Forum topic: Restoring the Pymmes Brook in Arnos Park: putting both sides of the debate

Very little progress appears to have been made by Enfield Council regarding their possible plans to relocate Pymmes Brook through the middle of Arnos Park.  Therefore, in the absence of any updates, a request was made to them regarding the resumption of their pre-consultation engagement process.  The response included the following statement: ‘At present, the next stage of engagement has not yet been determined. The project remains at feasibility stage while further work is carried out to understand the potential flood risk benefits and wider impacts. Once this is complete, we will be able to confirm how the engagement programme will resume and the likely timeframe.’  This all seems to be taking a very long time!  Please check the Arnos Park Preservation Society Facebook page for the details of the actual response.

Meanwhile, as we move into Autumn, Arnos Park is looking incredibly beautiful, as the trees turn multiple shades of yellow, gold and red.  Thames Water have now removed their works, and the grass has been re-instated, apart from a few intrusive drainage covers.  The views of the changing trees across the vivid green sports areas are glorious, and the brook continuous to bring such pleasure, as it meanders peacefully (today) along by the footpath, for everyone to enjoy.  We have been getting reports of sightings of the heron and the kingfisher, as well as our usual ducks!  The Friends Of Arnos Park have been busy tidying things up and cultivating the growing space and the wild flower meadow, as they prepare for their Hallow’s Eve event on, Saturday, the 1st of November, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  So I do wonder just how long this lovely place will be left for us to enjoy, in its current form.

We hear so much, these days, about mental health issues, and having Arnos Park for residents to enjoy must have some relevance.  My early morning walk in the park is my personal therapy, which never fails to raise my spirits, when I feel depressed or anxious.  I know, from personal experience, that life can be cruel and lonely, and we need to hold on to all the positive things in life.

So those of us who advocate ‘River Restoration not Relocation’, in Arnos Park, continue to stand by, and wait for the Council to re-start their ‘engagement’ process.  The views of the majority of Arnos Park users will be heard, and one can only hope that the Council will take note, and act accordingly!