Forum Topics

Monthly Garden Maintenance

I am looking for somebody to keep my garden in W13 tidy. Any recommendations?

Jean Rossin ● 18d1 Comments ● 16d

Passport photos

Can anyone recommend somewhere to go for passport photos. Thanks in advance.

Pat Kingham ● 33d9 Comments ● 18d

Discussions about cycling bring out the worst in certain people

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/apr/30/jeremy-vine-cyclists-bike-road-rage-abuse-drivers-politicians?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_OtherAnyone recognise themselves?

Ben Owen ● 18d4 Comments ● 18d

Confusion

Is it me or is there confusion in the vaults of the Council. The "20 Minute Neighbourhood Initiative" purports to support  local shops and services. A recent Traffic Management Order(TMO) could make such shops less viable by increasing parking charges for those who staff these businesses. The "Our Town" programme purports to put residents at the heart of decision making to improve and maitain the quality of where we live. The TMO author never consulted the "OurTown " team although it might result in considerable damage. You have to ask where does that leave us residents who we were told would be at the heart of decision making?

Arthur Breens ● 20d7 Comments ● 19d

More waffle and no action from tfl

If you use the Central line then you will be familiar with the seemingly out of control graffiti both inside and outside the carriages - https://www.mylondon.news/news/transport/tfl-tackles-increased-graffiti-london-31512704.Should we ever get the reconditioned new fleet that the little donut promised late in 2023, what's to stop them being defaced as well.

peter king ● 24d1 Comments ● 23d

White City Bus Station - closed from 28th April to 26th May

This arrived today from TfL:From 08:00 Monday 28 April until 18:00 Sunday 26 May, stops A, B, C and D at Shepherd’s Bush station/Ariel Way will be closed. Routes 31, 49, 95, 148, 207, 228, 237, 260, 316, C1 and SL8 will be diverted or stop short of their usual destinations. Routes 148, 207, 228, 260 and SL8 will also not serve White City bus station. This is because of redevelopment works on Ariel Way.During the closures, please use the following stops:For routes 31, 49, 316 and C1 towards White City:stop E at Shepherd's Bush station/Shepherd's Bush Green or buses will terminate at usual stops at White City bus stationFor routes 31, 49, 316 and C1 towards Camden Town, Clapham Junction, Brent Cross West and Victoria:buses will start from usual stops at White City bus station or stop Y at Shepherd's Bush Station/Uxbridge RoadFor route 228 towards Central Middlesex Hospital:stop F at Shepherd's Bush station/Shepherd's Bush Green or stop WE at White City station/Wood LaneFor route 228 towards Maida Hill:stop WE at White City station/Wood Lane or stop X at Shepherd's Bush station/Uxbridge RoadFor route 237 towards Hounslow Heath:stop WL at White City station or stop F at Shepherd's Bush station/Shepherd's Bush GreenFor route 237 towards White City:stop M at Goldhawk Road/Shepherd's Bush Road or stop WG at White City bus stationRoute 95 will not serve Shepherd’s Bush Green. Buses will start and finish from White City bus stationRoute 148 will not serve White City bus station. Buses will start and finish from stop X at Shepherds Bush station/Uxbridge RoadRoutes 207, 260 and SL8 will not serve White City bus station. Buses will terminate at stop V Uxbridge Road/Shepherd’s Bush Green, and start from stop F at Shepherd's Bush station/Shepherd's Bush GreenUse route 237 from stop WL at White City bus station to stop F at Shepherd's Bush station/Shepherd's Bush Green to pick up routes 207, 260 and SL8 towards Hayes, Golders Green and Uxbridge.

Ben Owen ● 25d3 Comments ● 25d

Box junction abuse

Yellow diagonal lines,so-called box junctions, have multiplied in Ealing roads recently. They are designed to ensure traffic flows and that stationary vehicles don't bock through traffic. Ask yourself why should one be positioned at the junction of the Uxbridge Road with Florence Road (that's near Ealing Common)? Florence Road is a tiny road with no status and little traffic. The yellow diagonal box at its junction with the Uxbridge Road serves no purpose but to slow down Uxbridge Road traffic. So why, spending our money, was it put in? Maybe the camera that comes with it might give us the answer.We know what Ealing Council are doing. We are not stupid. I am not only upset I also feel abused.

Arthur Breens ● 40d55 Comments ● 25d

Speed camera Uxbridge Rd jct. North Circular

I recently received a speeding offence notice from the Met Police for doing 35mph when this stretch of the north circ by Ealing Common goes down from 40 to 30 mph. The camera at the lights (northbound) has always been there but has hitherto only functioned (I think) as a camera when jumping the lights. Has anyone else been affected?

