ENFIELD DISPATCH No. 27 THE BOROUGH’S FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER DEC 2020 FEATURES A homelessness charity is seeking both volunteers and donations P . 5 NEWS Two new schools and hundreds of homes get go-ahead for hospital site P . 6 ARTS & CULTURE Enfield secondary school teacher turns filmmaker to highlight knife crime P . 12 SPORT How Enfield Town FC are managing through lockdown P . 15

ENFIELD CHASE Restoration Project was officially launched last month with the first of many volunteering days being held near Botany Bay. The project, a partnership between environmental charity Thames 21 and Enfield Council, aims to plant 100,000 trees on green belt land in the borough over the next two years – the largest single tree-planting project in . A M E E Become a Mmember of Enfield M

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The Dispatch is free but, as a Enfield North Foodbank prepares for Christmas surge not-for-profit, we need your support to stay that way. To BY JAMES CRACKNELL we have seen people come together tial peak in spring demand was Citizens Advice, a local GP or make a one-off donation to as a community,” said Kerry. “It is three times higher. social worker. Of those people our publisher Social Spider CIC, scan this QR code with your he manager of the bor- wonderful to see people stepping “I think we are likely to see referred to North Enfield Food- PayPal app: ough’s biggest foodbank in to volunteer – we have had hun- another big increase [in demand] bank this year, most have been has thanked residents dreds of people helping us. As well in the run-up to Christmas,” because of low incomes. for their support during as donations, we couldn’t do what Kerry warned. “We will need Even if the pandemic is brought Ta year when demand for emer- we do without volunteers. people’s support. under control early next year, the gency food aid has doubled. “We have never not been able “The pandemic has amplified economic impact could be felt Kerry Coe, who runs North to give people food when they’ve the challenges that families were for some time to come. Enfield Enfield Foodbank, told the Dispatch come to us. I want to say a massive already facing. There’s the jobs was recently named the “most that the surge in demand for its thanks to everyone who has been situation, waiting for benefits to financially insecure” area in the services had been matched by a so generous, it is really wonderful.” come through, debt, housing, and UK, after local unemployment surge in donations and volunteers, Kerry revealed that during the people obviously being off work trebled (Enfieldians deemed UK’s which meant that every person in pandemic to date, more than sick – people are struggling, but most financially insecure, Page 6). the borough who has been referred 13,000 local people in need have I’m glad we can be here to help.” to them for food support packages been fed by North Enfield Food- To access foodbanks, people Help support Enfield North Foodbank: has been able to get one. bank, across the whole borough. need a referral from a local Call 07826 542 119 Email [email protected] “One of the wonderful things This is double the rate of the organisation or professional, Visit northenfield.foodbank.org.uk/ about the last eight months is that previous year, although at the ini- such as Enfield Council, Enfield contact-us 2 NEWS No.27 DECEMBER 2020 ENFIELD DISPATCH Culture Major Edmonton Green strategy ED. BY SIMON ALLIN, redevelopment unveiled LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER plan has been launched to A map of the redevelopment o plans for Edmonton Green encourage more local peo- N .27 Aple to take part in cultural activities and tap into London’s £52billion creative economy. DEC 2020 Councillors approved a five-year strategy designed to improve access Enfield Dispatch is to culture in Enfield at a cabinet the borough's free meeting last month. With one in six community newspaper. Londoners employed in the creative We publish monthly industries, Enfield Council hopes and distribute 10,000 to bring more of those economic free copies of each opportunities to the borough. issue – and we will Enfield has historically had a very low level of active cultural participation continue to do so and has limited cultural infrastructure during the ongoing compared to similar local authorities, public health crisis. according to a council report. Designed Publisher to turn that around, the strategy has David Floyd three priorities; sustainable culture, creating opportunities for young peo- Editor BY JAMES CRACKNELL be home to an enhanced library, the latest in a string of high-rise ple, and culture every day. James Cracknell with a dedicated community hub schemes proposed for the bor- It identifies the council’s £6bil- Designer he owners of Edmonton created below Mendip House. ough this year. In September, lion Meridian Water regeneration Green Shopping Centre Opinions are now being sought investment giant Blackrock won scheme as a potential hub for film, Jonathan Duncan want to build 1,500 on the plans, prior to the submis- planning permission to build 1,800 television and associated industries. Head of Advertising new homes – including sion of a planning application to homes in towers up to 29-storeys The council hopes to attract more Ta 30-storey tower block – as part Enfield Council. Sabri Marsaoui, tall on a retail park in Southbury; businesses such as OMA Film Stu- Klaudia Kiss of a sweeping redevelopment of asset director at Edmonton Green, while in October, a proposal by dios, which last summer opened its Head of Operations the site. said: “We have already conducted Deutsche Bank to rebuild Pal- new site, claimed to be Paige Ballmi While the existing three tower a lot of consultation with residents ace Gardens Shopping Centre in the largest film studio in London. Engagement Manager blocks, ASDA, and the bus station and we hope they will see we have Enfield Town, including a 26-storey The council cultural strategy pro- Penny Dampier would be retained, much of the taken on board their feedback. tower and several hundred homes, poses a “youth culture catapult pro- remaining older parts of the site “Edmonton Green has so much was revealed. Both schemes are gramme” to increase and improve Contributors would be torn down, with addi- potential and we feel these pro- proving controversial among res- creative opportunities for young Simon Allin, Olivia tional residential blocks built above posals will help realise this. It is idents, being planned as they are people. Deputy leader Ian Barnes Devereux-Evans, Neil newly created shopping areas. vital the development remains for generally low-rise areas, but told the meeting: “This strategy Littman, Basil Clarke, The current indoor in Edmonton Green the is for the council to convene and Jeremy Hay-Campbell, market would be “Edmonton Green has skyline is already punc- catalyse the whole borough to work Terry Neville, demolished to help tuated by existing high- in collaboration, from grassroots open up the site and rise blocks, the tallest community organisations to large- Andrew Warshaw so much potential and create new public being 25 storeys. scale commercial players.” spaces and thorough- we feel these proposals Regarding the height CONTACT fares, with a replace- of the tower blocks ment market built on will help realise this” proposed, a Crosstree Waste plan Call 020 8521 7956 an existing car park “to spokesperson said: Email EnfieldDispatch@ make it the focal point of the grounded in what already makes “Edmonton Green is identified in orth London Waste Author- socialspider.com new development”. Edmonton Green successful and local planning policy as an appro- ity’s plan for waste disposal Owners Crosstree Real Estate that is why we have put the market priate location for tall buildings. Nacross seven boroughs over ADVERTISING Partners have been working on the at the centre of these proposals. The residential blocks will there- the next ten years is being examined Contact Klaudia Kiss: plans since buying the site from “We also believe our plans for fore range in height from four to by an independent planning inspector. St Modwen in 2018, with surveys new streets, spaces and squares 30 storeys. The centre of the site Stephen Normington is assessing Call 07732 000 430 and public events being held over will make this area safer, and a will feature taller buildings, with whether the Waste Email klaudia@ socialspider.com the last two years to hear local place for local people to spend smaller buildings at the perime- Plan, which identifies sites for dispos- people’s thoughts. A number of time shopping or socialising with ter to tie in with Fore Street and ing of waste up to 2031 and includes improvements to existing facilities friends and family.” other neighbouring streets.” guidance for determining relevant have also been made in that time. The proposals have been drawn Residents can now have their planning applications, complies with Feedback suggested people wanted up by architects LDS. If approved say, until Sunday 6th December, legal requirements and is “sound”. a mix of shops, restaurants and by the council, the first phase of by logging on to egconsultation. The plan was initially launched in cafés, and the Crosstree proposals the scheme – on the ASDA car park co.uk. A window display has been 2019, but several amendments have include a greater range of retail – would be due for completion in placed at 50 South Mall, a vacant since been made. A consultation is Enfield Dispatch is a member of IMPRESS: The Independent Monitor and hospitality units, including 2023. The whole redevelopment shop within the centre, and online now open and local people have until of The Press. For more information on the Dispatch’s complaints policy independent local shops and cafés is estimated to last between ten webinars are also being held. Thursday 10th December to contrib- and how to make a complaint visit: as well as high street brands. A and 15 years. A community newsletter is being ute to the public examination of the enfielddispatch.co.uk/complaints new ‘Library Square’ would also The Edmonton Green plans are sent to more than 7,000 homes. document – visit nlwp.net/examination. 3 NEWS No.27 DECEMBER 2020 ENFIELD DISPATCH Borough businesses Support battling to survive for rough Olivia Devereux-Evans talks to Enfield entrepreneurs sleepers BY OLIVIA DEVEREUX-EVANS

