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Fiery exchanges as Labour and Conservative councillors clash over accuracy of list of green belt sites for housing around High Barnet

Barnet's Labour and Conservative councillors clash over accuracy of a list of green belt sites which could be designated for new housing around High Barnet

Concern about threats to the green belt and the loss of popular open spaces dominated a question-and-answer session held at the annual meeting of Barnet Residents Association.

Councillor Richard Barnes (Barnet Vale), who is chair of Barnet Council’s planning committee  – see above with association co-chair Ken Rowland (left) and Emma Morgan, membership secretary  –  set out the options following publication of a draft plan for London which is proposing the construction of up to 7,000 new homes on green belt land within the borough.

He ended up getting caught in crossfire between Labour and Conservatives councillors as they argued about the authenticity of a list of sites – including playing fields, golf courses and cemeteries – which could be redesignated as grey belt with potential for redevelopment for housing.

The list emerged earlier this month with Labour councillors accusing their opponents of political scaremongering whereas Conservative councillors hit back accusing the Labour-controlled council of not coming clean with residents about the potential loss of precious amenity land and much-appreciated green spaces.

The controversial list – the wording of which Councillor Barnes insisted was “misleading and inaccurate” – includes sites such as Ark Pioneer Academy playing fields, King George V playing fields, Quinta Open Space, Hendon and Finchley golf courses, cemetery land at Edgwarebury and Hendon, land north of Totteridge Common Road and Hadley Common Road.

Councillors Barnes said these sites and others were listed as being “suitable for grey belt designation” but this wording did not exist in any official document.

“This description is inaccurate and perhaps deliberately so for political effect. The list includes sites like cemeteries and playing fields which are never going to be redeveloped.”

But he did acknowledge that the sites were listed in a 400-page London green belt assessment which was published alongside the draft London plan – a plan that was out for consultation and which he thought would take at least two years to implement.

He was supported at the meeting by Councillor Emma Whysall (High Barnet, Labour) who deplored the scaremongering taking place on social media.

An important point of the whole exercise was that some green belt land might be downgraded to grey belt while other sites might be upgraded to merit full green belt protection.

She maintained that many of the sites which had been listed were more than likely to be included in the council’s plans for a possible regional park which could be created to include green belt land around Arkley and Mill Hill.

She and Councillor Barnes were challenged by Councillor James Esses (High Barnet, Conservative) who insisted the list was part of formal document published alongside the draft London plan.

He thought it was wrong to suggest the list was “not official” when it was in the current plan. As it was unlikely the London plan would be revised, the Conservatives had voted against it.

Councillor David Longstaff (Barnet Vale, Conservative) said that Labour councillors were in no position to challenge the wording of the London plan which was clear that 7,000 houses would have to be built on green belt land within the borough.

The ten-year target set by the Mayor of London was for Barnet to build 32,000 new houses – a target which Councillor Longstaff predicted would see an increase in the borough’s population of 310,000 ten years ago to 430,000 in ten years’ time.

“If people don’t start objecting now in a big way, this plan will be steamrollered through, and an awful lot of the new homes will be one- and two-bedroom flats instead of family homes.”

Councillor Barnes agreed that housing development was likely on some of what is now designated as green belt, such as land in Arkley along Rowley Lane, Arkley Lane, and Galley Lane, and land north and south of the Stirling Corner roundabout.

Gordon Massey, who leads for the residents’ association on planning, warned of the consequences that lay ahead if there was extensive redevelopment in Arkley, especially in view of the London plan acceptance of the need for blocks of flats as high as nine storeys.

He thought there were as many as four sites in Arkley which were vulnerable, posing the threat that tower block could be built there.

“I hope you are wrong,” replied Councillor Barnes. “We would not support tower blocks in Arkley. Green belt at the edge of the borough needs to be protected and I have not heard of any plans to develop that land.”

Earlier Mr Massey criticised the failure of the Deputy Mayor of London to publish his reasons for overturning Barnet Council’s rejection of a Transport for London plan to build high-rise flats on the car park at High Barnet tube station.

He thought the failure to release the official notification – which could trigger a possible legal challenge – was down to the developers getting “cold feet.”

Major housebuilders were pulling out of Greater London schemes because the Mayor of London’s targets for the construction of affordable homes made these schemes unviable.

One high point of the meeting was news from several members that residents of Sunset View and Hadley Grove have been successful in their bid at an auction to buy half of a one-acre copse alongside Christchurch Lane.

A plan to build a large house on the site was rejected by Barnet Council and the residents made a joint bid to purchase half the site to ensure it remained protected woodland.

In view an offer from the Woodland Trust to maintain the small deciduous wood, the residents are hoping that Barnet Council, which owns the other half acre, might release it to the Woodland Trust.

The meeting was told that formal consultations are about to start on establishing a 20mph zone in streets in and around Alston Road and Stapylton Road.

Councillor Whysall said the plan was to create a safer zone in the streets in an area bounded to the north and west of Wood Street, High Street Road and St Albans Road.  

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High Barnet to have two community-inspired public houses within 300 yards of each other and each run by local residents

High Barnet to have two community-inspired public houses within 300 yards of each other and each run by local residents

A second High Barnet public house, The Sebright Arms, in Alston Road, is getting a new lease of life after another successful community-inspired bid to take over the tenancy.

Two of the Sebright’s former regular customers, Lex Deak (above, left) and Ben Dillon, who live round the corner in Wentworth Road, are planning a major refurbishment to create a community pub with a family friendly atmosphere.

Three hundred yards away from the Sebright is The Black Horse which was re-opened only four months ago by three of its former regulars who all live close by.

The Sebright’s new tenants say they are confident that despite their proximity there will be plenty of opportunities for two community-driven public houses to prosper.

Over recent years five pubs have closed in surrounding streets and the message from the new teams running the Sebright and Black Horse seems to be that the pubs which will thrive in the future will be those which are orientated towards the needs of the community and local families.

High Barnet to have two community-inspired public houses within 300 yards of each other and each run by local residents

An artist’s impression – see above – shows the kind of make-over which is planned for the yard at the rear of the Sebright which will include a covered terrace, planted spaces, a large screen for summer nights and a safe play space.

“What we will be offering at the Sebright is a family-first community pub with a proper play area in sight of the grown-ups, the kind of facilities which will demonstrate how pubs can respond to the family life of today,” said Lex Deak.

“Publicans have to adapt by creating a community hub, offering refreshments from coffee in the morning to Sunday lunch, and a venue which welcomes and can host local groups and activities.

“Barnet has a rich history of pubs but there have been closures all around the Sebright and now in an age when people are more disconnected than before, we think it’s important to bring people together in a community hub.

With the Black Horse just down the road, there will be even more reason for people to come out and support their local pubs. We are close friends with the team at the Black Horse and they’ve been very helpful.”

Ben Dillon said he and Lex had fond memories of the community spirit which was generated by pubs like the Sebright and they wanted to reinvent that to create a friendly, family space.

“I’ve lived around here for 30 years and we both knew the Sebright of old.”

High Barnet to have two community-inspired public houses within 300 yards of each other and each run by local residents

The Sebright was one of three High Barnet pubs which the Hertford brewers McMullen sold to Punch Pubs and Co earlier this year and the new tenants have taken on an initial lease.

High Barnet to have two community-inspired public houses within 300 yards of each other and each run by local residents

After being closed for several days for redecoration and immediate repairs – including new lights installed by electrician Chaz Smith – the Sebright has re-opened for drinks and initial service while the two new tenants work up their plans for what will be a full redesign and refit starting early next year.

They are currently assessing community feedback, listening to what the locals say, as they prepare their plans. To read more about their vision for the future see:  www.thesebrightarms.co.uk

In the weeks before the new tenancy was agreed, nearby regular Chris Nightingale had been working with residents to get 70 signatures for an application to renew an asset of community value designation for the Sebright.

“We are delighted to hear that Ben and Lex are taking over and the Sebright is back in safe hands.

“The fact we got all the signatures we needed so quickly demonstrates the loyalty of the Sebright’s customers.”

The Sebright Arms in Alston Road Barnet taken over two local residents determined to create a family friendly community pub -- following close behind another community inspired re-opening of the neary Black Horse public house

An insight into the successful transformation of the Black Horse over the course of the summer was given to the annual meeting of Barnet Residents Association by Danny Daly, one of three directors of Barnet Community Pubs Ltd.

The newly formed company negotiated a fresh tenancy for the Black Horse with Star Pubs (part of the Heineken group) after it had been closed since the previous September.

Together with his two fellow directors, Simon Anderson and Martin Taylor, they completed a speedy refit of the pub in time to open in late June and take advantage of a summer of near unbroken sunshine and events such as England’s matches in the FIFA World Cup.

“We were mobbed during the World Cup, five deep at the bar, and followed that up with a celebration on the night of the partial eclipse when we bought in 50 pairs of special glasses.

“We are trying to do as many interesting community events as we can – we had a Dolly Parton night and have a wine and cheese evening planned for November. On one charity day we raised £6,000.”

Nearby pubs which closed over recent years included The Alexandra in Wood Street, The Albion in Union Street. The White Lion in St Albans Road and The King William IV and Crown and Anchor in Barnet High Street.

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Small stretch of Barnet Playing Fields at Underhill set aside for new Dollis Valley community orchard   

Small stretch of Barnet Playing Fields at Underhill set aside for new Dollis Valley community orchard   

Early next year volunteers aim to start planting what is destined to become a community orchard in Underhill situated in a corner of Barnet Playing Fields, between Ark Pioneer Academy and Grasvenor Avenue.

Along one side of the new orchard will be a freshly-seeded wildflower meadow – another of the initiatives backed by the Orchard Project which organised a display of apples and other fruit at the nearby Rainbow Centre.

Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson was shown the site of the new Dollis Valley Community Orchard by organiser Daniella Levene (above, far left) and Catherine Watling of the Friends of Underhill Green Spaces, who hope to help maintain the orchard.

There has been some mounting concern locally about the long-term future of Barnet Playing Fields in Barnt Lane, Underhill, following the publication of the London Plan and speculation that the status of Green Belt land could be downgraded to Grey Belt.

Barnet councillors for wards in and around High Barnet say they are keen to contradict misguided that claims that protected playing fields and open spaces along the Dollis Valley are at risk of being replaced with housing.

No final decisions had been taken about the future designation of local Green Belt land around High Barnet and whatever the eventual status there was no possibility of the council relinquishing community green spaces for housing.  

After being shown the site of the new community orchard, Mr Tomlinson said he looked forward to returning next February when volunteers hope to plant up to a dozen mixed fruit trees including apple, pear, quince and medlar.

“I am confident there is no chance that Barnet Playing Fields will be built on. Our green spaces are so important to the health and wellbeing of our residents.  We need to do all we can to enhance their protection.”

Small stretch of Barnet Playing Fields at Underhill set aside for new Dollis Valley community orchard   

Councillor Zahra Beg, the Mayor of Barnet – and an Underhill ward councillor – admired a display of autumn fruit. She was delighted to give her backing to the Orchard Project.

“I am proud to be here and support a new community orchard for Underhill.

“Local residents and children will want to see the planting of the fruit trees, and I am sure they will help take care of the wildflower meadow.” 

Small stretch of Barnet Playing Fields at Underhill set aside for new Dollis Valley community orchard   

Orchard Project communications manager Sarah Cossom – above, left with Rainbow Centre manager Sarah Snell – said the planting of a wildflower meadow was the first step in building up support and interest in developing a community orchard.

Spring flowers would help with pollination in the area and especially for the new fruit trees.

Small corner of Barnet Playing fields set aside for Dollis Valley community orchard at Underhill, an iniiative supported by Mayor of Barnet Councillor Zahra Beg and Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson

Daniella Levene, founder of the Community Harvesters project, was keen to show visitors a full range of the various varieties of apples, pears and other fruit which could be grown so easily in gardens at home.

