wanted to support simpler things in life are Forty Hall Estate, Enfield EN2 9HA non-members to come in becoming more import- Enfield Climate Action Forum (EnCaf) for free and browse the talented local artists” ant, and community spirit This workshop will look at how to is supporting Climate Coalition’s artwork being displayed. starts at the grassroots. It compose more interesting landscape nationwide festival to highlight the Marek Pospieszalski, chair of The first artists to feature at is hoped the new gallery can images, covering the basic rules of climate emergency we are in and put composition and camera settings. further pressure on world leaders to The Southgate Club, told the The Southgate Club are Anne contribute in a small way.” No specialist equipment required. act. Look out for activities happening Dispatch: “We are offering gal- Hutchings and Nicola Scott, across the borough, with more than Prospective exhibitors at The This workshop is led by Pat Simmons lery space to local artists and who work in printmaking, Southgate Club are welcome to get in from the Royal Photographic Society. 60 groups involved. the plan is to open up a cafe as drawing and painting. touch and send examples of their work. For more information: Tickets £35 Free entry well and have different displays Anne said: “Enfield has a large Email [email protected] Visit fortyhallestate.co.uk Visit encaf.org/festival-calendar up every two weeks. number of artists, but a dearth Visit southgateclub.com 14 HEALTH No.36 SEPTEMBER 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH

a year and 16 had been waiting for more were more than 300 coronavirus patients Dr Nnenna Osuji was appointed as the new than 90 weeks. Before the pandemic, only at North Mid. chief executive of North eight patients had been waiting more than At these peak times, non-cancer elective Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust 40 weeks and none more than 52 weeks. activity was reduced. Cancer patients earlier this year In diagnostics, the NHS target is for requiring urgent treatment had their Credit North 99% of all patients to receive a diagnostic procedures performed at private health- Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust test within six weeks, but North Mid’s care providers, freeing up space for performance has dropped from 99.6% Covid-19 patients at North Mid. in December 2019 to Dr Osuji added: 87.1% in June 2021. “Throughout both And for cancer peaks, the trust has treatment specifi- “The impact of continued to provide cally, the national patients who require target is for at least Covid-19 will non-Covid care with 85% of patients to the treatment they start a first treatment be felt for years need, accelerating this for cancer within two where possible and months (62 days) of to come” using clinical review. an urgent GP referral. “Having said this, At North Mid, this the impact of Covid- performance measure has fallen from 88.9% 19 will be felt for years to come, and we before the pandemic to 64.1% in May 2021. continue to work with GPs and local health Dr Nnenna Osuji, North Mid’s chief exec- partners to help make sure that local people utive, said: “North Mid was one of the first receive care in the most appropriate setting.” trusts in the country to experience the A trust spokesperson added that it had impact of Covid-19 during the first wave, introduced “a Covid-19 secure pathway” and again in the second wave, with huge for patients having surgery at the hospital demand of our services from severely ill via the newly-opened Sir Captain Thomas patients with Covid-19. Moore’s Centenary Ward. Any patients “Despite this, the trust has continuously waiting more than 52 weeks for treatment adapted its services in line with govern- are clinically reviewed at least monthly. ment guidelines to ensure the safety and Attendances at North Mid’s accident and care of our patients remains a top priority.” emergency (A&E) department are also up During the peak of the first wave of the this summer, with the hospital seeing a pandemic in spring 2020, the trust had record number of attendances in July, more than 250 Covid-19 positive patients when there were sometimes more than 700 in an inpatient bed, while at the peak of patients seen in a single day, compared to the second wave in January 2021 there the average of 550–600 attendances per day. Advertisement

Pandemic impact at North Mid ‘will be felt for years’