about their struggles through the pandemic nfield Council has been ith having been given £9.1million to under a second national lock- help house and support down throughout November, rough sleepers across and many restrictions con- Ethe borough. Wtinuing into December, local businesses in The government funding, the Enfield continue to face financial uncertainty. highest amount allocated to a Lon- Essential businesses, such as those selling don local authority, will be used food, have been allowed to stay open through- to create 73 homes across three out the second lockdown, but non-essential housing projects. It was one of 38 shops were not. And while the government homelessness schemes across the has extended its furlough scheme until March capital selected to receive funding 2021 in a bid to stave off mass redundancies, by Sadiq Khan, many business owners are still struggling to who was given £94.3million in continue trading. total by the government to pro- They include Michael Blake, who has run Trim- vide longer-term accommodation bles Fancy Dress Shop in Windmill Hill since to people living in hotels, hostels 1998. He told the Dispatch: “I would say we are or supported housing. probably 80% down on business since March. Enfield Council leader Nesil We have survived purely because of what we Caliskan said: “Enfield Council got from the government. Otherwise, we would has worked tirelessly to support have closed, without a shadow of a doubt.” homeless people and secure suit- Trimbles secured a loan and was eligible for Michael Blake and Jennie Law at Trimbles in Windmill Hill able accommodation for them, the government-backed business rates relief their online presence while they are unable including a ‘Bounce Back’ loan. Asked about particularly in the midst of the scheme. Michael also plans on using the flexible to open the shop, using their Facebook page. the future of the business, he said: “We Covid-19 pandemic. furlough offer until March to pay staff. During Asked how she was feeling about the future have to keep positive because we are all in it “Despite significant pressure on the current lockdown, Trimbles is relying on of the business, Yvonne said: “Despondent at [together]. The show must go on. We have to our finances, we will continue our customers emailing in deliveries for dance wear the moment, but we will be good, we will get have a bit of a glimmer of hope that we are engagement, support and advice and fancy dress costumes. But profits from big there. We have got customer followers, so just going through a hard time.” and work with our partners to fancy dress occasions have declined sharply. we will be okay. The pandemic has actually Many businesses have adapted their offer to reduce rough sleeping in Enfield. “At Halloween we lost about 75% of our shown how many people do believe in us customers to stay afloat during the pandemic. “This will be through a combina- normal business,” added Michael. “It should and want us to survive.” But My Time Artisan Fare in , run tion of improvements to the private have been a big Saturday for us.” Mizad Khodsee, who runs Mauritian Foods by Brian Lewis, has changed more than most. rental sector, the establishment Yvonne Fuller has run Shed Loads of Crafts in Online, has a fruit and vegetable stall and It had been open since 2015 as a café, but like of the council’s ethical lettings since 2015, with business partner supermarket at Edmonton Green Shopping many such firms saw a decline in sales follow- agency, known as Enfield Let, Sandra Gardner. Speaking at the start of the sec- Centre, which was recently taken over by a ing the first lockdown. Brian told the Dispatch: and the provision of high-quality, ond lockdown, Yvonne said they were worried new management company, Crosstree. Mizad “Our sales were something like 40–50% coming affordable and safe accommodation about losing trade. “November is our busiest said the new management had been a pos- back, and that was when we did [government with welcomed financial assistance month in the whole year,” she told the Dispatch. itive and that people were still doing their discount scheme] Eat Out To Help Out.” from the mayor of London. “So we are going to be financially at a loss.” essential grocery shopping there. My Time also received business rate relief but “In addition, we will work to Shed Loads of Crafts was eligible for business Crosstree has helped businesses struggling Brian said it wasn’t enough and that he had strengthen residents’ ability to rates relief, some of which Yvonne and Sandra at the centre by giving them rent discounts. to decide what else could be done to help the remain housed through support put aside. They are now trying to increase Mizad also received government support, business survive. He did some market research and training.” with Palmers Green Action Group and discov- The overall goal is to help 900 ered locals wanted a deli in the area. My Time people across London move into subsequently re-opened as an organic delica- new homes by the end of March tessen, grocery store and café, branching out 2021. A large number of these into home food deliveries and click-and-collect. rough sleepers were accommo- “If we had not been creative we really dated in hotels by City Hall and would have died,” said Brian. He is now by borough councils at the start of hopeful for the future and added: “We are the pandemic. The emergency pro- going to be able to move forward. I just want gramme helped 1,700 homeless to say a big thank you to the residents and people who would have been vul- customers for supporting us.” nerable to coronavirus infection in shelters or living on the streets. Contact Trimbles Fancy Dress: Facebook /Trimblesfancydress Sadiq Khan said: “The projects Contact Shed Load of Crafts: I’m supporting will create the Visit shedloadofcrafts.com homes our fellow Londoners Contact Mauritian Foods Online: deserve and ensure they have Visit mauritianfoodsonline.com Contact My Time Artisan Fare: access to the support they need to Brian Lewis behind the counter at My Time in Palmers Green Facebook /mytimefare rebuild their lives.” 4 FEATURES No.27 DECEMBER 2020 ENFIELD DISPATCH The great outdoor dining experiment Neil Littman on how local eating establishments adapted after the first lockdown – and how they might recover from the second ince the start of the pan- was greater demand for outdoor on Friday evenings seemed to be the demic, big changes have seating, where little or none had venue of choice for the local police been made by the hospitality existed previously. force. It was good that customers industry as it seeks to adapt After the local residents’ associa- were happy to adapt as well. Sto new restrictions. tion petitioned councillors, Enfield A major factor that helped at first More residents are staying home Council agreed to allow outdoor was the weather. It stayed consis- and using nearby amenities, which seating on the slip road of The tently warm and dry for nearly two include The Green in Winchmore Green, closing it off at both ends for months. But the weather changed Hill. During the first lockdown we a period of six months. If this had for the worse in late August and suddenly had impromptu family not happened with the speed it did, September, resulting in little or no picnics and people eating their several of the dining outlets could outdoor dining. lunch on the seating areas. have easily gone out of business. This raises doubts for how hos- This was supported by one The council would not allow any pitality businesses will cope after of the cafés, Nespresso, which permanent structures to be erected the end of the second lockdown. If began doing takeaways, while to protect diners from the elements no shelter is provided, it is feared Going Greek also provided home if the weather got bad, but some the whole point of removing traffic deliveries. But of the six food places were allowed umbrellas and from this part of The Green will be outlets in the area, four of them collapsible shelters that could be lost, as customers will no longer remained closed for three months. removed and stored. More impor- wish to eat or drink outside. Buckle and Vaughn probably had tantly, restaurants adapted their The council will decide early next the most difficult issues, being offers to suit the changing circum- year whether the outdoor dining primarily a sit-down restaurant. stances. Most served some sort of scheme will operate indefinitely. When local restaurants and takeaway menu, in addition to what Residents Associ- Enfield Council closed a part of The Green to traffic cafés were finally allowed to fully they had been doing previously. to enable outdoor dining in Winchmore Hill ation (WHRA) is seeking to iden- re-open in July, businesses needed The Larder took a radical approach, tify what specific measures are to re-engage with the community becaming a bar and paella venue Hopper & Bean opened with to Help Out’ scheme. It was some- required to maintain the successes and find ways to survive and with evening openings, in addition an expanded takeaway menu, thing that Buckle and Vaughn of the experiment over the winter recoup the financial hit they took to serving breakfast and lunch. It including vegan sausage rolls benefited from enormously – months and wants to work collab- during months of closure. also made alterations to its garden from Cornwall that provided seri- they even decided to continue the oratively to develop broad propos- Most of the eating establish- area and overhauled its menu. New ous competition for Greggs! It also scheme on their own initiative als for further improvements. ments in Winchmore Hill are chefs were taken on and more established an outdoor eating area. until November. To get involved with discussions independently owned and they outdoor seating provided, plus a A few of the businesses signed Going Greek operated continu- around the future of The Green: re-opened in different ways. There gazebo erected on The Green. up to the government’s ‘Eat Out ously during the whole period, and Visit whresidents.org Helping those in need Olivia Devereux-Evans talks to the founder of a support group and foodbank that has seen demand soar during the pandemic n Edmonton commu- it is a nice feeling that you are help- therapy via Zoom and outdoors to to start similar projects so more nity project is helping ing someone else. It does not need help those affected by the loneliness people can be helped. up to 400 people a to be a headache to help someone.” coronavirus restrictions can bring. Before the government agreed week – with services The group is based at All Saints BASE also wants to reduce the to support Marcus Rashford’s free includingA food deliveries and Church Hall, Edmonton, and is open stigma around using foodbanks. school meals campaign, there was a mental health support – as people all week. Home food deliveries are Candice said: “We try to make more surge in demand from parents. Can- continue to struggle through the done from Saturday to Wednesday people welcome and show that there dice added: “We were going through coronavirus pandemic. and the hall is open on Thursday is no shame in asking for help.” bags like it was nothing. It [Marcus’s Build Achieve Support Empower and Friday for collections. Enhanced In the long-term, Candice wants campign] was a really good thing, (BASE) was started by a group of safety measures are in place for to be able to grow the food that and I am glad someone did it.” friends in September 2019, deliveries and collections. BASE provides. She now has two BASE is always looking for dona- following a course with a parent BASE also collaborates with a allotments, one in tions and in addition to food is in engagement panel at Enfield Council Candice Charles is the founder of number of other organisations, and one in Edmonton, and is in need of sanitary towels, baby milk which highlighted that one in four Edmonton community project BASE including Bread and Butter, Mor- need of volunteers to help plant and nappies. It also accepts dona- children were not receiving hot meals. includes food delivery, domestic gan’s Creative Minds and Sonny the fruit and vegetables. tions of buggies and cots. Founder Candice Charles is a child- violence aftercare, child and fam- Snail’s Sensory Garden in Ponders BASE is not limited to Enfield For more information care educator and said the group ily support. The volunteers pay for End. Bread and Butter provides peo- borough and Candice says she about BASE and to donate: expanded faster than she ever the food which they provide to the ple with frozen meals and food that often receives South London refer- Call 07488 342 275 imagined when Covid-19 hit earlier community themselves. can be cooked as well as recipes. rals, which she now does once a Facebook /BASE-Edmonton-104349154501982 Visit gofundme.com/f/tackling-child-poverty this year. The help BASE provides Candice said: “We are struggling but Morgan’s Creative Minds offers art week. She wants other boroughs Visit bankuet.co.uk/base 5 FEATURES No.27 DECEMBER 2020 ENFIELD DISPATCH Reaching out to rough sleepers A local homelessness charity is seeking both volunteers and donations

