News, comment and features

The debate about the "Mini-Holland" cycling improvements along Green Lanes has so far been pretty polarized:  on the one hand, advocates of cycle lanes along the whole street, on the other some fierce defence of the right of drivers to park in Green Lanes close to the shops they want to visit.  Cycle lane supporters claim that there is evidence to suggest that reducing car parking would boost shop sales, those defending the interests of local businesses dismiss this argument as.......

The Enfield Cycling Campaign is hoping that by organising a "Cycle Cash Mob" to coincide with the Palmers Green Festival of Shopping they will be able to soothe the concerns of shopkeepers in Green Lanes about the effects of the planned "Mini-Holland" cycle improvements on their businesses. The Shopping Carnival will be held on Saturday 5th July and the Cycling Campaign is asking its members - and anyone else who would like to see safer conditions for cyclists in Palmers Green - to assemble in.......

A pressure group has criticised Enfield Council for failing to uphold an earlier assurance that it would provide a new two-form entry primary school in the South West of the Borough from September this  year. In February the campaigning group SWEAT (the South West Enfield Action Team) stated that they had been assured by Enfield's Director of Schools and Children's Services that the acknowledged shortfall in primary school provision in the area would be plugged by opening a temporary.......

When Palmers Green Library reopens in the summer of 2015 after its refurbishment, it appears that bookshelf space will be considerably smaller than at present.  In fact, one regular user's conclusion from looking at the artist's impressions of the refurbished library is that it will no longer really be a library, just a room with some books: I have recently been in the PG Library and taken a quick look at the architect's illustrations of the refurbished premises. Initially I thought there.......

This year the annual shopping festival in Palmers Green - to be held on 5th July - will be transformed into a Shopping Carnival and expanded. In addition to the usual children's attractions at the Green Lanes end of Hazelwood Lane, there will be two music stages - one in Green Lanes, the other on Aldermans Hill. And the Triangle will become a market place. The Green Lanes Business Association, which organises the Shopping Carnival, is encouraging shops, restaurants and cafes to make the most of.......

The new neighbourhood watch for Park Avenue and New River Crescent got off to a lively start on 3rd June, when around 30 residents attended a meeting at the Fox, set up at the initiative of Pamela Ramtohul, a relative newcomer to Palmers Green, who in preparation for the meeting called at every house in Park Avenue and most addresses in New River Crescent. She told the meeting that she had become aware that there was a proper community spirit in the streets, though less so towards the Green.......

This month's Safer Neighbourhoods News for Palmers Green ward has details of recorded crimes during May and advice on preventing burglaries and car thefts........

One hundred days to the 2014 Palmers Green Festival and plans are well underway. This year’s Festival will have more music, more children’s activities, more stalls, more lovely international food and drinks and be even more fun! The Festival is organised entirely by volunteers for the benefit of the local community – now we need to recruit more volunteers who can help out on the day. Festival Volunteer Coordinator Veronica Trew, explains:  “On the day of the Festival we need lots.......

Saturday sees the start of the first ever Lamb Festival, a week of free events in All Saints Church, Edmonton, to commemorate the lives and work of Edmonton's most celebrated literary siblings - Charles and Mary Lamb. All the events are free (though donations are welcomed). They include: a new puppet play about the Lambs a recital of music produced by composers who struggled with their mental health.  With Anna Tilbrook and three members of the Keats Quartet. an illustrated talk a.......

This year's Open Studios and Arts Trail includes four free craft workshops, three of which will give you a chance to try for yourself. Bookbinding in Broomfield Conservatory 7 June 1.30-3.30pm and 4-6pm - booking essential (cost of materials £5).  Click for details. Graphic window art at Printfields 7 June 10am - 1pm (drop in, but please register an interest in advance).  Click for details. Blacksmithing in Broomfield Community Orchard 8 June 2-5pm - drop-in.......

A new neighbourhood watch scheme is being set up, covering all houses in two Palmers Green streets - Park Avenue and New River Crescent. The new watch is the brainchild of Park Avenue resident Pamela Ramtohul, who is inviting everyone living in the two streets to a meeting on Tuesday 3rd June (7.30-8.30pm in the function room at the rear of the Fox pub).  Jennifer Arkwright, the Police Community Support Officer for Palmers Green, will also be at the meeting, where she will listen to what.......

Fox Lane and District Residents' Association are asking residents to object to an application to fell a large oak tree which is protected by a Tree Preservation Order. The tree (see photograph) is on land between the railway line and Caversham Avenue where the developers Sherrygreen are currently building new flats and houses. For more information, visit the Fox Lane website........