Enfield Park Flooding Crisis: Council Accused of Neglect Over Waterlogged Grounds
Enfield Council has been sharply criticized by local volunteers for allegedly leaving Arnos Park in a state of disrepair, with the green space described as "waterlogged, unsafe and unusable" due to persistent flooding issues. The Friends of Arnos Park group has launched a campaign accusing the council of neglect, arguing that no meaningful action has been taken to address problems stemming from Thames Water's completion of park works last year.
Design Flaws and Oversight Failures Blamed for Extensive Flooding
According to the campaigners, "poorly designed and inappropriately located" inspection covers installed during the Thames Water project continue to cause extensive flooding, rendering significant portions of the park inaccessible. Former councillor Daniel Anderson, who is coordinating efforts through the Arnos Park Preservation Society and Friends of Arnos Park, emphasized that this is not merely a weather-related issue but a fundamental failure in design and oversight. "A public park should not flood in this way," Anderson stated, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Campaigners Demand Transparency and Immediate Remedial Actions
Kevin Croft, chair of the Friends of Arnos Park, expressed frustration over what he perceives as unequal treatment compared to other flagship parks. "If this had happened in other flagship parks, there would already have been action. Arnos Park should not be treated as second-class public space," Croft asserted. The group is calling for immediate measures to halt the flooding, along with full disclosure of council approvals and risk assessments conducted prior to the works. Additionally, they are urging a pause on further interventions until safety, legality, and long-term viability are thoroughly demonstrated.
Council Response and Ongoing Efforts to Resolve the Issue
In response to the allegations, Sabri Ozaydin, Enfield Council's cabinet member for environment and placemaking, acknowledged the concerns and confirmed that he has personally visited the site. Ozaydin explained that Thames Water recently installed a new, large water main through Arnos Park, which includes several inspection covers in grassy and play areas. "We are working with our land agents to make sure Thames Water raise and level the ground around these covers so our grass‐cutting machinery can work safely," he said, adding that improvements to the surface in the play area are also being requested.
Ozaydin clarified that while the inspection covers themselves are not directly causing the waterlogging, the wider area is experiencing flooding, and the council is "working closely with Thames Water to resolve this." However, campaigners maintain that it is ultimately the council's responsibility to protect the park and ensure that any works are fully remediated, underscoring a growing tension between local activists and municipal authorities over environmental stewardship and public space management.
