Andrew Dismore

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has awarded £50,000 to London Wildlife Trust, working in partnership with the Environment Agency, to create a natural sustainable drainage system (SuDS) feeder stream in Oak Hill Wood, Barnet. The stream will be broken out of its current culvert and allowed to run through a new ditch line, creating wetland habitat and improving water quality.

Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden Andrew Dismore welcomed the news, saying:

‘The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan understands the importance of the environment and natural habitats. It’s good to see real action from him, compared to the endless cuts to parks and environmental services from the Conservatives on Barnet Council. It’s the Labour Party who deliver when it comes to protecting greenspaces.’

East Barnet Councillor Laurie Williams also welcomed the news, saying:

‘This funding will make the much-loved Oak Hill Park and the woods even better. We need to look after our green spaces for the next generations to enjoy. Local residents will appreciate Sadiq Khan’s intervention and commitment to our local community. My colleague Phil Cohen is also very pleased with the news, as he has raised concerns about the wood before.’

Local resident Jo Cooper, who is a Labour candidate at the Council elections in May, said:

‘I am pleased that the Mayor has awarded more money to our community, after his recent grant to help families access free childcare. This is in stark contrast to the Conservative Council, who neglect our area and keep letting us down.’