Those who are planning to improve town centres have admitted “more needs to be done” by the council to help businesses in the borough.

At the first meeting between Enfield Council and business owners since the council opted to terminate the funding of Enfield Business Retailers Association (EBRA), owners raised eyebrows at the authority’s latest plans.

The council-funded group had been running for 15 years but will be replaced by a team of five run by the council as well as town centre teams made up by business owners themselves.

Traders at the meeting in the Dugdale Centre, in London Road, raised concerns at the loss of EBRA and the lack of contact between businesses and the council.

Councillor Alan Sitkin, who chaired the meeting, said funding the group was neither financially “viable” nor “optimal” but said he wishes them “luck” in finding funding.

Council officer for business Neil Isaacs gave a presentation on a new “portal” which will give a clearer layout online to business owners than the current system.

Mr Isaacs said the process would be “a leap of faith” and would be bringing the council into the “21st Century”.

Douglas Lee, of DAL Media, condemned the current system and claimed the council has not done enough for businesses.

He said: “The system has been so poor up until now and we have to see a better communication between the council and businesses.

“The council seems to be deaf to what we are saying, whether it was EBRA or any other team you set up – our concerns such as parking have not been dealt with. You need to open your ears.”

Mr Isaacs admitted the council has “not been good enough” in working with businesses and added: “We have to do better, but there must be trust between businesses and the council for Enfield to be reinvigorated.”

Vic Smith, of Vic Smith Beds, called on the council to look at the EBRA’s car parking scheme, which sees shoppers claim a part or possible full refund on parking, depending on how much they spend at small businesses taking part.

Mr Isaacs said the authority would look at the scheme.

Many traders were left sceptical about the lack of face-to-face contact with someone to air their concerns to the council.

The council hopes to launch its new website for businesses and new team in the next five months and will have a second meeting with businesses on how to improve footfall and the makeup of town centre teams.