Andrew Dismore

The dirt and mess emanating from vehicles travelling to and from the new Rail Freight Facility (RFF) in Cricklewood has been branded “unacceptable” by local Labour representatives. In a letter to Barnet Council, Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden Andrew Dismore, Barnet Councillor Anne Clarke and Camden Councillor Lorna Russell called on Barnet to “get a grip” of the situation.

Mr Dismore said:

‘In 2018 we wrote to Barnet Council asking for a comprehensive plan to manage the massive construction works related to the Brent Cross South development. In true Barnet fashion, they have failed, and are failing the people of Cricklewood. Barnet Council must stop treating Cricklewood as a dumping ground on the fringes of the borough that they can ignore.’

Cllr Clarke added:

‘The dirt caused by the new Rail Freight Facility is as bad as we all said it was when we objected to it, there is dirt, mud, dust, and rocks all over the place, and the damage to the road network has been severe. It is unacceptable to let residents live in such conditions. Given the continued problems with waste processing sites on both sides of the railway line, I am concerned about the impacts on residents health, especially as they are kept in their homes during lockdown.’

Cllr Russell also added:

‘Cricklewood lies on the boundaries of three boroughs, Barnet, Camden and Brent, yet all the worst problems lie on the Barnet side. They do not seem able to come up with a comprehensive plan, and they do not seem able to cope with the mess. Given that the A5 is a crucial gateway into London and all three boroughs, it leaves a very poor impression on visitors.’

ENDS

Notes:

• Andrew Dismore is the Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden, Cllr Anne Clarke is a Barnet Councillor, representing Childs Hill ward, and Cllr Lorna Russell is a Camden Councillor, representing Fortune Green.
• A copy of the letter can be found here: Letter to Cath Shaw on Brent Cross South November 2020