A crew of Barnet refuse workers had a narrow escape recently, as shocking film footage has emerged of a huge explosion as a bin is loaded into a refuse truck.

The explosion was cause by combustible items such gas canisters or bottles, batteries or aerosols being wrongly placed into a residential bin, which when crushed by the lorry’s impactor caused the bin, and other debris to be fired out into the street.

Barnet Council hosted Burnt Oak’s Car-Free Day on Saturday 21 September where the streets came alive with activities focused on sustainability and improving air quality.

The event, part of the Council’s ongoing Burnt Oak town centre improvements project, highlighted the importance of reimagining public spaces and promoting sustainable travel.

Barnet Council has teamed up with national cosmetics brand Barry M in a new campaign tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG),

The campaign is aimed at Gen Z, as women and girls aged 16-24 are more likely to be victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, rape and stalking crimes than any other age group. 

Barnet residents have higher levels of overall satisfaction with their council than both the national and the London averages, according to the latest Adults Residents’ Perception Survey.

The survey results, taken from winter 2023/24, found 65% of residents were satisfied with Barnet Council – in line with the last survey, which was taken in 2021/22. This beats both the London average (56%) and the national average (53%), both of which have declined since 2021/22.

Cllr Ross Houston, Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration and Deputy Leader of Barnet Council, said:

“The report into the Grenfell fire has highlighted how systemic failures led to a disaster that should have never happened. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of everyone affected.