She said that given warmer summers, pomegranate was one of the fruits which now fared well in the UK and could withstand prolonged dry weather.         

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New production at The Bull Theatre portrays how townspeople of Barnet lived through air raids and survived wartime restrictions   

New production at The Bull Theatre portrays how townspeople of Barnet lived through air raids and survived wartime restrictions   

All the stresses and strains – and sometimes laughter – of everyday life in Barnet during the Second World War are captured in an imaginative and often poignant production at The Bull Theatre.

A Nightingale Sang in Barnet: The Blitz and Beyond opened with a sell-out show for the first of four performances highlighting yet again the ability of the Blue Door Theatre Company to deliver original productions celebrating the town’s history and traditions.

Wartime comings and goings among the patrons and staff at the Barnet Odeon provide a constant thread around which there are scenes and story lines based on family memories and tales about the war years.

Seven members of the company wrote the script and based their contributions on their own research, aided by the recollections of local families.

The playwrights succeeded in bringing together what director Siobhan Dunne says is a patchwork quilt of human stories and dramatic events that occurred literally on their doorsteps in Barnet.

New production at The Bull Theatre portrays how townspeople of Barnet lived through air raids and survived wartime restrictions   

The Odeon cinema – now The Everyman – was chosen to frame the highs and lows for the townspeople of Barnet as they coped with air raid duties, bomb damage, food shortages and all the heightened security conditions that restricted day to day life.

All the action is rooted in and around the Barnet of the 1940s with storylines that highlight local street names and places – Wood Street, Union Street, Victoria Bakery, Sebright Road, Arkley, Trotters Bottom and so on – a litany of familiar points of reference. 

New production at The Bull Theatre portrays how townspeople of Barnet lived through air raids and survived wartime restrictions   

A focal point for the play is The Odeon’s bomb shelter which becomes a regular meeting place for cinema staff, patrons and local people – and a centre of intrigue involving numerous plot lines.

New production at The Bull Theatre portrays how townspeople of Barnet lived through air raids and survived wartime restrictions   

Two local wartime dealers in the black market, Ada and Benny Spratt (Janet Parker and Tony Nagle) incur the wrath of the Odeon’s manager Bill Pendleton (Steve Mays) when he finds them in the bomb shelter trying to sell eggs and two chickens to the assembled crowd.

Ada and Benny are undeterred and put up a spirited defence of the kind of action which was frowned upon during the war.

Much of the dialogue reveals the underlying fears within the community, such as the dread of hearing the hum of enemy planes overhead, receiving news of a death at the front, or the need to look out for suspicious behaviour and Fascist sympathisers.

New production at The Bull Theatre portrays how townspeople of Barnet lived through air raids and survived wartime restrictions   

Cinema usherette Ruby Wilson (Teresa Howell) doubles up as a secret listener at the wartime monitoring station at Arkley. After her shift at the Odeon, she cycles off for her hidden duties.

Interspersed between the family vignettes are renditions of much-loved wartime songs and tunes which are greeted with applause and whoops of delight especially for some of the sentimental numbers.

New production at The Bull Theatre portrays how townspeople of Barnet lived through air raids and survived wartime restrictions   

In a glimpse behind the scenes at The Odeon, ARP warden Gwen (Sarah Munford) builds up a friendship with cinema projectionist Danny (Chris Browning).

The Blitz and Beyond does not shy away from tacking potential conflicts facing Jewish refugees and Russian emigres.

The strains and stresses experienced by the Levin family provide a moving reminder of how lives had been upturned by the war – Avram Levin (Tim King), Chana Levin (Rafaella Golding) and Rivka Levin (Ann Moore).

New production at The Bull Theatre portrays how townspeople of Barnet lived through air raids and survived wartime restrictions   

Wartime romances are not forgotten. Alberto (Francesco Giacon) an Italian soldier from a prisoner of war camp at Trotters Bottom, has to say farewell to his sweetheart, recently widowed Rebecca (Brigid Hekster).

Local children have leading roles. Wartime restrictions on keeping pets imply that one’s boy dog is in danger of being put down.

A closing peacetime scene shows two local boys and a girl sitting at the top of King George’s Field gazing across towards the City of London musing on their futures, speculating on how they might be able to contribute to the post-war effort to rebuild the country. 

New production at The Bull Theatre portrays how townspeople of Barnet lived through air raids and survived wartime restrictions   

Threading the story together against a backdrop of an amazing collection of wartime photographs and some compelling clips from cinema newsreels is narrator (Tim King).

One of the film sequences is an account by William Boyes whose father, grandfather and great grandfather were solicitors at 20 Wood Street, Barnet.

He describes how his father – Edward Boyes – was standing in the doorway of 20 Wood Street when a stray bomb was dropped by a German plane on its home run.

Two houses on the opposite side of Wood Street were destroyed in the explosion. Edward Boyes was seriously injured, losing part of his lung, but his father Archie was safe inside the house.

He was unhurt and was photographed emerging into Wood Street holding the family pet’s budgie in its cage.

Blue Door's latest production at the Bull Theatre portrays how the townspeople of Barnet lived through the Second World War, survived air raids and maintained family life

The show’s finale provides Siobhan Dunne a chance to thank all those behind the scenes including her husband Nick Godwin who arranged the music.

Ms Dunne reminds the audience of Barnet’s good fortune in being able to deliver live theatre and she appeals for contributions towards an emergency appeal for £10,000 towards essential maintenance and running costs at The Bull Theatre. Nearly £3,000 has been raised so far.

For more details of the appeal and a donate button see: https://www.thebulltheatre.com/

A Nightingale Sang in Barnet: The Blitz and Beyond, at The Bull Theatre, High Street, Barnet, Friday 16 October, 7.30pm; Saturday 17 October, 2pm and 7.30pm,

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Firefighters to the rescue pumping in mains water to replenish Hadley Green Brewery Pond after fish suffocated from lack of oxygen

London Fire Brigade adds mains water to Hadley Green Brewery Pond after dead fish found on the surface. Anglers hope water in Totteridge Long Pond can be topped up too.

London Fire Brigade has stepped in to help save any remaining fish by adding up to a foot of water into the Brewery Pond on Hadley Green.

Barnet Council and the Environment Agency say they will consider whether any further steps can be taken to aerate the pond after a dozen or more carp were found floating on the surface.

Local anglers have praised the fire brigade’s initiative.

They hope more water can be added to the Totteridge Long Pond where some dead fish have also had to be removed and were again thought to have suffocated due to a shortage of oxygen.

Hadley Green residents appealed for help after dead carp were removed from their pond.

Harriet Duffield, Barnet Council’s biodiversity and conservation officer, has informed them that the fire brigade pumped water from the mains to refill the pond.

There are reports that some carp have survived, perhaps as many as six or seven, and it is hoped the refill and recent rain will improve the water quality.

Options to be discussed with the Environment Agency for increasing the dissolved oxygen in the water include the possibility of adding a chemical or aerating the pond with a pump.

“Hopefully we can come up with a method which will prevent this happening again as I am sure it will only become more common with increasingly hot and dry summers,” said Ms Duffield.

Members of the Millridge Angling Club in Totteridge Lane have become increasingly concerned about the low level of water in the Long Pond where fishing has been suspended because of the drought.

The Long Pond, which is regularly stocked with fish including carp, roach and tench, is one of three ponds along Totteridge Lane.

London Fire Brigade took a large quantity of water from the Hadley Green Brewery Pond in May last year when fighting a large fire across the green at Hollybush House.

Residents say the water level did not fully recover during the winter and the drought and prolonged dry spell this summer reduced the water level to the lowest level since the drought of 1976 when fish were taken from the pond and moved to a large pond on the Wrotham Park estate.

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“Welcome to High Barnet” declares a brightly coloured mural which it is hoped will provide an eye-catching greeting for visitors

“Welcome to High Barnet” declares a brightly coloured mural which it is hoped will provide an eye-catching greeting for visitors

A large mural painted by students at Barnet and Southgate College – which features iconic images of the town – will welcome visitors to High Barnet once a site has been agreed.

Chipping Barnet Town Team decided to commission a welcoming mural as a way of building up the appeal and attraction of the town centre while also strengthening local identity.

Barnet College was keen to get involved in a project which the town team hopes will be the first of other initiatives to engage local students in the life and history of Chipping Barnet.

“What the project has been all about is helping students build up their relationship with Barnet and engage with the town’s rich history,” said Isabella Tessier, acting art and design course leader, at the unveiling of the mural.

It reflects Barnet’s role in the Wars of the Roses – a feature which will connect with medieval banners on display in the High Street each summer – and depicts well known buildings such as the Everyman cinema and Barnet Parish Church.

For the students, it was their first chance to engage in the production and painting of a mural.

“Welcome to High Barnet” declares a brightly coloured mural which it is hoped will provide an eye-catching greeting for visitors

They were guided in their work by two professional street artists – see above Julian Phethean (left) and James Titchner – from the community arts company Positive Arts.

They were as excited as the students at the official unveiling because it was the first time four separate panels had been lined up together and they could all see the finished mural.

“It has all been so rewarding. The students really enjoyed painting the mural, working collaboratively in this way.”

The mural is in weather-proof paint and will be finished off with a lacquer to protect the colours.

“Welcome to High Barnet” declares a brightly coloured mural which it is hoped will provide an eye-catching greeting for visitors

One possible site for the mural is the wall of The Corner Café alongside the Chipping Close car park in St Albans Road, just before the junction with the High Street.

This is the location preferred by the Town Team as it would be a dramatic position at the one of the main approach points to the High Street – a site which has yet to be agreed with the owners of the building and would require planning approval.

An alternative location is at the front of the courtyard outside the main entrance to the Barnet and Southgate College.

“Welcome to High Barnet” declares a brightly coloured mural which it is hoped will provide an eye-catching greeting for visitors

Eamonn Rafferty, secretary to the Town Team, said he and his colleagues were amazed to see what the students had been produced.

“We hope it is going to be the first of more collaborations with the college” – a hope endorsed by Gail Laser, founder of Love Barnet.

She was sure a welcoming mural would be appreciated by people walking or driving into Barnet and would be a reminder to the students themselves of their contribution helping to strengthen the appeal of the town.

Mural painted by students at Barnet and Southgate College will welcome visitors to Barnet once a site agreed for its location

For Barnet Vale Councillor, Sue Baker, attending the mural unveiling was a welcome return to the college where she had been a teacher, lecturer and curriculum manager.

“A project like this provides students with direct involvement with the community. Residents and local groups can see the students gaining an understanding of the historical and cultural life of Chipping Barnet.

“The teachers have said how much the students got immersed in their project and with the help of Barnet Museum, took an interest in local history.”

Chipping Barnet Town Team contributed, with Barnet College, to the cost of the mural and the team will be seeking further sponsorship from businesses in the area to help with installation costs.

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Community offer to assist after four e-bike vandals chased on golf course and photographed by a dog walker

Community offer to assist after four e-bike vandals chased on golf course and photographed by a dog walker

After four youngsters on e-bikes and e-scooters caused fresh damage to greens at the Shire London golf course, a group of High Banet residents are hoping to discuss with the club’s management ways to prevent further vandalism.

Dog walkers and other locals are anxious to preserve uninterrupted access to a perimeter path around the 27-hole course which is set in 220 acres of Green Belt land just north of the Barnet boundary.

Nearby residents are seeking a meeting with the club’s director Tony Menai after contacting neighbourhood police officers to pass on information from dog walkers who witnessed the latest incursion.

Community offer to assist after four e-bike vandals chased on golf course and photographed by a dog walker

Four youngsters wearing balaclavas, riding three e-bikes and an e-scooter, were seen speeding across the greens, leaving deep cuts in the turf.

Two members of the staff drove round the course to try to stop them.

“Their bikes were reaching speeds in excess of 40mph, and we were unable to catch them,” said Mr Menai.

Later, when the youngsters were seen stationary on the perimeter path, they were confronted by a woman walking her dog.

She took close-up photographs of them –without their balaclavas – in the hope this might deter them.

Community offer to assist after four e-bike vandals chased on golf course and photographed by a dog walker

Regular dog walker Chris Nightingale is helping to organise a community response in the hope of co-operating with the golf club to come up with a joint solution to curb vandalism while maintaining access to the path.

A meeting attended by dog walkers and local residents agreed to write to the club seeking a meeting and inform Hertfordshire County Council which is the footpaths authority for the golf course site.

“We should be able to work together,” said Mr Nightingale who has been discussing what to do following complaints after access to the golf course path was blocked by eight-foot-deep trenches in a bid to thwart the e-bikes.

“We have informed neighbourhood police officers about what has been happened in the latest incident and told them that we have photographs and two witnesses.

“We fear that if the youngsters go onto the course again it might lead to an horrific accident. It is only too easy to imagine one of them falling off while golf club vehicles are in hot pursuit.”

Mr Nightingale’s initiative is aimed at defusing a rapid deterioration in relations between the golf club and local walkers who enjoy using a permissive path which was agreed when the golf course, designed by Steve Ballesteros, was granted planning permission in the early 1990s.

After the first incursion by e-bikes the club dug eight-foot trenches at the boundary between the golf course and Byng Road playing fields to prevent e-bikes entering the site.

Community offer to assist after four e-bike vandals chased on golf course and photographed by a dog walker

Club director Mr Menai said that a wooden pallet was placed across the trench, and this provided access for another incursion by e-bikes riders.

“The damage which they are causing is devastating. This cannot continue any more as it is having a serious impact on our business.

“We also have a legal responsibility and duty of care to our members, staff and visitors from dangerous situations caused by kids wearing balaclava and riding illegal e-bikes.

“Over the years we have continually had kids draw phallic symbols on the greens with sticks, stealing flags and tee markers, and throwing them into the lakes around the course.

“We have also had dogs off their leads attacking swans and killing cygnets.

“Surely the question should be how can we protect the golf club and the wildlife from this nonsense? How can we as a community stop these abuses and protect what is a haven for wildlife?”

Community offer to assist after four e-bike vandals chased on golf course and photographed by a dog walker

Dog walkers and others also have complaints. They claim that fallen trees and trenches are being used to block the perimeter path.

Mr Nightingale said he hoped a meeting with Mr Menai would be a chance to explain that the community wanted to work together with the club.

“I am sure that neither of us would want to return to the bad old days of the early 2000s when we were having to contact Hertfordshire County Council frequently about lorry movements and blockages to the perimeter path.

“Our hope is that by meeting Mr Menai we can resolve these issues in a spirit of helping each other.”

Photos of e-bike damage to golf course greens courtesty Shire London Golf Club

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Conversion of Barnet Post Office into flats means now more homes than shops in High Street

Conversion of Barnet Post Office into flats means now more homes than shops in High Street

High Barnet’s former Crown Post Office is to be converted into nine self-contained flats if an application is approved by Barnet Council – a change of use which highlights the rapidly changing nature of the High Street.

Consultants for the owners say conversion of its interior and former sorting office into nine one- and two-bedroom flats will have “no impact” on the significance of what is a locally listed building in the Wood Street Conservation Area.   

Over recent years vacant space above retail and commercial premises within the town centre has increasingly been converted for residential use.

High Barnet’s High Street now has more homes than shops.

Registration of residential addresses for postal deliveries reveals the scale of a dramatic increase: currently there are a total of 398 residential addresses listed along the High Street, up from around 50 ten years ago.

Longer than many high streets at 0.7 kilometres, it extends from the junction with Meadway and the upper entrance to High Barnet tube station, through the town centre, passed the parish church and The Spires shopping centre and on to Hadley Green.

Most of these homes are flats above retail premises with front door entrances either onto the High Street or at the rear.

The application to convert the Post Office into flats is just one of several conversions and new builds which are currently underway or are about to start.

By far the largest recent development in the High Street was the new Lightfield estate of houses and flats on the site the site of the former Brake Shear House complex of offices and workshops.

But it is the continuing conversion of vacant space above shops and offices which is dramatically increasing the number of people who now live along the High Street – driving the number to levels not seen since before World War II.

Post war expansion of nationally owned retail and business chains led to a dramatic fall in the number of individual shopkeepers and traders who used to live “above the shop”.

This has resulted in much of the accommodation on the upper floors having remained vacant for decades – a trend which is now being rapidly reversed.

Conversion of Barnet Post Office into flats means now more homes than shops in High Street

Opposite the Post Office, approval has been obtained for the construction of a new four-storey building with 11 new homes on the site of the former Foxtons estate agency at the corner of the High Street and Moxon Street.

Conversion of Barnet Post Office into flats means now more homes than shops in High Street

New retail premises with “luxury apartments” above have recently been constructed in the High Street in vacant shop premises opposite Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School.

A few doors further up the High Street, the former Barnet Court House was converted into flats some years ago.

Conversion of Barnet Post Office into flats means now more homes than shops in High Street

Three one-bedroom apartments “with terraces and views towards the city” are on offer following a conversion nearing completion in a former High Street health store between Rymans and Boots.

However, an application to convert the upper floors of Hadley House – formerly The King George public house – was recently withdrawn.

Robin Bishop, the Barnet Society’s lead on planning and the environment, comments, “The Society has long supported converting unused upper floors in the High Street into homes. We also welcome sensitive roof and rear extensions, provided that they respect the character of the Wood Street and Monken Hadley Conservation Areas. But it’s disappointing that many developers prioritise profit over adding to our historic town centre’s attractive architectural heritage.”

Conversion of Barnet Post Office into flats means now more homes than shops in High Street

Planning consultants say the former post office, which is sited on a “gentle curve” of the High Street, is “a fine example of Edwardian commercial architecture designed in the Near-Jacobean Revival style”.

It was constructed between 1903 and 1905 to the designs of Jasper Wagner for the Office of Works and by 1925 offered a wide range of functions as an important postal facility– “head post, telegraph, telephone, money order, savings bank, insurance, annuity and parcel post office”.

Noted for its ornate Edwardian architecture, notable features include detailed stonework, a stone carving of the coat of arms, and additional stonework above the top floor windows with the initials ER – the motif of King Edward VII.

Conversion of Barnet Post Office into flats means now more homes than shops in High Street

An historic carriageway to the side of the post office reveals ancillary buildings at the rear including the former sorting office.

Architects Alan Cox Associates say the application, made under permitted development rights, is to convert the premises into four one-person studio flats; four two-person one-bedroom flats; and one two-person one-bedroom duplex flat.

There would be a 12-space cycle park at the rear but no car parking space. The applicant states there would be an agreement with Barnet Council that no parking permits could be obtained.

An independent commercial unit, facing on to the High Street, would be remain.

Under a permitted development rights application there can be no changes to the exterior of the existing buildings, so the architects say there will be “no change” to the aesthetic of the building.

“The proposed internal alterations are discreet and will be virtually imperceptible from the public realm.

“Accordingly, the proposals will sustain the heritage significance of the site and its positive contribution to the surrounding historic environment, without resulting in harm to any heritage assets.”

At present, included in the frontage, is an integrated red-letter box which has remained in use since the closure of the crown post office last year when it became a franchised post office with premises on the other side of the High Street, managed by the UOE store group.  

Barnet’s crown post office had a distinguished history, originally having been a regular stopping off point for mail coaches heading out of London for Scotland and the north.

Until the 1930s Barnet was one of the best-known coaching towns on the outskirts of London.

When the mail coach for Scotland left St Martins-le-Grand one of the first stops on the Great North Road was Barnet post office where it picked up mail.

Application to convert Barnet Post Office into nine self contained flats which will increase stlll further number of people living in a High Street with more homes than shops

Set in the wall, just above the pavement, between the front door and the letter box, is one of the original boundary stones of the ancient parish of Chipping Barnet – which is regularly pointed out during the annual ceremony to mark the Beating of the Bounds of the parish of Barnet.

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Dame Theresa Villiers withdraws from political life to return to an academic career of university teaching and research

Dame Theresa Villiers decides not to stand again as a Conservative candidate for Chipping Barnet to focus instead on an academic career

Former Chipping Barnet Conservative MP Dame Theresa Villiers has decided to leave the political fray of competitive politics to focus instead on an academic career undertaking advanced postgraduate research at University College London.

She has told members of her local Conservative Party that she will not be putting her name forward as a candidate at the next general election.

Despite her defeat in 2024 when the Chipping Barnet constituency elected Labour MP Dan Tomlinson, Dame Theresa remained active in the politics of the Barnet area.

She campaigned on behalf of the Conservative candidates in recent council elections, attended numerous political events, and appeared to have left open the possibility of standing again.

Her decision to focus and writing and her academic career of university teaching and research has disappointed many of her admirers.

Posts on social media expressed regret at her withdrawal from local politics.

She was described as having been “a great local MP” who had every chance of being elected once gain. Well-wishers said they hope she enjoys academic life.

In her statement she said after careful reflection she had decided not to put her name forward when Chipping Barnet Conservatives start the process in a few weeks’ time of selecting a new parliamentary candidate. Nor would she apply to stand in any other constituency.

“I believe the Conservatives have a great chance of regaining Chipping Barnet, but it is time to hand over to someone new to tackle that challenge.”

Dame Theresa, who was made Dame Commander of the British Empire by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle last December, said she was grateful to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for having included her in the Conservative candidates list.

“I strongly back Kemi’s leadership. I will continue to campaign energetically for the Conservative cause, in Barnet and beyond.”

During her two decades as an MP at Westminster – after previously serving for six years as a Member of the European Parliament – Dame Theresa was frequently in the national news.

Her roles as a cabinet minister included nearly four years as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. She became a leading and much-quoted supporter of Brexit.

She thanked Chipping Barnet Conservatives for having chosen her as candidate in five successive general elections.

“I feel immensely proud to have been given the opportunity to serve the community in which I live as its MP.

“Now I will be focussing on the writing and academic career – university teaching and research – to which I have returned after my stint in elected office.

“I am delighted to say that this will include research for an MPhil/PhD at University College London in October.”

Image: Dame Theresa Villiers’ Facebook page

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New kitchen installed at the Black Horse as High Barnet’s community-led pub continues to strengthen its neighbourhood support and appeal

New kitchen installed at the Black Horse as High Barnet’s community-led pub continues to strengthen its neighbourhood support and appeal

After its re-opening as a community-led public house, High Barnet’s historic hostelry the Black Horse is now being fitted out with an up-to-date kitchen – the latest investment by the three regulars who set up a new company to take on the tenancy.

Since customers were welcomed back at the end of June following a lengthy closure, the Black Horse has gone from strength to strength demonstrating the depth of local support with an impressive record of well-attended charity fund raisers and events.

Prospects looked bleak last September when the premises closed unexpectedly.

Fearing the worst nearby residents succeeded in getting the pub listed as an asset of community value, but working behind the scenes, without any fanfare, were three former regular customers.

They established Barnet Community Pubs Ltd and succeeded in negotiating a year’s tenancy with Star Pubs, part of the Heineken Group, with a pledge to ensure that once again the pub would renew its links with the local community.

After what the trio describe as an incredibly busy summer, and on one occasion nearly running out of beer, they felt confident to take the next step.

They have made what they say is a “big investment” in fitting out the pub with an up-to-date kitchen.

Taking pride of place is a large new rotisserie.

Newly-appointed head chef Karl Omell was on hand to help with the installation – see above, from left to right, Martin Taylor, director who handles finances for Barnet Community Pubs, plumber Paul Kelly, James Rix and Karl Omell.

New kitchen installed in Black Horse as High Brnet's community led pub celebrates an incredibly busy first two months in business

Work repairing and stabilising the front wall of the pub has taken longer than expected but should be completed by the end of September when the scaffolding will be removed.

