In our latest councillor’s column, Labour’s Ian Barnes explains what he’s been up to since winning the Jubilee ward by-election last year

Former deputy council leader Ian Barnes stood down as a councillor at the 2022 local election but returned last November in a by-election

“Why do you want to be a councillor?” I get asked this a lot, and the answer is simple. I’ve had a fortunate life – a wonderful family adopted me when I was a baby, I had a safe home and a good education – but I know others are not so lucky or just need a bit of help, so I wanted to give something back.

Jubilee is a wonderful ward with a caring community who are a privilege to serve. Since I was elected in November I’ve really embraced Jubilee – working side-by-side with local residents and businesses to make our community better every day.

Jubilee Park is a great example of this – a lovely green space that’s the beating heart of the ward and, according to my dog Albert, the best spot in Enfield for squirrel surveillance and high-speed zoomies. It was great to work with the community to give the park a proper spring clean in April. Myself and my ward colleagues Alev [Cazimoglu] and Chinelo [Anyanwu] joined 20 residents for an extensive litter pick and the sight of 27 bags filled with rubbish was very satisfying.

While we picked we chatted to residents about everyday issues – that direct information is vital. Someone told us about a path that was very overgrown and, after contacting Galliard Primary School, they kindly cut back the sprawling bushes. Another resident mentioned a large fly-tip, which we cleared, and then we persuaded residents to install a new gate to stop people dumping rubbish in that alleyway.

As Jubilee councillors we’re constantly reporting fly-tipping, which can feel like a game of ‘whack-a-mole’ as one area is cleared and within days rubbish appears elsewhere. It’s a huge issue right across the country. Our habits have changed since the Covid-19 pandemic; more people working from home, more online shopping and a massive increase in food deliveries. This all means more local rubbish.

Even more astonishing are the rogue waste collectors who travel from as far as Essex to dump in our borough – but we will catch up with them. Recently we seized and crushed a van and successfully prosecuted the owners of the vehicles involved in fly tipping. That’s even more satisfying than the 27 bags!

We always act on feedback and our latest campaign is to persuade Transport for London (TfL) to make the access safer from Lee Road on to the A10. A group of roads have only one way in and out of their area and residents feel trapped when the dual carriageway is busy. TfL is listening but, to demonstrate the true strength of feeling, we’ve also started a petition.

Enfield is a fantastic borough – however much the Enfield Conservatives talk it down – and I know first-hand how much potential our community has when we work together and believe in it.

We have a ward forum on Tuesday, 15th July from 7.30pm at St Alphege Church Hall so, if you’re a Jubilee resident and want to chat, we’d love to see you there.

Ian Barnes represents Jubilee ward alongside Alev Cazimoglu and Chinelo Anyanwu (all Labour). To get in touch:
Email [email protected]

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