This news clip from 7th August is one of the clearest expositions yet of how rapidly human-caused climate change is progressing, transforming planet Earth from somewhere where the a large percentage of the human population can live very or fairly comfortably into a hostile environment. Climate scientists have been issuing dire warnings for decades, but even they are shocked at recent weather events, such as those shown here.
In line with the recommendations of the government's National Planning Policy Framework, Enfield Council has drawn up a draft Planning Enforcement Plan, which is currently out for consultation until 17th September. The plan will specify how the council will deal with breaches of planning regulations, developments that do not meet national and local polices, or a failure to comply with enforcement action taken by the council.
This week's newsletter was almost ready to be 'put to bed' when some exciting news arrived, sent by Liz from the Palmers Green Action Team and 'hot from the oven'.
The publication last week of Gear Change: One Year On, along with news of additional funding and updated guidance for local authorities, is a clear sign that the government expects councils to continue introducing new active travel schemes - cycle lanes, low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) and school streets - in order to encourage people to walk and cycle more and drive less. What does this mean for the future of such schemes in Enfield?
Local gastro-charity Cooking Champions will be providing a Moulin Rouge Outdoor Dining Experience in Broomfield Community Orchard on 3rd September, designed to match the theme of that evening's open-air screening of Baz Luhrman's 2001 romantic film of the same name.
The July meeting of Enfield Climate Action Forum included presentations by Enfield Road Watch and Better Homes Enfield criticising Enfield Council's proposal to allow housing construction on Green Belt land.
Enfield charity Zebras, which supports adults and children with learning disabilities, has launched an appeal for money to keep its Children's Club in operation. This is a unique inclusive club for children with disabilities and their siblings and has been running since 2015, but the pandemic has severely impacted the charity's fundraising.
The borough-wide Month of Sundays festival will be stopping off in Southgate on Sunday 15th August, and one of the many activities taking place near the tube station will be the launch of a new campaign - Cleaner, Safer, Greener Southgate.
The borough's first official 'parklet' trial will take place in Palmers Green this year, following the positive response to a pop-up parklet organised by the Better Streets for Enfield campaign in 2019.
The latest addition to Age UK Enfield's extensive Fit for Life programme is a weekly session for over-50s who would like to gain (or regain) their confidence on a bike (or trike) so that they can start benefiting from this healthy and enjoyable leisure activity and means of transport. There are also schemes in Enfield which provide free training sessions (all ages) or can pair you up with an experienced rider.