BY BASIL CLARKE ing, in the former care home, with room for 30 guests. Instead of the guests moving f you find yourself homeless or on the between churches, a different church group verge of becoming homeless and don’t or community group comes to the shelter qualify for temporary accommodation each night, providing food and keeping Iwith the council, who will come to your rescue? guests safe and engaged. In January this In Enfield or Haringey boroughs, it will will be joined by a six-bedroom house in most likely be the homelessness preven- Enfield, where guests can stay while APAP tion charity All People All Places (APAP). works with them to find somewhere to live. It will help you stay where you are, or, if APAP could easily fill more such houses, but you’re already homeless, provide emergency can’t yet afford them. accommodation and support you to find To support clients, including people not yet somewhere more permanent. homeless but at risk of becoming so, APAP has a APAP began operation ten years ago in day centre in Haringey and is planning to set up Haringey and four years later in Enfield, co- a resource centre in Enfield, providing access ordinating volunteer-run winter night shelters to support workers and laundry facilities. set up in places of worship, finding accommo- Expansion and professionalisation have not dation for guests to move on to, and working diminished the importance of voluntary sup- with them collaboratively to create a pathway port, whether from individuals or community plan for their future. Over the 2018/19 win- groups. Volunteers provide food and toiletries, ter, these shelters provided 1,063 bed-nights, take turns to run the shelter, maintain and putting up 91 individual guests, and found APAP provides temporary shelter for rough sleepers while trying to arrange permanent accommodation for them clean the buildings, and help raise awareness somewhere to live for nearly half of them. model, where in each borough a different tory model APAP used was unworkable – it of the charity – much of whose income comes APAP support workers can help clients church or synagogue houses guests one night would take only one person with the virus from small individual donations. find accommodation without an upfront a week, APAP set up static shelters; in Har- to infect everyone else breathing the same In the face of growing unemployment and deposit, source missing documents, register ingey a former care home, in Enfield a disused air. Single rooms became essential. debt, likely leading to evictions, APAP needs with a GP, complete benefit claims, and industrial unit. They took on additional staff The former Haringey care home could be every helping hand and every penny it can much more. They build trust and provide to run them, and APAP became a year-round adapted without too much difficulty, but in get. Could you or your community group a safe environment for clients to open up professional operation with 18 staff. Enfield the industrial unit could not. The step in to help at shelters or to raise money? about their underlying problems and begin The expansion came just in time, because solution was for Enfield Council to take over to deal with them. the arrival of Covid-19 made it necessary to a hotel in Edmonton, which APAP helped run For more information and to offer support: Email [email protected] In autumn last year, APAP’s operations house rough sleepers for the duration of until it closed in August. Visit allpeopleallplaces.org expanded. In addition to the night shelter lockdown. But it also meant that the dormi- Currently, APAP has one shelter operat- Visit everyclick.com/charity/apap

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to donate £3 northmid.nhs.uk/donate 6 NEWS No.27 DECEMBER 2020 ENFIELD DISPATCH New schools for hospital site Enfieldians BY JAMES CRACKNELL AND SIMON ALLIN, ‘most LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER One Degree Academy (left) and Wren Academy (right) financially wo new schools and hundreds of homes have been granted planning insecure’ permission on the former Chase TFarm Hospital site. Borough unemployment At a meeting of the planning committee nearly three times higher last month, a two-storey primary school and than before pandemic four-storey secondary school for the site were approved. They will provide teaching facilities BY JAMES CRACKNELL for 1,260 pupils and around 120 staff. The new primary school building is for nfield residents are the least One Degree Academy, an existing school in “financially viable” in the Ponders End that wants to relocate, while whole of the UK, according to the planned secondary is Wren Academy, Ea loan company’s research. a new school that opened in September Lender Moneybarn ranked 369 but has been forced to teach its first pupils local authority areas by a series of from a site it’s currently sharing with criteria, such as average incomes, Nightingale Academy, in Edmonton. planned to open in September 2022, but developed land to deliver important social house prices and unemployment, Enfield Council planning officers recom- new temporary buildings that would allow infrastructure. This is critical to the growth with Enfield coming bottom of mended the new school buildings in The both schools to begin teaching next year of the borough and will help the council the pile. Stratford-upon-Avon, in Ridgeway for approval, highlighting at the Chase Farm site, bought by the meet its housing targets.” Warwickshire, took top spot. “insufficient provision” for education in government in 2017, are being proposed The government agreed to provide 20% Six of the ten least financially viable the borough – particularly for secondary in a separate planning application. affordable housing – up from 14% in a locations were found to be in London. places in north-west Enfield. The new Chase Farm Hospital building was previously agreed planning permission but In Enfield, nearly 40% of residents During the meeting, a resident objected opened in 2018 and part of the original plan, still far below the council’s 40% target. earn below the national living wage to the proposals, raising concerns over approved in 2015, included 500 homes in Committee member Daniel Anderson said: (£10.75 in London), while they also increased traffic and the potential for blocks up to five storeys tall, in place of the “We have a policy. What is the point in scored poorly for gross disposable more parking problems in nearby streets. demolished hospital buildings, but so far continually having meetings where we are income, annual pay, and employ- But speaking in support was Gavin Smith, only 138 have been built. being told we can’t meet the requirement ment. London boroughs Barking and principal of Wren Academy, who said: Because space is now needed for the for affordable housing?” Dagenham, Hackney and Redbridge “Enfield children deserve nothing less new secondary school, the government Planning officers told councillors that while also featured in the bottom five. than the very best opportunities, buildings, claims the remaining homes need to be the development would be visible from the Inverclyde in Scotland was the only facilities and staff in these schools.” built in taller, six-storey buildings, so they green belt, the flats would be lower and less location outside England to feature After councillors raised concerns about take up less space. A second planning intrusive than the existing hospital buildings. in the bottom ten. traffic and parking, officers agreed to committee meeting in November approved Two councillors abstained from the vote on Newly-released job data from the attach a condition for the schools’ starting the application for 362 homes. the plans but it was voted through by the Office for National Statistics show and finishing times to be staggered, Speaking on behalf of the government, remaining members of the committee. nearly a three-fold rise in local

