Local residents attending this week's meeting of the Bowes, Palmers Green and Southgate Green Area Forum were provided with information about the work which is currently under way at Palmers Green Triangle. However, representatives of Fox Lane & District Residents' Association (FLDRA) were unhappy about not being notified in advance about the work, let alone consulted about it, after having received assurances that they would be consulted at a meeting in August (see this earlier report).
The work which began last week is designed to make interim improvements to the traffic island pending a possible more extensive remodelling of the junction, which is currently unaffordable. Planting of a new tree, to replace the much missed horse chestnut, will not happen until the definitive layout is decided.
Current work to improve the TriangleThe current work comprises:
- removal of all above-ground elements of the subterranean toilets, which have been out of use for many years. This work includes placing a reinforced concrete slab on top of each of the two openings. The railings, regarded as "architecturally important", have been removed and will be stored in a secure location before being refurbished and installed "in a suitable position". It is unclear whether this will be at the Triangle or elsewhere in Enfield borough.
- replacement of the current bench by three new benches to Enfield Council's current standard design
- relocation of the Christmas tree base (and there is talk of a real Christmas tree this year!)
- replacement of the concrete planters with new raised beds
- maintenance of the asphalt surface.
"Landmark clock"
Also included in the interim improvements work is the erection of a "landmark clock", paid for from the Enfield Residents' Priority Fund. This scheme was initiated by the Green Lanes Business Association, which also successfully bid for RPF money to improve the planters. FLDRA and other residents at the meeting were keen that there should be public consulation about the design of a prominent clock at such a focal point and that it should not be decided between the Council and Business Association.
"Options for the design of the clock"It appears from one of the documents supplied at the meeting that the Council and Business Association have already settled on a clock designer and manufacturer, and that an initial design has been submitted. However, another document available at the meeting includes photographs of various "options for the style of the clock".
Fingerpost to stay
Palmers Green residents and visitors will be relieved to hear that the three-handed finger-post will be staying - but so, unfortunately, will the ugly closed-circuit camera mast which stands besides the historic signpost.
Source documents
Click on the links below to read the two documents provided at the meeting: