Power to the people

By Lucy Chamberlin
Residents in one part of East Finchley are setting up an action group to tackle the issues that affect their daily lives, and to bring the community closer together.
The idea for the East Finchley Village Residents’ Association came to Bob and Patti Owens after 150 residents formed a movement three years ago to resist the installation of a mobile phone mast in the neighbourhood. The Association will initially include homes within a short distance of Church Lane, though members are hoping it will catch on in the area and perhaps spread to the rest of East Finchley.
Fellow Association organiser Caroline Broome and husband David have lived in Church Lane for 40 years, and say there are a lot of families and young professionals moving in who are all keen to be involved: “We’ve got such a broad spectrum round here, so everybody’s got a different take on things. All the neighbours in the area came together over the phone mast and we realised what a wonderful community feel there was here.”

Key issues
Issues they would like to tackle include speeding traffic on Church Lane and better maintenance for local green areas. Some residents complain that they have to put up with jostling and intimidating behaviour from schoolchildren on the 643 and 143 buses. Others in rented accommodation have had mattresses and fridges dumped outside their homes, which they have to pay the council to take away.
Everyone was eager for the association to have a social focus, however, and for neighbours of all ages to get to know each other, creating a network to run events and share know-how or personal support. Street parties and Christmas festivities as well as speakers on topics of local interest were also suggested.

September meeting
About 12 people attended a first informal residents’ association meeting in June, and agreed that environmental and safety issues, as well as taking responsibility for the community should top the group’s agenda. A second meeting is planned for September.
If you’d like to know more, contact David and Caroline Broome on 020 8444 2329, or Patti and Bob Owens on 020 8365 4621.

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