A free community beach has opened to the public in the historic market place of Enfield.

Located near marketplace’s food-court the beach will remain for 14 days between 10am and 4pm until August 9.

Shoppers are welcome to relax on deckchairs with family and friends, build sandcastles – buckets and spades provided - and enjoy ice-cream.

A children’s fun fair that features a helter skelter and rowing boats will also be on the historic market place on non-market days August 2 and from August 6 to August 9.

In addition, children’s rides will be on Fountain Island and in the Palace Gardens shopping centre.

Old Enfield Charitable Trust brought the beach again to Enfield with the full support of Enfield Market and businesses.

Enfield Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration and business, Cllr Alan Sitkin, who was at the opening of the beach on July 27, tested the deckchairs.

He said: “We are immensely grateful to the Old Enfield Charitable Trust and its partners for hosting this wonderful beach for the second year running, right in the centre of town.

“There is no better way to get local people together and create strong communities.

“This is also a fantastic opportunity to encourage some positive collaboration between local businesses, encouraging them to get involved and show off what they have to offer.

“Come down, enjoy the sand and support your local high street and market.”

Trustee and chairman of the market committee, Jim Eustance, added: “I’m very pleased to be able to open the beach for the second year running for Enfield Market.

“It will be really pleasing to see the beach again busy with mums, dads and grandparents with their children and grandchildren enjoying their time playing in the sand or building sandcastles.

“It will also be great to see visitors taking time our to see what’s on offer at our regular market which takes place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

“Everyone is welcome to enjoy our sandy beach, deck chairs and tiki bars.”

Old Enfield Charitable Trust helps people in financial need, awarding grants to individuals, families, education groups and community groups within the Ancient Parish.

Visit www.thetrustenfield.org.uk for further information, or follow @TheTrustEnfield.

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