reducing potential impact on neighbours. a planning agent told the meeting: “We For more information on the plans: unemployment. More than 19,000 The new permanent school buildings are are optimising the use of previously Visit chasefarmdevelopment.co.uk people (9%) of working age in Enfield are now claiming unemployment benefits, up from 7,000 people (3.3%) one year ago. Former Tory MP ‘sorry’ over election leaflet UK households are expected to face an additional £6billion in debt as a David Burrowes apologises to councillor result of the Covid-19 health crisis and economic recession, as millions of ormer Enfield Southgate MP that David Burrowes retract his the pair after Cllr Stewart instructed her people fall behind on payments. Tim David Burrowes has been forced statement and apologise. His actions solicitors to pursue a case of defamation. Schwarz, head of marketing at Mon- to apologise to a local councillor contributed towards the toxic political The 17-storey plans for Southgate Office eybarn, said: “The government has its Ffor printing a lie about her on his atmosphere that sees women targeted Village were rejected by Enfield Council work cut out to get the nation back election leaflets. with smear campaigns. in June this year. on its feet and help people live more

The defeated Conservative, who “Clearly David Burrowes’ actions were only David Burrowes is a comfortably, especially post-Covid 19.” former Conservative MP lost to current Labour MP Bambos meant to damage my reputation – they were for Enfield Southgate Shortly after announcing a sec- Charalambous in both 2017 and 2019, nothing to do with the general election.” ond nationwide lockdown for admitted falsely claiming Southgate In an apology posted on the Southgate England, the government last month Green councillor Claire Stewart had Conservatives website, David wrote: “I announced an extension to its job supported a controversial high-rise am very sorry to have stated in a leaflet retention scheme, commonly known development in Southgate town centre. in November 2019 that Cllr Stewart as furlough, until spring next year. It The election literature carrying the supported the planned Southgate Office has also provided additional support fabrication was distributed widely during Village development. I now realise that for local authorities, with Enfield the 2019 General Election campaign in a this was not the case and Cllr Stewart Council handed another £9.6million, ward that Cllr Stewart does not represent. has not supported the development, bringing the total government sup- Cllr Stewart was not herself a candidate and I am happy to make this clear.” port for the local authority during in the general election, but is employed David Burrowes was Conservative MP the pandemic to £40.6m. The coun- by Bambos as his chief of staff and for Enfield Southgate between 2005 and cil estimates its additional spending campaigned for his re-election. 2017. The formal apology came as part of and lost income amounting from the Cllr Stewart said: “It is absolutely right an undisclosed legal settlement between public health crisis will total £64.6m. 7 No.27 DECEMBER 2020 ENFIELD DISPATCH

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Book now - www.haringey6.ac.uk #MoreThanACollege 8 COMMENT No.27 DECEMBER 2020 ENFIELD DISPATCH High-rise plans causing concern In our latest councillor’s column, Grange ward member Terry Neville shares his trepidation over local redevelopments

’ve been a councillor in he is now organising. centre. As councillors we have met sists of two apartment blocks, of ‘put on ice’ for the now. Enfield now for 34 years, In Enfield Town there are two with the developer and its repre- five and seven storeys. The taller Last but not least, the council Iand during that time I’ve seen significant new applications, sentatives and while recognising one will be visible from Cecil Road, has been consulting on its own many changes – sadly not all for the biggest of which is being the commercial and again we proposals for revamping roads the best! submitted by Deutsche Bank, necessity, we have sought around Enfield Town. There is Grange ward is having more the owner of Palace Gardens and have strenu- to persuade much opposition to these too, as planning issues at present than Palace Exchange shopping cen- ously expressed the developer, they involve narrowing the car- I’ve seen for some considerable tres. The company is proposing our opposition Dominvs, riageway in Church Street to one time. The present ones are a mix- a major overhaul of the shop- to such a tall to limit the lane, quite ignoring it seems the ture of controversial applications ping centres, particularly in the building. We blocks to five existing volume of traffic. We in the Enfield Town area and an now very tired Palace Gardens. are now organ- storeys. As if are seriously concerned about increasing number of planning The plans we have seen for the ising a cam- that wasn’t the proposals generally, which enforcement cases, as a lack of revamped Palace Gardens are a paign against enough, there do not address the basic problem determined action by Enfield major improvement on what is this aspect of is a third pro- of making Enfield Town more Council over recent years has there now, including the incorpo- the proposals – posal, to build a appealing to shoppers. Further led to many more people effec- ration of a “boutique” Everyman watch this space! 14-storey block reductions in car parking will do tively ‘chancing their arm’ with cinema and restaurants to boost Another sig- on the Ross nothing to bring shoppers in – developments and arguing about the night-time economy. nificant pro- House site in the Labour administration think it afterwards! But a major investment in the posal within Windmill Hill, cyclists are the answer, which is I and my two ward colleagues town centre – which this undoubt- Grange ward to which we emphatically not the case. continue to press the council on edly is – has to be funded, and is the redevel- expressed our Cllr Neville represents Grange ward these cases, and I’ve recently called Deutsche Bank propose to do opment of the outright oppo- alongside Andy Milne and Chris Dey (all on the chief executive to investigate this by constructing a 26-storey Metaswitch sition when we Conservative). Ward surgeries are being held online only. To get in touch: how effective planning enforcement apartment block, explicitly for building at 100 Church Street, met the developers (also Dominvs) Call 07852 903 724 is in the borough, something which rent only, above the shopping next to the . This con- – resulting in those plans being Email [email protected]

