Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Nia Stevens, who was substituted by Cllr Mahmut Askanoglu; and Cllr Chinelo Anyanwu.

Apologies for absence were also received from: Mustafa Ibrahim (Enfield Town Conservation Area Study Group); Dave Cockle (Enfield Transport Users Group); and Dennis Stacey (Bush Hill Park Conservation Area Study Group).

Members are asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary, other pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests relating to items on the agenda.

There were none.

To receive and agree the minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday 5^th December 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 5^th December 2023 were AGREED.

Some additional points were noted:

John West (The Enfield Society) was also in attendance at the meeting.

It was also pointed out in respect to the cleaning of trains platforms at Highbury & Islington & Finsbury Park, it is the sole responsibility of Godiva and not in conjunction with Transport for London.

To provide an update to the panel on the work undertaken across the Council in relation to: the Council’s recycling performance, and fly tipping and enforcement.

Doug Wilkinson (Director of Environment and Street Scene) and Jon Sharkey (Head of Public Realm Services) provided an update on recycling and waste management.

The key point was the website refresh which went live on January 8^th. The refresh provides different ways and journeys for residents to access information with graphics, visuals, and Enfield photography to make it feel more local and personalised on one page. A one-stop shop.

Letters have been dispatched to local authorities confirming funding for the implementation of the new legislation for food waste collections and recycling on flats/estates within the borough.

Noted.

1. The advantages and disadvantages of co-mingling were detailed in response to Members’ questions. Officers confirmed that those boroughs who do separate materials get better results but it is down to logistics – the ability to store a plethora of bins in urban areas.

2. It was advised that Enfield Council do not have up to date figures on waste analysis. The North London Waste management are in the process of a waste audit so figures and behaviours post covid are expected imminently.

3. In response to Members’ queries on plastic film and business that do not use recyclable materials, the overriding answer was these should be taken to Tesco or your local participating supermarket. Officers acknowledged that residents do not always have the time and/or inclination to do so. As a result, the government is putting more onus on the producer responsibility legislation and deposit return scheme, similar to that of the 1970’s.

4. Cllr Jewel recently met locally with Amazon to continue lobbying around packaging, plastic film and making the symbol bigger,

5. Officers confirmed that there are meetings and discussions with neighbouring boroughs who have a higher recycling rate than Enfield to discuss improvements and initiatives.

6. New legislation introduced will encourage, support and enforce private management agents to recycle and collect food waste on estates.

7. Officers reiterated that there should be no confusion with arrangements at Barrowell Green. A slot needs to be booked. It is clear on the website. However, site operatives will have a flexible approach if it is not too busy.

Action: Comms team to promote further the requirement to book an appointment.

Perry Scott, Executive Director for Environment & Communities who recently  joined LBE was introduced to the Forum.

Fly Tipping

Esther Hughes (Head of Service-Consumer Protection & Waste Enforcement) and Martin Rattigan (Interim Head of Regulatory Services) provided an update on Fly Tipping in Enfield. Key points highlighted included the government action plan which has allowed for an increase in fines for fly tipping offences.

1. The Chair requested clarification of a “hot -spot” and how it is determined as it can be contentious. Officers encouraged the Chair, Members and all residents to report issues online to allow the council to determine where problematic areas are.

2. Officers confirmed that when black bags are put in litter bins on Chase Road, Southgate residents are incorrectly presenting their waste, can be served with a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To provide an overview of the engagement and consultation undertaken by the Journeys and Places programme in 2023 to deliver walking and cycling infrastructure and detail activities across the Borough to aid with cycling.

Richard Eason (Programme Director, Journey & Places) introduced the report and delivered a presentation on the 3^rd element of the journey and places programme, with specific focus on the engagement taking place in phases 1 to 3 (statutory consultation) and cycling schemes being delivered.

Emphasis was placed on the Journey and Places website which provides an overview of all the activities which support residents cycling in the borough, complimented by the “Lets Talk” Platform where engagement takes place.

In response, members thanked officers for the thorough report and commented as follows:

1. Feedback on the public meetings arranged by Ward Cllrs. and how the comments will be acted upon on the Southbury Road section of the walking/cycling route was requested. Officers advised that they were well attended meetings which garnered a lot of valuable feedback that have impacted the designs.

2.Concerns were raised about the wider view taken on public transport and active travel routes in respect of pedestrian crossings on cycle routes and the impact on bus journey routes. Officers confirmed that all aspects and the impact are explored as sustainable travel targets will not be achieved if bus journey times are detrimentally impacted. Officers accept that along some routes the public would like to see more zebra crossings or increased signalised pedestrian crossings.

3. Questions were asked around upgrading some of the older cycleways as some connections can be dangerous. Officers explained that some legacy routes will require a lot of investment to upgrade in conjunction with TFL. Cycle ways are only wayfinded and branded if design standards are met, old infrastructure is not signed in the same way.

4. Members were assured that the proposals for Bowes East and Edmonton Green will be available soon as engagement is now complete.

5. Members agreed that more communication is required on paused schemes and funding. Officers stated money has been ringfenced and LBE are optimistic that funds will be received for paused schemes in the next financial year.

Action: Richard Eason to email the slides presented the membersso they can be used at Ward Forums.

Action: Richard Eason should communicate to Cllrs when a project is no longer paused and more funding received in future.

Officers were thanked for their work and input on this item.

The Chair extended the meeting for a further 30 mins to allow for discussions on Food Production.

To provide an update on Food production and allotments. – ‘To Follow’.

Marcus Harvey (Head of Parks & Open Spaces) introduced the report highlighting the key points, food growing opportunities and recent developments.

Since submitting the report LBE has secured a Head of Rural Transformation who will look at all the rural opportunities within the borough and potential growing opportunities within the portfolio.

The Chair thanked the officer for the succinct presentation and members commented as follows:

1. Members expressed an interest in what happens to food grown on allotments. Officers responded that food is grown for allotment owners but excess food is often offered to the community and food banks. It’s a localised arrangement rather than a process of advertising.

2. There is currently a 97% occupancy at allotments in the borough with a significant waiting list.

3. In response to a query on small areas and corners of roads being used to grow herbs and vegetables, officers advised that conversations with part of the library green and friends group at Pymmes park have taken place which will form part of the food growing working group.

4. The old bowling green in Enfield Park is linked to the café, it would be nice to see it used for food growing opportunities.

5. Officers stated there is no intention of decreasing the number of allotments as currently demand warrants an expansion for suitable growing areas.

6. In respect of getting schools involved an expression of interest has been submitted to the national lottery for understanding land-based education programmes to create a curriculum for schools to use.

7. Members advised that Enfield in Bloom also give small grants to schools to start up growing opportunities.

8. In response to a question on opportunities for growing on council estates, officers confirmed that it has been agreed with the HRA that there will be some land-based schemes annually to reengage with residents and build the community.

The Chair closed the meeting by thanking the officers and asking that residents and members are informed of places that do offer the selling of excess food and where to purchase honey grown on the allotments.

To note the date of the next meeting:

Tuesday April 16^th 2024

Noted The dates of future meetings as follows:

Wednesday 10^th April