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The evaluation, which is being carried out by an independent organisation called Activist Group, is intended to assess a number of changes made to Barnet’s library service in 2016, and to recommend any further adaptions and improvements which will help enhance services in the future.

On Sunday 10 November, the Worshipful the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Caroline Stock, will attend a service of remembrance due to be held at the Hendon War Memorial.

This year sees the continuation of the new nationwide system for measuring students’ attainment (using a points scale of 9-1) as well as ‘Attainment 8’ and ‘Progress 8’, which measure the achievement of a pupil across eight qualifications including English and Mathematics. Results so far show the average Attainment 8 score in Barnet is 58.8 points compared to the national average in 2018 of 47.4 points. This is a three point increase on Barnet’s score in 2018.

The current library building in Brookhill Road, East Barnet, will close on 31 August ahead of the opening of the new library. The move will provide a brand new modern library equipped with improved public computer facilities, an on-site café and increased parking.

Police have received reports in the Golders Green and Finchley areas of suspects telling motorists their banks cards have been swallowed by pay and display machines. They have then employed distraction methods to steal cards and PIN numbers in order to withdraw money from cash machines. The council’s parking enforcement officers will never ask a motorist for a credit or debit card to pay for parking. If you are approached by someone, even if they are wearing a yellow high visibility jacket or displaying some form of ID, do not give them your bank card.

Residents who need to report any incidents of anti-social behaviour are asked to contact the police on the non-emergency number, 101. If emergency police attendance is required, please dial 999.

Councillor Thomas is taking over the leadership of the council from Councillor Richard Cornelius. Councillor Thomas has been Deputy Leader since 2011, as well as Chairman of the Assets, Regeneration and Growth Committee, and is a ward councillor for Finchley Church End. Councillor David Longstaff will serve as Deputy Leader to Councillor Thomas. Councillor Richard Cornelius will become Chair of the Assets, Regeneration and Growth Committee.

From sports in the four-court Sports Hall, Fitness Suite, Boxing room and on the rooftop 3G pitch to music, arts, employability and enterprise workshops, a giant climbing wall, a mentoring kitchen, hot meals for £1 and much more, young people will pay just £5 per year to be a member and 50p each time they visit. The Youth Zone has been developed by the national charity OnSide Youth Zones, which has worked with Barnet Council as strategic partners.

The new teams, working alongside established vital services like counselling (including Kooth online counselling), educational psychologists and school nurses will build on what is currently available and complete a ‘whole school/college’ approach. This will strengthen relationships between professionals, raise awareness of mental health concerns and improve referrals to specialist help when needed.

The service, which includes keeping all 14 libraries open, offers longer library opening hours, and a number of improvements to the range of digital services available such as e-books, audio books and use of the Pressreader app which gives library card holders free online access to thousands of newspapers and magazines. Construction of a third new library building is well underway and will open its doors, alongside the brand new leisure centre in New Barnet, later this year.