Local councillors joined residents to celebrate investment in the community green space

Local residents in Cricklewood, celebrating the opening of local community space — Local residents with Cllr Anne Clarke and Cllr Alan Schneiderman at the celebration of the new Westcroft Open Space (Credit – Barnet Labour)

Cricklewood residents joined local councillors in March to celebrate the opening of a new community space.

The revamped mini park at Westcroft Open Space, off Westcroft Close features benches, chess tables, planted trees and bushes, which had previously been unloved scrub.

Cricklewood Labour councillor and cabinet member for community wealth building Anne Clarke said: “When the Conservatives controlled Barnet, many green spaces were put in a ‘low quality/low value category. It was basically a license to do nothing and let areas become overgrown and at risk of anti-social behaviour.

“Labour abolished the category so now any community can press for their local green space to be revitalised. We managed to secure £70,000 for a park revamp and the results are fantastic.”

Cllr Clarke was jointed at the celebration Labour Cricklewood co-councillor Alan Schneiderman.

Cricklewood Resident Kieron Duffy said: “Since the redevelopment of Westcroft Close in the late 1980’s, this has been a green space but of little benefit in terms of usage to the locals.

“This is a good example of what can be achieved with the cooperation of local councillors, Barnet Council, and all who participated in its transformation. It was great to have Anne and Alan representing the Cricklewood ward who have been the driving force in making this happen.”

Update – This post was updated on 31st March at 6.50pm to correct the figure for the cost of the revamp.

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else. £84 annual supporters get a print copy by post and a digital copy of each month's before anyone else.