Weekly Update
My Weekly Parliamentary Update
A new crackdown on cowboy waste operators will tackle soaring fly-tipping and clean up Britain’s streets, lanes and rural areas, the Government announced this week.
Councils will work with the police to identify, seize and crush vehicles of waste criminals. Drones and mobile CCTV cameras will be deployed to identify cars and vans belonging to fly-tippers so they can be destroyed.
Ministers have launched a rapid review to slash red tape blocking councils from seizing and crushing vehicles. Councils currently must bear the significant cost of seizing and storing vehicles but under new plans fly-tippers will cover this cost, saving councils and taxpayers money.
In addition, waste cowboys will now face up to five years in prison for operating illegally. Any criminals caught transporting and dealing with waste illegally will now face up to five years in prison under new legislation.
This is welcome news in Enfield North where the council has been working hard to crackdown on waste criminals and fly-tippers who blight our borough’s streets.
Ayley Croft
I was shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic death of Pamela Munro in Ayley Croft on the 19th of April. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family.
Investigating officers have arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of murder and he remains in custody.
Throughout the investigation I have been in regular contact with the police and ward councillors, receiving updates and helping officers in any way that I can.
Last night, a community meeting took place at the Ayley Croft Community Hall, where I urged both Enfield Council and the local police to develop a clear and immediate action plan to reassure residents and restore a sense of safety in the area.
I was very pleased to hear the ward councillors have committed to holding additional surgeries over the next few weeks, providing more opportunities for residents to voice their concerns and receive direct support.
Chief Inspector Rob Gibbs also addressed the meeting, stating unequivocally that Ayley Croft will now be treated as a priority area by the police, with increased attention and resources being directed there.
Rebuilding trust between residents and local authorities is absolutely essential. We must work together to ensure that this tragic incident is never repeated.
🚂 Meeting with Thameslink: Fighting for Better Rail Services in Enfield
This week, I held a productive meeting with senior representatives from Govia Thameslink Railway (Thameslink) to raise concerns from Enfield North residents about overcrowding, unreliable services, and late-night cancellations on the Hertford Loop and other key Enfield routes.
During the meeting, I pushed for urgent improvements, including:
A review of peak-time overcrowding
Better planning to meet demand from future housing growth in Enfield
More reliable late-night weekend services
Restoration of pre-COVID service levels where feasible
GTR acknowledged the issues and outlined their need to improve ongoing recruitment of drivers and investment in reliability, and to commit to increasing off-peak frequency to four trains per hour by December 2026.
However, I still remain concerned by the timetable set for improvements in the service. We need better frequency before December 2026 and I will be raising this again with the Department for Transport.
🏫 Inspiring Visit to One Degree Academy
I had the pleasure of visiting One Degree Academy in Enfield North today. The primary school is setting a powerful example of what high expectations and dedicated teaching can achieve.
The school’s ethos of "One Degree Makes All the Difference" truly shines through in the way it sets high academic standards while also fostering confidence, kindness, and resilience. Chatting with the children, they told me they’re encouraged to aim high and feel supported every step of the way.
It was particularly inspiring to see how the school is building a strong foundation not just for academic success, but for lifelong learning and character development.
A huge thank you to the entire One Degree Academy team for your warm welcome (and a lovely pasta lunch!) and for the great work you do for young people across Enfield North.
🍺 Raising a glass to our veterans
On the 80th anniversary of VE Day next Thursday 8 May, we will come together to remember the incredible sacrifices made by the wartime generation.
With parties planned across the country on Thursday, the Prime Minister has ordered pubs and bars across the country to be able to keep serving until 1am to celebrate.
In Enfield, we will be thanking the men and women who defended the freedoms we enjoy today with a series of events.
A commemorative service will take place on Thursday at 9am at Enfield War Memorial (junction of Windmill Hill and Chase Side, EN2) where wreaths will be laid, and at 8.45pm that evening a beacon of light service will take place at Enfield Civic Centre when a beacon will be lit as a ‘lamp light of peace’. The flames will represent the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the dreadful darkness of war.
Great news for community groups in Enfield North!
The next round of the Asda Foundation’s Local Community Spaces Fund - their high-value grant scheme - opens on 7th May. This funding opportunity is aimed at supporting projects that create or improve spaces where local people can come together, connect, and thrive.
If you're part of a local organisation that’s making a difference - whether through community centres, youth hubs, green spaces, or other vital facilities - I strongly encourage you to apply. These grants can make a real impact on the ground, especially in areas like Enfield North where strong networks are at the heart of our community.
You can find full details, including how to apply, here:
https://asdafoundation.org/our-grants/local-community-spaces-fund/
Let’s bring more investment into our local spaces and support the amazing work happening across Enfield North.