Tag: Local News

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Enfield’s Running Club Fosters Community Spirit

Enfield Chasers Running Club, established in 2023 by two enthusiastic neighbours, has swiftly become a beacon of community spirit in the Enfield area. Born from a simple conversation, the club was never intended to be a high-pressure, performance-driven group. Instead, its founders envisioned a welcoming, consistent space that would be deeply rooted in the local neighbourhood.

The club’s mission is refreshingly straightforward: to use running as a means to unite people. It all began with Wednesday social runs—free, inclusive, and more about forging connections than tallying miles. This approach has resonated with the community, leading to a flourishing group of over 250 runners in their WhatsApp group and 150 affiliated members. The club’s calendar is now brimming with diverse community events.

From ‘Couch to 5K’ programmes to volunteering days, time trials, tree plantings, pub socials, and even an annual Christmas lights run, Enfield Chasers has created a vibrant tapestry of activities. The club’s philosophy is simple: provide a reason for people to gather, make them feel welcome, and watch as positive outcomes unfold.

For those in Enfield curious about running or simply seeking to meet like-minded individuals, Enfield Chasers Running Club extends a warm invitation. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community and experience the joy of running in a supportive group.

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Honouring Enfield’s Dedicated Foster Carers

The annual Foster Carers Celebration Event in Enfield was a heartwarming occasion, shining a spotlight on the incredible individuals who selflessly open their homes to children and young people in need. Hosted by Enfield Council, this event was a testament to the community spirit and dedication that defines our borough.

The evening was a gathering of foster carers, council staff, and distinguished guests, including cabinet members and senior directors. It was a celebration of the life-changing work that foster carers undertake every day, providing stability, love, and support to those who need it most.

One of the most poignant moments of the evening was the Long Service Awards. These awards honoured those who have devoted many years to fostering in Enfield, showcasing their unwavering commitment and the profound impact they have had on countless lives. Their dedication is a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power of community and compassion.

For those inspired by the stories shared and the accolades given, there is always an opportunity to join this noble cause. Fostering is not just about providing a home; it’s about nurturing and guiding young lives towards a brighter future. If you are considering making a difference, Enfield Council offers comprehensive support and guidance to help you embark on this rewarding journey.

To learn more about how you can contribute to fostering in Enfield, visit the council’s website at www.enfield.gov.uk/fostering or call 020 8379 2831. Join the Enfield Fostering family and be part of a community that truly makes a difference.

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Harlow Commuters Set to Benefit from Potential London Overground Extension

Recent proposals from the Government’s New Towns Taskforce could revolutionise transport connectivity for Harlow residents, with London Overground trains potentially extending to reach Stevenage and Hertford. The report, published on 2nd October 2025, suggests that Transport for London could take over responsibility for the Great Northern line, bringing enhanced services and improved reliability.

The proposed changes stem from plans for a new town at Crews Hill and Chase Park near Enfield, which would require increased train frequency on the Hertford Loop line connecting Stevenage to Moorgate via Hertford North. Currently served by two trains per hour during off-peak periods and up to six during peak times, the line would benefit from TfL’s proven track record.

For Harlow residents, these developments represent a significant enhancement to an already exceptional transport network. The town currently enjoys direct connections to London Liverpool Street in just 30-36 minutes, with fares of approximately £17.30, whilst London Stansted Airport remains accessible within 17 minutes. The addition of London Overground services would provide alternative routing options and improved frequency.

Lucinda Turner, TfL’s director of spatial planning, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to unlocking economic benefits through improved transport connections. The potential devolution would build upon TfL’s successful integration of other routes into the London Overground network.

Harlow’s transport advantages extend beyond rail connections, with 78% of residents living within 200 metres of a bus stop or train station, plus excellent M25 access. These connectivity options continue to attract first-time buyers and families seeking the balance of suburban living with London accessibility.

The proposed improvements reinforce Harlow’s position as a premier commuter destination, where enhanced transport links translate into increased property desirability.

