In our latest councillor’s column, Labour’s Nia Stevens discusses what she’s been doing to help residents since the election

I’d like to introduce myself to Palmers Green and Winchmore Hill residents living east of the New River and south of Highfield Road. Along with Tim Leaver, I am your newly-elected Labour councillor.

I am really proud to represent Highfield ward and be able to help local residents with issues they face, such as flagging a long-standing fly-tipping issue to the council, which took swift action. Traffic and speeding is another persistent issue raised by residents, for example in Hedge Lane, but also on residential streets from The Larches to Hazelwood Lane, so I am lobbying both the police and the council to see what can be done there.

Firs Farm Wetlands is really something for Highfield residents to be proud of. I am staggered by what the highly-skilled and knowledgeable volunteers at Friends of Firs Farm and professionals at Enfield Council have together achieved. I was pleased to speak in favour of the friends group’s community café proposal at its successful local planning bid. I’m sure many residents are as excited as I am to see this project develop. They are fundraising to make up a shortfall in financing because of inflation and energy price rises, so do please visit their Crowdfunder page if you are able to donate.

I’ve also been delighted to see the rapid recovery of Firs Farm from a summer fire. This fire was small and well-contained, to which we owe thanks to the quick action of Jake Summerfield from Firs Farm Primary School, who spotted it and alerted his teachers!

I know many residents are anxious about the cost-of-living increases. Too many households are already facing the choice of heating or eating as a result of Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine – a situation that poses a clear health risk for those individuals. Now, sharp increases in mortgage repayments and rent are set to add an even bigger cost.

It was a deeply shameful moment when the pound plummeted in response to the Conservative government’s mini-budget. Their failure to get different viewpoints, such as from the Office for Budget Responsibility or investors, before going public, was a moment of pure incompetence. Regardless of the recent U-turns, they clearly can’t be trusted to make the right decisions going forwards.

In response, the Labour council in Enfield is working to provide local ‘warm banks’ and drawing up plans to provide additional food to schoolchildren and residents over 70 who are in need. The council’s own hardship fund will also be promoted. The Labour Party understands that day-to-day government spending has to be balanced and that the economy has to be managed competently and fairly – the Conservatives evidently can’t be trusted on either.

Nia Stevens represents Highfield ward alongside Tim Leaver (both Labour). If you are a ward resident you can get in touch:
Call 0208 132 0465
Email [email protected]

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