I am writing regarding the locking of parks at night. At most council meetings few members of the public attend, but on October 29 at the overview and scrutiny committee where we were discussing the Labour council’s decision to not lock parks at night the conference room in the civic centre was full. This showed how important this decision is to the community.

The result of the challenge by opposition councillors and members of the friends of the parks groups was that Councillor Chris Bond said he would defer the decision and consult with the friends of the parks groups and the police. There is now concern in the community that this consultation will just be a show and that the decision will be progressed through the necessary stages in April regardless of the result of the consultation. I very much hope this is not the case.

I believe Cllr Bond should meet with all friends groups who are involved with the parks that will be affected by the decision, the parks police, the Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams, who have those specific parks within their area, and take into consideration any emails, letters or petitions sent to both him and the environment department from members of the public on this issue.

This consultation needs to be a transparent process, not one that is conducted behind closed doors, so residents can see that the Labour council is taking this issue seriously.

Our parks are one of the jewels in Enfield’s crown and it is of the upmost importance that this consultation is carried out openly and professionally so that the community feel that a proper process has been followed.

Councillor Joanne Laban

Con/Town ward Shadow cabinet member for environment

Enfield Borough Council