Let's show our pride in Lower Edmonton

Labour councillor Siddo Dwyer discusses the big issues in his ward and how residents have a golden chance to help tackle them

Siddo Dwyer was elected to Lower Edmonton ward in May 2026 (credit Enfield Council)

It was an honour to be elected a Labour councillor in May.

My highlight was knocking on doors, speaking to strangers, shopkeepers, community and religious groups – until we’d spoken to a couple of thousand people across Lower Edmonton.

They wanted answers; what I intended to do to make their area better, and the steps we’d take to help improve their lives.

I’d sometimes start by telling voters there’s a remnant of something great here. There’s so much that makes us special – our diversity, graft, strength of opinion. Junction Road’s tree canopy is one of my favourite spots in the ward and I’ll always enjoy a Big Panda special or a patty from Taste Di Spice if I’m ever stopping by.

I’m an Edmonton County boy that got into Woodhouse College. Raised by a single mother, I was determined to succeed. I’ve spent my career in the City, advising politicians, making sure local people are heard on the big decisions that matter, and helping to steer young men away from crime as a youth justice worker with St Peter’s Church.

I brought the same spirit to campaigning for Bounces Road to be resurfaced, and it’s what I bring to the council chamber now.

But 49% of residents in Lower Edmonton ward are on universal credit. That’s the legacy of a Tory government that left our community behind, one that took an axe to council services while taxes continued to rise.

Since being elected I’ve tried to keep things practical, supporting residents with everyday issues. I’ve held three ward surgeries at the library and a community coffee morning at Edmonton Green Station. I’ve met with police, who report that crime is down – although I’m still asking how victims themselves feel.

I’ve helped residents, such as a worried mother needing special needs support for her child, getting financial advice and assistance for pensioners in need, and securing social care assessments for those who need them.

I’ve pushed housing officers to set out timelines for major works, and asked the waste team to clear black bags dumped in Salmons Brook. I’ve even asked questions about the unusual numbers of mosquitoes biting people around Town Road!

Since being elected, I’m pleased to have backed my words on the doorstep with action. I voted for Labour’s tough action on HMOs at the civic centre in July, which passed unanimously. I want the community infrastructure levy from developers to help pay towards the areas affected by HMO developments, and we called on the leader of the council to write to government for stronger legal powers to regulate them as well.

I know roads are a concern, with the need for maintained pavements and parking that’s properly managed. I’ll keep pushing for that, alongside cleaner streets and tough penalties for antisocial behaviour and rubbish dumpers.

Meanwhile, we’ve secured £20million in government ‘Pride in Place’ (PIP) funding for the ward. It’s a generational opportunity to improve our public realm and invest in jobs, new skills and restore civic pride in our area. That’s on top of £203m over three years for the council from central government. After 14 years of cuts, this money has to be spent wisely, and I’ll work to make sure residents in this ward are heard on every penny of it.

In September, there will be announcements on the Lower Edmonton PIP neighbourhood board and the selection process. I’m determined that what comes out of it channels the views of residents themselves, and doesn’t just make decisions for them.

I will also continue tackling casework issues, such as leasehold charges, special needs education cases and single people and families struggling to meet rising rent costs. I know we don’t have enough suitable homes in the borough, and there are too many people who still don’t find dignity in work.

I don’t have easy answers, but over my term of office I’ll keep pushing the council, our partners, community groups and politicians to do better, because that’s what this ward deserves.

Siddo Dwyer was elected for the first time in May to serve Lower Edmonton ward as a Labour councillor, alongside Sinan Boztas and Elif Erbil. Ward residents can get in touch:
Email [email protected]

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