Forum Topic

Is “Better Ealing Streets” a fake organisation?

Just had a glossy flyer stuck through the door purporting to be from “Better Ealing Streets”. Yards of breathless guff about LTNs being the best thing since sliced bread. The organisation claims to be “…a group of local residents who support the Low Traffic Neighbourhood trials…”Really?The leaflet looks like it was written by Ealing Council.

David Marshall ● 1593d19 Comments

There is a bigger picture. It isn't just Ealing who are trying to calm streets. These are changes originating from  and instigated by central Govt. You must have realised that central Govt calls the shots nowadays.  They appear to have now found the magic money forest that Mrs May denied existed when she was explaining to a nurse why she should wait years for any pay increase.    It is true that there are drivers making use of computer algorhythms which are causing problems by sending masses of traffic off the main roads and introducing them to smaller residential roads causing rat runs.  This is exacerbated by the amount of online shopping/supermarket deliveries and the poor working practices of some of these courier companies.  We need to wake up and appreciate the cause and effect of being so self-obsessed and impatient and wanting everything immediately.  We already have residential roads narrowed by parking, looking like car parks and causing a difficult passage for cars and vans - let alone the more vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists.  A generation or two ago children could safely and easily walk and cycle to school. If car clubs were even easier to use and we could be confident of their availability perhaps we would use them more.Julian Bell is not an acquaintance of mine.  I suspect he used to cycle more.  I expect that he spends too much time sitting down working like a lot of us.  It would be better to spend more time standing to work at a computer.  Maybe he will get time this Christmas to do some more cycling.  There are some more new cycle lanes for him to try out. Then maybe the buttons on his shirt will close more easily.  If he hasn't given in to buying a new shirt he must be optimistic that he will be able to achieve this! Raymond  Have you tried out the electric bikes yet?  Aren't there some Lime ones that you can hire?  We all get old - it seems to be a lifetime hazard.  It must be a PINTA if you were once so fit cycling but there are alternative cycles.  You don't even have to stick with just two wheels and there are the e-scooter trials coming up.  I've spent the last four years recovering from a fall on a rocking paving stone in Oxford due to the poor reinstatement of the pavement after works by a services company/builders.  Several pedestrians fell at the very same spot that day according to the pancake man in his van.  I chose not to go to hospital as there was no blood and no bones were sticking out which was a great relief as I was on my way to meet my first grandchild - a meeting I did not want to miss.  That is how I can be so precise about the timing.  In retrospect it probably would have been better to have gone to hospital. The damage done meant that I could not put weight on one leg so stairs were impossible.  Supporting the family by helping to look after that newborn was suddenly ruled out - a very great regret and something that can't be caught up on. Previously I had spent years caring for elderly parents which included far too much time sitting down and I'd lost a lot of stamina and was suffering from Vit D deficiency. I can still only spend so much time standing and walking before I need to sit down!  So here I am.I'd love slower traffic and safer cycle routes so I could have a go at cycling in London again.  That means everybody going back to being more considerate on the roads and pavements.  Instead of employing people as in the past I suppose that will mean that we'll need even more traffic cameras.

Philippa Bond ● 1587d

Julian Bell is a Cyclist albeit he uses couriers to ferry his stuff about as it would negate his ability to cycle.  Ken Livingstone did the same, using the tube while addison lee were driving his papers and briefcase to County Hall.Sooner or later he will discover that hearing, ( which is already in his case selectively impaired) or more likely joints and flexibility start to erode and that impacts very much on the ability to ride a bike in all seasons safely.I wonder what he will be saying if he finds himself unable to cycle or walk any sort of distance?  That does not make him disabled, bit not doubt he will pull some sort of stunt to receive benefits or assistance that others are denied.I'm a lifelong cyclist and despite being very fit and involved in sports, by my own admission was never ( and still) particularly good at riding long distances or up hills.  Now, whilst still fit and not obese, have become conscious that my joints and back are not enjoying cycling or running anymore. No pain No gain is becoming Pain with no Gain every few days.  Now medical advice is to ease off on cycling and running and look at low impact exercise. Not happy about that. I may have overused my body by cycling and doing sport for too long.  So Cycling for me I think is going to gradually become a limited thing. Given 1 in 3 get arthritis by 60, this needs to be understood by those who are dictating edicts without consideration of a significant section of society. One day it will be them.I would not wish this on anyone but sometimes I wonder if Mr Bell and some of these scheming fanatics could be inflicted with physical limitations /ailments for a few weeks and then see what reduced mobility really means for such a large proportion of slightly older people who in all other aspects are fit and healthy and not a burden on anyone.