Within a few days of re-opening, to reinforce their commitment to the community, the pub staged an all-day music event, “Hall of Sound”, in memory of the late Graeme Hall who had previously performed at local Open Mic events.

During the day there were performances from 17 acts, mainly duets, attracting well over 1,000 people, raising £6,000 shared between Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, Cherry Lodge Cancer Care and Foodbank Aid, the charity of Graeme Hall’s wife.

Joint organiser of the event was Ken Rowland of Barnet Residents Association which had backed the campaign to secure protection for the Black Horse through registration as an asset of community value.

“The three directors of Barnet Community Pubs proved within a matter of weeks that, as they predicted, there is really strong local support for a community-led pub like the Black Horse,” said Mr Rowland.

“From what we hear they had something of a David and Goliath contest with Star Pubs to secure the tenancy.

 “There were six other bids but clearly the local effort to secure ACV recognition backed by a 4,000 strong petition was a great help and we are all so proud of how it has turned out.”

Mr Taylor said that he and his two fellow directors Simon Anderson and Danny Daly had been heartened by all the support they had received from the community.

“We have had regulars coming here for 25 years of more who told us they are delighted to be back in the Black Horse.  They had never seen the pub so busy or so friendly.

“We are taking every opportunity to connect with the area.

“We are sponsoring Hadley Football Club and from September we will be opening in the daytime as a community space where people can work on their on laptops with WIFI, just another example of the contribution we can make.”

For the night of the total eclipse of the sun, the pub bought in 100 special spectacles. “We are so lucky because the pub garden faces south and there must have been 400 or so enjoying the event with everyone sharing their glasses.”

A charity fund-raiser in August with events for children had raised £1,800 for the Hospice of St Francis charity at Barnet Hospital.

With space in the pub for up to 150 people for special occasions they were already booking in events with plans for a charity quiz night; a Halloween night event for children on 31 October; and a black-tie casino night on 7 November in aid of Noah’s Ark.

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Spring water continues to flow without interruption at Barnet’s historic Physic Well despite summer months with no rain

Spring water continues to flow without interruption at Barnet’s historic Physic Well despite summer months with no rain

While many natural ponds around the town have dried out due to the prolonged drought and successive heatwaves, the water level at High Barnet’s historic Physic Well has remained constant.

When visitors descended the wellhouse steps at the monthly open day, they were shown the two tanks filled by mineral water from a spring which was first mentioned in a Tudor guidebook in the late 16th century.

In almost 20 years since Barnet Museum first started campaigning to get the wellhouse restored and re-opened, volunteers – including Bob Langley above – say the water level has rarely ever changed.

Occasionally during exceptionally wet weather the well tanks overflow a little, but otherwise the water level always remains at a constant depth.

All around High Barnet numerous ponds filled by surface water have dried out.

Spring water continues to flow without interruption at Barnet’s historic Physic Well despite summer months with no rain

Joslin’s Pond on Hadley Green, where generations of children have fed the ducks, has been reduced to an expanse of mud with the duck house beached in the middle.

Hadley Green’s largest pond, Brewery Pond, next to site of the former Hadley Brewery, is filled by a spring and although the water level is much lower than usual it provides a refuge for ducks and other wildlife.

Spring water continues to flow without interruption at Barnet’s historic Physic Well despite summer months with no rain

After re-opening in 2018 following repairs, Barnet Physic Well, famous for its chalybeate spring water, has become a popular attraction on its monthly open days on Saturday afternoons between February and November.

Once fashionable to drink the water was sold in London and attracted gentry to Barnet because it was said to have healing and other medicinal qualities.

The well’s most famous visitor – and consumer – was the renowned diarist Samuel Pepys who after lunch at the Red Lion in 1664, continued to the well “and there I drunk three glasses and went and walked and came back and drunk two more”.

Spring water continues to flow without interruption at Barnet’s historic Physic Well despite summer months with no rain

Among the open day visitors were Eamonn Brady who as a child lived opposite in Well Road and who had never been inside the well house or seen what the well looked like.

“When I was a child in the 1960s the wellhouse was always padlocked.

“We used to play football on the green outside so what went on inside the well house was always mystery” said Mr Brady – above second from right with well guide Charlie, second from the left.

“Soon after we moved from Well Road to Potters Bar, so I never got the chance to look inside. As you can imagine this was something I had to put right.”

Mr Brady was fascinated to descend into the well chamber and learn more about its history.

He recalled a family story about how his grandma and aunt, who lived next door in Well Road, saying that one night they separately saw a black shadow cross the landing of their houses.

“They both described an old-fashioned man with a hat on, and we have always wondered whether it was the ghost of Samuel Pepys.”

Spring water continues to flow without interruption at Barnet’s historic Physic Well despite summer months with no rain

Open days at the Physic Well are always a moment of great pride for Mike Jordan who led the campaign to get the well house restored and re-opened.

Mr Jordan – seen here with a mural celebrating Barnet history which was donated by Waterstones bookshop – was chairman of trustees at Barnet Museum for 14 years and on retirement was appointed president.

For many years the Physic Well, which is in Well Approach, a short walk from Barnet Hospital, was in such a sorry state that the building was placed on Historic England’s at-risk register.

The well house was constructed in 1937 to protect the dis-used well and its spring. Restoring the building to its full mock-Tudor glory and making it safe for visitors cost £150,000. It is now in the care of Barnet Museum.

“My main commitment nowadays is the well,” said Mr Jordan.

“When we open the doors on a Saturday afternoon every month, we are always so pleased to welcome visitors to what is one of the best-preserved medicinal wells in the country.

“We spent so much time with Barnet Council and Historic England rescuing the wellhouse the sense of achievement is really gratifying. If I leave anything to Barnet, it is helping to preserve the Physic Well for the future.”

Spring water continues to flow without interruption at Barnet’s historic Physic Well despite summer months with no rain

Five heatwaves and two months without rain has dried out the ponds on Hadley Green except for the Brewery Pond which is fed by a spring and is next to the site of the former brewery which had its own artesian well.

Hadley Brewery, opened in around 1700, was demolished in 1978.

Unlike the duck house on Joslin’s Pond, which is beached on the mud, the duck house at the Brewery Pond is still afloat – the duck houses were purchased in 2018 by Keith Chapman of Hadley Residents Association.

Joslin’s Pond was named after William Joslin, who lived in one of the Georgian cottages next to the green and who in the 1880s ran a nearby bakery.

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Extension of ULEZ and switch to electric cars is cutting pollution from vehicle exhaust emissions in High Barnet town centre

Extension of ULEZ and switch to electric cars is cutting pollution from vehicle exhaust emissions in High Barnet town centre

A steady and significant improvement in air quality in Barnet High Street is continuing to be recorded by Barnet Council’s scientific services which indicates that levels of nitrogen dioxide should fall at even faster rates with the growth in the number of electric vehicles.

To encourage progress towards Barnet’s net zero targets more on-street electric charge points are to be added to what the council says is already one of the largest networks in the country.

Tests for nitrogen dioxide are carried out in Barnet High Street show a significant decrease between 2013 and 2025.

The latest samples indicated a reading of 25.3 for the High Street (down from a reading of 51 in 2013) and this is comparable with other similar locations such as the High Road Whetstone and Ballards Lane.

Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in these high street shopping areas are much lower than at testing points on major through roads such as Hendon Way.

Air quality is monitored at locations across the borough because of elevated road traffic emissions.

A report last year by the Mayor of London estimated that across the outer London boroughs, the extension of the Ultra Low Emission Zone in August 2023 achieved a 21 per cent reduction in nitrogen dioxide and that particulate matter from exhaust emissions dropped by 31 per cent.

The mayor’s target is to reach World Health Organisations guidelines by 2030. Barnet is committed to becoming a net zero borough by 2042.

Extension of ULEZ and switch to electric cars is cutting pollution from vehicle exhaust emissions in High Barnet town centre

Use of electric vehicles is being encouraged with the rollout of electric charge points. With 2,045 installed by the end of 2025, Barnet already has one of the largest networks in the country.

Over 500 charge points have been attached to lamp posts including an installation by char.gy in Union Street Barnet.

There are plans to install a further 500 points on lamp columns. These points are suitable for residents who do not have off street parking to charge their vehicles from home.

A lamp column point takes 8-12 hours to fully charge a vehicle, and they are considered ideal for overnight charging.

Testing shows steady improvement in air quality in Barnet High Street with levels of nitrogen dioxide due to fall even lower with switch to electric cars

Where lamp column charge popints are not appropriate, they are set in the pavement.

PodPoint operates a network of charge points across Barnet Council car parks and there is no parking charge when charging an electric vehicle.

Where residents would like an electric charge point in their street they are asked to email EVCharging@Barnet.gov.uk

Barnet Council continues to promote its scheme to promote pay streets – where minor roads are closed temporarily to encourage children to play safely outside in an environment free of traffic and exhaust emissions.

Five applications were made in 2025 – and there was a first for High Barnet in April this year when a cul-de-sac at the end of Calvert Road became a designated Sunday morning play space.

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Family stories of life in Barnet during Second World War brought back to life in autumn production at The Bull Theatre

Family stories of life in Barnet during Second World War brought back to life in autumn production at The Bull Theatre

Cast members are going through their storylines before rehearsals start in September at The Bull Theatre for a new play which aims to portray the life and times of the townspeople of Barnet during the Second World War.

Much of the action revolves around the wartime comings and goings at Barnet Odeon (now the Everyman) – both in the cinema and a bomb shelter where patrons and staff gathered during air raids.

In mid-October the Blue Door Theatre Company will be staging four performances at The Bull of A Nightingale Sang in Barnet – all about the blitz and beyond.

Director Siobhan Dunne, see above right with cast members Val Golding (far left) and Jan Parker, said they hoped to capture the drama and uncertainty of wartime in Barnet.

“We have five writers working on the play and some of the scenes are based on verbatim stories of family memories and others are imagined scenarios.

“But because we are portraying wartime experiences not all the story lines have a resolution so that adds to the drama and poignancy of the production.”

Jan Parker has the role of Mrs Sprat who is a wartime dealer in the black market and operates with her son.

“Mrs Sprat is the brains behind her black-market business swapping and selling things like eggs for cigarettes or whatever.

“We see her selling a chicken in the bomb shelter – the very kind of activity frowned upon during the war.”

By contrast Val Golding’s role as Mrs Leonard is a reminder of the legacy of the First World War.  Her husband was killed at the Somme, and she is very upset by the renewed outbreak of war across Europe.

Ms Dunne said they had all jumped at the chance to build a production around Barnet in the 1940s and extend Blue Door’s well-earned reputation for delivering sell-out shows that celebrate the town’s history.

There will be four performances – Thursday 15 October, 7.30pm; Friday 16 October, 7.30pm; Saturday 17 October, 2pm and 7.30pm. Tickets at £19 plus booking fee now available via www.thebulltheatre.com

Drama portraying life and times of townspeople of Barnet during Second World War to start rehearsals at The Bull theatre in September

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Fund raising campaign for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice backed by Barnet councillors and a deputy mayor of London

Fund raising campaign for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice backed by Barnet councillors and a deputy mayor of London

A time capsule was buried in the grounds of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice in Byng Road, Barnet, as part of the celebrations to mark its 20th anniversary.

Twenty messages from children and families supported by the hospice were placed in the capsule to help commemorate its work.

High Barnet’s two councillors and a deputy mayor of London attended the event to help launch the annual campaign, From That Moment, to raise £1 million towards the hospice’s running costs.

See above, from left to right, Philip Roethenbaugh, Noah’s Ark director of fund raising and communications, Councillor James Esses, Sophie Andrews, Noah’s Ark chief executive, Joanna McCartney, Deputy Mayor of London for Children and Families, and Councillor Emma Whysall.

Noah’s Ark’s operating costs exceed £7 million a year.