Jim Brown ● 34d24 Comments ● 26d

Town Hall - Victoria Hall

I've only just managed to find the September 2023 decision of the First-tier Tribunal re the appeal against the Charity Commission's ruling about the Victoria Hall etc:https://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKFTT/GRC/2023/805.htmlOne of the key rulings is "that a revised Scheme is drawn up between the two Respondents [i.e. The Charity Commission and LB Ealing] in consultation with the Appellants [Tony Miller & Will French], within 185 days of the date of this Decision".By my reckoning, this timescale was completed on 24th March 2024.Does anyone have any information on what is happening in this case now?I was pleasantly surprised to read that the Tribunal said "Should agreement between the parties on a new Scheme not be reached, the First Respondent [The Charity Commission] is directed to make a new Scheme that, in its view, takes account of the findings of the Tribunal, whereupon, a new right of appeal, this time against the terms of the new Scheme, will arise at the instance of any party with the necessary locus standi subject to the time limits for bringing an appeal set out in the Act."

Phil Kay ● 396d34 Comments ● 26d

What's your vision for Ealing?

Lot of complaining in this forum, not a lot of vision.What do you wish for Ealing in the decades to come?More of the same?Or something different?Do you want to be a consumer or a creator?

Charlotte Lester ● 32d42 Comments ● 28d

A safe haven for criminals -Action required in Ealing

We have a real issue with money laundering in Ealing with Vape shops, Barbers and fast food restaurants that are fronts for the laundering of money for drug gangs and for people trafficking.A quick walk along any shopping street in Ealing will show you many examples of shops and restaurants that are often refurbished regularly or continue to trade without customers.It's time for Ealing Council (Trading standards) and the police to investigate these shops and take action like other countries. This article from the BBC shows how different places in the UK deal with this issue.Link:https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3677xzk56noEaling streets must be safe. I feel that in many cases, a blind eye is turned to these shops and restaurants to try and show that our high street is vibrant rather than with closed shops. Which would residents prefer?

Oliver Davies ● 39d10 Comments ● 30d

Plant seller Perivale Lane near Argyle Rd/A40 junction

In past years there was a plant seller in Perivale Lane who sold excellent plants from his own greenhouse.  I have been hoping he will return this spring, but it looks like his normal selling patch has been fenced off. Does anyone know if he has relocated or if it is just too early in the year and he will return there?  He used to be located on the beginning of Perivale Lane next to the traffic lights on the Argyle Road just before its junction with the A40.

Barbara Dore ● 48d4 Comments ● 31d

Ecological damage to Lammas increases

A walk around Lammas park with a couple of old friends was a shocker yesterday.  Firstly the smell. Whole place smells toxic but differs in smell and intensity as one walks around.The amount of midges and flies and it's only April and still rather cold at night.Another hole dug and operatives struggling to find connections.Little wonder as the Metropolitan Water Board had issues with incorrect mapping and connections all the way across Northfields and South Ealing and Brentford. Much to do with the closure of The Pumping Station and water facilities at Kew and the Industrial decline of Brentford.It seems none of the experts and consultants have any idea of this.Nor it seems has any attempt been made to fully research this and find facts.Funny that it's not that difficult but it's not all online and there's the rub. If it's not online t'therefore does not exist.And that why this is now a monumental cock up that has already damaged the wildlife and birdlife that was one of the secrets of this park unless you know it really well.Quite how local Councillors and officials have managed to dick and dive, manipulate and deceive continuously for almost a full year is absolutely disgusting. This weekend a fatality occurred in another London Borough with a drowning of a child in a pond.Yesterday the Police warned about swimming in even shallow water .And in Ealing Councillors and their minions go on the attack about Nimbyism but are blind to the risks they are promoting.Principally  deep water and mud right next to children's playgrounds and a Toddler centre.In a park used by generations of Kids to play safely in.Something that was not possible in Walpole Park or Gunnersbury Park where 3 local children perished playing on ice in a Pond that was fully fenced off. The justifications for the works are far from correct. no facts are verifiable and the paper trail is one of confusion and collusion.It is there to see. Just walk around the place ands see what it is like now and compare to how it was just 11 months ago.Bereft of all its wildlife.  Many of the rarer birds have been replaced by scavengers,There are Rats, rather large ones quite visible in the small hours in the peripheral streets, and Foxes everywhere.How are the animal  faeces going to be controlled in water, the insect larvae / The risk ( increasing ) of malarial and infectious waterborne transmitting insects? Already there's a problem with Horse flies in the park and that was caused by interfering with the local nature balance.Its is an urban environment with urban living, with more and more intensification with people having no private open space. This park has never been need more than now. For people to use safely . of any age and predicament. In safety. In health.  And why it existed for over 100 years, for that very purpose.It is not a cover for additional intense developments - which is the almost certainly the real reason.The transmission of disease from the great many domestic animals walked in the park?And what if some soul drowns?I wonder if the same councillors will accept their responsibility in advance or simple pass the buck and roll out the  "We will consider the lessons learned for the future"Maybe they and their advisors should look to the not too distant past and this past weekend and learn those lessons fast?

