A bridge over the New River has been renamed in honour of Barney the cat following a campaign by local residents

The new sign unveiled with help from Barney's owner Chris Smith (third from left), Town ward councillor Mike Rye (second from right) and local resident Alan Boyle (right) who launched the petition — Allan Stronach (left), Barney’s owner Chris Smith (centre), councillor Mike Rye (second right) and Alan Boyle (right) beside Barney’s Bridge

A bridge over the New River in Enfield Town has been officially renamed in honour of a beloved local cat.

The newly-named Barney’s Bridge connects River View with Gentleman’s Row and was once the favourite resting spot of Barney, a local cat who was much-loved by local residents.

Following Barney’s death, a petition was launched last year to get the bridge renamed, with more than 350 people eventually signing it. This persuaded Enfield Council to agree to the renaming and today (Monday 3rd) a short unveiling ceremony was held, with live jazz music and blue skies making for a cheerful event.

Alan Boyle from Gentleman’s Row, River View and Holly Walk (GRH) Residents’ Association, who launched the petition, told the small crowd gathered for the ceremony that the council had been “very supportive” and even offered to pay for the new sign, while they’d also received strong backing from Love Your Doorstep, Town ward councillor Mike Rye and The Enfield Society.

But Alan concluded: “Mostly it is down to the people of Enfield, without whom it would never have happened. So thank you to everyone who signed the petition.”

Cllr Rye added: “This is a wonderful example of community spirit […] I congratulate the whole community here and I thank the council, in these straightened times, for paying for it.”

Chris Smith, who was introduced as “Barney’s dad”, also added his thanks and said: “I can’t quite believe this is happening. We used to call it’s Barney’s Bridge because he used to sit here keeping watch and refusing to move for anyone. It started as a joke, I never thought it would actually happen!

“Barney loved the attention so it is pity he is not here today because he would have loved it.”

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