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SOCIAL CONDITIONS
The London Borough of Enfield covers an area of 20,061 acres and has an
estimated population of 267,830 and a rateable value of £18,375,146.
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 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 authority
will be observed with interest.
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. Forty
Hall, a 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 has now been developed into a centre for cultural
activities within the borough. The works of restoration to the Maiden's Bridge, near
Forty Hall, were completed during the year. This bridge of historic interest was
partly demolished as a result of a road accident and since then measures have been
taken to restrict the use of the bridge by heavy traffic, which can use alternatively
the dual carriageway, Great Cambridge Road.
The main public building is the Civic Centre, Silver Street, Enfield, which contains
the Mayor's Suite, the Council Chamber, committee rooms and the department
of the Town Clerk. The other departments of the Council are housed separately in
premises throughout the borough.
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