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The low-traffic neighbourhood in the Fox Lane area from and Fox Lane Send us your letters of Palmers Green was installed this autumn shows more cycling and walking Got an opinion on something in Enfield? We accept letters of up to 150 words and dramatic reductions in traf- from people and organisations in the borough. Email EnfieldDispatch@ fic within the perimeter of the socialspider.com before the next deadline on Tuesday 15th December schemes. One local primary school in Palmers Green, St Monica’s, has calculated that children walking Museum New A&E or scooting has more than doubled in the last year. move booking But of course, an LTN cannot be introduced without compro- threatens service mise. Car journeys to and from the LTN area may take longer. Enfield’s Dear Enfield Dispatch This is because, initially, main t a time when everyone is road traffic surrounding an LTN heritage trying their best to min- will increase. But evidence does A imise contact with other show that as drivers adjust their people, waiting around in an A&E routes or find alternative means Dear Enfield Dispatch ward is not ideal. That is why NHS of transport – perhaps being am the former director of a 111 First has set up a new system persuaded to leave their cars at number of British national so that patients can be referred to home for short journeys – traffic museums and, decades ago, the most appropriate urgent or reduces over the long term. I an Enfield Grammar School pupil. I emergency service for their needs, Residents in the Fox Lane area, retired to Enfield Town 22 years ago. helping them avoid waiting around where I live, have been campaign- I am seriously concerned by the for a long time to be seen. If A&E ing for over 20 years to reduce suggestion that Enfield’s archives is needed, a timed appointment through traffic. Since 2013 there and local history collection be can now be booked via 111. This Road safety have been various public meet- moved from . As will be better than having to wait ings, plans, and unsuccessful a long-time member of The Enfield around, and better for the hospital trials of speed humps and plant- Society, I have seen their persuasive to help maintain social distancing is a goal we ers. In Bowes Park, there have counter-proposal, and the disap- for everyone’s safety. been discussions going on for pointing response sent by Enfield Emma Friddin over a decade. Now, the Covid-19 Council’s property director [Council Healthwatch Enfield can all share crisis has accelerated the instal- rejects £20,000 museum offer, Page 11]. lation of these plans. Given the design principles adopted Palmers Green resident Jeremy There has been criticism of the by the council for its admirable Low-traffic process of LTN implementation; ‘Let’s Talk Enfield Town’ scheme Hay-Campbell urges clearer a lack of prior consultation, plans include the guiding principle to schemes thinking on Enfield’s low-traffic hurriedly brought in, and delays ensure Enfield “celebrates its heri- to emergency services [Ambulance tage”, it is surely entirely wrong to welcome neighbourhood schemes crews ‘impeded’ by low-traffic scheme, choose such a moment to exchange Page 14]. The plans have been a purpose-equipped facility, where Dear Enfield Dispatch he introduction of two traffic in their neighbourhood. introduced quickly to comply this history has been professionally t’s good news Enfield Council low-traffic neighbour- LTNs aim to remove through with government funding rules preserved and accessible, for the is addressing high-traffic neigh- hoods (LTNs) in the traffic in residential areas, to and communication could have civic centre’s basement. bourhoods in the borough with Bowes Park and Fox make them safer and quieter. been better, but we are actually If the council genuinely wants I trials in Bowes Park and Palmers TLane areas of Enfield borough They aim to create an environ- in the middle of a real-time public to create a more active and lively Green. Low-traffic neighbourhood have been warmly welcomed ment that encourages people consultation that is ongoing right town centre, moving any part of (LTN) schemes encourage people who by some residents and strongly to walk and cycle where they now. This is an active trial, where its historic collections away from can to make short journeys by walk- opposed by others. But what is can, reducing car dependency we get to experience the changes that centre can only be counter- ing or cycling, releasing road space the reality? for short journeys in particular. and make comments about them productive, and shows a wanton for those who must drive (35% of Residential streets are being To achieve this, vehicle access is as we see the effects. disregard for the value of this car trips in London are under 2km). over-used by motor vehicles, and limited through the use of filters; Emergency services have been heritage. Precisely the opposite Vehicle miles in London have speeding has worsened. Traffic barriers, planters or cameras. The consulted and the introduction is required – strengthening the risen 72% in the last ten years – on on these streets in the capital objective is not stopping all car of camera filters in Warwick collection’s position and related unclassified side streets – while has increased by a shocking 72% use but encouraging drivers pass- Road, Fox Lane, Meadway and activities, giving it more publicity, A-road traffic has actually fallen, since 2009, while A-road traffic ing through an area to keep to Conway Road have been a direct and enabling it to communicate thanks to satellite navigation sys- has dropped by 1%. It is estimated main roads, which are designed response to specific requests more of Enfield’s proud and long tems. We need more low-traffic that at least a third of London to accommodate this traffic. from these services. history. This cannot be achieved neighbourhoods in the borough car journeys are under 2km (1.2 So far, around 100 LTNs have It is a pity it’s proving so difficult by moving it, its staff, and loyal because they help address many miles), which for many is a walk- been introduced across London. as a community to work together volunteers, into the basement of big challenges; pollution, climate able or cyclable distance. More are expected, as central to manage these changes. But the civic centre. change, childhood obesity, adult LTNs are being trialled not just government releases an extra remember that if you think the The Enfield Society’s offer of inactivity, road-related deaths and here but all over London. Given £175m of ‘active travel funding’ to LTN can be improved, or you £20,000 could be used with great serious injuries. They make streets there is an acknowledged public local authorities. The Bowes Park really don’t like the plans at all, effect to expand the opportu- quieter, safer and cleaner. LTNs are health crisis of inactivity and obe- and Fox Lane LTNs are part of a then you can let Enfield Council nity for the museum and related supported by central, regional and sity, while air pollution and the strategic plan adopted by Enfield know. Equally, you should tell archives to be a vibrant town centre local government, as well as the climate crisis are big environmen- Council through its ‘Quieter them if you do like the plans. attraction in a building designed to UK public; a recent YouGov survey tal issues, LTNs are one method Neighbourhoods’ programme. Because what all residents need be Enfield’s cultural centre – not showed 57% support LTNs, with to make change happen. A survey The impact of these LTNs should is a scheme that’s proven to work. civic offices. by Kantar Media recently showed be quieter and safer roads, lower just 16% against. Have your say: that eight out of ten people sup- pollution, and a more healthy and Visit letstalk.enfield.gov.uk/ Colin Ford Adrian Day port measures to reduce road active population. Initial feedback neighbourhoods Gentleman’s Row, Enfield Better Streets for Enfield 10 NEWS No.27 DECEMBER 2020 ENFIELD DISPATCH Christmas meal delivery service launched “She was so thrilled when I told her she BY ANDREW WARSHAW Enfield Health and Wellbeing Centre would be having a proper Christmas Day n Enfield charity is bringing meal. She’s a classic example of the kind festive cheer to elderly people at of people we are trying to help.” A risk of loneliness this Christmas. The food is being prepared according Jenny Ramadan, who runs Enfield to individual needs on Christmas Eve, at Health and Wellbeing Centre (EHWC) St George’s Church Hall in , from her home in , is and will be delivered to more than 50 giving up part of her Christmas Day to people the following morning by Jenny distribute a traditional lunch to over- and an enthusiastic team of volunteers. 60s across the borough, along with a Some might wonder why they are small present to open. all prepared to give up their own Jenny has been running the not-for-profit Christmas morning. “The work we organisation for three years. It provides a do is so rewarding, I don’t do this for number of services, but the biggest is its money,” Jenny responds. “I do it because assessment-based, confidence-boosting I genuinely want to help. I love the befriending initiative, delivered to around elderly who have so much knowledge and 500 local clients. experience. Sometimes I think they are a Despite being a single parent of eight forgotten generation. I was brought up by children, Jenny is no stranger to charity set out to provide Christmas meals for the simply too scared to leave their homes. my grandmother and great-grandmother. work. Before setting up EHWC, she worked borough’s most vulnerable residents – giving “I woke up one morning and thought “Also, I wanted my introduce my for eleven years for the Enfield branch of up her own festive needs in the process. ‘should I, should I not?’. I decided, what children to socialising with the older Age UK. And back in 2007 she received a “I got the idea because of lockdown,” have I got to lose?” generation. My clients are like our prestigious ‘volunteer of the year’ award Jenny told the Dispatch. “So many Jenny was recently contacted by an extended family.” for London from Princess Anne, for her vulnerable people are really isolated and elderly 74-year-old Enfield woman living For more information about EHWC: work with Victim Support Enfield. can’t see their families, or get out. Some on her own. “She basically said that last Email [email protected] But this year is the first time Jenny has have mental health issues, others are Christmas she had baked beans on toast. Visit enfieldhealthwellbeingcentre.org.uk

Advertisement Skydiving for Sue Gift the Dispatch BY OLIVIA DEVEREUX-EVANS The jump was originally going to take place in March, on what would have been Sue’s great granny from Winchmore Hill 52nd birthday, but was cancelled because Show someone you care about completed her first ever skydive of the pandemic. Coronavirus restrictions them – and your local community – honouring the memory of her now in place mean skydivers must wear daughterA who died of a brain tumour. their own clothes, but Kathleen’s jump – by giving the gift of Enfield Ten years ago Kathleen Taylor’s daughter went without a hitch and she landed safely Sue was diagnosed with a glioblastoma on her feet for a tea and bacon roll. Dispatch membership! multiforme (GBO) brain tumour and died Kathleen said: “Although I am one of the aged just 42, six weeks after diagnosis. oldest people who have done this jump, Kathleen decided to raise money for Brain my instructor told me I was the calmest What is included Tumour Research, a charity that funds person he had met in 20 years.” • Enfield Dispatch membership for research at centres in the UK and cam- After losing Sue, Kathleen and husband paigns for the government and other larger David set up In Sue’s Name, a member charity six months or twelve months cancer charities to invest more in research. of Brain Tumour Research. They aim to raise It hopes to speed up treatments for patients £1million by 2027 in aid of vital brain tumour • Monthly delivery of the and eventually find a cure. research at the charity’s centre of excellence, newspaper through the post Kathleen, 80, was the second oldest sky- part of Queen Mary University of London. diver this year to jump at Skydive Hinton Kathleen and David have four children, • Your name listed in Northamptonshire, but said she was six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. in print and online determined to complete the challenge – A number of family members, including despite waiting for a second hip operation. David, have already done skydives themselves • A stylish Dispatch tote bag to raise money for Brain Tumour Research. David said: “Kathleen was really relaxed. • A sleek Dispatch pin badge It was the rest of us who were worrying! “I am very proud of her as I know Sue, who • The warm Christmassy ED had done a skydive herself, would have been.” glow of knowing you’re Sue Farrington Smith, chief executive of Brain Tumour Research, said: “The partner- helping sustain local ship with In Sue’s Name is helping fund vital independent journalism! research into brain tumours and we won’t give up the fight until we have improved outcomes for patients and their loved ones. enfielddispatch.co.uk/gift To donate to Kathleen’s fundraiser: Octogenarian Kathleen is supporting Brain Tumour Research Visit totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/jumpingforsue2 11 NEWS No.27 DECEMBER 2020 ENFIELD DISPATCH Council rejects £20,000 museum offer Pandemic BY JAMES CRACKNELL donations paid to