We specialise in helping clients identify properties that maximise Harlow’s exceptional transport connectivity, ensuring buyers understand how infrastructure developments enhance property values.

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Enfield Unveils London’s First Inland Surfing Lake

Enfield Council has approved groundbreaking plans for Surf London, paving the way for the capital’s first inland surfing lake at the Lee Valley Leisure Complex. The project, announced on 24th September 2025, represents a transformative investment in family-friendly recreational facilities that will establish Enfield as a premier destination for active families seeking innovative leisure opportunities.

Led by Crest Experiences, renowned for creating Bristol’s successful inland surfing destination, the development will transform part of the Lee Valley golf course into a state-of-the-art artificial surfing lake. This ambitious project promises to create up to 200 jobs whilst boosting the local economy and positioning Enfield as a unique surfing destination for visitors from across London.

The comprehensive development extends far beyond surfing facilities, incorporating major upgrades to the entire Leisure Complex that will benefit families throughout the borough. Plans include a new park alongside an extensive activity zone featuring a sports court, parkour area, purpose-built cycling track, and skate bowl, creating diverse recreational opportunities for children and teenagers.

Additional family-focused amenities include a new clubhouse with café, shops, and wellbeing areas, plus innovative camping accommodation with dedicated play spaces. These facilities complement Enfield’s existing network of over 20 parks and playgrounds, four leisure centres, and cultural attractions.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Placemaking, Councillor Sabri Ozayddin, emphasised the project’s significance for local families, stating that this investment will bring “new leisure facilities for local families and residents” whilst offering “a unique attraction unlike any other borough in London.”

The development demonstrates Enfield’s commitment to providing exceptional recreational infrastructure that supports active family lifestyles. The combination of innovative facilities creates compelling opportunities for families seeking properties with outstanding leisure provision.

We specialise in helping families identify properties within easy reach of Enfield’s expanding recreational facilities.

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Harlow Community Unity Inspires Modern Living

Harlow’s remarkable community spirit was beautifully demonstrated recently as residents gathered at St Paul’s Church in the Town Centre to launch the inspiring “Community Colours” initiative. The September 2025 event, organised by Rev’d Jokey Poyntz and Councillor James Griggs, brought together diverse residents to create a peace wall of multi-coloured ribbons, celebrating the town’s multicultural heritage and promoting unity in response to recent divisive incidents.

This powerful display of solidarity reflects the inclusive values that have shaped Harlow since its designation as one of Britain’s pioneering New Towns in 1944. The community’s commitment to diversity and togetherness creates an exceptionally welcoming environment that continues to attract families seeking both modern living standards and genuine neighbourhood connections.

Harlow’s appeal extends far beyond its strong community bonds to encompass outstanding contemporary housing developments that cater to modern lifestyle requirements. The award-winning Base at Newhall development exemplifies this commitment to quality, offering sophisticated three and four-bedroom homes designed for contemporary family living. Meanwhile, the innovative Harlow Quarter development provides stylish modern apartments in the heart of the town centre, perfectly positioned for urban convenience.

The town’s ongoing transformation includes ambitious regeneration projects, with construction recently beginning on 14 new council homes featuring modern two and three-bedroom designs. These developments complement the £34 million Arts and Cultural Centre currently under construction as part of the comprehensive Town Centre regeneration and Garden Town initiative.

Major developers including Persimmon Homes, Taylor Wimpey, Barratt Homes, and David Wilson Homes have recognised Harlow’s exceptional potential, establishing significant developments that showcase cutting-edge design and energy-efficient construction standards. This sustained investment reflects confidence in Harlow’s future as a premier residential destination.

We specialise in Harlow’s dynamic new build market, understanding how modern developments complement the town’s established community values. Our expertise encompasses both contemporary apartment living and family homes within prestigious developments, ensuring clients access properties that deliver exceptional modern living standards whilst benefiting from Harlow’s renowned community spirit and convenient London connectivity.