The From That Moment fund-raising campaign will run from 1 September to 12 October with match-funding partners ensuring that every donation – up to £500,000 – will be doubled in value.

Groups and organisations are being encouraged to think of fund-raising ideas and organise events.

Two events aimed at individuals offering support are Step-tember by walking, running, cycling or swimming 90 miles in September or by taking part in the Walking 9-5 Challenge aimed at step-counting in businesses.

Time capsule buried at Noah's Ark Children's Hospice to celebrate 20th anniversary and start of new fund raising campaign.

Councillor Whysall (Labour) – above, far right, who has been a High Barnet ward councillor since 2022, said her visit and tour of Noah’s Ark had been an opportunity to see its inspirational work.

“We are so lucky to have such an amazing centre in the heart of our community for 20 years – let us hope that Noah’s Ark continues to prosper with the support of the community for another 20 years.”

Councillor Esses (Conservative), who was elected in the May council elections, said his wish was that no child ever needed hospice care.

“For those children that do and end up at Noah’s Ark, I know they are in a truly special place; filled with warmth, care, compassion, and even laughter and joy.

“So much has been achieved in the first 20 years of Noah’s Ark and it is a privilege to join them to celebrate this milestone.

“I have no doubt that they will go from strength to strength in the next 20 years.”

The importance of fund raising was stressed by chief executive Sophie Andrews who explained that for the last four years Noah’s Ark had relied on incredible support from the community during the autumn fund raising appeal.

Children’s hospices are under increasing financial pressure as demand for services continues to grow.

Two thirds of children’s hospices in England ended the year operating at a deficit and Noah’s Ark relies on voluntary donations for 76 per cent of its income.

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Summer heatwave taking its toll on ponds and streams which are such a popular feature of Chipping Barnet’s green spaces

Summer heatwave taking its toll on ponds and streams which are such a popular feature of Chipping Barnet’s green spaces

Record breaking hot weather and a lack of rain have dried out many ponds and streams in and around High Barnet. Hadley Green and Hadley Common have both been hard hit by the drought.

Exposed mud and a small patch of slimy water are all that is left of the famous duck bond where Hadley Green meets Barnet High Street – see above.

Past generations of children found delight in feeding ducks on the pond – although this is now discouraged with a prominent notice declaring: “Please do NOT feed the birds as uneaten food encourages vermin”.

Although much reduced in depth, brewery pond at the northern end of the green near Dury Road, still manages to provide an aquatic refuge for ducks, other birds and wildlife.

Summer heatwave taking its toll on ponds and streams which are such a popular feature of Chipping Barnet’s green spaces

Next to the site of what was the former Hadley Brewery, brewery pond is naturally replenished by local groundwater and springs across the green.

London firefighters drew water from the pond in 2025 when fighting a fire which gutted a Georgian property Hollybush House close to the junction with Sydney Chapman Way.

Other smaller ponds on the green have dried out completely including a pond close to Old Fold Manor Golf Club.

Record breaking hot weather and lack of rain has dried out ponds and streams which are soch a popular feature of green spaces in and around Chipping Barnet

Another casualty is what is known as Gladsmuir pond which borders Hadley Common roadway, close to the junction with Camlet Way.

Bullrushes have grown across the base of the pond which in the spring is said to host Great Crested Newts, a protected species whose habit must be preserved.

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Appeal to Barnet residents to train as volunteer advisers for local drop-in sessions held by Citizens Advice Barnet

Citizens Advice Barnet launches recruitment campaign for residents to train as voluntees for drop-in advice sessions at Chipping Barnet Library and St James Church, New Barnet

Citizens Advice Barnet has launched a recruitment campaign for new volunteers and is keen to appoint new advisers for its two local drop-in advice sessions at Chipping Barnet Library in Stapylton Road and at Jim’s Café at St James Church, New Barnet.

No previous experience is required, and new recruits are offered full training as volunteer advisers.

Citizens Advice Barnet is undertaking its biggest recruitment drive and is aiming to recruit 25 people into its advice services team who hold advice sessions across the borough – see above stall run by Mallika and Samuel.

The two local sessions are held every other week with the next drop-in at Chipping Barnet Library on Tuesday 11 August (10am to 1pm) and at Jim’s Café, St James Church, New Barnet, on Wednesday 12 August (9.30am to 12.30pm).

All volunteers will be given full training to equip them to give high-quality advice on a range of problems.

Due to the extensive training needed, the minimum commitment for the role is two working days a week for at least nine months.

Nadya Bari, head of advice services, says that many more people need advice than they are able to help and to address this Citizens Advice Barnet has launched its biggest recruitment drive.

Benefits from volunteering include gaining “nationally recognised, sought after training”, being part of a welcoming and supportive team, and securing life skills and hand-on experience.

Volunteers who later move on to other occupations and employment said they learned so much about advice work and the privilege of being part of an organisation dedicated to helping people.

To find out more information and apply to volunteer, visit: https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/

Or volunteer@barnetcab.org.uk

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New play at The Bull Theatre aims to celebrate life and times of townspeople of Barnet during the Second World War

New play at The Bull Theatre aims to celebrate life and times of townspeople of Barnet during the Second World War

Wartime comings and goings among patrons and staff at Barnet Odeon contribute to storylines in the latest production by the Blue Door Theatre Company to be staged at The Bull Theatre in October.

A Nightingale Sang in Barnet – all about the blitz and beyond – is based on memories and tales about life in Barnet in the 1940s during World War II.

Barnet Odeon – now the Everyman – opened in 1935 and the cinema became a popular venue during the war years.

The newly built picture house and a dusty, makeshift air raid shelter are two of the settings for what director Siobhan Dunne says will be backdrops allowing the cast to weave “a rich tapestry of verbatim stories and imagined events”.

New play at The Bull Theatre aims to celebrate life and times of townspeople of Barnet during the Second World War

For at least four members of the Blue Door company, the new production is a personal affair as they have family stories of life in Barnet during the Second World War.

They aim to recreate a Barnet where some say they continued to hear the nightingale sing when life in the town was “ruled by the skies, the sirens, the thrum and the silence”.

Ms Dunne said they had all jumped at the chance to build a production around Barnet of the 1940s and extend Blue Door’s well-earned reputation for delivering sell-out shows that reflect the town’s history.

“We visit the newly built Odeon. A flickering projector mirroring the heartbeats of people who work and visit the picture house of dreams.

“A magic lantern bringing light to break the shadows, respite for all the strangers brought together as a family in a dusty, makeshift shelter.” 

Writing what is billed as a “fascinating and moving production full of war time drama and classic songs” has been a team effort by Sarah Munford, Hannah Gerolemou, Rafaela Golding, Claire Fisher, Dominique Carruthers-Reeve, Francesco Giacon and Brigid Hekster.

Music has been arranged by Nick Godwin.

There will be four performances – Thursday 15 October, 7.30pm; Friday 16 October, 7.30pm; Saturday 17 October, 2pm and 7.30pm. Tickets at £19 plus booking fee now available via www.thebulltheatre.com

New play at The Bull Theatre aims to celebrate life and times of townspeople of Barnet during the Second World War

A photograph from the Barnet Museum collection shows a children’s street party in Crescent Road, New Barnet, celebrating Victory in Europe Day on 8 May 1945.

What would they have eaten is the question which was posed when the photograph was reproduced in the museum’s 2018 calendar.

“There would have probably been a lot of sandwiches and at least one ‘eggless’ fruit cake since eggs were rationed.

“It is likely that hoarded tinned fruit and similar treasures would also have appeared at this party.

“Certainly, the happy young mothers portrayed would have pooled their rations and exercised a great deal of ingenuity to make a treat that the children would remember for a very long time.”

Barnet Museum’s photograph of Barnet Odeon – see above – is dated 1937. The cinema was opened on 15 May 1935 before an audience of 1,110, including the architect, Edgar Simmons.

Its façade is an example of Art Deco architecture, and it was awarded Grade II listing in 1989.

There were four local cinemas in the 1940s and 1950s – the Odeon; Cinema Palace which opened in Barnet High Street in 1912 and was later known as the Barnet Cinema and then the Gaumont; New Barnet Kinema in Lytton Road which later became the Regal; and the Dominion, opened in 1938 in East Barnet village to come the Essoldo in 1950.

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Approval for new High Street retail premises and housing at junction with Moxon Street as demolition underway on two other nearby developments

Approval for new High Street retail premises and housing at junction with Moxon Street as demolition underway on two other nearby developments

Planning approval has finally been given after four years of negotiations and discussions for a new four-storey building at a prominent site in Barnet town centre at the corner of High Street and Moxon Street.

Architect Simon Kaufman is confident the new building – see above – with 11 new homes over commercial premises with a traditional shop front will enhance the character of a site at the heart of the Wood Street Conservation Area.

Moxon Street itself is currently being transformed by new housing developments.

Demolition is underway at the former Checkalow Tiles showroom, where there will be 21 new homes, and at the much larger site of the former Intec House, where there is approval for a new block of flats.

Approval for new High Street retail premises and housing at junction with Moxon Street as demolition underway on two other nearby developments

Discussions over how to redevelop the two empty shop premises at the corner of High Street and Moxon Street – where there had been a photo-copying business, a Foxtons estate agency and then a community pop-up shop – began six years ago.

Simon Kaufman Architects consulted planners, conservation officers, the Barnet Society, nearby residents and other local stakeholders.

“A collaborative design process has helped shape a scheme which responds positively to both the site and its historic setting while delivering an exciting new future for this important High Street building,” said Mr Kaufman.

Once the planning application was submitted, negotiations with Barnet Council’s planning department took another four years.

“This has been a long journey.”

“It is tremendously rewarding to see this prominent High Street building restored and given a new lease of life, making a positive contribution to the local community once again.

“The approved design carefully restores and enhances its historic character through the recreation of a traditional shop front, sensitive restoration of the masonry and architectural detailing, and a carefully designed roof extension that complements the historic townscape.

“This will bring 11 new homes, fresh investment and new life to this important part of Chipping Barnet.”

Dan Tomlinson, MP for Chipping Barnet, said he had worked closely with Simon Kaufman Architects to ensure that the site – 98-100 High Street – was brought back into life after such a long delay.

“This site spent years stuck in process and paperwork, and it was my intervention that finally stopped the administrative ping-pong.

“I am over the moon that through hard work, alongside my team, Simon Kaufman Architects, and local groups like the Barnet Society, we will finally see this eyesore turned into a new retail site and, most importantly, housing for residents.”

Approval for new High Street retail premises and housing at junction with Moxon Street as demolition underway on two other nearby developments

Demolition work is now underway on the Checkalow site in Moxon Street where a car-free mews with two rows of terraced homes is to be built to provide a total of 21 new homes for Barnet Homes.

The new tree-lined mews will connect Moxon Street to Tapster Street and will be open to pedestrians but have no access for motor vehicles.

Half the new one- and two-bedroom houses will be affordable housing, some perhaps under shared ownership.

Planning approval granted for new retail premises and housing at High Street corner with Moxon Street as demolition is underway on two other nearby housing developments

Demolition of the former Intec House, a three-storey office block, will make way for the construction of a six-storey block of 113 homes of which 17 will be for social rent.

Approval for the redevelopment by Moxon One Ltd was given by Barnet Council in October 2024 despite opposition from some nearby residents in South Close who fear that because of its height the new block will overlook their homes.

Top image Simon Kaufman Architects

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A well-attended open-air service in Ravenscroft Park was held by Christ Church, Barnet, to reach out to the community     

A well-attended open-air service in Ravenscroft Park was held by Christ Church, Barnet, to reach out to the community     

Ravenscroft Park was the setting for an outdoor service held by Christ Church, Barnet, allowing the congregation and passersby to take advantage of a sunny Sunday morning.

“Church in the Park” was the first service of its kind organised by Christ Church as part of its ongoing commitment to reach out to the community.

Worshippers were invited to stay on for a picnic lunch under the shade of the park’s mature trees – and an ice cream van was on hand as well.