Raymond Havelock ● 1589d

You may not be making things up but you are making a number of claims that are unsubstantiated including the latest one that 'the whole LTN idea comes from the LCC'. This is unlikely to be the case as the origin of the concept is from academic transport experts who point out technology has rendered residential streets vulnerable to increased traffic. Although the LCC are in favour, LTNs don't really provide much extra benefit to the more experienced cyclists who make up their membership. The chief advocate in this country is Andrew Gilligan who, although lauded by the LCC, is not actually a member as far as I am aware. I would love to examine the claims made by this leaflet but I have never received it. From what you have posted so far, you have given the impression that the big problem with it is, not what it says, but the way it has been published.

Gordon Southwell ● 1589d

Philippa, have you been in touch with Ealing Council Leader Julian Bell about tackling peoples' levels of obesity. I say obesity, because on 12th November 2020, on ITV after the ITV News, at 10.15pm, The Late Debate at 11.00pm, there was a report about LTNs, highlighting L.B.Ealing, in which an obese looking Julian Bell seemed to state and justify the introduction of LTNs in order to tackle obesity. How can an obese looking wobble bottom like the present leader of Ealing Council, it seems, tell/compel and own people in how to lead their lives with the introduction of LTNs. The present leader looks a lot fatter than he was in 2010 when he first became Leader of Ealing Council, and he is, reportedly, meant to promote cycling.Philippa, you always seem to go off the subject of the initial topic. But are you be able to use your social skills, influence the present Ealing Council Leader, Julian Bell, to reduce his obesity,in order to protect social care and tackle climate change, whilst protecting peoples' environment and livelihood inorder to their protect public services.

Anthony Hawran ● 1590d

Well let's argue ourselves into a standstill.We have 20mph roads but we still have some people who think that they should speed along them.  Interestingly the majority don't but there is a minority who do and who seem to think they can do just what they want.  All rights and no responsibilities.Govts have been failing us for years.  It is 30+ years since the scientists warned us that we needed to do something about reducing CO2.  The Govt has been taken to court several times and LOST over the illegal pollution in this country.  The pursuit of and desire to retain power in our failed electoral system seems to have allowed a part of the electorate to carry on recklessly and fecklessly consuming and polluting regardless with no conscience or foresight whatsoever. Remember David Cameron's Greenest Govt Ever?  And then Cut the Green Cr@p?https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/david-cameron-theresa-may-climate-change-greenest-government-ever-failed-a7137391.htmlSo the buck gets passed for someone else to do the dirty work for Britain - "the dirty man of Europe".Govt even lobbied the European Parliament for the figures considered illegal to be lowered so that the dire pollution figures found here did not look so bad.All those jobs in the clean and green industries lost because of a split Conservative party.  The engineering companies installing wind turbines being built in the Channel who employed people on the coast and gave work to hotels where the workers lodged who then lost custom.There is a bigger picture to your own personal discomfort.We should be working out the bits that cause us the most problems and solutions to them.  Not just whingeing because we can't go about life as normal.There are also other changes that have been promised us - like dealing with social care.  Now if that had been sorted out then we would not be in such a bad state now.  We clapped for the key workers - those include the care workers some of whom earn less than £5 an hour, are denied travelling costs between clients by their agencies although they should be paid for this, and can't afford to run cars even if they have licences. We need to slow down some of these roads that are raced down so when you contact the Council tell them where we need better crossings and traffic calming.

Philippa Bond ● 1590d

I’m not making things up. The whole LTN idea comes from the LCC. They are the Freemasons of the campaign world, with influence way beyond their remit.To be honest, I don’t care who finds their leaflet but if you want to talk about things that are ‘baseless’ try examining some of the ‘facts’ presented in it.

Simon Hayes ● 1590d

It is not their ideas that would be the issue. You are suggesting they used funds raised as a charity to run a campaign that was misleading and had a political intent. The Charity Commission take that sort of thing seriously. For that reason I think your allegation is baseless. There are people in the Ealing area who are passionately in favour of the LTNs. They may be members of the LCC but they would be perfectly entitled to commission a web site and print and distribute some leaflets. The evidence that LTNs don't work as advertised is becoming increasingly strong. There is simply no need to make things up to discredit the dwindling number of people who still support them.

Gordon Southwell ● 1591d

Most Ealing streets are a mess, with residents taking it on themselves to tidy them up..And as for London Cycling Campaign being in breach of its charitable status, I’m sure they would argue their crackpot ideas are beneficial to the public. Besides, like the Freemasons, they have friends in high places.

