Community Safety and Tackling Antisocial Behaviour
Community safety was one of the biggest topics of the evening, with residents sharing concerns about crime, antisocial behaviour and feeling unsafe in parts of the borough.
Cllr Georgiou, who also holds responsibility for community safety, discussed plans to strengthen the Council’s approach, including an additional 25 antisocial behaviour officers, expanding CCTV coverage and continuing discussions with the Metropolitan Police about establishing a police hub in Enfield Town.
Edmonton, Ponders End and other areas experiencing antisocial behaviour were highlighted, alongside the importance of ensuring residents not only are safe but feel safe.
Cleaner Streets, Parks and Fly-Tipping
Residents raised concerns about fly-tipping, litter, damaged pavements, overflowing rubbish and the condition of local parks.
The Leader spoke about additional resources being directed towards street cleaning and enforcement, including 31 extra staff to tackle fly-tipping.
He also discussed plans to restore weekly black and blue bin collections and referred to a £1 million programme of investment in parks and play equipment.
There were questions about dangerous pavements, fallen leaves and tree maintenance, with the Leader acknowledging that improvements were needed and encouraging residents to report specific problems.
Housing, HMOs and Planning
Housing and planning prompted some detailed discussions, particularly around the increasing number of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and concerns about planning enforcement.
Residents questioned whether existing planning policies were being properly followed and what could be done when developments failed to comply with approved plans.
Cllr Georgiou acknowledged frustrations with the planning system and explained some of the challenges councils face through national planning rules, appeals and limited enforcement resources.
He also highlighted the considerable financial pressure of temporary accommodation, referring to approximately 3,000 people requiring housing support and the need to deliver more permanent council homes.
Roads, LTNs and Accessibility
Transport and road safety generated considerable discussion, including questions about Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, speeding, pavement parking and pedestrian crossings.
One particularly moving contribution came from a resident who described the difficulties of navigating Enfield with a walking frame and how unsafe pavements and roads were limiting her independence.
The Leader responded with empathy and outlined plans for additional pedestrian crossings, stronger parking enforcement and discussions with Transport for London regarding floating bus stops.
Questions were also raised about the future of the Fox Lane and Warwick Road LTNs. Cllr Georgiou explained that the Council was reviewing the schemes carefully and emphasised the importance of consultation and following the correct legal processes.
Supporting Our High Streets and Local Businesses
The future of Enfield’s high streets was another important topic.
Residents spoke passionately about the need to bring back greater variety and quality to local shopping areas, particularly Edmonton, where many remembered a much wider choice of independent retailers.
The Leader discussed ambitions to improve local shopping areas, tackle issues associated with businesses breaching regulations and create more attractive high streets across the borough.
At Love Your Doorstep, supporting local businesses and encouraging people to shop locally has always been at the heart of what we do, so it was encouraging to hear these conversations taking place.
Listening to the Community
One of the most positive aspects of the evening was the willingness to have open conversations, even when the questions were difficult.
Cllr Georgiou acknowledged that not everything could be resolved overnight and that financial pressures, staffing shortages and legal processes would affect how quickly changes could be delivered.
He repeatedly encouraged residents to contact him and their ward councillors directly with concerns and suggestions.
There was a genuine sense that people appreciated the opportunity to ask questions face-to-face and receive direct responses.
A Positive First Step for Enfield
The first ‘Ask the Leader’ meeting was a welcome opportunity for residents to engage directly with their local Council.
Of course, the real measure of success will be how the issues raised and commitments discussed translate into improvements across our borough.
But creating opportunities for open dialogue, listening to different perspectives and encouraging residents to get involved is an important starting point.
At Love Your Doorstep, we have always believed that strong communities are built through communication, collaboration and people working together.
Whatever our individual views, we all want to see Enfield become a safer, cleaner, more welcoming and thriving place to live, work and visit.
Thank you to Cllr Alessandro Georgiou for hosting the evening and to everyone who attended, asked questions and contributed to the discussion.
We look forward to future ‘Ask the Leader’ events and continuing the conversation about the future of our borough. ❤️