A well-attended open-air service in Ravenscroft Park was held by Christ Church, Barnet, to reach out to the community     

Andy Rimmer, the Christ Church vicar, said it was the first time they had organised an open-air service.

They were determined to take advantage of the exceptional summer weather.

Open-air service held by Christ Church Barnet in Ravenscroft Park takes advantage of exceptional summe weather

“Our ‘Church in the Park’ event builds on our church in the community programme.”

In recent years Christ Church has organised well attended Christmas carol concerts in Ravenscroft Park.  

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Another accolade for staff at Chipping Barnet Foodbank as key campaigner receives top award for work combatting low pay

Another accolade for staff at Chipping Barnet Foodbank as key campaigner receives top award for work combatting low pay

Pioneering work on behalf of the low paid by Bob Bevil, who is a lead campaigner for Chipping Barnet Foodbank, has won national recognition.

He was presented with a Living Wage Champion of the Year Award at the annual awards ceremony held by the Living Wage Foundation.

Mr Bevil (centre) is seen above with Matthew Bolton (left), chief executive and lead organiser of Citizens UK, and Bruce Daisley, host of the awards.

The award recognised his role in campaigning to encourage the London Borough of Barnet to become an accredited real living wage employer which means Barnet Council now pays more an hour than the legal minimum under the government’s national living wage.

The higher rates will benefit hundreds of sub-contracted professionals across the borough, especially essential care workers.

His next challenge is to help step up the campaign to persuade Barnet’s largest employer, the Royal Free Foundation Trust, to follow the borough council’s example and provide an increase in the pay of hospital workers across the borough.

The legal minimum wage, known as the national living wage, is £12.71 per hour, whereas the real living wage, as calculated by the Living Wage Foundation, is £13.45 per hour across the UK and £14.80 per hour in London.

Nearly 17,000 accredited employers across the country pay higher rates on a voluntary basis.

Chipping Barnet Foodbank, through the advocacy of Bob Bevil, is at the forefront of campaigning across the borough to try to reduce dependency on foodbanks by increasing the wage rates of low-paid workers.

After he was presented with his award, Mr Bevil said the accreditation of Barnet Council as a real living wage employer had provided a big economic boost for the borough and they were hoping to persuade the Royal Free Trust, the borough’s largest employer to follow suit.

Another accolade for staff at Chipping Barnet Foodbank as key campaigner receives top award for work combatting low pay

There was recognition at the awards ceremony that demand for emergency food parcels has increased because of the cost-of-living crisis.

Poor wage levels were largely responsible which was why the progress being made in Barnet was so important in a borough with “very few” accredited real living wage employers in the borough.

Graham Griffiths, director of the Living Wage Foundation, congratulated Mr Bevil and the living wage campaign team in Barnet for helping to transform the lives of local employees.

A full-time worker paid the £13.45 real living wage receives £1,400 in additional wages each year compared to those on the legal minimum and for a full-time worker in London this figure rises to over £4,000 a year.

Since it began 25 years ago, the real living wage has secured over £4.1 billion of pay rises for low paid workers which had made a “profound difference” to millions of people.

Award for Beb Bevil, who is advocacy and campaigning lead for Chipping Barnet Foodbank for his work combatting low pay -- his award is for living wage champion of the year

Chipping Barnet Foodbank – one of over 20 across the borough – helped to organise an all-day conference in 2024 to discuss concern about the levels of malnutrition among local people seeking support.

Mr Bevil – seen above with foodbank manager Victoria Miller and the Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson – joined other speakers in arguing that assisting those on low incomes was the only way to improve the life of those whose food intake was insufficient to meet the needs for normal health.

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Planning Inspector dismisses appeal to build mansion in Christchurch Lane spinney

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An Inspector has dismissed an appeal by developer Christchurchgrove Ltd against Barnet Council’s refusal of its planning application to build a 5-bedroom house in a wood in Chipping Barnet. The decision concludes a successful campaign by local residents, with help from the Barnet Society, to save a cherished natural habitat in the Monken Hadley Conservation Area. It also sends a message to developers about the Council’s commitment to protecting green spaces in Barnet.

Although only one acre in area, the spinney beside Christchurch Lane forms a link in a green chain connecting Old Fold Manor golf course and Hadley Green, both in the Green Belt. Both are also designated Areas of Particular Importance for Biodiversity in the Mayor of London’s Nature Recovery Plan. Many trees in the wood are subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and it is a haven of wild life, for example the Muntjac deer and her fawn in the photograph above (courtesy of neighbour Marianne Nix).

Planning Inspector dismisses appeal to build mansion in Christchurch Lane spinney

Concerns arose two years ago, when it emerged that the Council had authorised the sale of the part of the spinney that it owns for £430,000, subject to the buyer obtaining planning consent. But its own planning and biodiversity officers took issue with aspects of the preliminary ecological appraisal commissioned by the developer and breaches of Barnet’s Local Plan.

In parallel local residents monitored wildlife in the wood, photographing and recording a fascinating range of birds, bats and animals coming and going within 200 metres of Barnet High Street (as reported in our web post on 31 January). A petition to Save Chipping Barnet Woodland was started in September 2025, and within a few months had been supported by over 2,250 signatures. 

A planning application was eventually submitted in January this year. It comprised a new mansion, designed in the Arts & Crafts style of existing houses in Sunset View, with a private garden and an enclosed swimming pool. In response to Society suggestions, the house boundaries were softened to integrate the garden more closely with the existing vegetation, and a plan was offered to manage the whole of the spinney. Despite constructive pre-application discussions between the developer and the Society, however, the final proposals did not go far enough to safeguard the existing environment and we objected to them – as did 278 other members of the public. Not a single comment was submitted in support.

Barnet planners recommended refusal of the application. Not only did the application breach several policies in its Local Plan (adopted only last year), it would have contradicted the Green Manifesto which had formed part of Labour’s platform in the 2022 local elections. Perhaps with an eye on the impending May local elections, the Council rejected the application on 10 March.

Almost immediately, the developer appealed against the Council’s decision.

The Planning Inspectorate’s verdict, published on 10 July, is unambiguous:

‘…the development of the site would have a harmful impact on the character and appearance of the area…and would fail to preserve the character or appearance of the Monken Hadley Conservation Area [MHCA]’, as well as being contrary to policies in The London Plan and the Barnet Local Plan.’

The Inspector echoed the opinion of local residents:

‘The sense of depth and scale that the woodland currently possesses is of considerable value…It provides a characterful wooded setting to the adjacent development and ties these roads into the wider landscape character of the MHCA…’

S/he also noted that,

‘This impact would be exacerbated by the proposed design…the proposed dwelling would appear to sit within an overgrown garden without a clear visual and spatial connection to the road or the sense of grandeur that many dwellings in the area possess.’

Regarding the hedge proposed around the site perimeter, the Inspector commented,

‘It is however highly doubtful that it would be possible to plant and successfully establish a continuous hedge in this location given the number of trees that would be retained around the edges of the site and their scale.’

Furthermore,

‘…the value of the woodland and the presence of a veteran tree, have not been accurately assessed, resulting in an unreliable biodiversity net gain calculation.’

The Society and campaigners have welcomed the Inspector’s decision. Retired GP Richard Norris commented,

‘Very definite rejection from Planning Inspector Tucker, very detailed, gives me faith in our institutions.’

Marianne Nix, who was instrumental in setting up the Save Chipping Barnet Woodland website and petition said,

‘I am delighted and hugely relieved that the Planning Inspectorate has dismissed the Appeal. The local community has worked together tirelessly to raise funds to publicise and to fight the potential destruction of this precious pocket of green on our doorsteps. Together we have gained the support of thousands of Barnet residents as well as petition signatures from all parts of the UK and even overseas. The World is waking up to the fact that we need to protect even the smallest pockets of nature and biodiversity that we in Barnet are lucky enough to enjoy.’

She thanked everyone who had objected to the planning application. But she went on to warn,

‘Although the veteran trees and wildlife are safe for now, I have a feeling there will be another application, this time with two or three houses.’

So we can’t relax. The Barnet Society was founded specifically to protect London’s Green Belt and the wider environment, and these are under greater threat than ever. We need funds to continue doing so. If you haven’t done so already, please join us or donate – just go to the top of this page.

Planning Inspector dismisses appeal to build mansion in Christchurch Lane spinney
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High Barnet hostelry The Black Horse is welcoming customers once again after a surprise initiative to rescue threatened pub

High Barnet hostelry The Black Horse is welcoming customers once again after a surprise initiative to rescue threatened pub

Standing proud in the re-opened garden of the Black Horse public house are three former regular customers who have taken on the lease of what they hope will once again become a popular community pub.

When everything looked bleak last September after a sudden closure of the premises – and while worried residents succeeded in getting the pub listed as an asset of community value – the local trio were working away behind the scenes to mount their rescue bid.

Without any fanfare the three regulars – above, from left to right Danny Daly, Simon Anderson and Martin Taylor – started putting together a business plan and began negotiating with Star Pubs, part of the Heineken group.

Months went by because of legal complications following the pub’s closure last year, but the trio pressed on establishing Barnet Community Pubs Ltd to take on the tenancy.

“We three all live within a five-minute walk of The Black Horse, we understand what the locality wants, and Star Pubs realised we were really serious about wanting to run a proper community pub,” said Simon Anderson.

“We have secured a first year’s tenancy, and we finally got the keys on June 8 and here we are a fortnight later serving drinks.”

High Barnet hostelry The Black Horse is welcoming customers once again after a surprise initiative to rescue threatened pub

Barnet Community Pubs has taken on a staff of 12, led by a new general manager, Phoebe Thickson – see above with Archie Taylor (left) and Arni Nolan.

The new tenants say they plan a soft re-opening of the pub, taking it step by step, and, after some reconstruction work, hope to re-open the kitchen within the next six weeks so that they can offer a new simple menu of well-prepared food.

“We are keen to establish a family pub which knows what its customers like. “All 12 of our staff live within walking distance and our new manager Phoebe was formerly an assistant manager at The Black Horse, so she knows many of the former customers.

“We are a fully tied house. We have seven beers and four of those are cask ales which we know is what the locals want and appreciate.”

After being closed since last September the Black Horse public house has re-opened after three regular customers successful bid to re-open popular High Barnet community pub

Scaffolding outside the pub, which was installed when Star Pubs carried out some essential repairs, will have to remain for several more weeks because brickwork on the frontage of the building needs attention.

Simon said they were determined in the coming months to prove to Star Pubs the success of the business.

Once they had established themselves, they hoped to get a longer lease. Barnet Community Pubs might even take on other licensed premises if opportunities arose.

“Star Pubs have been really good to work with. I think they appreciated that what we were proposing was a community pub that had every chance of succeeding.”

The trio behind the initiative, who invested their own money in fitting out the pub, believe they have a good skills match to make The Black Horse a going concern.

Martin has considerable expertise in finance and sorted out much of the paperwork and agreements with public utilities.

“We turned round the pub in a couple of weeks, newly redecorated and with the garden re-opened.”

Simon has a track record in hospitality. He previously owned The Albion in Islington which was an award-winning pub.

Danny, who has experience in publishing and promotion, said that although they did not want to go public on their plans, they were helped by the petition that was launched to save The Black Horse and then the declaration by Barnet Council that it was an asset of community value.

“All that community support and loyalty worked in our favour when negotiating with Star Pubs.

“It’s great to see The Black Horse open again – our nightmare vision was that we might lose the pub and see the site redeveloped with a block of flats.”

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Proposed new multi-use sports hall at Queen Elizabeth’s School will be available for hire by Barnet community sports groups

Proposed new multi-use sports hall at Queen Elizabeth’s School will be available for hire by Barnet community sports groups

Plans are being prepared to seek approval from Barnet Council for the construction of a new sports hall and ten classrooms at Queen Elizabeth’s School.