Simon Hayes ● 1591d

'Better Ealing Streets'?  Is someone having a laugh?  My road hasn't been swept for months, piles of rotting leaves everywhere. Curious how the s-bags are so quick (and officious) to take the monthly council tax, butneglect to provide the basic services.

Tony Heath ● 1591d

So is the suggestion now that rather than being the Council this is a ploy by the London Cycling Campaign to create the impression there is grassroots support in Ealing for LTNs? They are clearly in a small minority but there are people within these LTNs who are very much in favour of them.  Do you have any proper evidence that the LCC are behind these leaflets and not declaring their involvement? If you do you might wish to pass this on to the Charity Commission as I would be reasonably confident they would be in breach of their charter. 

Gordon Southwell ● 1592d

  😨    👍

Rosco White ● 1592d

It’s not come from a group of ‘local residents’. It’s from the London Cycling Campaign.

Simon Hayes ● 1592d

I'm not clear what point you are trying to make. If this leaflet is paid for by a group  of local residents who support LTNs, is it not their democratic right to campaign for something they believe in? Although I would query their reasoning, I don't see any reason to question their honesty, transparency and integrity.

Gordon Southwell ● 1592d

The people behind this leaflet actually pay others to deliver it on their behalf. Funding is not an issue. Honesty, transparency and integrity are.

Simon Hayes ● 1593d

I learn a LOT when reading the postings on this site, Thank You all.

Rosco White ● 1593d

Our beloved leader of the council on the board at tfl? Surely not, is there nothing that will stop this pompous little man from inflicting his narrow views on us all?

peter king ● 1593d

There are several organisations receiving funding and sponsorship from Authorities and TfL . Several companies that are contracted by TfL and Authorities.A look an their directors and their connections and they are all from the same collective.Many are thus exempt from FOI requests. This makes it very difficult to see where their funding actually comes from.Commonplace is one of several, another is the company that several Labour Councillors  are involved with and carried out the ~December 2019 West Ealing LTN survey. I have not got their name to hand. But again a list of directors and executives who are all part of the public money bandwagon.The usual Cronyism now under the Environmental banner.I went to several LCC meetings a few years back as I've always been a Cyclist, not a racing one but as a local means.  Was shocked at the amount of almost fanatical activists who are involved and seemed like sitcom stereotypes. But in hindsight, more Dominic Cummings types, agenda driven and dominant.  Anyone not sharing their views were clearly not really welcome. Not in a hostile way, just frozen out. A bit like a QPR supporter at a Brentford bus stop! Most were far more political than just Cycling enthusiasts and far more about scoring points than making local cycling better. Clearly though, being mobilised and assisted through TfL or GLA connections and others to lobby and be active on a list of consultations and petitions etc all over London. Very similar to what my Union meetings were like years ago in the local branch involving itself in disputes far removed from us, which annoyingly, had the branch executive avoiding the issues affecting our own branch.This did get rumbled a bit with the Chiswick CS 9 consultation with a substantial amount of input from people from far away locations. TfL got rapped on the knuckles about that, so now it is far more secretive but clearly manipulation is still going on and these leaflets are not cheap . Someone is funding them.Such a shame that we are now so manipulated.Very little comment on the fact that Julian Bell, a politician with a disgraceful record has weaselled his way onto the TfL board. Just illustrates how Cronyism is alive and well.  When it comes to this it's funny how political allegiances dissolve when ££££ or Power are involved.

Raymond Havelock ● 1593d

Why do you say that it looks like it was written by Ealing Council? They clearly shouldn't be funding this sort of stuff. I doubt it is but you should make a Freedom of Information request if you have any sound reason to believe it is council funded. Pro-cycling groups tend to be relatively small in number but make up for that with commitment and good organisation. They are mainly middle class professionals and know how the system works and I don't think it would be beyond them to put out a professional looking leaflet. They have their own private discussion groups and coordinate action very effectively. A few weeks ago the word clearly went out for members to take their kids out cycling in LTNs and post pictures on social media. If you look on Commonplace the comments from pro-cycling people, although a small proportion of the total tend to be specific and to the point. There is nobody abusing the council or councillors from their side. The cycling lobby understands that these consultations are non mini-referendum and any feedback that is just a rant will be discounted. Clear the majority are against most of these schemes but the minority is better at articulating its position.

Gordon Southwell ● 1593d

No-one would be surprised, these weary days such tactics are not only suspected from LBE, but expected.To be polite, we have a very rum lot running LBE.Notice my unusual restraint?!!  😂

Rosco White ● 1593d