Back in May 2022, I hoped that the new Labour regime, with a massive majority, would render this blog redundant when it came to writing about council policy failures. I made a conscious decision to not write blogs about their actions, until they had a chance to demonstrate whether they are up to the job.
Here we are, two and a half years later and I'm sorry to say that we need bloggers just as much as we ever did. Today we look at a typical example of their complete failure to look after the resources of the Borough properly and how this is having a massive negative effect on our quality of life.
These pictures are of the former cafe/bar at Scratchwoods open space. It has been closed for around two years and is literally falling apart. It is clearly unsafe. The area is used by dog walkers like myself, however the area is littered with broken glass. There are fridges and all manner of things dumped and it is a total eyesore. It is bad enough that Barnet Labour have let an asset fall apart and become dangerous in a local park. It is also scandalous to see public resource that could be let out and rented, bringing in much needed cash, has fallen into such a sorry state.
A quick search indicates that a property of this size let for lesuire would bring in £25-40,000 per annum, if it was in a lettable condition. That money could be spent on many things. Having a business on site would also improve the ambience of the area. There are many local parks with thriving cafes. Scratchwood is one of the best parks in our area, with not only a lovely grassed area, but also an extensive wood. There is no reason at all why a cafe shouldn't thrive if run properly.
Sadly, this asset will cost an absolute fortune just to be made safe and to no longer be an eyesore. Barnet Council has a massive financial crisis, with a massive black hole. Although the rent from this is a drop in the ocean, it is a good example of the lack of proper husbandry of council resources. It breaks my hear to see.
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