Fund raising will start next year if permission is obtained for what the school says is part of a continuing programme to upgrade facilities within its existing site off Queens Road.

QE Boys – as its is still known locally – is a state-funded grammar school for boys with an annual intake of 192 pupils, a figure which will remain unchanged.

The new sports hall will be available to hire for community use – as is QE’s swimming pool and new recital hall – during evenings, weekends and school holidays.

Proposed new multi-use sports hall at Queen Elizabeth’s School will be available for hire by Barnet community sports groups

A former music block next to the swimming pool – see above – will be demolished to make way for the new sports hall which will look out onto the school rugby field at the rear of the main QE building.

The new four-storey building will have changing rooms on the ground floor, a high ceiling multi-use sports hall with ten classrooms on the top floor.

The layout will accommodate basketball, five-a-side football, badminton and table tennis.

Other sports improvements will include additional fives courts and cricket nets.

To meet growing curriculum demand QE will refurbish and provide additional science laboratories.

Richard Henley, of planning consultants HGH, told the Barnet Society, the improvements to sporting and other facilities were all being made within the site of the existing school buildings.

“It is a tight campus which explains why have to intensify the use of existing buildings and those areas which can be redeveloped.”

New sports hall which will also be available for hire for community use is to be built at Queen Elizabeth's School, Queens Road,, if Barnet Council grants permission

QE, which was named the 2026 State Secondary School of the Year by the Sunday Times, says that if planning approval is obtained by early next year, fund raising will begin immediately.

Applications will be made for government financial support and sports grants and an appeal launched among ex-pupils. The aim would be to start construction in 2028 and complete the work in 2929.

When a presentation of the plans was held at the school, residents in nearby roads – Regina Close, Elizabeth Close and Queens Road – expressed concern about the additional traffic and parking that the sports hall would generate out of school hours.

They claimed the school already did nowhere near enough to control traffic on school days when numerous coaches and cars deliver pupils from a wide catchment area across north and west London.

“This expansion of the school’s facilities is not fair on nearby residents. The new sports hall will double the evening, weekend and school holiday traffic yet Queen Elizabeth’s does little if anything to ask parents and visitors to respect those living in the neighbourhood,” said one of the school’s neighbours.

For more details and a feedback form see: https://www.qebarnet.co.uk/sports-hall-planning/

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Barnet Council and MP Dan Tomlinson are ready to take action on reports of shopkeepers selling illegal or counterfeit products

Barnet Council and MP Dan Tomlinson are ready to take action on reports of shopkeepers selling illegal or counterfeit products

In a further attempt to curb the growth of dodgy shops along high streets in his constituency, the Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson is encouraging residents to report their suspicions directly to him.

He has established an online portal where constituents can pass on suspicions about the sale of illegal or counterfeit products or where premises are suspected of being engaged in fraud or linked to organised crime.

His initiative follows figures released by Barnet Council’s trading standards staff which showed that seizures increased again during the last financial year with the removal from high streets across the borough of illegal goods worth over £500,000.

Residents are asked to report to the council any retailers that they think are engaged in illicit trading – see below for contact details.

Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson and Barnet Council encouraging residents to report concerns about illegal activity by shopkeepers and sale of illicit or counterfeit products

Mr Tomlinson’s offer of another confidential route for reporting suspicions within his constituency builds on his ministerial role as Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury which includes responsibility for a nationwide crackdown by HM Revenue and Customs on illegal activity and tax evasion among high street traders.

Earlier this month Mr Tomlinson observed unannounced visits by HMRC to six souvenir shops in central London selling royal family and London-themed gifts which resulted in the collection of full till data for tax investigations, three arrests and seizure of goods worth £5,433.

HMRC is increasing unannounced interventions across the UK to target criminals usings shops as a front for tax evasion, money laundering and fraud.

Mr Tomlinson is keen to follow up any leads he receives from people in his Chipping Barnet constituency about shops which might be selling harmful, illegal, or counterfeit products.

“We can all picture a local dodgy shop. You’ll have seen the signs. Shops selling products that seem illegal or off,” said Mr Tomlinson.

“Multiple identical businesses clustered together on the same street: four mini marts within metres of each other; three vape shops in a row; two of the same phone repair places.

“Or premises that seem to close and re-open under a new name every few months.

“They aren’t coincidences – they’re red flags, and they need looking into.”

Such premises undermined legitimate businesses and where there were grounds for further action, he would raise this directly with Barnet Council, trading standards and the government.

“The more detail you can give on this issue, the better.”

Statistics issued by Barnet Council show that in the last financial year its trading standards team seized more than 16,000 tobacco-related products and nearly 8,000 vapes, together with illicit toys, cosmetics and jewellery.

Two criminal prosecutions were secured, resulting in fines of £12,398; a further 12 cases are awaiting criminal prosecution; 18 fines were issued to letting agents and landlords; three closures orders were obtained, shutting down businesses involved in unlawful trading; and started alcohol licence reviews against a further four premises.

Contact details for reporting suspicions about shops selling illicit products:

Dan Tomlinson MP: www.dantomlinson.org.uk/dodgy-shops

Barnet Council trading standards: http://www.barnet.gov.uk/tradingstandards

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Praise for “amazing generosity” of classic and vintage car owners and supporters in raising money for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice  

Praise for “amazing generosity” of classic and vintage car owners and supporters in raising money for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice  

Ten classic and vintage cars lined up outside Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice in Byng Road for the handover of a cheque for the proceeds of the 13th annual show held in May by Barnet Classic Car Club.

Match funding from sponsors increased the money raised at the show and other club events to a total of £9,397.70.

Club committee member Chris Frost handed over the cheque to Faye Armitage, Noah’s Ark’s community engagement officer, who praised their support for the children’s hospice which she said was always more generous than the year before.

“The classic car owners and enthusiasts do an amazing job fundraising on our behalf.”

The club’s contribution of just over £5,500 included match funding of £1,500 from the Royal Bank of Canada whose staff were among volunteers who assisted at the show staged on the top floor of The Spires car park.

Praise for “amazing generosity” of classic and vintage car owners and supporters in raising money for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice  

Chris Frost – seen above handing the cheque to Faye Armitage – said Classic Car Club and Barnet Rotary Club members were full of admiration for the contribution made by Noah’s Ark – “a children’s hospice is a vital resource for our community”.

Praise for “amazing generosity” of classic and vintage car owners and supporters in raising money for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice  

Cars processed to the presentation from the playing fields car park in Byng Road.

The presentation followed closely on national children’s hospice awareness week.

Barnet Classic Car Club hands over cheque for proceeds from 13th annual show to Noah's Ark Children's Hospice and praised for their generosity

Noah’s Ark gets 76 per cent of its income from voluntary donations and fundraising – support which is especially vital at a time when the children’s hospice sector is facing an estimated £310 million funding gap.

Currently 91 per cent of children’s hospices in England – including Noah’s Ark – are operating at a deficit.

Noah’s Ark, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, has announced a new three-year strategy aimed at reaching more families and securing a sustainable future.

Across its catchment area – the London boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington and Hertsmere – an estimated 5,700 children may now be eligible for support provided by the hospice.

Essential services to babies, children and young people who meet the acceptance criteria currently cost over £7 million a year.      

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Up went the hands in favour of Barnet Society members contributing to any appeal to fund a legal challenge to High Barnet station flats

Up went the hands in favour of Barnet Society members contributing to any appeal to fund a legal challenge to High Barnet station flats

Barnet Society members have voted decisively to support and contribute to any campaign to mount a legal challenge against the Deputy Mayor of London’s decision to overrule Barnet Council and authorise the go ahead for blocks of flats on the car park at High Barnet tube station.

The deadline for an application for a judicial review is Tuesday 7 July.

Although Barnet Council has yet to announce if it has any intention of challenging the mayor’s decision in the High Court, Barnet Residents Association says it is seeking advice on whether there might be grounds for pursuing a judicial review.

When asked for their response at the annual general meeting of the Barnet Society, members voted unanimously in favour of the society contributing towards the cost of an application for judicial review.

There was also a unanimous vote by those who were present to contribute personally to a legal fund – and half the members who were there indicated they would contribute £100 each if necessary.

Robin Bishop (above), the society’s lead on planning issues, told the meeting that possible grounds for judicial review might be that the deputy mayor had pre-judged the application and ignored Barnet’s local plan which limited the height of any blocks to seven storeys – when the proposed scheme included one tower block of 11 storeys.

A High Court challenge would be costly: initial legal advice would amount to around several thousand pounds, and a full legal challenge could cost around £40,000, which might double if costs had to be paid to Transport for London.

Up went the hands in favour of Barnet Society members contributing to any appeal to fund a legal challenge to High Barnet station flats

Committee member Nick Saul (above, left) advised the meeting that the deputy mayor’s decision could be challenged on the grounds it was a test case when it came to applications to build on Transport for London land.

Calling in the High Barnet station scheme for the mayor’s approval was not a first in itself, but was the first to be considered and decided upon at a hearing at City Hall.

Similar applications for developments at Stanmore and Canons Park stations were called in, but both were withdrawn before a hearing took place.

An alternative suggestion made at the meeting was that local groups might launch a petition to persuade Barnet Council to declare the station car park as an asset of community value – a step which would prevent the land being developed by TfL’s investment subsidiary Places for London and developers Barratt.

Mr Bishop promised to keep the society abreast of any moves within the community to launch a judicial review and consider other options such as seeking ACV status for the car park to block the scheme – a safeguard that would remain in place for around 5 years.

The possibility of getting involved in legal action only served to underline the significance of a separate decision at the annual meeting to prepare the necessary documents for an application to convert the society into a company limited by guarantee.

Barnet Society members ready to support and contribute any fund to mount legal challenge to Deputy Mayor of London's decision to give go ahead for blocks of flats over High Barnet tube station car park.

Committee member Mahender Khari (above) explained the importance to voluntary community groups of taking advantage of the legal protection which this structure offered to committee members.

Increasingly non-profit groups such as charities and clubs were becoming a company limited by guarantee because it created an up-to-date and more stable financial structure and assisted when seeking grants or other funding.

Mr Khari thanked the annual meeting for their support and said the committee would now proceed with the preparation of the paperwork which would be needed to register with Companies House.

Once the documentation had been completed it would be sent out to members before being voted on at an extra-ordinary general meeting.

John Hay, the society’s chair – who is also trustee treasurer for the Friends of Tudor Park and Pavilion – told the meeting that there had been some progress at last on the bid to rescue and renovate the abandoned former cricket pavilion.

A head of agreement had been settled with Barnet Council and the friends’ committee was waiting to sign an agreement to lease the pavilion.

Once that step had been completed there would be a chance to examine the state of the building – at heightened risk because of a widening crack on the west elevation – and that could lead on to a signing of the lease itself.

Mr Hay acknowledged the frustration over the time this was taking but the council had now agreed that no rent would be charged on the pavilion for the first five years, followed by a pepper corn rent, and that £191,000 was available in a fund set aside by the council for repairs.

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Expanded Barnet Medieval Festival promising another premier event for Wars of the Roses re-enactors and spectators

Expanded programme planned for Barnet Medieval Festival with more mounted men at arms, a falconry display and competition for youngsters in period costomes and fancy dress

A new tee shirt commemorating the 555th anniversary of the Battle of Barnet will be on sale at the annual Barnet Medieval Festival over the weekend, on Saturday and Sunday June 6 and 7.

For the second year the festival is being held at its new and much larger site in the fields around the Lewis of London Ice Cream Farm in Galley Lane.

D Susan Skedd, the festival director – see above with volunteer Chris Nightingale – says the £15 new tee shirt is a special edition which she hopes will appeal to Wars of the Roses enthusiasts.

After record attendance and participation last year, the festival is becoming a premier event for among military re-enactors and medieval traders and there is again an expanded programme of events.

Twice as many mounted men at arms and their horses will be taking part this year and for the first time at the festival there will be falconry displays by the falconry team Hawking About.