Raymond Havelock ● 42d73 Comments ● 32d

Lanmmas Park again and again

Elers Road and Waldemar Ave closed Friday and today Sat 8th for extensive search for E.Coli.Many Thames Water vehicles and personnel on the case. Local Ward Councillors remain silent. Is that a gastric upset or were they not told nuffing either?

Arthur Breens ● 73d25 Comments ● 32d

WEN meeting

Interesting meeting tonight - thoughts?

Charlotte Lester ● 54d12 Comments ● 33d

Who is Lewis Hammond?

I've seen his/her/their name mentioned a lot here, even though he/she/they aren't posting. Is this a generic name, like "John Thomas" or an actual person? And if he/she/they are a person, do they have a legal case for defamation against Sharon Bewley?

Charlotte Lester ● 51d6 Comments ● 33d

Just Stop Oil Have Won

What a fantastic campaign from JSO, huge congratulations to all local members. I remember the early campaigns and meetings in the Forrester. I hope this gives local campaigners the love and energy they deserve to fight for clean air, safe streets, carbon responsibility and biodiversity.  I hope the Nigels and the Simons have the guts to allow me to stay on the forum and debate these issues.

Charlotte Lester ● 54d21 Comments ● 33d

Parking in The Avenue

The ticket machines in The Avenue have been sealed up. This means that the free half hour parking has now just dissapeared. The signage on the street still says to put your ticket from the machine in your car. Is this legal, can I still park for the half hour by putting a home made note on my dash saying the time when I arrived.

Alex Gowans ● 36d3 Comments ● 34d

Huge Price rise in Residential Parking Permits

I have recently had my renewal email for my car (154gm/km pollution) which I park outside my W5 4BL Carlyle Road home.Shocked to see it has risen by approximately 26%, from last years (2024/5) £110 to the required £139 for 2025/6.In the couple of years before that it was £97 from 2023/4, and £90 from 2022/3, so increases have been (approximately) 8%, 13% and now 26% - that's 47% rise in three years, an average of approximately 16% per annum.I don't think that's at all fairI also don't see any way to question this. Residents Parking was introduced some years ago and we now appear to have no influence whatsoever over what we are charged.Is there any way to oppose these huge cost increases?

Michael Southworth ● 107d109 Comments ● 35d

Unfinished Apartment - Henry Construction- West Ealing

Ever since this company went bankrupt, I’ve seen no progress on the construction. It is a very clear blight and eyesore to the surrounding community. Does anyone if anything is being done about this ? I would expect it starts becoming a health hazard in short order if there is no maintenance etc that is being done to keep the building standing.

Nick Roll ● 82d17 Comments ● 36d

Beware - TV Licensing scam!

Today I received an email saying my TV License is due for renewal on 12 April and advising me to renew right away.Fortunately I decided to check my renewal date which still has months to run so I knew this was a scam.I have reported it and advise others to do likewise if you get such an email.

Jean F Fernandez ● 41d2 Comments ● 40d

Traffic wardens

Interesting story on the front page, which illustrates how a supposedly socialist council is a) refusing to recognise a perfectly legitimate union and b) is fleecing its residents for huge sums of money.The PCN target is clearly more than just a rumour, especially since parking violations ont have increased anywhere near the figure quoted in the story. Revenue raising pure and simple.And for those Homer Simpsons out there, don’t forget that this is a council which still encourages non residents into the borough with cheap parking in CPZ shared use bays, including some located outside schools.You can clutch your pearls now Paul.

Simon Hayes ● 81d40 Comments ● 44d

Daniels store sad news

Very sad to read on that Daniels is about to close its doors after 120 years. Its the last of the proper stores we used to have in Ealing. I hope the lady that owns the wool shop will find somewhere else to trade. There's nowhere else those of us who knit can get our supplies apart from making a trip to John Lewis. Unless anyone knows of another local haperdashers.