nfield Council has rejected council officer’s a £20,000 offer from The Enfield Society for spending bank account on improvements to its local BY SIMON ALLIN, Emuseum and studies library. LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER The local residents’ group made the offer with the caveat that the money onservative councillors have criti- would only be made available if both cised the use of an Enfield Council the Museum of Enfield and Enfield Local staff member’s bank account to Studies Library and Archive remain handle donations to the borough’s based at the Dugdale Centre in Enfield Ccoronavirus response. Members of The Enfield Society outside Town. More than 2,000 people have Thomas Hardy House, home of the Tory group leader Joanne Laban said it was signed a petition calling on the council Dugdale Centre and Museum of Enfield “unprofessional” of the council to use the to keep these facilities there. account to process more than £23,000 of However, the council is still proposing to 17,000 local historic and ancient artefacts, centre its proposed new home. donations to Enfield Stands Together, a project relocate the studies library and adjacent but only a small number can be displayed The Enfield Society is opposed to the set up to help deliver food and other supplies conference rooms to Enfield Civic Centre, at one time. Enfield Local Studies Library move and, in October, set out an alterna- to vulnerable people during the pandemic. allowing the first floor of the Dugdale to and Archive features historical documents tive plan to keep everything at the Dug- A letter dated 16th September, sent from an be used as office space for staff from its dating back to the 13th Century, including dale, together with its £20,000 offer of internal audit manager, stated that because Enfield children’s and young people’s services photographs and newspapers. It moved to match funding. Trustee Val Munday told Stands Together was not a charity, the council had department, who are currently split the Dugdale, which was specially adapted the Dispatch the council’s rejection of the to use a JustGiving page that only allowed funds across three different sites. Such a move to host it, in 2008. society’s offer was disappointing but said to be transferred to a personal bank account. would save “hundreds of thousands of In March, the local authority revealed the group would continue to campaign Council bosses agreed for the funds to be pounds” in rent and other costs, according its intention to create offices for its chil- to keep the local archive at the Dugdale. transferred to an officer’s personal account to council property director Mark Brad- Val said: “I fail to see how they [the before being moved to the Enfield Stands bury, who wrote a letter to The Enfield “Some documents council] can manage to get the artefacts Together bank account within 24 hours. The Society rejecting their offer. are centuries old– currently on display on the first floor to fit letter adds: “Internal audit is satisfied that the Mark wrote: “I appreciate your interest on the ground floor without cutting space. documented procedures around the transfer of and concern in both the archives and temperature changes “The museum uses things from the funds from the JustGiving page to the Enfield museum services and thank you for your can damage them” archives but if they are not in the same Stands Together bank account were followed offer to contribute £20,000 to updating the building, it means transporting them. and that all funds were duly transferred.” displays, should they remain at Thomas dren’s services department on the first Some of those documents are hundreds Cllr Laban said: “It was deeply unprofessional Hardy House [home of the Dugdale]. and second floor of the Dugdale. The of years old – changes in temperature of the council to use a member of staff’s bank “While it is not the only reason for cre- council says the museum – currently and humidity can damage them. account for its activities. The Labour administra- ating a children and family service hub, occupying spaces on both the ground “We won’t let this slide. We have got a tion was very unfair to put the member of staff the financial benefit runs to hundreds and first floors – will remain but with all meeting scheduled with [council leader] in that position, especially when the council had of thousands each year, so while your permanent displays moved to the ground Nesil Caliskan in December. We hope alternatives such as the mayor’s charity and other offer is generous it will not offset this.” floor. Enfield Local Studies Library and by then the council will have produced online fundraising methods it could have utilised. The Museum of Enfield contains some Archive is set to be evicted, with the civic some concrete plans we can look at.” “It was deeply Row over council officers’ pay unprofessional” “Fundraising for donations to support food Community First – a group of four ex- ment team and costs by a third (£1million), provision was a good idea, but the council BY SIMON ALLIN, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER Labour councillors – highlighted officers at a time of unprecedented pressures and should not have used a personal bank account received “generous” pension contributions demands on local government. The council of a member of staff in order to do it.” row has broken out over pay of £26,910 and £13,438. The opposition now has one of smallest senior manage- An Enfield Council spokesperson said: increases for senior officers group claimed these breached council ment teams in London in relation to the “In response to the coronavirus pandemic, at Enfield Council as the pay policy – although salary is normally size and complexity of the borough. Enfield Council had to respond swiftly and local authority comes under considered separately from pension con- “The council has a robust incremental decisively to meet the needs of the most increasingA financial pressure. tributions. It also claimed there was a pay structure in place and does not set vulnerable residents in the borough. Members of opposition group Commu- failure to provide details of job titles and basic percentage pay increases, which are “Due to the fast pace the council had to nity First criticised pay hikes that saw responsibilities of those staff earning more negotiated for senior officers through the work at during this crisis, a JustGiving page one top executive take nearly £200,000 than £50,000, as required by the Local National Joint Council. There has been no was created, authorising a council officer to in salary and pension contributions – a Government Transparency Code, but the breach of the council’s stringent pay policy. use their own account in the first instance. 19% increase year-on-year. council pointed out this information was “Furthermore, if council officers opt into Donations received had to be separate from The pay increases are set out in the available on its website. the pension scheme, the amount payable ‘normal’ council business, and it was felt that council’s draft statement of accounts for Councillor Daniel Anderson said: “It is by the council as an employer’s contribu- using the mayor of Enfield’s charity account 2019/20. The document reveals one execu- utterly unacceptable that the council is pay- tion is calculated once every three years by was not efficient or appropriate. tive director took home £199,795 in taxable ing senior officers eye-watering salaries.” the fund’s actuaries and approved by the “Internal audit is satisfied that the documented pay and pension contributions – up from An Enfield Council spokesperson denied pension policy and investment committee. procedures around the transfer of funds were £168,317 the previous year. It also appears the authority had breached pay policy “At a time when all officers are pulling followed and that all funds were duly transferred. to show three senior officers received and said some of the opposition group’s together to help protect the commu- “As a result, more than 40,000 food parcels performance-related pay packets – even statements were “factually inaccurate” nity, such a misleading and inaccurate were delivered, and the donations received though the council abolished the policy and “misleading”. They said: “Since 2017, attack by experienced councillors is directly contributed to the food distributed to in July 2018, the opposition group said. Enfield Council has cut its senior manage- extremely disappointing.” residents in the borough.” 12 ARTS & CULTURE No.27 DECEMBER 2020 ENFIELD DISPATCH Enfield teacher turns filmmaker Anti-knife crime film being shot at St Ignatius College and unknowingly leaving him to die. the film can be used as a resource to Marcus is found guilty of mur- educate children about the life-alter- der and is sent to prison, where he ing consequences of using a knife. himself is stabbed. In the back of Leo, currently head of year ten at an ambulance, dying, Marcus sud- St Ignatius, said: “I’m hoping this denly opens his eyes and realises film can be another avenue where that he is not dead, but has instead seeds of hope can be sown into the woken up in his bedroom one year hearts of young people. earlier as a 15-year-old boy with a “[I hope] that it will change the second chance at life. trajectory of their lives and give The origins of Step Back derive them a positive hope for the future.” from Leo’s work with young peo- Detective Chief Superintendent Tre- ple, which began in 2010. Leo’s ena Fleming, commander of Haringey educational work on the so-called and Enfield boroughs for the Metro- ‘county lines’ drugs trade has politan Police, said: “This film will gained huge traction, and he has be a powerful reminder of the tragic now been awarded funding through consequences of carrying a knife – the Young Londoner’s Fund, set up both for the victim and perpetrator. by the Mayor of London. Leo hopes “We want people to watch Step Back Filming took place at Leo’s school, and understand that being involved St Ignatius College in Turkey Street in gangs and arming yourself with a knife quite literally ruins lives.” film about knife crime in Leo Powell’s short film Step Back Top Boy’s Xavien Russell), a 16-year- Step Back, which will be released the capital is being made addresses gang culture and knife old boy who becomes entangled in early next year, is being produced by A by an Enfield school- crime among young people and is gang culture. After attempting to Little Drops Production, the company teacher – and features some of his set to be released early next year. steal trainers on his birthday, Mar- responsible for producing Amani, a own pupils as extras. Leo’s drama/sci-fi, which is par- cus is confronted by a shop assistant short film based on a true story of Leo Powell wants to educate Backed by the Metropolitan tially funded by the Home Office, where an altercation breaks out and young people about the knife-crime which has amassed over dangers of knife crime Police, St Ignatius College teacher follows the life of Marcus (played by Marcus stabs the assistant, fleeing 2.9 million views on YouTube. Advertisement

