Big things can come from humble beginnings.

And a new era is dawning on East Finchley's horizon after the borough's fifth LA21 partnership came into being on Wednesday last week.

Around 25 people went to find out what Local Agenda 21 is all about and what it aims to give the community. The idea of LA21, first set out in Rio's 1991 Earth Summit, is to create sustainable development for the next century.

This basically means a higher quality of life for all, to be achieved by providing better employment opportunities, protecting the environment, tackling poor health and social isolation.

The start of achieving these goals happens at the grass roots. At the meeting, those who came along were split into three groups for brainstorming sessions on what issues should be tackled by East Finchley's LA21 group --soon be followed by the launch of two more in the borough.

The list was long. Newly elected councillors who attended will have plenty to consider as will Finchley and Golders Green MP Rudi Vis, who also lent an ear.

Issues mentioned included concern for protecting open spaces and parks, especially Cherry Tree Wood. Traffic reduction was a priority and anger over roads such as Long Lane and Church Lane being used as rat runs was evident.

There were requests for motorists to stop using bus lanes, improved cycle lanes and more bus routes to Hampstead and the West End.

"Can the council recycle pigeons?" one witty member of the audience asked. This may not be possible but plans to tackle problems at the notorious "pigeon corner" are being developed.

A steering group comprising ten individuals and ten organisations is to be set up and East Finchley's LA21 will be officially launched during the borough's Environment Week on July 15.

The main goals of LA21 are:

o Transport. This includes reducing pollution and road congestion while improving conditions for pedestrians and cyclists

o Reducing other types of pollution i.e. in the home and agriculturally

o Waste management. Recycling, increasing efficiency, conserving energy and decreasing global warming

o Nature. Improving accessibility to green spaces, making land owners responsible, and encouraging wildlife

o Quality of life. This covers everything from crime, health, access to leisure facilities, and housing quality

o Environmental awareness. Education and creation of links between different sectors of the community.

You can obtain Barnet's LA21 strategy by calling 0181 359 4664.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.