BY JAMES CRACKNELL A report published by North Middle- he impact of the pandemic on sex University Hospital NHS Trust last the treatment of non-Covid month revealed that the percentage of ailments at North Middlesex patients waiting under 18 weeks to be University Hospital will be treated – described as the ‘referral to “felt for years to come”. treatment’ (RTT) time – had reduced TThis is according to the new chief from 94.4% before the pandemic to executive of the NHS trust running the 85% in June 2021. This puts it below the Edmonton hospital, who has reacted to the national target of 92%. release of new data showing the hospital is Out of a total of 14,374 people on North falling behind on several national targets Mid’s waiting list for treatment as of June for key performance measures. 2021, 94 had been waiting for more than 15 No.35 SEPTEMBER 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH Advertisement

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AROUND THE BOROUGH WINCHMORE HILL New youth centre opened Appreciation shown bers, Joe Morris Boxing Club and BY NEIL LITTMAN Steppaz, which provides profes- sional classes for all ages to help TWO RESIDENTS HAVE RECEIVED develop self-confidence. a ‘certificate of appreciation’ from Mahtab Uddin, the council’s cabi- the mayor of Enfield for services net member for children’s services, to the community. said: “This is a state-of-the art facility In an event delayed by the pan- for all our young people living in the demic, mayor Sabri Ozadin was borough of Enfield, providing a safe joined by Winchmore Hill councillor place to learn and play. Maria Alexandrou, plus friends and “I thank everyone involved in this neighbours, to present the awards to project bringing it to a reality.” Albert Lawson and Kevin Saunders. Kevin Delve, a managing director Albert’s award was in recognition for Countryside, said: “As the first of of a decade spent keeping The Green the new community facilities to be and Wilson Street clear of leaves Enfield mayor Sabri Ozadin presents a certificate to Albert ‘Albie’ Lawson, joined opened at our ‘Elements’ regenera- and litter, as well as involvement by ward councillor Maria Alexandrou The new Ponders End Youth Centre building includes a music recording studio tion of Alma Estate, this is a partic- with other community initiatives. Credit Neil Littman Credit Enfield Council ularly important milestone for us. Kevin’s award was for similar work orated, with a bench on The Green. A NEW BUILDING FOR PONDERS The building was funded by Enfield “The new youth centre is symbolic in the Compton Road area. After Albie fell victim to a scamming End Youth Centre was opened in Council’s Alma Estate regeneration of our commitment to creating a Albert, or ‘Albie’, has been a resi- incident, losing the money he’d South Street as part of an estate project, in partnership with devel- sustainable community for future dent of Winchmore Hill since 1974. saved for the bench, a fundraising regeneration programme. oper Countryside. The old youth generations in Ponders End, and His late wife Ginette, who died in appeal by neighbours instead paid The new two-storey youth centre centre, first opened in 1971, was we’re proud to see the regeneration July 2020, has also been commem- for it to be installed in January. in South Street features a record- deemed “no longer fit for purpose” take this vital step forward.” ing studio, boxing gym, mechanics and is now being demolished. More than 1,000 new homes are workshop and basketball court, as The deputy mayor for Enfield, being built on Alma Estate, with well as several multi-functional Christine Hamilton, cut the rib- hundreds already complete. Three spaces, and is fully accessible. It is bon to declare the centre open of the estate’s original four tower Power of poo open to young people aged between and was joined by Edmonton MP blocks have now been demolished EXCREMENT FROM DEEPHAM company claims this will avoid eleven and 19 years, or up to 25 Kate Osamor. Speeches were heard to make way for the redevelopment Sewage Treatment Works will be more than 8,000 tonnes of car- years if they are disabled. from young leaders, past mem- near Ponders End Station. used to create “green biogas” to heat bon dioxide being emitted into thousands of local homes. the atmosphere from traditional Thames Water is working with heating methods. COCKFOSTERS gas distribution network SGN to Francis Paonessa, a director build a new £7.3million biometh- at Thames Water, said: “We’re ane plant at the facility in Picketts delighted to be working with SGN Revised tube station plans submitted Lock Lane, using the