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Visit www.ethicalproperty.co.uk Email [email protected] or call 01865 207 810 to find out more 13 No.27 DECEMBER 2020 ENFIELD DISPATCH LISTINGS Intimate Theatre in hosted UK television’s Submit your listing first-ever live play, in 1946 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 Tuesday 15th December

MARKETS PANTO

Met Police Christmas Market Mr Stink Sat 5th December, 11am–3pm Starting Saturday 5th Asda Car Park, 1 West Mall, December, various times Edmonton Green N9 0AL , 290 , N14 4PE An opportunity to come and support small and local businesses who will be ‘Mr Stink’ is back at Chickenshed… just selling a range of different items. There in time for a very special Christmas will be a food vendor along with hot edition. This brand new staging of our drinks cart, sweet stalls, candyfloss original 2018 show will be a treat for and popcorn stall, plus informative all the family. Mr Stink, and the whole stalls by local organisations, Met cast, bring plenty of festive cheer Police and Enfield Council. – with some singing and dancing – guaranteed to lift our hearts this Free entry Christmas! Also featuring a special Email sm23062157c90@met. guest appearance from Jeremy Vine! police.uk Tickets from £8 Visit chickenshed.org.uk Christmas Fayre Sat 12th December 10am–4pm It’s curtains for Forty Hall Farm, Forty Hill, Enfield Puss in Boots EN2 9HA Starting Thursday 3rd December, various times Wander through the historic , Silver Street, historic theatre courtyard, where there will be a Edmonton N18 1PJ stunning selection of creative stalls and sellers. Visitors can pick up a All the ingredients you need Intimate Theatre set to be demolished unique selection of gifts for loved for another fun packed Millfield ones ahead of Christmas. Shop local pantomime! Audiences can expect a despite appeals by arts groups and treat yourself to our mulled fabulous telling of the famous story, wine and barbecue while you enjoy full of laughter, music and dance in BY SIMON ALLIN, for Theatres Trust, told the impaired mobility. He added: “We the Christmas atmosphere. the Millfield family pantomime. LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER meeting the decline in theatre do outreach work with schools Free entry Tickets £22.50, was overstated, and options to and faith groups. We can’t do it Visit fortyhallfarm.org.uk concessions £19.50 he curtain looks set to adapt the existing building to in the present building.” Call 020 8807 6680 fall on one of Enfield’s better meet the needs of parish- Under questioning from council- Email [email protected] Tcultural landmarks after ioners had not been adequately lors, planning officers said theatre ART councillors gave the go-ahead explored. He said the trust would productions could still be held in for its demolition. appeal to the government to the newly built hall – although WORKSHOPS The decision means the historic review the planning decision. they admitted the capacity would Enfield Art Circle Intimate Theatre in Palmers A spokesperson for campaign be reduced and there would be no Until Thursday 24th December Green can be knocked down to group Save the Intimate Theatre permanent stage. Held online Starting Your Own Business make way for a new church hall said the Intimate’s demolition Other committee members Tues 8th Dec, 11am–12.30pm and six two-bedroom flats. would mean “the loss of culture pointed out that none of the At Enfield Art Circle we are inviting Held online Built in 1932, St Monica’s in the borough”. He added: “It homes would be ‘affordable’ and you to our first online exhibition, showcasing artistic talents from Church Hall was leased to a has served as an access route into claimed this meant they would Find out what you need to know to more than 30 of our members, made start your own business with this free theatre company in 1935 and, the arts since 1935. not benefit the local community. up of local painters and ceramicists workshop from Enterprise Enfield, renamed as Intimate Theatre, “There are generations of fam- In response to further question- – 10% of sales proceeds will be including; developing your business made history when it staged ilies who have loved using the ing, Fr Lowry told councillors the donated to Enfield Young Carers. idea, sources of finance, promoting the first play broadcast live on theatre, and they want that to hall is now used as a theatre for Visit enfieldartcircle.org/art2020 your business online, business UK television in 1946. only two or three weeks structure and legal requirements, how to access further advice and support. Richard Attenborough, a year. “For the other 50 Roger Moore and David “It has served as an or 49 weeks a year, it is a Free, booking required GROTTO Visit enterpriseenfield.org Bowie were among parish hall and commu- access route into the the stars to tread the nity building and is not Santa’s Garden Grotto Age UK Enfield Digital Drop In boards there. fit for purpose,” he added. arts since 1935” Fri 18th to Thurs 24th December Wednesdays, 11am–12noon But the church hall’s Councllor Doug Taylor, Rainbow Softplay and Café, Held online via Zoom use as a theatre has declined continue for the next generation.” a Labour member of the plan- Bramley Rd, Cockfosters N14 4PE in recent years, and its owner But Colin Smart, planning agent ning committee, asked if the Would you like some support in using won permission to redevelop the at Kyle Smart Associates, told the council could retain some of the Children this year deserve more than IT? It is increasingly important to site at a meeting of the planning committee demand for produc- features of the existing church ever to have a special Christmas. feel confident using IT including committee last month. tions had diminished to the point hall in the new building – but Santa’s Garden Grotto will be based for online shopping, finding online activities and information, online Enfield Council received a peti- where it is “no longer used as a officers told him that would in the front garden of Rainbow Softplay & Café for a Covid-safe exercise classes and more. tion with 4,513 signatures object- theatre in the modern world”. require a different application. meeting with the children. Free, booking required ing to the development, while a Father Mehall Lowry, parish At the end of the debate, seven coun- Tickets start at £15 for 1 child Call 020 8375 4120 second petition in support of the priest at St Monica’s, said half cillors voted in favour of the plans, Email santasgardengrotto@ Email onlineactivities@ plans gained 1,500 signatures. of the hall could not be used by with four abstaining and only one, hotmail.com ageukenfield.org.uk Tom Clarke, a planning adviser wheelchair users or those with Hass Yusuf (Labour), voting against. 14 No.27 DECEMBER 2020 ENFIELD DISPATCH

