Spotlight on BAME councillor
LOCAL AUTHORITIES 55
Spotlight on BAME councillor
Throughout her tenure, Cllr Headley has been a strong campaigner for her ward where, amongst other things, she has been proactively involved on the citing of telephone masts, section 106 payments, air quality, childcare provision and community play space. Two years ago, Cllr Headley and local residents campaigned to have the first nuisance order issued in Enfield over air pollution from the Invessel composite and this site has now been enclosed.
Denise is very proud of her ward and has sought to establish good relations with SMEs in the community.“ We are seeing massive change and regeneration in this ward. It is vitally important that local residents and local business owners are the change agents themselves, sharing the success and being the decision makers directing the change in our community” Denise said.
She is especially proud of the new Lidl express on the concourse of Edmonton Green Shopping centre which is Lidl’ s first express store in the whole of Europe.“ Having such a prestigious company taking the risk of a new concept in the ward is a major boost for the local economy. It demonstrates belief that progress is real and happening now and tomorrow” explains Denise.“ Lidl aims to source over 60 % of its workforce from a 15 minute radius of the store. This will support the local community by creating local disposable income spent locally by employees as well as being environmentally conscious by cutting down on the carbon foot print of the employees travelling to work. This is vital in supporting long term sustainability for Edmonton Green and the people who live and shop there” she added.
There are also plans for Asda to open a store in Edmonton Green during October 2008. The new development will create 500 jobs in
the ward and surrounding area and Denise believes her work with the local authority has helped to channel a greater understanding of local need. It is projected that the new Asda store in its first year will have up to 2.1 million customers.
Denise believes her connection to the community allows her to understand the local economic changes experienced over the last two decades and has adapted her role as a councillor to include that of ward promoter, facilitator and community leader.
She told engage“ credibility comes from your ward members believing you share their experience not vocally but in reality. I have lived in my ward for 19 years. I grew up here, I work here, my children are educated here and we support the local economy here. I live the life of my constituents because it is my life too!”
To this end Cllr Headley has an extensive network of medium and small enterprises she works with, within her ward and the surrounding community. Denise visits as many local businesses as possible to show support for their ambitions and to acknowledge their commitment to the local area. She keeps them informed about changes and projects in the community and also provides information about funding opportunities as well as selling the concept that Edmonton Green is an exciting and vibrant place to live, work and do business.“ When SME‘ s come to the borough they should aim to commit a significant proportion of employment created to local residents as well as resident lead spending on section 106 receipts”. On a final note, Denise concluded“ Like all communities we have our issues however the development of Edmonton Green is an opportunity for the whole community and with new opportunity there is hope for a better tomorrow”.
Left; Cllr Denise Headley with Lidi Express’ s store manager Mariella Selin
Denise visits as many local businesses as possible to show support for their ambitions and to acknowledge their commitment to the local area. She keeps them informed about changes and projects in the community and also provides information about funding opportunities
ISSUE SEVEN 2008 engage | uk