Three stores have been shut down after Barnet Council’s Trading Standards team seized nearly £50,000 in illicit smoking and vaping products in a single day of action.

Barnet Council’s Cabinet has agreed to consult on plans for a Lane Rental Scheme to charge extra for roadworks conducted during the busiest periods on the borough’s busiest roads.

Subject to the results of a public consultation, the plans would help minimise traffic disruption by incentivising utilities companies to complete roadworks during quieter times, or more quickly.

Council projections estimate that the new policy could lead to:

The Strategic Planning Committee has resolved to approve the outline planning application for the redevelopment of Edgware town centre submitted by developers Ballymore (Edgware) – a joint venture between the Ballymore Group and Transport for London’s property arm, Places for London.

Works are due to begin in early autumn, to improve West Hendon Playing Fields, including new sports and community facilities.

The first phase of the investment by Barnet Council is set to significantly enhance and improve the park’s accessibility, safety, and usability for residents of all ages.

Phase one of the £3.65 million investment will include:

Barnet Council’s trading standards team has carried out its second successful raid in the space of two months, seizing more than £40,000 worth of illicit cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco, vapes, shisha and alcohol. Almost £400 of non-UK labelled prescription medications were also seized in the swoop. Sniffer dogs were used to identify where the illicit stock was being hidden.