Residents urged to have their say on safety in Burnt Oak at night, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Residents have been encouraged to have their say on how safety in Burnt Oak can be improved after dark.

Called ‘Bunt Oak Night Time Study’, the Barnet Council consultation focuses on how the area can be improved after dark. To gather information it will carry out “extensive” data collection, evening and night-time observations, community engagement, and other consultation activities.

According to data on crime levels in the area from the Metropolitan Police, there are just under 200 crimes recorded every month with the most common crime as of June being violence and sexual offences, with 56 recorded in that month. There were 51 incidents of antisocial behaviour, 14 of shoplifting and 13 of drugs.

The consultation will run until October, although no official closing day has been confirmed.

The council stated the study would “build an in-depth understanding” of how people who “live, use, work and visit” Burnt Oak felt about the town during evening and early morning hours, between 6pm and 6am.

Challenges faced by users relating to “transport, lighting, public amenities and generally the evening and night-time experience” will be investigated with outcomes used to guide “future possible improvements” and “potentially a borough wide night-time strategy”.

Three focus groups will be held in September, one for community groups on Monday 22nd, one for women, girls and gender diverse residents later the same day, and one for young people on Tuesday 23rd.

The council is also encouraging residents to fill out a questionnaire which seeks to find out how often people visit the town centre between 6pm and 6am and to select a word which best describes the experience with options ranging from “welcoming” to “unsafe”.

How easy it is to find your way around and what places or features “need better signs” is also sought.

The council also asks if residents have ever avoided the town centre during night-time hours and what changes would change that experience.

For more information and to take part in the consultation:
Visit Burnt Oak Night Time Study | Engage Barnet

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