Gabrielle Louise Bailey

I’m absolutely committed to Burnt Oak. Since moving to the area in 2022, I have been extremely proactive in tackling some of deeply entrenched issues facing this neglected, and for too long overlooked, part of Barnet borough. In the short number of years I have been here have founded a Friends of Group for Watling Park, have pioneered a community garden to tackle a substantial flytipping hotspot, and am taking action on reducing anti-social behaviour in our ward. I am recognised by people in our community as somebody who takes action to better our area. Every day I step out of my door, I take action for the neighbourhood - be that reporting fly-tipping, supporting a small business over a high-street chain, or picking up litter from our streets. I want to celebrate Burnt Oak as a fantastic place to live - I am galvanised by the pride/ community spirit in Burnt Oak, comprised of people who care about our neighbourhood but who are frustrated by issues such as anti-social behaviour, drug/alcohol abuse in public spaces, and fly-tipping, and their concerns going repeatedly unheard e.g the proposed developments to build on a floodplain on the Watling Car Park site; wasting much-needed Council funds (and going against their commitment to net Zero) by building a new Library rather than re-vamping the existing one. I’m a recognised face within Burnt Oak as someone who works hard to improve the area- residents have already started coming to me to help represent their views on/ oppose issues such as inappropriate planning, developing community green spaces, and tackling crime. I would be an effective, competent Green councillor who would inspire confidence due to the results I have already delivered as a resident, coupled with my knowledge of activities/issues/initiatives/networks/key stakeholders locally. Burnt Oak is a prime location to benefit from the implementation/realisation of core Green policies/values e.g taking a public health view to poverty, investing in quality infrastructure (particularly green infrastructure); development which prioritises quality accommodation, social housing and which compliment, rather than goes against nature; and investment into community cohesion initiatives. Residents are disillusioned with ‘politics as usual’, which has left our area neglected by the Council and other public stakeholders. A Green Councillor will serve to hold Labour to account - I will be an effective Green Councillor because I’m a trusted community activist who is dedicated to Burnt Oak; who is already pro-active for residents; and because I am somebody who is already deeply connected with residents' concerns, wants and needs for the future of our corner of Barnet borough.