Question 1. What do think is good about the area?
Main features: Park, train station leading to high road. These need to be united features with outstanding linking shops and architecture that become a talking point for the new Palmers Green
Broomfield Park, Hazelwood Rec. Park, Train station, Waitrose, Baskervilles Tea Shop, North London Hospice Shop.
Use of primary schools performing in parks/triangle. Community spirit at designated times of year, e.g. Christmas.
Question 2. What do you think is less good about the area?
Unsightly officially ‘disused large property’ on the junction of Green Lanes (opposite the library). This property is clearly used as a squat along with the poor attempt to develop the back area of this as a hand car wash business.
Litter created directly by McDonalds customers. Every Saturday/Sunday morning at 8am I walk from Hamilton Crescent to the High Rd. The area is a mess all the way with McDonalds packaging. This mess goes as far as Broomfield Park. A collector should be deployed from the company as far afield as Hamilton Crescent to Broomfield Park to ensure that their rubbish is not our first sight in the morning.
Reckless driving speeds in residential areas and along the main high street. A low police presence since the loss of the community officer Andy who was a significant public figure.
Dangerous breed dogs being taken off leashes in Hazelwood recreation Park & Broomfield Park. Children have been prevented from using the area properly and inconsiderate use in this area also in the form of broken glass left for sustained periods, fly tipping weekly at the entrance to Hazelwood Rec by the river and owners not removing dog mess. Again the community officer was a significant figure in local parks when he was in post – has he been replaced?
Extremely uninviting local pubs in Palmers Green. A good sized local pub that caters for all can be the centrepoint in a place where there is no centre point (Palmers Green). Who owns the pubs, would they consider a similar business model/design taken by The Salisbury or any of the pubs near the Green in Winchmore Hill. I would go to Winchmore Hill to a pub to get one that is child friendly for food during the day and inviting at night, e.g. The Salisbury. The Alfred Herring attracts alcoholics as opposed to social drinkers. When taking my 5 year old son Christmas shopping we were confronted with a pub customer who collapsed in the walk from the pub to store 21. Paramedics were called at 1pm. They must be monitored more closely and threatened with closure.
Question 3. What would you like to see to improve the area?
Features that show a long term future for families to stay. There is currently no feature as a statement that the secondary school children do anything for the local community (see comment re. Sculpture competition that could be sponsored by a local business). I would like the image of the 2 local non-denomination secondary schools (Broomfield/Winchmore schools) enhanced so that people consider the possibility of staying here long term. A main feature sculpture would go a long way to making them and the local residents feel proud.
A community centre for a range of activities. Who owns the disused site opposite the library an on Green Lanes? This would be a good site for a community centre for a range of services. A similar approach to the fantastic Childrens centre on Hazelwood Lane but catering for youth and older members of the community.
There are a number of cyclists in Palmers Green but we have to travel to Winchmore Hill for a bicycle shop. Family friendly stores. A children’s art and craft shop, traditional toy store.
Question 4a. Specific aspects – traffic
Speeding motorists in Palmers Green seems applicable to young and old drivers. How can this be changed?
Question 4b. Specific aspects – parking
Adequate
Question 4c. Specific aspects – clutter
The disused public toilets on the triangle. This could be considered for removal and could allow for a more slightly centrepoint to the town, e.g. a landscaped garden with a sculpture from a local community project (could be used as a local school competition like the art project in Sainsbury’s Winchmore Hill).
Question 4d. Specific aspects – look of the shops/architecture
Dirty. In need of modernisation. Too many ‘Pound’ and non-descript shops. Shop that offer ‘Mobile phone Unlocking’ should be banned – this service would only be required if a phone had been stolen (I have addressed this with the police and they agree but cannot prevent the service). As residents we should not buy from these stores.
Question 4e. Specific aspacts – type and range of shops
Too many betting shops. Discourages families from using the area due to the congregation of male groups outside smoking etc...
A quality Deli would be good. Currently I travel to the one located next to the Salisbury pub on a weekly basis and would much prefer to use one in Palmers Green.
Question 4f. Specific aspects – amount and use of pavement space
Adequate
Question 4g. Specific aspects – the Triangle public space
The disused public toilets on the triangle. This could be considered for removal and could allow for a more slightly centrepoint to the town, e.g. a landscaped garden with a sculpture from a local community project (could be used as a local school competition like the art project in Sainsbury’s Winchmore Hill).
Question 4h. Specific aspects – Greenery
Every lamppost should have seasonal flowers where possible. Actual bedded areas built along the main high road would also be positive.