The February meeting of Enfield Climate Action Forum (EnCAF) focussed on the links between injustice in the global trade system and continuing failure to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases. There were presentations from four people involved in the launch of a bid to make Enfield an official Fairtrade Community.
A newly published report by a group campaigning for improvements to housing conditions in Enfield says that current plans for new housing on brownfield land at Meridian Water, Upper Edmonton, will not provide an adequate amount of 'greenspace' for the 30,000 people that the council envisages living there.
Environmental campaigners have issued a challenge to the seven borough councils that are funding the North London Heat and Power Project - the construction of a new and larger incinerator to replace the existing facility in Edmonton: 'The question before north London's councils is: Will the decision to reverse course be taken now, responsibly, before costs skyrocket, opportunities for a green recovery are lost, and the equivalent of 250,000 diesel cars are added to our roads? Or will the decision be pushed off to the near future? That's the real call being made.'
A campaign opposing the opening of a 24-hour gambling arcade in Palmers Green has gained substantial support from local residents. By Tuesday evening, four days after its launch, nearly 2700 people had signed a petition to Enfield Council calling for a review of the gambling licence granted last month to a new branch of Merkur Slots in Green Lanes. The campaign has also attracted the backing of Enfield Southgate MP Bambos Charalambous, who has stated that he is "appalled" at the plans and has raised questions about the spread of high street gambling with the culture secretary.
The draft minutes of the Winchmore Hill ward forum on 11th February are now available online. Topics discussed included the Fox Lane LTN and the new care home at Reardon Court.
The annual Fairtrade Fortnight runs from 22nd February to 7th March. This year there are three special events in Enfield (on Zoom, of course) which investigate how unfair trade terms are hampering international efforts to tackle global climate change.
Need help with a sewing, patchwork, mending, knitting or crochet project? During lockdown Stitch! is offering individual one-on-one video tuition and guidance (via Zoom) with teachers Carol Balfe, Susan Mehmet, Sharon Wallin and Kay Dudman in any of the sewing, knitting and crochet disciplines.
The charity Maxability runs ceramics, pottery, art and photography classes to help physically or learning disabled adults to discover and develop their latent talents and artistic abilities. It is now also running classes for the general public, currently online. Their next four-week class starts on 22nd February.
In July last year a trade journal serving the "coin-op amusement, casino and igaming industries" reported that a German company was opening a "rash of new UK arcades" using the Merkur Slots brand name. It now turns out that one of the town centres where the rash will be breaking out is Palmers Green, and some locals are not at all "amused" about the prospect of the new arcade.
As part of the process of developing a new local plan for the borough, Enfield Council is currently running an important consultation which asks people about their vision for Enfield in the future. The deadline for responding is 24th February.
The HEY! Network (Haringey & Enfield Youth Network) is looking for people ready to Step Forward and spend a few hours a week helping young people in the two boroughs. The closing date for applications is 23rd February.
