Simon Allin

London

Local Democracy Reporter, Newsquest North London at This Is Local London

None at Enfield Independent

Articles

'Severe underestimate' - Fire brigade warning over underground EV bus garage danger

Nov 23, 2023 | thisislocallondon.co.uk | Simon Allin

An image of the proposed scheme London Fire Brigade has raised concerns over the safety of an underground bus garage proposed as part of a major regeneration scheme. Plans to demolish Edgware's existing bus garage and create an underground facility for electric vehicles have been drawn up by developer Ballymore and Transport for London (TfL) as part of a development set to provide 3,365 homes and 463 student flats.
'You've crashed the council's finances' - clash as inflation fuels £45m budget gap

Nov 23, 2023 | hamhigh.co.uk | Simon Allin

Barnet Council is facing a budget gap of almost £45 million next year amid warnings of an “unprecedented crisis” caused by a spike in inflation. Town hall bosses have so far identified around £35 million of potential savings designed to help plug the gap, but the measures may not be enough to avoid having to raid the council’s reserves and make some staff redundant.
Council accused of 'social cleansing' amid Tottenham regeneration scheme

Nov 19, 2023 | londonworld.com | Simon Allin

Haringey Council has said it is committed to working with businesses “to find suitable relocation options”. Watch more of our videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276Visit Shots! nowTottenham residents battling Haringey Council’s bid to buy their homes and businesses to enable a regeneration scheme to go ahead have accused the local authority of “social cleansing”.
Tottenham: Council accused of 'social cleansing' over development

Nov 18, 2023 | chatsports.com | Simon Allin

By Simon AllinLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceResidents opposing Haringey Council's attempts to purchase their homes and businesses have told a public hearing it amounts to "social cleansing". Last year the council granted planning permission for up to 3,000 homes and commercial development close to the Tottenham stadium in north London. It claims the only way the project will be delivered on time is by using a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to buy properties earmarked for demolition.
Tottenham: Council accused of 'social cleansing' over development

Nov 18, 2023 | bbc.com | Simon Allin

Image source, LDRSImage caption, Some residents protested the plans outside the inquiry hearing in TottenhamLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceResidents opposing Haringey Council's attempts to purchase their homes and businesses have told a public hearing it amounts to "social cleansing". Last year the council granted planning permission for up to 3,000 homes and commercial development close to the Tottenham stadium in north London.
Fear over lightning strike risk at Railway Hotel, Edgware

Nov 16, 2023 | times-series.co.uk | Simon Allin

The Railway Hotel (credit Mark Amies) Fresh concerns have been raised over the risk of more fires at a derelict Grade 2-listed pub. The Railway Hotel, in Station Road, Edgware, has suffered repeated vandalism and been damaged by fires after closing its doors in 2006 – and there are now fears that damage to a lightning conductor strip could risk a further blaze.
Lido to be demolished and rebuilt in £45m plans - but cinema and bowling to move

Nov 16, 2023 | times-series.co.uk | Simon Allin

Outline plans to redevelop and expand a leisure centre at a cost of up to £45.7 million have got the go-ahead. Finchley Lido Leisure Centre is set to be demolished and rebuilt after its existing North Finchley building, which opened in 1996, was deemed not fit for purpose by Barnet Council last year.
Gun and knife crime rises in Haringey but burglary falls

Nov 13, 2023 | hamhigh.co.uk | Simon Allin

Knife and gun crimes have risen in Haringey, mirroring trends seen across the capital. Figures show the total number of criminal offences in the borough increased by 3% in the year to September compared to the previous 12 months, with 33,772 recorded during the period. There was a 14% increase in knife crime, with the number of offences climbing to 711.
Council leader hits back over 'crashing' finances as budget gap grows

Nov 13, 2023 | hamhigh.co.uk | Simon Allin

Barnet Council’s in-year budget gap has climbed to almost £26 million as the cost of delivering key services continues to rise. The worsening financial position – driven largely by higher inflation and growing demand for services against a backdrop of government funding cuts – means the council may have to raid its cash reserves to balance its books. Two months ago, town hall finance chiefs were predicting the overspend on the budget for the current financial year would be £23.2m.
Decision to lease part of park to Spurs set for High Court challenge

Nov 13, 2023 | enfieldindependent.co.uk | Simon Allin

Enfield Council’s decision to lease part of Whitewebbs Park to Tottenham Hotspur is set to be challenged in the High Court. A judge has granted permission for a judicial review of the authority’s decision to award the 25-year lease to the Premier League football club, which wants to set up a new women’s football academy on the site of the park’s former golf course in northern Enfield.