In the light of retail expert Mary Portas’ report we see how Enfield is shaping up in the battle against rising costs and online shopping.

The chairman of Green Lanes Business Association Costas Georgiou said Sunday parking would mean shoppers would stay away. “How do they expect us to survive?” he said. “I am completely against pay-and-display parking on Sundays. What they should do is make the first half-hour free for all shoppers instead.”

With droves of shoppers deserting the high streets, in favour of online shopping and large out-of-town malls, where parking is often free, retail expert Mary Portas was commissioned by the government to examine the problem.

Earlier this month she produced a report outlining how to halt the decline. Among her recommendations were affordable town centre parking, disincentives for landlords who leave shops empty and the establishment of town centre teams that would ensure areas are managed properly.