Forum Topic

Cynical Move by Gunnersbury Park Management

I know times are hard and funds need to be raised but if the details of the arrangements for parking reported on this site are correct Gunnersbury Park are treating their visitors with contempt. That a private company feels they can make enough from fines to justify installing cameras and machines can only mean they will use every trick in the book to catch people out, misleading and small signs, complicated payment procedures and fining people for very minor infringements.

Christine Mulligan ● 1756d10 Comments

You're a very bright girl Ms Mulligan.  👌

Rosco White ● 1733d

It is hard to shake the suspicion that if the planned drive in event goes ahead the principle will be established that the playing fields can be used for overflow parking for other events.

Christine Mulligan ● 1733d

i know someone who was involved in one and their team came from the various local interests. however a councillor wanted the renewal to be competitively tendered and they got shut out as they didn't have the muscle of the big companies. obviously some see CIC's as a back door for other suppliers. this has happened where i live now and the supplier has gone bust during the virus. A true CIC needs to reflect the community and not the great and not so good

Peter Chadburn ● 1753d

Problem is how CICs get hijacked by the career clique of funded employees/executives who seem to =frequent jobs inLocal Authorities and associated organisations.Volunteers and Friends organisations  with a good solid foundation and constitution and not for profit  set ups could be so much more effective if given some teeth and made easier for them to operate. I think that was the thinking about CICs but they have been hijacked by the same ilk who who fleeced Public Private Partnerships..None of these people are truly committed to these places, its a career move, a stepping stone but not a labour of love or career long commitment. And they fall prey to all the spiv contractors looking for a deal.

Raymond Havelock ● 1754d

I am more concerned that the Community Interest Company (CIC) which runs Gunnersbury Park have decided that “Bowls in Gunnersbury Park Deemed too Dangerous” – Estate management refuse permission for club members to use green.  Earlier in the year they wanted to get rid of the Bowling Greens because of lack of diversity among the membership.  So wait for them to try again to get rid of the Greens because no one is using them?  This is a lesson to all of us, so beware of CICs they are answerable to no one.  Should Ealing suggest your Park or whatever becomes a CIC  read this first: http://preorg.org/why-you-probably-shouldnt-become-a-community-interest-company/

Ella Mai Rhead ● 1754d

I haven’t been to Gunnersbury for years as it always seems to be a building site with vast swathes fenced off.I wonder what the charges for pitch hire will be when they eventually reopen them.

Simon Hayes ● 1755d

"Boycott the parks facilities". Not exactly onerous given the overpriced snacks and the attitude towards senior citizens over the bowls green.
Plenty of other parks with more enlightened attitudes.

N V Brooks ● 1755d

Well it's a no brainer, but Oh these people have no brains, Silly me!With all the road closures and blockages Gunnersbury Park will be even more isolated. Those who support it will barely be able to get to it as they are not the demographic who are most able to Cycle and walk miles.I note that even Blue Badge holders will be required to use the facilities to park for free so even a visit for a bit of fresh air is now subject to blackmail.I do recall that another establishment was bought to book for this as it is against trading standards for what is a free and taxpayer funded, public park.The rest is extravagances and indulgences that are supported by such charges and not really vital.The Car Park should be free to all users and the commuter thing is very dubious and can be dealt with with a time limit of 5 hours over any 9. Easy enough for some CPZs Otherwise it's simple Boycott the parks facilities

Raymond Havelock ● 1755d

They operate quite a lot of hospital car parks and are ruthless in dishing out tickets. Plenty of our NHS heroes have been fined in recent months.

Simon Hayes ● 1756d

Yep, absolutely 100% spot on.

Rosco White ● 1756d