Pat Kingham ● 54d7 Comments ● 47d

Student Loan Fraud

I hope that all 543 fraudulent loan applicants will be pursued and prosecuted, in addition to recovery of the money.But I'm not holding my breath!

Robert Shaw ● 47d1 Comments ● 47d

Trevor Lock

Forty-five years ago this month terrorists stormed the Iranian embassy.It was almost 24/7 coverage until the SAS stormed the building freeing 25 hostages including PC Trevor Lock who, it transpired saved the life of an SAS soldier bytackling one of the terrorist gunmen.Trevor Lock was awarded the George Medal which recognises outstanding bravery, for his actions.He passed away this morning at the age of 85.Ealing connection? Yes, Ealing police station was one of the operational bases for the Diplomatic Protection Squad who guarded London's embassies.Condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.

N V Brooks ● 49d0 Comments ● 49d

Up on Warren Farm

Paul James ● 53d6 Comments ● 51d

Ealing Hospital grass bank

Any one know why holes have been dug in the grass bank outside Ealing Hospital alongside the Uxbridge Road? Is this for plant/flower planting? If that is the case I would put money on them soon becoming an overgrown and messy looking eyesore. In these difficult times who is paying for this unnecessary work - West London NHS Trust? Ealing Council? They have had enough difficulty keeping the grass bank mown, let alone tending and weeding borders!

Steve Chilcott ● 55d3 Comments ● 54d

Please come and visit us at our stall on Saturday 29 March

Please come and join us at our stall on Saturday 29 March from 10.30am to 2.30pm, opposite the Turnham Green Tube Station.We have an EUrometer straw poll board with questions about the effects of Trump and the effect he has had on our relationship with the EU.We also have a fun quiz sheet of questions about the EU.We would like to hear how Brexit has affected you or your business.Only 13% still think that Brexit has been a success, but now we need to raise the pressure further for urgent action to align closer with the EU. The UK has lost 5% of GDP from leaving the EU and we need those funds for our public services. We also need to hug the EU closer for our security in a dangerous world and in our support for the Ukraine.

Bruce Dickson ● 54d3 Comments ● 54d

Good to see the council working so hard on our behalf.......

............... or maybe not - https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/26/cannes-english-councils-property-developers-housingAt least if the clowns are out of the country we are safe for the moment

peter king ● 55d1 Comments ● 55d

Vital safety upgrade at busy Elizabeth line station won't start for at least four years

Good to see that tfl are on the ball. Only problem is that, despite Khan not having to worry the Tories for funds, Labour aren't any more help to the little twerp either. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/transport/elizabeth-line-ealing-broadway-gap-train-platform-safety-network-rail-b1218538.html

peter king ● 57d27 Comments ● 55d

Will Ealing Labour ever be forgiven?

Will the continued appalling performance of our local Labour controlled council, in addition of course to the utterly dire performance of their colleagues in the #Starmergeddon national government, ever be forgiven? As they continue to ignore public consultations and role out even more anti-car, regressive taxations to help line their own pockets with their over inflated salaries and pensions. The so-called austerity savings never had to touch any front line services, but could have simply been taken from the gross inefficiencies of the organisation. Their ideologically driven nonsense is simply not wanted. Their carbon-zero obsessions simply cannot be afforded by most of the people across the borough. I would have a guess that most of the Labour lovies who are still part of this Labour love-in haven't even ever visited the back streets of Northolt, Greenford or Southall.

Steve Chilcott ● 113d7 Comments ● 55d

Lammas Park (Again) - URGENT HEALTH WARNING

A concerned local noticed the water coming into these ponds wasn’t right and has carried out a lab analysis test on the tennis courts endI’ve seen the report and it looks legitimate Can’t include picture but the text states:-Water quality DANGERKeep children and dogs away from this water.22 February 2025Test for E.coli levelsResult 3603 E.Coli/100mlColony Forming UnitsMore than 3x above maximum limit for river waterIf you come into contact with this water wash your hands thoroughly with soap in running water and dry them completely - use liquid soap and warm water if you can.Source NHS InformE.Coli/100mL:Test site location: What3Words tricks.influencing.brandedSource of pollution:Ealing Council Sustainable urbanDrainage System (SuDS) scheme has connected surface water drains to the ponds in the north of Lammas park which flow into the large excavated basins in the south of the park.The surface water drains shows a very high level of sewage contamination. The grey water and brown sludge is clearly visible. The water in the discharge pipe also smells of sewage.Test equipment: Fluidion Alert One AnalyserSymptoms of E. coli infectionSymptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramps and occasionally fever.About half of people with the infection will have bloody diarrhoea.People usually notice symptoms 3 to 4 days after they have been infected. But symptoms can start any time between 1 and 14 days afterwards.These symptoms can last up to 2 weeks.Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)A small number of people with E. coli 0157 infection go on to develop a serious condition called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include:•peeing less•tiredness•swelling•bruisingThis can sometimes lead to kidney failure and death, although this is rare.The risk of HUS is highest in children aged under 5 years.Source: NHS Inform websiteEaling Council and Thames Water — a circus and its clowns (allegedly)