Among the highlights each day will be the re-enactments of the Second Battle of St Albans 1461 (at 12noon) and the Battle of Barnet 1471 (at 4pm).

Younger visitors under 12 will be able to take part each day in a competition for the best period costume or fancy dress (judging at 1.30pm).

Prizes will be awarded for the most historical and creative costumes.

Tickets can be bought at the gate or in advance from the online shop before June 5: www.barnet-medieval-festival-committee.sumupstore.com

There will be free parking onsite in Galley Lane, including disabled parking and taxi drop-off and a free shuttle bus that will run regularly from behind The Spires in Stapylton Road.

Full information: www.barnetmedievalfestival.org

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Promise of 100 affordable new homes influences final go ahead for tower blocks at High Barnet tube station and loss of car parking

Promise of 100 affordable new homes influences final go ahead for tower blocks at High Barnet tube station and loss of car parking

Approval has finally been given by the office of the Mayor of London for the redevelopment of land around High Barnet tube station with five blocks of flats despite warnings this would cause irreparable damage to an historic skyline.

A deputation from the town’s community groups told a hearing at City Hall that squeezing 328 new homes into a narrow strip of land between the tube line and the Barnet Hill trunk road was the “wrong scale in the wrong place”.

Promise of 100 affordable new homes influences final go ahead for tower blocks at High Barnet tube station and loss of car parking

Objections were overruled by Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Regeneration, who said that although three of the blocks would exceed the seven-storey limit agreed in the Barnet local plan – and one block would be 11 storeys – the impact of the height and massing of the flats would be negligible on the neighbourhood and no reason for refusal.

Building more affordable homes was the mayor’s priority and the High Barnet Place scheme would provide 100 new homes at low-cost rent or shared ownership.

“We must take advantage of sites which offer a high proportion of affordable homes and where the key travel infra-structure is in place,” said Mr Pipe.

“Inevitably schemes like High Barnet Place would be visible, including long range views…but the alternative would be to drive such schemes to the green belt and to less sustainable sites.”

Objections to the loss 160 spaces in the station car park – and the provision of only eight places for Blue Badge holders – were rejected by Mr Pipe on the grounds that encouraging tube passengers to walk to the station or take a bus would encourage “more sustainable means of travel and improve air quality”.

Developers Barratt and Transport for London’s investment subsidiary, Places for London, hope to start construction in February next year with the first affordable homes being available in February 2029 and the scheme completed by April 2030.

Mayor of London's office gives final go ahead for blocks of flats around High Barnet Station, Key factor 100 new affordable homes, a priority for the Mayor but station will lose its car park.

Simon Kaufman, a chartered architect (above, second from right), made a joint presentation on behalf of members of the Barnet Society and Barnet Residents Association.

He said many of the flats in the five tower blocks would be of poor quality, single aspect and reliant on mechanical ventilation.

The design of the scheme exemplified the social and management failures of high-density blocks of flats built across London in the 1960s and 1970s.

After Mr Pipe announced the scheme would go ahead, Mr Kaufman said the conscience of the objectors was clear.

“We listened to the lessons of history, and we are not prepared to see a repeat of the mistakes of the past. We did our best to prevent a development which we fear will become a disaster in years to come.”

Promise of 100 affordable new homes influences final go ahead for tower blocks at High Barnet tube station and loss of car parking

Neil Smith, senior project planning officer for the Greater London Authority, opened the hearing by reminding the Deputy Mayor that Barnet Council had refused permission for the blocks of flats because of their excessive height and harm to the character of the surrounding area.

However, the GLA considered the height and massing of the blocks responded well to the immediate context and would make “a positive contribution to the local townscape”.

Given the loss of the car park, there would be nine drop off short-stay spaces and eight Blue Badge spaces, but otherwise the development would be car-free with an enhanced public footpath on the station approach.

A significant public benefit of the scheme would be 100 affordable new homes and there were “no material considerations of sufficient weight to justify refusal”.

Promise of 100 affordable new homes influences final go ahead for tower blocks at High Barnet tube station and loss of car parking

In opening for the objectors Simon Kaufman said that when seen from the surrounding green belt countryside the proposed tower blocks harmed the historic skyline of High Barnet where the defining landmark on the hill had been the parish church.

“This is an over-scaled urban insertion imposed on to an historic hill town.”

An issue which eroded public confidence was that many residents were troubled by the fact Transport for London was effectively promoting development on its own land while the Greater London Authority and the Mayor of London were the decision-maker.

Promise of 100 affordable new homes influences final go ahead for tower blocks at High Barnet tube station and loss of car parking

Mr Kaufman criticised the removal of the station car park without providing a realistic alternative and the steep topography of the station approach meant that women, older residents and disabled users would continue to face intimidating routes, particularly after dark.

Promise of 100 affordable new homes influences final go ahead for tower blocks at High Barnet tube station and loss of car parking

Janet Littlewood of Barnet Residents Association, speaking on behalf of Gordon Massey, said the blocks of flats on the site would add to the existing chaos on the station approach where there were often traffic jams.

The area around the station was isolated and many women would not leave the station unless they could exit by car.

Nick Saul, a retired civil engineer, warned that the loss of the car park and the failure to provide bus access to the station forecourt raised serious concerns for women and the disabled.

Serious assaults to passengers when on foot or on cycle were not uncommon where parking had already been lost at tube stations.

Flaws in the design and access in and around suburban stations were a key factor in the prevalence and location of attacks.

Promise of 100 affordable new homes influences final go ahead for tower blocks at High Barnet tube station and loss of car parking

Dame Theresa Villiers, formerly MP for Chipping Barnet, who described herself as a resident and passenger, insisted that the loss of the station car park would damage the quality of life of many thousands of Barnet residents.

Anyone with impaired mobility would be at a disadvantage and the suggestion that more people might like to cycle to the station ignored the steepness of Barnet Hill – as she could testify personally it was “a tough climb for cyclists”.

“High Barnet station has been my station for 21 years. It is our get away to the world. Please don’t curtail the freedom of High Barnet people to live our lives the way we want to.”  

Promise of 100 affordable new homes influences final go ahead for tower blocks at High Barnet tube station and loss of car parking

There was one speaker in support of the scheme, High Barnet student Yana Kostova, who said that given the pressure on local housing the only chance was to build upwards.

The prospect of more affordable homes was a relief. She thought High Barnet could “blossom and attract a younger generation with such schemes”.

In response to questions from the deputy mayor, Martin Scholar, head of planning for Places for London, said the developers Barratt Homes had maximised the number of affordable homes at High Barnet Place which would allow more people to get on the housing ladder.

“Forty per cent affordable homes at High Barnet is much higher than for most schemes in London” – a consideration that was given emphasis in the deputy mayor’s final decision.

In a statement issued after the hearing, Dan Tomlinson, MP for Chipping Barnet and Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, criticised the go ahead for a scheme which was clearly not in line with the local plan.

“Planning decisions aren’t mine to make as the local MP, but Barnet Labour has made it views very clear on these proposals.

“It is in black and white in Barnet’s local plan that seven storeys is the maximum for housing on this site.

“It is not right for the GA to overrule elected councillors to approve a scheme with an 11-storey block that contravenes the plan.”

Mr Tomlinson’s statement was followed by a statement from Barnet Labour Party expressing its opposition to the go-ahead for high storey blocks of flats at High Barnet tube station and GLA approval for the Great North Leisure Park development:

“It is extremely disappointing that two local planning decisions based on the local plan and London plan and with the backing of the local community have been overturned by the GLA.

“Local councillors should be trusted to make decisions based on the best interest of their communities.”

Promise of 100 affordable new homes influences final go ahead for tower blocks at High Barnet tube station and loss of car parking

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Live cartooning was highlight of the afternoon at North London Hospice shop to promote the sale of second-hand books

Live cartooning was highlight of the afternoon at North London Hospice shop to promote the sale of second-hand books

Cartoons and caricatures filled the front of the North London Hospice shop in Barnet High Street at the launch of an expanded book shop – all in aid of a new fund-raising push.

Assistant shop manager Dora Pavlou sat for Barnet caricaturist Simon Ellinas while fellow resident and cartoonist Genn Marshall was hard at work on the floor on his latest cartoon character.

They were all helping to raise money for the hospice and provide publicity for an enlarged bookshop at the rear of the shop.

Recent donations and house clearances have helped the North London Hospice build up a large stock of second-hand books ready for sale – paperbacks £1 and hardbacks £2.

Live cartooning was highlight of the afternoon at North London Hospice shop to promote the sale of second-hand books

Dora was delighted by her caricature by Simon whose work has been published widely, most recently in the Mail on Sunday and other national newspapers and magazines.

Live cartooning was highlight of the afternoon at North London Hospice shop to promote the sale of second-hand books

Glenn Marshall displayed a collection of his cartoon characters which filled the front of the shop.

There were some wry smiles for his depictions – all an indication of the wide range of Glenn’s published work in magazines such as Private Eye, Punch and the Spectator.

Cartoons and caricatures filled Barnet shopfront of North London Hospice to promote enlarged bookshop.

Another High Barnet resident, Professor Neil Martin organised the event. He is a volunteer at the shop responsible for sorting and pricing donated books.     

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Black Horse to re-open in mid-June after extensive repairs – but uncertain future for Builders Arms now on the market for £695,000

Black Horse to re-open in mid-June after extensive repairs – but uncertain future for Builders Arms now on the market for £695,000

After the loss of several pubs around High Barnet in recent weeks, work has finally started on major repairs to the Black Horse in Wood Street, and it is due to re-open in mid-June after being closed since last September.

Scaffolding surrounds the building and local residents who feared the worst when metal grilles were installed across the doors and windows are delighted to hear the news.

With the approach of warm weather, they say they can’t wait for the re-opening of the pub’s garden which is popular weekend venue.

Star Pubs told the Barnet Society that additional building work has proved necessary and it will take longer than originally anticipated, but they hope the pub can re-open by mid-June.

A new tenant – described as “a local businessman” – has taken on the tenancy.

To the disappointment of some previous customers, Star Pubs say the Black Horse will not be reverting to a micro-brewery which had operated at the pub in the past and produced its own ales.

Earlier this year, because of concern about the future of the Black Horse, Barnet Council accepted a community request for the pub to be protected by an order declaring the building as asset of community value.

ACV protection allows the community to enter a bid if the pub is sold for redevelopment – protection already provided for three other nearby pubs, the Lord Nelson, Sebright Arms and Ye Olde Monken Holt, as well as the Prince of Wales in East Barnet.

Black Horse public house in Wood Street Barnet to re-open after nine-month closure but now closed Builders Arms in New Barnet for sale at £695,000

A petition has been launched to secure ACV protection for the Builders Arms in Albert Road, New Barnet, which closed in mid-April and is now on the market for £695,000.

A two-year struggle to keep going finally defeated the pub’s landlady who blamed a loss of trade on the disruption caused by ending up in the middle of a massive construction site.

Albert Road is the main access to the site where Fairview Homes are building eleven high-rise blocks of flats to provide 420 new homes, and the pub found itself marooned in the redevelopment.

Despite considerable local support, the landlady reluctantly decided to hand her tenancy back to the brewers Greene King raising local concern about the future of a pub praised by the Campaign for Real Ale.

Former customers and friends started the petition in an attempt to preserve what they say is a “much loved local institution”.

Greene King, which is reported to be planning to sell off 300 of its tenanted and managed pubs, put the Builders Arms on the market soon after it ceased trading in mid-April.

WTS, agents for the sale, say the building does offer the potential for alternative use, subject to planning consent, and the property might appeal to “local licensed operators, developers, builders and investors.”

Another recent pub closure was that of the Hadley House bar and restaurant in Barnet High Street, which in previous years was known as the King George and earlier as the King of Prussia – but another High Street hostelry, the King’s Head, which closed for a month for renovations is due to re-open on June 12.