AROUND THE BOROUGH ANGEL EDMONTON PALMERS GREEN Cash boost for Fore Street regeneration Ambulances ‘impeded’ FORE STREET IS SET TO UNDERGO It means there is now enough create a versatile ‘urban room’ “major regeneration” thanks to a money to create a new commu- on the high street. This scheme by low-traffic scheme £2.2million investment in public nity hub with better library ser- will repurpose existing garages as BY SIMON ALLIN, LOCAL recognition cameras, which can facilities and the local street scene. vices, 30 affordable workspaces to affordable work and studio space DEMOCRACY REPORTER allow access for emergency services Enfield Council signed an agree- increase employment and skills in for local businesses. but fine drivers who pass through, ment with the the area, public realm enhance- Council leader Nesil Caliskan raffic-management are an alternative to using physical Authority to deliver the work and ments, and a ‘school street’ to said: “The Good Growth Fund schemes and other road barriers to close roads. “create a better town centre”. The help improve air quality. opens opportunities to build a changes that could delay An LAS spokesperson said: “As the council decided to match fund the In further good news for the resilient, vibrant town centre Tlife-saving treatments are being busiest ambulance service in the coun- £1.1m it was awarded from the area, the Angel Edmonton Good and connects the people of Angel monitored, according to London try, our focus is on achieving the best mayor of London’s Good Growth Growth Fund project has been Edmonton to the wider strategic Ambulance Service (LAS). outcomes for ill and injured patients Fund, a £70m programme designed named a winner in the New Lon- growth presented by the regenera- LAS confirmed it was working and ensuring we reach them in to support growth and community don Awards, in its meanwhile tion of the Joyce and Snells estates. with traffic teams across the capital response times set by the government. development in London. use category, for the proposal to “Many people in Angel Edmon- to avoid using physical barriers such “Changes to road layouts, traffic ton have felt in the past that as bollards on schemes designed management schemes, and road clo- they have been left behind. This to manage the flow of vehicles. It sures all have the potential to impede changes now. These measures will comes after a series of social media our response to the most critically ill provide the boost to help move posts showed ambulance crews’ people and could delay life-saving families out of poverty, support access to streets newly blocked by treatments or conveyance to the businesses to achieve successful, bollards in Palmers Green. nearest emergency department. ongoing economic growth, and Enfield Council installed a low-traf- “This is why we continue to work will build the foundations for fic neighbourhood (LTN) scheme in with (TfL) young people to harness their roads between Fox Lane and Alder- and local authorities, including creativity and make meaningful mans Hill earlier in the autumn, Enfield [Council], to ensure emer- life-changing progress.” following a consultation held last gency vehicle access is properly Anyone who would like to be year. One video posted on Twitter considered and the impact of any involved in the upcoming engage- showed a paramedic struggling to changes monitored.” ment and delivery of the Angel remove a bollard in Grovelands Road. An Enfield Council spokesperson Edmonton Good Growth Fund Lakeside Road resident Martyn said LAS raised early concerns about Fore Street is set to undergo a project can email TownCentres@ Rowe said he’d witnessed three access to LTNs, which led to the use series of major improvements enfield.gov.uk. ambulances being blocked by barri- of camera-enforced closures, but had ers installed within the LTN. In one not objected to the final scheme. EDMONTON GREEN incident in October an ambulance They said: “While the Fox Lane reached a barrier at the northern scheme has a number of agreed end of Lakeside Road and had to turn emergency services access points, Second award for centre Plan deferral around to find an alternative route. residents have expressed concerns EDMONTON GREEN SHOPPING team we have. Never before has COUNCILLORS HAVE DEFERRED LTNs are designed to block rat- that LAS should have further access. Centre has scooped a second award it been so important for landlords a decision on plans for a 16- running motor traffic from using “In response to the feedback, win in as many months. and property managers to work storey residential tower adjacent residential roads as shortcuts, Enfield Council has offered to add The management team tri- collaboratively in the interests of to Brimsdown Station. while allowing cyclists to still use a further access point at Conway umphed at the Estates Gazette their local communities. Enfield Council’s planning com- them. Automatic number-plate Road, agreed with LAS.” Awards, beating twelve other “We have an extremely hands-on mittee wanted more time for local Advertisement organisations to win the ‘Super- approach, which enables the team residents to be consulted on the LICENSING ACT 2003: Notice Of Application for a Premises Licence hero Award’, created this year to to think, decide and act quickly, plans for 148 homes in Green Notice is hereby given that Deniz Suyur has applied to the Licensing Authority of London Borough of Enfield for a recognise those who went “above and their dynamic response to the Street, half of which would have Premises Licence to permit: and beyond” to tackle the corona- Covid-19 pandemic meant they been designated ‘affordable’. • Warehouse Premises Licence to supply of alcohol off the premises including internet sales and online deliveries from Monday to Sunday 8:00 to 20:00 for the premises N.Joy Catering Limited situated at Unit virus pandemic. remained ahead of the game.” While six local residents have so 3 Centenary Estate, Jeffreys Road, Enfield, London EN3 7UD. During the first Covid-19 Marie Kyriacou-Edwards, opera- far objected to the scheme to rede- The public register where applications are available to be viewed by members of the public can be accessed online by visiting https://new.enfield.gov.uk/services/business-and-licensing/ and following the link to the Licensing Register. lockdown, the shopping centre tions manager, added: “Knowing velop the vacant warehouse site, Email [email protected] to request a copy of the application within 28 days from the date of this notice. reached out to more than 20 com- our efforts during the pandemic council planning officers had rec- Any person wishing to submit relevant representations concerning this application must give notice by emailing [email protected], giving in detail the grounds of the representation no later than:16/12/2020. munity groups, making donations had a direct positive effect on so ommended approval on the basis Representations received by post will not be accepted during the Covid-19 emergency period. The Council will not entertain representations where the writer requests that his identity remains anonymous. Copies to those directly in need and to many members of our local com- it would “represent a challenging, of all representations will be included in the papers presented to the Licensing Authorities Sub Committee and will organisations helping the area’s munity is such a fantastic feeling.” innovative piece of architecture therefore pass into the public domain. Representations must relate to one or more of the four Licensing Objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, most vulnerable. In October the team also won an that would be transformational public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm. Sabri Marsaoui, asset director award from the Institute of Work- in this locality and have the It is an offence, under section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003, to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in at Edmonton Green, said: “I’m so place and Facilities Management, potential to have a long-lasting connection with an application for a premises licence. A person guilty of an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level five on the standard scale. incredibly proud of the amazing also for its pandemic response. regenerative impact”. 15 SPORT No.27 DECEMBER 2020 ENFIELD DISPATCH Locked down but on the up Andrew Warshaw on how Enfield Town FC have been managing through another football shutdown ike thousands of part-time football properly for the restart, not knowing which Neville Nzembela celebrates his goal for Enfield clubs up and down the country, Town in what was the club’s final game before players may or may not be available. It’s the second lockdown; an entertaining 3-2 win Enfield Town have been hit hard against Brightlingsea Regent Credit Tom Scott hardly an ideal scenario, but off the field by weeks of inaction caused by the Enfield Town’s image goes from strength Lsecond national lockdown, which once again to strength, carving out a reputation as a decimated non-league teams both financially favourite media ‘go to’ non-league club. and in terms of fitness and training. Just before the Dispatch went to press, there was a ray of light when the Isthmian “The lower you are League announced that, subject to wider in the non-league government guidelines, league games will resume on Saturday 19th December – ear- pyramid, the lier if agreement can be reached between harder you have individual teams – and that the season will be extended into late May. been affected” In addition, teams in steps three to six of the non-league pyramid, which includes National League North/South divisions – have It seems almost obscene, when there is Within the space of a few weeks, an article Enfield Town, will receive a combined not only been allowed to carry on playing so much money swirling around the game about the Towners appeared in the prestigious £14million as part of the government’s over- (albeit behind closed doors) but have also higher up the pyramid, that lower leagues monthly magazine When Saturday Comes, then all but long overdue £300m sports survival received a healthy financial bailout, step should be the ones made to suffer most. the club was featured in the esteemed Financial package for this winter. The package will three downwards – Enfield Town’s level – There is a strong argument that it should Times, no less, under the heading: “UK Covid be largely composed of loans covering the had to endure both a spectator ban and a be the other way round, because without restrictions leave sports teams fearing for the period of January to March but, while a total temporary shutdown. proper compensation and having already future”. Not only that, but halfway through welcome move, does little to alleviate the Why on earth step three downwards were taken a massive hit last season, how are local lockdown, a Finnish publication, would you financial hardship of the last few weeks. made to pay the price for the effect the virus community clubs supposed to make ends believe, also ran an article on the club! It still seems grossly unfair that the lower is having on sport is a question that has not meet when those higher up the scale have The fact that the UK’s first fan-owned club you are in the non-league pyramid, the been adequately answered, especially given far more resources to deal with the crisis? can command this kind of exposure says harder you have been affected by the cessa- that so many clubs at Enfield Town’s level Not surprisingly given the suspension of our much about its standing in the non-league tion of part-time and amateur football. While have been doing all they can throughout the league, it has been impossible for manager game, supporter loyalty, and the work being steps one and two – the National League and pandemic to ensure safety and wellbeing. Andy Leese and his support team to plan done behind the scenes.

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