gas generated on this opportunity to create clean, consultation with residents. It on surrounding streets, as well as at the site to heat 3,500 homes green biogas, using waste sludge BY SIMON ALLIN, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER has also reduced the number of having an unacceptable impact on across Enfield borough. The water from the sewage treatment process.” homes and now plans to include those with mobility issues. RESIDENTS AND COMMUTERS a pick-up and drop-off area made Colin Bull, chair of Cockfosters BUSH HILL PARK face being “seriously disadvan- up of seven parking bays. Local Area Residents’ Association, taged” by a development planned But local groups remain deeply said the developer was “com- for a tube station’s car parks, cam- opposed to the scheme, which pletely overburdening” the area, No love for tennis plans paigners have warned. Enfield Council has confirmed as well as “taking away parking BY SIMON ALLIN, The club wanted to use funds Representatives from residents’ departs from two local planning from people who really need to LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER raised from the sale of the land to groups slammed plans by Con- policies. Peter Gibbs, vice president access the tube”. improve the five courts currently in nected Living London (CLL) – a of the Federation of Enfield Resi- CLL claims the development would A PLAN TO BUILD FLATS ON use. Council officers recommended partnership between Transport dents and Allied Associations, said: provide “urgently-needed homes”, disused tennis courts was rejected the scheme for approval, saying they for London (TfL) and Grainger – “There is in no way such a short- with 40% classed as ‘affordable’ and amid concerns over the financial were satisfied with the evidence of to build 351 flats in blocks of up age of building sites that these car priority given to those who live and justification for the scheme and its the club’s declining income. to 14 storeys on the car parks at parks have to be ripped up and a work in Enfield. It also claims the impact on a conservation area. But Conservative committee Cockfosters Station. lot of people – not just locals but scheme would provide £4million Bush Hill Park Bowls, Tennis and member Maria Alexandrou The developer originally planned commuters as well – have to be to boost local infrastructure. Social Club’s bid to build eight flats pointed out club membership had to retain just twelve parking seriously disadvantaged.” Residents can view and comment on two of its tennis courts in Abbey risen since 2017 and suggested spaces for Blue Badge holders but Campaigners warn the develop- on the plans by visiting the coun- Road was refused by Enfield Coun- building on tennis courts would added an extra 35 publicly accessi- ment at Cockfosters would add cil’s planning portal and entering cil’s planning committee last month undermine the council’s efforts ble bays in response to an earlier to parking stress and congestion reference 21/02517/FUL. after 103 residents objected. to tackle obesity. 17 HISTORY No.36 SEPTEMBER 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH Attack on the track A 99-year-old former railway worker shares her memory of the time a V2 rocket nearly hit her train at Station fatality, after a piece of metal track was blown into Old Park Road, killing an 83-year-old man named Frederick Harris. “The explosion left a vast crater [and] over 50m of track was smashed with large pieces blown out. One section embedded itself like a giant arrow in the trunk of a nearby tree. The blast wave wrecked adjacent houses, as well as damaging shops in the surrounding streets and breaking windows on two passing buses, leaving a conductor suffering from shock. “Looking at photographs of the destruction it is hard to believe that the authorities were able to get the huge hole filled and the track repaired for trains to start running just two days later.” The V1 and V2 ‘flying bombs’ campaign, carried out between June 1944 and March 1945, killed around 100 people in what we know today as the London borough of Enfield (the area was still part of Middlesex at that time). Across England, there were around 9,000 casualties from V weapons in total (the ‘V’ stood for Vergeltungswaffen, meaning ‘retaliatory weapons’). While this was far lower than the impact of the Blitz earlier in the war, which claimed upwards of 40,000 deaths, the V1s and V2s were widely feared because they gave little or no warning of where and when they The aftermath of the V2 rocket attack at Palmers Green Station in October 1944 Credit Enfield Local Studies Library and Archive might hit.