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Harlow Council Announces Record Housing Development Investment

Harlow Council has unveiled its most ambitious housing programme in over three decades, committing a record £130 million for 2025-2026 to accelerate new build developments across the town. This unprecedented investment, representing more than double the expenditure from five years ago, demonstrates the council’s commitment to addressing growing housing demand through comprehensive development initiatives.

The substantial funding allocation of £2.5 million weekly will support the largest programme of new council house building in over 30 years, with over nine new council home schemes currently under construction. Recent developments include 14 new council homes at one site, with construction beginning in June 2025, and additional projects at Elm Hatch and Pytt Field, bringing the total to nine active development sites across Harlow.

This municipal investment forms part of Harlow’s broader transformation, with 23,000 new homes planned over the next 20 years and 16,000 scheduled for delivery within the next decade. The ambitious development programme anticipates 50% population growth, expanding from 93,000 to approximately 140,000 residents, creating substantial opportunities for both developers and homebuyers.

Private sector developments complement the council’s initiatives, with projects including Base at Newhall offering contemporary three and four-bedroom homes, Weston Homes apartment schemes, and the Purford Green development providing 35 high-quality houses. The £34 million town centre revamp, incorporating 47 new homes alongside commercial facilities, further demonstrates Harlow’s comprehensive approach to urban regeneration.

These coordinated development efforts create diverse opportunities across multiple price points and property types, from affordable council housing to premium private developments. The scale of construction activity reflects strong market confidence in Harlow’s growth potential.

We specialise in guiding clients through Harlow’s dynamic new build market, understanding how development programmes influence property values and neighbourhood evolution. Our expertise encompasses both private developments and council initiatives, ensuring clients identify optimal opportunities within this rapidly expanding market.

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Enfield Investment Opportunities Lead London Rental Market

Recent analysis of London’s buy-to-let market has positioned Enfield as a standout performer for property investors, with the borough delivering some of North London’s highest rental yields at 5.8%. This exceptional performance, highlighted in comprehensive September 2025 market research, demonstrates why savvy investors are increasingly focusing their attention on this North London location.

The Edmonton and Enfield corridor, encompassing postcodes EN3, N9, and N18, consistently delivers solid yields between 5.2% and 5.7%, significantly outperforming many premium Central London areas. With average property values of £374,008 requiring a 30% deposit of £112,202, Enfield presents accessible entry points for investors seeking strong returns without the premium pricing associated with inner London postcodes.

Market forecasts for 2025 predict continued growth, with family homes in Enfield’s leafy suburbs expected to achieve 2-4% price appreciation. This capital growth potential, combined with robust rental demand, creates compelling dual-income opportunities for property investors. The borough’s appeal stems from its successful balance of suburban tranquillity and excellent transport connectivity.

Rental demand remains exceptionally strong, with approximately 18.9% of properties in the rental sector and average monthly rents reaching £1,656. This sustained demand reflects Enfield’s unique positioning as an affordable alternative to Central London whilst maintaining superb transport links and abundant green space that appeals to quality tenants.

The borough’s diverse housing stock provides investors with varied portfolio options to match different tenant demographics and investment strategies. Government initiatives continue to support the rental market, ensuring stable regulatory environment for landlords.

We specialise in identifying prime investment opportunities within Enfield’s dynamic rental market, understanding how location-specific factors influence both rental yields and capital appreciation. Our expertise encompasses market analysis and regulatory compliance, ensuring investors maximise returns whilst maintaining excellent tenant relationships.

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Harlow Heritage Celebrations Highlight First-Time Buyer Appeal

Harlow’s rich historical tapestry takes centre stage this September as the town participates in England’s largest festival of history and culture through Heritage Open Days. Running from 12th to 21st September 2025, these free events showcase the remarkable heritage that makes Harlow such an attractive destination for first-time buyers seeking both cultural richness and affordable homeownership opportunities.

