Andrew Dismore

 Andrew Dismore has today written to the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency Dr Paul Leinster demanding that they test the Pymmes Brook for contaminants from the Cat Hill construction site.

Kim Coleman of the Cat Hill protest sent Mr Dismore images of waste from the construction site entering the Pymmes Brook at the water way of the Oak Hill Nature Reserve. (below)

Mr Dismore is asking the Environment Agency to use their powers to halt construction on the site until tests have been concluded and if tests are positive for contamination then enforcement notices be issued to L&Q.

Laurie Williams, Rebecca Challice and Phil Cohen, Labour candidates for East Barnet ward have joined the campaign and written to the Environment Agency calling for enforcement.

Andrew Dismore, Labour London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden said:

“What is going on at Cat Hill is environmental vandalism. It is clear that the ancient Pymmes Brook is being contaminated and that wildlife is being affected. The Environment Agency must act and set a precedent for developers.

The Environment Agency has the powers of enforcement; it just needs to use them”

Cllr Pauline Coakley Webb, East Barnet resident and Coppetts ward councillor said:

“This construction is clearly having a detrimental effect on Oakhill Nature Reserve and the brook, and we must act now to stop any further damage to the environment. I’m calling on the Cabinet Member to join our call for the Environment Agency to step-in and investigate what’s going on before it’s too late.”

Letter to Dr Paul Leinster – RE Cat Hill 11th March 2014