The year has been dominated by the loss of Totteridge Library about which I shall write separately. It is impossible to quantify the feelings of loss and outrage that has resulted from the closure of our library, following so closely on the abrupt departure of the Post office from Totteridge Lane. The residents would like the site redeveloped with a library facility as was promised at our AGM in 2004.

Further requests for planning permission to erect Telecommunication Masts have appeared including one at the junction of Greenway and Totteridge Green. A number of objections have been made including a 100 signature petition. Mobile Phone Companies apparently need more masts to achieve the 80% coverage required under the licensing agreement with the Government. The 3G system has a short range. For instance, T-mobile wishes to put up 23 masts in the Borough of Barnet.

We continue to send a representative to the CAAC to discuss Planning matters. Other members of this committee include Barnet Planning Officer Chris Maltby , Ian Marris ( Totteridge Manor Association) Andrew Neil (Architect) Gordon Bell ( Surveyor) Stephen Parkin (Church Representative) and Felicity Jordan (Barnet Historical Society Representative). The CAAC discusses planning applications that appear within the Conservation area which begins roughly at the east end of Totteridge lane at the level of the old Library and continues westward to Damson Hill. In all areas we monitor the applications for extensions and  redevelopments  and try to protect the rights of neighbours where applicable.

The traffic on Totteridge Lane continues to cause concern. There appears to be some particularly black spots for accidents. It is heartbreaking to witness the dangerous overtaking that takes place the minute the road ahead appears clear -even for a second, the blatant disregard of the speed limit, the reckless flashing of lights at a driver who is keeping within the speed limit. We have received a number of letters and emails  in support of  a  SPEED ACTIVATED SLOW DOWN SIGN. These appear to be widely used in Hertfordshire and even in Hampstead and are generally agreed to be effective. We urge our local councillors to support us in our campaign to make Totteridge Lane a safer road. In addition we recognise that residents of roads at the eastern  end of Totteridge Lane:-Oak Tree Drive and Great Bushey Drive are experiencing considerable problems with commuter parking that this needs to be addressed.

Work is continuing at Darlands to maintain the Lake and to enhance the surrounding environment. Some of the trees will be felled this spring. The London Borough of Barnet is monitoring the spread of the invasive weeds, Himalayan Balsam, Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed. We should like to thank David Dench and his colleagues of the London Borough of Barnet for their work and efforts on this project.

We have been approached by the Historic Counties Trust who would like to erect signs marking the old boundaries of Hertfordshire on Totteridge Lane. I hope to speak about this at our AGM. I shall also announce amendments to our constitution at our AGM

Our website  www.totteridgeresidents.org has a new look  and is up dated quarterly by Barry Clark. Do look at our noticeboard for all the latest developments in Totteridge including reports received from Barnet Borough Watch. We have also replaced our wooden Noticeboard at Dollis Brook. This can be used by residents to promote any non political, non profitmaking and non commercial activity.

Lastly, I am pleased to welcome two new members to our committee, Meng Goh and Caroline Stock. I would like to thank all the committee members, our President Eileen Eskenzi ,Sir Maurice and Lady Laing and our local Police Officers  for all their hard work on our behalf and of course our Road Stewards who provide us with indefatigible support not only by delivering our various communications but by being our eyes and ears.