Question 1. What do think is good about the area?
Generally well presented apart from comments on pavements below – parks and green areas are excellent. It is a community not just a faceless commuter area for London
Question 2. What do you think is less good about the area?
The pavements are generally in dirty condition with dog mess being left for many days before being washed away by the rain not actually cleared away. The refuse collection teams also leave a lot of rubbish in their rush to finish their work
The Council seem to want to get as much money from parking without taking into account the needs of local business
The granting of inappropriate building in area such as proposed in green lanes
Too much street furniture and signs on pavement that could be reduced without loss of amenity
Too high rates which means that national chains and restaurants are the only shops that thrive in the area
Poor main post office where we were promised better service , longer hours and renovated premises when service and facilities ./ state of property has got a lot worse
Question 3. What would you like to see to improve the area?
Sort out the traffic problems especially at green lanes / hedge lane end in the mornings – speeding in Hedge Lane
Question 4a. Specific aspects – traffic
We have been trying to get changes to Hedge Lane for years but the Council make promises and proposals at public meetings which mysteriously disappear when the consultative document is sent to the public e.g roundabout / and or traffic lights at Firs Road. A lack of willingness generally for all the various representative bodies to sit down together and thrash out the problems. The inability to want to SPEND MONEY to rectify traffic problems in this whole area. Simple things like rephasing the traffic lights at hedge lane / green lanes junctions to help congestion. No problem getting anything related to earning income for the Council like parking enforcement cameras and number recognition cars
Changing to Policing so that when there is a serious accident unless someone is very seriously injured or killed the accidents are no longer properly investigated and drivers get away with dangerous / careless driving because the Police want to save money - Very little attempt to catch drivers who speed. One Police camera car for the whole of North London ! Council road surveys showed that speeding was a serious problem in certain roads in Palmers Green but nothing has been done to rectify the problem
No real Police action on the streets dealing with speeding issues. What speed traps there have been have been at the wrong time of day and very visible so they don’t catch anyone Speeding is worse early morning and in evenings cant just police speeding 9-5
Question 4b. Specific aspects – parking
This is a major problem. Parking not that long ago was free in Palmers Green – Then came the meters and enforcement and not the Council are using increased parking charges to try to fill a black hole in their accounts – Much hated issue with residents of the area seen as a cash generating source for Council at penal rates
Question 4c. Specific aspects – clutter
You could lose 50% of all signs etc in Palmers Green without missing them. Some signs are unnecessary for example camera warning sign outside the telephone exchange. There has never been a camera anywhere near that area!
Question 4d. Specific aspects – look of the shops/architecture
Generally has improved but some shop owners / building owners should be made to improve the facades and cleanliness outside their properties. Also some shops should not be allowed to encroach too far on to the pavement
Question 4e. Specific aspacts – type and range of shops
Too many major chains and restaurants. We are going the same way as Southgate with more units being for night hours than during the day – too many nail bars – hairdressers and coffee shops – too little variety in shopping – no butcher – no fish shop – etc Council should help promote the farmers market – themed market days in the shopping area e,g French or German or Christmas market / events
Question 4f. Specific aspects – amount and use of pavement space
Too cluttered with signs and on certain days rubbish
Question 4g. Specific aspects – the Triangle public space
: loss of tree very disappointing not sure a clock is right answer but it does need something as a focal point –reinstate and man the public toilets.
Question 4h. Specific aspects – Greenery
These are good when they are kept tidy. Hanging baskets are excellent
Any other comments
Local business associate does a good job promoting Palmers Green – Council needs to do more to support them not hinder them ( parking charges and residents parking issues)