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I was particularly sad to read of antisemitic graffiti on a children’s playground in the borough, though I am heartened to see that incidents in the borough overall dropped by a quarter compared to last year.

Which is why National Apprenticeship Week (8-14 February) fits so strongly with the ethos of the project, as Barnet Council and its partners continue to invest in young people and skills. Matthew Perrin (pictured), 26, is working on the construction of the new Brent Cross West station, for Barnet Council’s partner VolkerFitzpatrick. He is on his third apprenticeship, having started with a one-year Level 2 NVQ in rail engineering, and now studying for a five-year honours degree in civil engineering at London South Bank University which he combines with his job.

Barnet Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee took action to revoke the Red & Black Restaurant & Bar’s alcohol and music licence after the venue was caught hosting a party last month, and because of a string of previous complaints about late night music.

The consultation, which runs until 22 February, gives residents, stakeholders and businesses the opportunity to express their views and influence the draft priorities and objectives set out in ‘The Burroughs and Middlesex University Supplementary Planning Document’ (SPD).

There is a 60 per cent probability of trigger temperatures being met and of severe cold weather, icy conditions, snow between 6pm on Friday 29 January and 9am Tuesday 2 February. Please take extra care while driving or if you are out on foot or cycling.

Being placed in Tier 4 restrictions means for those of us who planned celebrations that we will now be making huge personal sacrifices to protect our loved ones, the vulnerable and the wider community. It is difficult to change the festive habits of a lifetime but we cannot risk the dire consequences of the ‘R’ rate increasing.

Barnet Council has received just over £986,000 from the government’s COVID Winter Grant Scheme to be distributed to vulnerable residents who need help covering the cost of food, energy bills and other essentials over the winter months. A large portion of the funding will be allocated through schools, early years providers, colleges and health visitors, with vouchers which can be redeemed at supermarkets.

The consultation, which runs until 4 December, will gather people’s views and opinions on the council’s Life Chances Strategy 2020-2024. Through improving life chances, the strategy aims to have a significant impact on tackling issues such as child poverty and inequality. It also acknowledges the substantial impact of Covid-19, and that the pandemic means a drive to improve life chances for young people is now even more important.

During the initial phase, residents are now able to pick up and return books and other library items using a new ‘Select and Collect’ service. The service is already available at Barnet’s four Core Plus Libraries: Chipping Barnet, Colindale, Edgware and Finchley Church End. Residents can call, email or go online in advance to select what they would like to borrow.

This summer, children will meet the Silly Squad; a loveable bunch of animals who run a fantastic fun house. But beware: a mysterious baddy is waiting to spoil the fun! Because of the disruption caused by current events this year’s challenge has gone digital. As children read, they will be able to head online to find out more about the fantastic characters and will unlock digital rewards, activities and video content as rewards for their reading.