100 Tower Gardens Road 

• The recent site visit to 100 Tower Gardens Road was discussed. As some of you know, Haringey are currently carrying out a feasibility study to determine the best way to use this building, the ground floor of which is empty. There is the potential for it to be used as a community centre. 
• It was noted by those who attended the inspection that the ground floor was in a better condition than expected and would be an appropriate space for different sorts of events in the community.  
• Haringey have said they’d be happy to look at a business case for a community centre while the feasibility study is ongoing. 
• Some monthly meetings have been arranged to consider next steps and push this project forwads.  

Boarded up houses

• The increasing number of boarded up houses on the estate was discussed. Examples include 75 Risley, 155 Risley and 150 The Roundway. 
• Councillor Liam Carroll explained that boarded up houses are dealt with by the ‘voids’ team at the council. Haringey has recently set up a second voids team to deal with the backlog. This should speed up the rate at which boarded up properties are restored to use. 
• The new built properties (next to Topham Square) were also discussed. Building work has stopped and Liam explained that this is because the contractor went bust. A new contractor has now been appointed and work should recommence in February. 

Maintenance and enforcement on the estate 

• The general lack of maintenance on the estate was discussed. Specific concerns included leaves and hedge trimmings not being swept up and fly tipping. It was noted that these issues are not just about aesthetics and making sure the area looks ‘tidy’; they speak to how we want the estate to be managed.    
• The issue of builders overcharging for mainenance (eg roof and window replacements) was discusssed. Someone asked whether the Residents’ Group could put together a list of questions residents should be asking to builders before engaging them – this is something we’re taking away.
• Enforcement issues were also discussed, including the frequency with which people appear to disregard the article 4 development rules which apply to the estate. The question of unmarked cars parked around the estate was also discussed. Councillor Ahmed Mahbub said that people can report unmarked cars to the council via the Love Clean Streets app or by emailing coucillors directly. Councillor Anne Stennett said she understood the frustration in the room.

Great British Spring Clean

• Karen discussed the Great British Spring Clean, which is taking place betwen 21 March and 6 April. It is focussed on clearing litter and reducing waste to improve our local environment. Karen and others will be organising three events during that period.
• Karen asked that you please email her if you have ideas for events.  

AOB 

• Councillors were asked when the next ward panel meeting would be. They will follow up on this and let the Residents’ Group know. 
• The question of Tower Cafe’s planning permission was raised. Ahmed said he would get back to the group with more information. 
• Councillors were asked about Haringey’s proposals for Travellers’ sites. An FOI requesting information about other potential sites rejected by the council was refused on the basis that finding the information would take too much time. Liam said it might be useful to frame the FOI request more narrowly.  
• Liam mentioned a consultation on youth strategy in the borough, which he will send to the whatsapp group or to the secretary to distribute.