was moving about quite a bit from Enfield borough. Joe Robinson is a local Anyone who has further information about BY JAMES CRACKNELL any of the V1 and V2 rocket attacks in Enfield the impact,” she recalled. “There were writer and historian who is currently during the war is urged to contact Enfield n 26th October 1944 at paving stones from the platform landing researching for a new book describing Local Studies Library and Archive: around 6.39pm, the Nazi on top of the carriages. the impact of both V2 and V1 rocket Email [email protected] Wehrmacht launched one of “There was one girl who had a serious attacks in the local area. Advertisement its much-feared V2 rockets head injury and then there were more Ofrom a German missile battery within minor casualties, on the train and on “There were paving the occupied Netherlands. the platform, so we set about helping Legal Notice Just six minutes later, it landed on them as best we could. stones from the George Flavien a railway track just north of Palmers “There was this great hole at the end 29 Bowood Road, Enfield, Green Station, narrowly avoiding a of the platform, but they filled it in platform landing on Middlesex EN3 7LH stationary train on the platform and again, and [two days later] I was on the The Trustees of the Real Lettings another that was heading south towards first train to go over it! They wanted to top of the carriages” Property Fund 2 LP intend to make it. The rocket left a crater 15 metres wide get the trains running again as quickly an application to extend the lease of and 7.5m deep, sending debris flying as possible. We went into work and Joe, describing the Palmers Green the above property pursuant to the into the air and wrecking several nearby carried on like normal.” Station incident, said: “Travelling faster Leasehold Reform Housing and Urban homes. Dozens were injured, both on the Gladys was living in than sound, the V2 rocket gave zero Development Act 1993. platform and in the carriages, while one during the war and now resides in warning and hit just off the far end Any party with a legal interest in the man was killed after being struck by a Suffolk. Her story is one of many of the platform away from the station above property or who has knowledge piece of debris on a nearby street. told in a book, Female Railway Workers building. The driver of the moving of the whereabouts of George Flavien Gladys Garlick was working as a in World War 2. She added: “That was southbound train frantically managed to should contact: passenger guard for London North the closest Hitler got to killing me – brake the train before it crashed into the Gavin Walmsley of Winckworth Eastern Railway (LNER) and happened to thankfully he didn’t succeed!” crater. The northbound train remained Sherwood Solicitors on: be on the train at the station. Now aged The V2 that landed at Palmers Green still as debris rained down on it, leaving Tel 020 7593 0367 99, Gladys spoke to the Dispatch about Station was one of 26 such rockets to passengers badly shaken and 53 injured. Email [email protected] her memories of the incident. “The train hit within the modern boundaries of “Miraculously, there was only one ADVERTISE WITH US

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Call Klaudia 07732 000 430 Email [email protected] 19 SPORT No.36 SEPTEMBER 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH Volunteers at the event Going global Andrew Warshaw on how Enfield Town FC hooked up with a US entertainment company

