THE hush-hush approach to the planned 24-hour-a-day opening of Enfield's parks can only leave one suspicious of the council's motives.

The council wants to generate more income from its green spaces while at the same it has cut its leisure budget in recent years.

Council papers disclose the need to spend £100m to restore all buildings and facilities in its 123 green spaces, yet the authority has applied for good practice award.

It is nothing short of a scandal that the one huge asset owned by the people of Enfield the borough's green spaces could become a haven for all kinds of commercial goings on.

Criminal activity and anti-social behaviour are just two concerns of residents who oppose keeping the parks open all hours.

The Independent urges the council to conduct a proper and full scale public consultation to find out what the public really wants from its park land.