Response details:
Dear Cllr Stephanos Ioannou,
Thank you for your enquiry regarding the rain gardens along Chase Side and the Chase Side Parklet near the post office. We appreciate your continued interest in the public realm improvements in this area and your support for green infrastructure.
The black patches in the rain gardens are caused by polluted runoff from the road, which rain gardens are specifically designed to help manage by filtering out pollutants and reducing surface water flooding.
The rain gardens were planted in November, and it is important to note that this is the most challenging time to assess their appearance, following a long and wet winter. At this stage, the plants are still establishing, and their full benefits including improved aesthetics and enhanced environmental function will become more visible as we move into the spring and summer months. The expected growth during the warmer seasons will help soften the appearance of the rain gardens, and longer, sunnier spells may naturally reduce the dark patches observed.
That said, we understand the concern regarding their current condition. In order to mitigate this, we are considering planting some larger, more horizontally growing evergreen shrubs, which would help provide better ground cover and further reduce the visibility of the dark patches over time.
Similarly, the plants in the parklet near the post office may currently appear neglected due to the time of year, as this is the most challenging period for assessing their condition. As we move into the growing season, these plants should begin to flourish, improving their appearance and contributing positively to the local environment. Their maintenance is an ongoing consideration, and we will continue to monitor them to ensure they develop as intended.
Regarding the potential installation of additional bollards to prevent vehicles from parking over them, we will assess whether further protective measures are necessary. Any additional intervention would depend on available budget and competing priorities within the programme.
We remain committed to delivering and maintaining high-quality green infrastructure that not only enhances our streets but also makes visible the impact of climate change and supports positive environmental action.
Kind regards,
Communications Officer
Journeys and Places | London Borough of Enfield
Original enquiry description:
I welcomed the addition of New Green Spaces (Rain Gardens) along Chase Side, which did seem a good idea initially, but they do not appear to be maintained properly. They look really neglected with patches of black on the ground, possibly mould? Their appearance now detracts rather than adds to the appeal of the area. Pics attached. The plants in the ?Parklet? near the post office also look neglected.
Why doesnt the department look to maintain these and explore the isntallation of bollards against them to prevent cars parking over them?