In our latest councillor’s column, Conservative James Hockney discusses what he’s been focusing on in his ward

During the platinum jubilee events weekend in June, I was invited to a joyous street party on Gardenia Road in honour of Her Majesty the Queen.

But then last month we had the shock and sad news of her passing. With a community in mourning, Enfield Council organised a special meeting, with many heartfelt tributes to the memory of Her Majesty the Queen. It was one of the most moving meetings that I can remember.

In this article I would like to share three key local issues that I have been campaigning on.

Firstly, the Edmonton skatepark – which has been in a neglected condition for some time. One of the biggest issues is that part of the skatepark was torn up while being used as a cemetery expansion access road. After 16 months of pressing, this is now being repaired, with an array of other maintenance works taking place. There is still much to do and I will continue to hold the council to account.

The second issue is speeding on the A10. This road has some of the worst levels of speeding in London; it is an issue I have campaigned on for many years with the community. We saw part of the A10 Enfield/Edmonton corridor have average speed cameras installed, but I will not rest until the Great Cambridge Road to Southbury Road section also has them installed.

Recently I joined the police on a speed enforcement session in the daytime; what was clear is that the speeding issue on the road is not just racers at night. We see (and hear) the anti-social car meets on various car parks along the A10 and in the borough. There is now a multi-agency meeting approach; bringing together the council, police, Greater London Authority and other relevant partners to move forward the issue of A10 speeding and anti-social car meets.

The third issue is the maintenance of our four open spaces in Bush Hill Park ward. These are more important than ever, not just for exercise but also general wellbeing. Together with the local friends group I pressed the council for action and better maintenance of Bury Lodge Park. One substantial change was the pergolas being repaired with fresh timber. Since the recent election, new boundaries for the ward mean we have inherited Bush Hill Gardens. We have brought the same zeal for improvements to this park as well.

Bush Hill Park has three counillors. My colleague Peter Fallart has led on maintenance improvements for the King George’s (Delhi Road) playing fields, while Pat Gregory is leading on Bury Lodge Wetlands. Any local residents are always more than welcome to make contact with us. I look forward to what tomorrow brings in service of the community.

James Hockney represents Bush Hill Park alongside Peter Fallart and Pat Gregory (all Conservative). If you are a ward resident you can get in touch:
Call 07970 403 276
Email [email protected]

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