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SOCIAL CONDITIONS
The London Borough of Enfield covers an area of 20,061 acres and has an
estimated population of 266,640 and a rateable value of £18,167,400.
Development is well balanced with a wide variety of environmental conditions,
ranging from open country, through residential property of all kinds, commercial
premises, and shopping centres to industrial areas.
A welcome improvement to the amenities of the borough should result from
the activities of the newly created Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. The
functions of this authority are concerned with the improvement of riverside areas
throughout the course of the River Lea and the provision of facilities for leisure
pursuits. The ensuing benefits should enhance the well-being of the community and
the progress of this new authority will be observed with interest.
Housing development included the erection of six tower blocks containing in
all 428 dwellings. Further new car parks have been provided.
The transport network serving the borough comprises an underground, three
suburban and two main railway lines and numerous bus routes.
Two trunk roads cross the borough, one from east to west and the other from
north to south. The opening of the further stretch of dual carriageway to the
northern boundaries on the latter road has brought about a considerable improvement
in the traffic flow through Enfield. One first-class road runs north to south and
important metropolitan roads run east to west.
The borough is well provided with educational, cultural and recreational
facilities.
Considerable works of renovation have been undertaken at Forty Hall. This
fine seventeenth century mansion, the house of a former Lord Mayor of London, was
acquired by the former Enfield Urban District Council in 1951 and adapted for use
as a museum. It is now developing into a centre for cultural activities within the
borough. The new swimming bath in Winchmore Hill Road, Southgate, is modern
in design and construction, completely up to date in equipment and may well be
regarded with no little satisfaction and local pride by the people of Enfield. The
borough is well provided with parks and open spaces and at its northern border
is Green Belt land.
Reference should be made to the improvements which have been brought
about jointly by the Council and the Enfield Preservation Society in the Gentleman's
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