Angela Evangelou, a high streets ambassador for Green Lanes Business Association, on what needs to be done to boost the local economy

Palmers Green has become a case study in the pressures facing London’s neighbourhood high streets, with traders warning that rising crime, restrictive parking policies and deteriorating street conditions are now threatening the viability of small businesses.

These concerns were raised during a walkabout which I recently led in my role as high street ambassador for Green Lanes Business Association (GLBA). I was joined by Southgate and Wood Green MP Bambos Charalambous and senior representatives of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, including chief executive Karim Fatehi OBE.

Over recent months, local traders have repeatedly reported to me that theft, antisocial behaviour and ineffective enforcement have become daily obstacles to operating a business. Many believe the high street is being left to absorb pressures it cannot withstand alone.

One of the starkest accounts came from Phil Barnes, who runs Philanthropy London CIC. He described prolific theft being carried out with near-total impunity. “I’ve locked thieves inside until the police arrived, but nothing happened,” he told me. “They just smile – they know there will be no penalty.”

Despite installing a full tagging system and building a shared ‘rogues gallery’ of repeat offenders, thefts have only increased. Phil’s shop is now adopting FaceWatch, a facial-recognition platform usually used by larger chains.

Several national retailers – including Greggs, Poundland and Amy’s – have recently left Palmers Green. Phil warned that Morrisons and Sainsbury’s Local are at risk of becoming the next casualties.

Across the walkabout route, businesses described a common pattern: predictable daily crime, open drug activity and an absence of visible policing. Many admitted they no longer report incidents, believing the effort “leads nowhere”, which in turn reinforces the sense of impunity.

Parking policy emerged as a second major pressure point. Traders criticised high charges, the removal of cash-payment options and reliance on app-only systems, which they say deter older residents and those without smartphones. Strict enforcement has further created a climate in which customers are “too nervous to stop”, undermining essential footfall.

The delegation also heard from Ash Sood of Scrivens Opticians, who described how one of his elderly customers was too anxious to visit the shop to collect her glasses because she feared she wouldn’t be able to navigate the parking system. He personally delivered the glasses to her home.

A staff member added that she often has to help customers use the parking app – something that, she said, now happens “daily”. Traders argue these moments reflect a deeper problem; customers who would happily shop locally are being put off before they even reach the door.

The physical condition of the high street was also a recurring concern. Shopkeepers pointed to persistent fly-tipping, commercial waste obstructing pavements and inconsistent street cleaning – conditions that undermine the area’s appearance and send the wrong message to potential customers.

Despite these challenges, traders consistently said they want to invest and grow – but cannot do so without basic levels of safety, accessibility and public upkeep.

Palmers Green deserves a high street that is safe, clean and thriving. Our businesses are resilient, but they should not have to fight alone. GLBA will continue pushing – firmly and fearlessly – for the conditions this community needs.

The question now is whether policymakers will match that determination.

Get in touch with Green Lanes Business Association:
Email [email protected]
Visit lovepalmersgreen.com

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