This isn’t the first time I’ve written to you about the state of our high streets – and it likely won’t be the last.
Dear Resident,
This isn’t the first time I’ve written to you about the state of our high streets – and it likely won’t be the last. Residents across Finchley & Golders Green tell me they want to see improvements. I understand the frustration when we see boarded up shops, tatty shop fronts, signs of decline and a feeling that our high streets are not places we want to visit on the weekend.
Our high streets should be attractive and dynamic and should represent what our community wants and needs – places to connect with one another. And on that note, I’m pleased to share a positive update with you.
Nearly 1000 of you signed our objection letter saying no to another gambling shop opening on Golders Green High Road – where there are already seven gambling shops in the vicinity. Ahead of the decision, I sent your objections to Barnet Council.
With your help, and the support of your local councillors and candidates, we’ve won – the gambling shop has been turned down. This is the first step in cleaning up our high streets and making them spaces you and your families want to spend time in. And our success shows the power we have when we come together as a community
I know there’s more to do – so let’s keep going. I want to hear from you about what you do want to see on your high streets in this survey.
Challenging Moments Brings Community Together
No one in our community could failed to be touched by the despicable arson attack on the Hatzola NW volunteer ambulances in Golders Green. This life saving service has for decades tended to the sick right across our diverse community. This hateful attack was not just an attack on the local Jewish community an attack on British values.
When I visited the site and met with the Hatzola volunteers I was struck by what they told me. Even as they rushed to evacuate residents and put out the flames, they were still taking calls to tend to the sick in the community. The response of those volunteers, of our brilliant emergency services, of the diverse faith leaders who have expressed their solidarity through words and donations reflects the resilience and solidarity in our community.
Moments of the Month:
- Launching our pop up Free Legal Advice centre for local residents. Sign up to hear more here.
- Seeing the brand-new Hoop Lane crossing completed improving safety for residents.
- Speaking with our Iranian community at Persian Advice Bureau, remembering the lives lost and affected in the violent crackdown by the regime in Iran.
- The Courts and Tribunals Bill which I have worked on in my ministerial role was passed through its first stage Parliament, putting victims at the heart of our justice system.
Have your say:
I’ve been writing to local renters about their experiences of renting in Finchley and Golders Green and I want to hear from you: Renter’s Rights Survey – Sarah Sackman MP
Photo of the Month:
Meeting the inspirational Gisèle Pelicot in Parliament!
Finchley & Golders Green Fuel:
Vynam on Ballards Lane – a brilliant Vietnamese restaurant in Finchley Central who are always so welcoming to me and my team when we visit!
Community Champion:
Students at Northside Primary who sent me handwritten letters raising concerns about litter near their school. I wrote to Barnet Council to raise the issue, who cleaned up the litter and reallocated a bin near the school. It’s brilliant to see young people in the community getting involved in making our neighbourhoods cleaner for everyone!
Wishing you a peaceful Pesach and Easter to those who celebrate,
Sarah Sackman
Member of Parliament for Finchley and Golders Green