The well being of the neighbourhood is at the heart of the existence of the Totteridge Residents' Association. We are keenly aware that taking soundings from residents and making your voice heard on current and future relevant issues are core to how we are judged in succeeding with our mission.

Last year I wrote that the Government's proposed changes to our healthcare services were likely to be a current key concern on which our community expected us to represent them, alongside issues such as local planning, traffic and amenities. In these subsequent months and with the sudden change in economic outlook, these elements remain the priority in order to maintain Totteridge as a neighbourhood to be enjoyed for years to come.

We therefore continue to devote the majority of our efforts to these areas. We are a voluntary group open to all residents and with an elected committee, linking ourselves with our residents (www.totteridgeresidents.org), with our local councillors who attend our meetings to provide insight and guidance, and participating in relevant groups on your behalf.

The TRA meets monthly and its committee spends many more hours working behind the scenes on your behalf. I am pleased to report on the variety of matters we tackled during the past 12 months.

PLANNING

Our role in regards to planning is in line with our function as a residents' association - to bring what we regard as relevant issues to the attention of the appropriate government bodies. While the large proportion of Totteridge is a designated conservation area, I assure our members that we maintain a cohesive focus on the protection and enhancement of our character as a neighbourhood, whether in or outside the conservation area.

The largest planning issue during this past year has been the development proposals for the former Inglis Barracks site. The TRA continues its close liaison with local councillors and the Woodside Park Residents' Association and I can report that a development of between 2,000 and 2,500 homes can be expected. The proposal still requires the approval of theMayor of London. I again extend the Association's thanks to our local councillors and ourMP for their sheer tenacity in trying to reconcile the necessity of increased housing within our borough with the needs of the existing community. Development updates can be monitored on our website.

RESTRUCTURING OF LOCAL HOSPITALS

The Secretary of State for Health has approved changes to our local hospitals in spite of strong cross-party opposition from the affected Councils and our local MP. The anticipated results are: elective surgery will move to Barnet Hospital; maternity services will move from Chase Farm to Barnet Hospital, as will the primary A and E. Awalk-in daytime Casualty service and a midwife-led maternity service will continue to be provided at Chase Farm. It should be noted at this critical time that a Judicial Review of the decision is being carried out at the request of Enfield Borough Council.

Also important to future healthcare in our community are plans to redevelop Finchley Memorial Hospital. These have been approved and it is anticipated that a polyclinic may be built at this site. The NHS website link is www.healthcareforlondon.nhs.uk. Updates and links will be maintained on the Noticeboard within our own site, as matters progress.

TRAFFIC and ROAD SAFETY

The Association continues its work with the Police and Barnet Council in addressing the local traffic hotspots. While the heavy traffic flow at the junction of Totteridge Lane and Whetstone High Road is frequently discussed within the TRA Committee, it is important for drivers to acknowledge that the light system is amongst the most complex in London, due to the converging road layouts. Naturally, the system's benefit to pedestrians is a positive force in supporting our local amenities.

As always, I cannot stress enough how difficult it is for your Association to press for a wide variety of traffic-calming measures when it is residents who are most often caught speeding.

POLICING

The strength of our relationship with, and support for, our local police force remains a positive link for the area. Our dedicated representative on the Totteridge Ward Community Action Panel - one of Barnet Council's 21 Safer Neighbourhoods schemes - plays an invaluable role in providing two-way feedback. There are police officers and police community support officers dedicated to the Totteridge area and, on their behalf, I note that they welcome both positive contact and complaints from residents. Night patrols of local streets continue. Information regarding the Metropolitan Police's Barnet Safer Communities Partnership is available by clicking here.

DARLANDS

I am delighted to report that a satisfactory conclusion is rapidly approaching for the benefit of Darlands itself and our local community. Barnet Council has proposed a lease of 75 years for Darlands and a separate lease for the surrounding fields, to the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, which will take over management responsibilities. A draft management plan is expected to be put forward this spring and a fundraising committee is expected to be formed to raise the capital sum necessary to proceed. Public access will be preserved.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

WWW.TOTTERIDGERESIDENTS.ORG

The Association's website allows residents to keep up to date with local matters that affect our community. Our "notice board" facility is open for publicising local events.

NOTICE BOARD, DOLLIS BROOK

The board is situated on Totteridge Lane, where the bridge crosses the brook, and is available for use by non-commercial organisations, with the Association's prior consent.

NEWSLETTERS

The TRA publishes anAutumn Newsletter, which is distributed to all members and is also available on our website. I would like to thank everyone involved in its production, as well as its readers for the positive feedback and the interaction it generates.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

The TRA's subscription year runs from 1 May - 30 April. In the light of the current economic circumstances, the Association proposes that, for one year only, the minimum membership subscription rate is reduced to £1.00. This will apply to new subscriptions or renewals paid prior to 30 June 2009, as money will have to be spent posting renewal notices there after. A form is enclosed with this yearbook.

FINALLY

I take this opportunity to personally thank the TRA's Committee and its Officers for the work and assistance carried out on behalf of ourAssociation during the past year. As ever, I also thank the residents of Totteridge for their support, which has enabled us to carry out our functions. For myself and on behalf of the Committee I offer our many thanks to Teresa Villiers, our MP; our Councillors Richard Cornelius, Brian Coleman and Caroline Margo; the Officers of the London Borough of Barnet; and the Police. Particular thanks to our President, Eileen Eskenzi, our Road Stewards and all the many other individuals who have contributed to our Association during the course of the year.

PAUL.A.DAVIS, LL.B.,
CHAIRMAN