Colin Goodman ● 85d102 Comments ● 64d

New Sir John Soane Exhibition

There is a new exhibition at the Sir John Soane’s Museum highlighting his vision as the ‘first modernist architect’. His designs and drawings for Pitzhanger Manor feature as one example.A lot has also been written about his influence on architects centuries later. His design for his wife’s mausoleum is said to have inspired the iconic red telephone box.The exhibition is on until 18th May. Details here:https://www.soane.org/exhibitions/soane-and-modernism-make-it-new

Dominik Klimowski ● 68d8 Comments ● 66d

Good old days

That's when we had Area Committees with published agendas and where the public could speak. If you missed your chance or thought of other things to add you could turn up at a Councillor Surgery in a hall near you..maybe once a fortnight. Your Councillors were elected on manifesto promises. Hey you knew where you were. If that was a bit formal you could read the excellent and widely distributed Ealing Gazette. This had news items about how good or bad the Council was behaving but it also contained informative statutory notices licencing, traffic schemes etc. All gone.Imagine my surprise when recently I picked up a Hounslow free newspaper with 16 Ealing Public Notices at Asda between Islworth and Twickenham. Ealing might as well have published these in the Stornaway Echo. What did those notices cost us? £500 a go?Please tell me I am an old duffer and that social media and smart phones give us all we need to know or has democracy has been replaced by secrecy?

Arthur Breens ● 83d4 Comments ● 69d

consultation on pedicabs

TfL must know that people get fed up with pedicabs, as they have now reached a stage where they are seeking views on their proposals that there should be regulations similar to those that apply to taxis. About time too! The consultation closes this FRIDAY (7th March). If you have not filled it in and want to here is the link: https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/pedicab-regulations?utm_source=ehq_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ehq-Have-Your-Say-newsletter--Oxford-Street-Bakerloop-pedicabs-and-other-proposals&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ehqThe purpose of the thread is not to stimulate discussion on TfL, but is designed to only help those people who want to feedback their thoughts through the consultation.

Ben Owen ● 76d1 Comments ● 76d

Alison Watt exhibition at Pitzhanger Manor Gallery - starts today. Review it here...

A new exhibition of paintings by Alison Watt, starts today at Pitzhanger Manor Gallery.Alison's work has what I would describe as a realist style, and the work here is inspired specifically by the light, spaces, and objects in Pitzhanger Manor. I haven't seen this new work yet, but look forward to popping in.Remember, local residents have a 'pay what you can' entry on Sunday mornings and the first Thursday of the month (ie. tomorrow)More details here...https://www.pitzhanger.org.uk/whatson/alison-watt/Maybe we can share our thoughts on the exhibition below?

Dominik Klimowski ● 76d0 Comments ● 76d

Ealing's '20-minute neighbourhood' - the truth

For those of you wishing to know more about what a '20-minute neighbourhood' is, and how it will be developed in Ealing, please read the news story below:https://ealing.news/news/ealing-council-sets-out-20-minute-neighbourhoods-guidance/And further detailed information (with diagrams) here:https://www.ealing.gov.uk/downloads/download/8160/our_seven_towns_guidance_on_20-minute_neighbourhoods_in_ealingThere are a few conspiracy theorists on local social media groups who claim these plans will force us to remain in our boroughs, unable to leave. Please don't take any notice of misinformation, and read the literature provided.Of course there are many such neighbourhoods in existence (arguably, Ealing was, and to some extent is, full of '20 minute neighbourhoods' already). We are all keen on easy access to amenities, and supporting local businesses, (while also visiting other places).For examples of what these neighbourhoods are like elsewhere, the internet is at your fingertips...Enjoy the weather, and have a great weekend, whether in Ealing or beyond..Happy reading!

Dominik Klimowski ● 80d40 Comments ● 77d

Application for 6-story blocks of flats in Lamas Park

https://pam.ealing.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=SQRK2RJMH5N00I thought I'd seen everything...

Anna Henderson ● 101d76 Comments ● 78d

Ithaki Restaurant, Hanger Green

Noticed today that it appears to have closed. Anyone got any info as to whether it may return?

peter king ● 84d27 Comments ● 81d