BY ANDREW WARSHAW the Enfield community.” Significantly, never before t isn’t every day that a has the organisation, which non-league football club broadcasts to more than 180 signs a sponsorship deal countries in 28 languages and is with a global brand. used to partnering with some of IOf all the celebrations sur- the world’s biggest blue-chip com- rounding Enfield Town’s 20th panies, struck this kind of deal anniversary this year, none can with any sports body, let alone a quite match the excitement non-league football club. It may triggered by the remarkable sound extraordinary, but it’s true. shirt sponsorship deal with The announcement video by wrestling company WWE’s hall-of-famer Triple H gener- British arm, NXT UK. ated more than 450,000 views Commercial details of the in the first couple of days, recently announced tie-up, cov- accompanied by 200-plus pieces ering the 2021/22 season with an of written editorial across the option to extend, are not being globe. For Enfield Town FC, it The return of Parkrun revealed. But, suffice to say, it resulted in an immediate rise has generated unprecedented in demand for replica shirts. national and international expo- Throughout its tenure, WWE’s Stephen Lloyd-Jones invites people to sure for the club – the UK’s first mission statement has been to supporter-owned team – with “put smiles on peoples’ faces” lace up their running shoes again media coverage across Europe, and officials have stressed to the the United States, Mexico, India Dispatch that Enfield Town’s sup- fter a 16-month, pan- a time at the finish line, so you organised, giving us confidence to and beyond. porter-owned ethos had a lot to demic-enforced hiatus, can see how your performance start encouraging runners back in Two years ago, WWE launched do with the tie-up. In fact it’s the Parkrun is back! measures up against others in larger numbers this autumn. its first state-of-the-art interna- crux of the entire partnership. The UK’s biggest your age group. If perhaps you have been less tional performance centre with Levin added: “Enfield Town Amass participation sporting event Pre-pandemic attendances at active during the pandemic, two full-size wrestling rings FC and WWE share an intrinsic now has three locations in Enfield our Parkrun events in Enfield had Parkrun is a welcoming environ- smack in the value of putting borough; two five-kilometre adult reached record levels in early 2020, ment in which to start physical centre of Enfield fans at the heart races at Pymmes Park in Edmon- but the restart this summer has exercise again. Parkrun is free borough, at “It’s truly of everything we ton and at in been cautious for obvious reasons. to join and is a great community Great Cam- do, a vision of Southgate, taking place every More volunteers are needed per event, held outdoors in some of bridge Industrial special” supporting the Saturday morning from 9am; event in order to avoid any crowd- Enfield’s fantastic green spaces. Estate in Lincoln next generation plus a new 2km junior Parkrun ing at the finish line and barcode Registration online is required Road, just a five-minute drive of talent in sport and enter- event taking place every Sunday scanning areas. Runners are also before you start, but then all you from Queen Elizabeth II Sta- tainment, and a goal of putting from 9am at Town Park in Enfield asked to start roughly according to need to do is turn up on time with dium. NXT UK wrestlers have smiles on the faces of our fans.” Town, open to all children aged their likely finishing time. a printed copy of your barcode been training there ever since. Towners chair Paul Reed, who between four and 14 years. After six 5km events run under (scanning from phone screens is Right from the start, the idea helped negotiate the deal, could The concept of Parkrun is simple these arrangements over the sum- not available) and then the website of linking up with the local not contain his excitement and – you turn up, run the route, and mer, we are pleased to say that records your weekly times, plus community was a specific goal said: “For a fan-owned club com- use a personal barcode to record everything is looking safe and well any volunteering you have done. of the company, according to mitted to delivering a sense of Free milestone running shirts WWE representatives. The community and entertainment come with 50, 100, 250 and 500 conversation thereafter was all to the local area, to have a part- runs, and also after volunteering about how WWE, which has ner with the magnitude and at 25 separate events. a global ‘reach’ of one billion ethos of WWE is truly special. Volunteer roles include time- people, could develop a way of “Our vision is one of inclusivity keeper, barcode scanner, pre-race working with the football club, and equality for all and to be a briefing, course setup, safety mar- in what is being viewed as far social centre for Enfield, and we shalling and ‘tail runner’ to support more than merely showing the welcome NXT UK as part of the and encourage those needing to take NXT UK logo on players’ shirts. family in our 20th anniversary.” their time. Remember to opt in to Michael Levin, WWE vice As well as off the pitch, things the volunteer email when you register. president, international, said: couldn’t be going much better “The launch of WWE’s UK Per- for Enfield Town on the pitch. For more information on the Pymmes and formance Center in 2019 saw At press time, after two games, Grovelands Parkrun events: Visit parkrun.org.uk/pymmes the roots of NXT UK firmly the Towners were joint top of the Visit parkrun.org.uk/grovelands grounded in Enfield and, Isthmian League Premier Divi-

For the junior Parkrun event at Town Park: through this partnership, we are sion, having won both fixtures Runners cross the finish line at Grovelands Park Visit parkrun.org.uk/enfieldtown-juniors thrilled to continue supporting – scoring six goals in the process. 20 No.36 SEPTEMBER 2021 ENFIELD DISPATCH Support independent local journalism

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