The diverse programme includes fascinating explorations of St. Mary’s Church in Old Harlow, historic Great Parndon, and the elegant Parndon Hall, alongside guided walks revealing the town’s architectural evolution since its designation as a pioneering New Town in 1947. The “Reconstructing an 18th Century Estate” event particularly highlights how Harlow successfully balances historical preservation with modern development.

This cultural vibrancy contributes significantly to Harlow’s growing reputation as one of the UK’s premier destinations for first-time buyers. Recent data reveals that Harlow has experienced an remarkable 87% increase in first-time buyer mortgage applications over the past decade – the largest increase nationally. With average first-time buyer prices of £277,000 in June 2025, compared to significantly higher London rates, the town offers exceptional value for money.

Properties in Harlow sold for an average of £344,424 over the past year, representing substantial savings compared to London alternatives whilst maintaining excellent transport connectivity to the capital. This combination of cultural heritage, community spirit, and financial accessibility creates compelling opportunities for young professionals and families.

Government initiatives further enhance Harlow’s first-time buyer appeal, with shared ownership schemes and the First Homes programme offering discounts of 30-50% for local and key workers. These schemes provide multiple pathways to homeownership.

We specialise in guiding first-time buyers through Harlow’s diverse property market, understanding how the town’s unique blend of historical character and modern affordability creates exceptional opportunities for both heritage properties and contemporary developments.

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Enfield Town Fireworks: Movie Magic Awaits

Experience the magic of fireworks in Enfield Town! The annual fireworks show is making a grand return to Enfield Town Park with a blockbuster twist on Saturday, 8 November, from 4 pm to 8 pm. This year’s theme, “A Night at the Movies”, promises a dazzling display of fireworks set to the soundtracks of some of the best-loved films. It’s a cinematic spectacle that you won’t want to miss!

The event will not only light up the skies but also your taste buds, with a variety of local food stalls offering delicious treats. It’s a perfect evening out for families, friends, and film enthusiasts alike. The combination of fireworks and movie music is sure to create an unforgettable experience.

Early bird tickets are on sale now. To ensure you don’t miss out, tickets must be collected from Dugdale Arts Centre, located at 39 London Rd, London, Enfield EN2 6DS, by 5 pm on Friday, 7 November.

Gather your loved ones and head to Enfield Town Park for an evening of fun, food, and fireworks. Whether you’re a local or visiting from nearby, this event is a brilliant way to enjoy the community spirit and celebrate the magic of movies under the stars.

Mark your calendars and prepare for a night of cinematic wonder and pyrotechnic brilliance.

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Sweet Buzz at Capel Manor Gardens

Experience a delightful weekend at Capel Manor Gardens, where the Enfield Beekeepers Association is hosting a honey exhibition that promises to be both educational and entertaining. Running from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th, this family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to observe honeybees in action through an observation hive. Witness the fascinating inner workings of a bee colony up close!

Knowledgeable exhibitors and local beekeepers will be on hand to answer your questions and share their insights into the world of bees and the craft of beekeeping. A series of engaging educational talks will be held on both days, covering topics such as sustainable beekeeping practices, the role of pollinators in food production, and tips for starting your own hive. These talks aim to deepen public understanding of the challenges facing bees and the critical importance of their conservation.

Set in the picturesque Capel Manor Gardens in Bullsmoor, the event also includes a special guided garden tour led by former school principal and passionate horticulturist, Mr Downbiggings. His storytelling and plant knowledge promise to enrich your experience.

On Saturday morning, don’t miss the honey judging process, where a certified honey judge will assess over 100 entries submitted by local beekeepers. From clarity and taste to presentation, each entry will be scrutinised, culminating in an award ceremony to honour the top entrants.

The show also features a bustling market stall where you can purchase locally produced honey and beeswax products. For younger guests, interactive craft activities such as candle rolling and bee badge making offer fun ways to learn about pollinators and sustainability.

Admission to the Honey Show is free, but entry to Capel Manor Gardens requires a ticket, available at the door. Members enjoy free entry, and free on-site parking is available.