Oliver Dowden MP has welcomed proposals by Enfield Council to demolish council owned garages on Cherry Tree Lane, Potters Bar, and replace them with lined parking bays.

A number of local residents as well as the Potters Bar Society have raised concerns about the twenty two garages on Cherry Tree Lane that are owned by Enfield Council. The vast majority of garages are boarded up and are unsightly, there have also been reports that the unused garages have attracted ant-social activity. Since being made aware of residents’ concerns, Mr Dowden has made strong representations to Enfield Council calling for residents’ concerns to be addressed. Last month Mr Dowden wrote to the Chief Executive of Enfield Council demanding action.

Mr Dowden said: "I know that many residents have had concerns about the garages in question, the vast majority of which are boarded up. They are unsightly and I am aware that there is also a view that they have been acting as a magnet for anti-social behaviour. 

"I am glad that Enfield Council  have responded to my representations, and appear to be taking this matter seriously and are looking into proposals to replace the garages with parking bays for residents."

In the response to Mr Dowden, the Halls, Garages and Project Team Manager, Mr Ian Donaldson said:

"Enfield Council Housing are in the process of preparing a scope of work that can be tendered in line with our Corporate Procurement rules. The procurement is for the potential demolition of the said garages and line paint parking bays. It is envisaged that the process will take approximately 10 weeks to the point of appointing a contractor.

"Enfield Council Housing are attempting to open negotiations with Hertsmere to establish if they would consider adopting the area, once prepared, and extend their existing Controlled Parking Zone currently in force within the surrounding streets. It is considered that this approach to the area would benefit Potters Bar residents collectively as the area will not be restricted to Enfield Council Tenants and residents only."

 Mr Dowden added: "I will continue to monitor developments closely to ensure that this issue is resolved."