Forum Topics

Dentist recommendation

Hello allI'm looking for a dentist in West Ealing / Ealing / Northfields / Hanwell.It can be NHs or private.  Does anybody know a good one? ThanksAndy

Andy Brown ● 1059d3 Comments ● 1056d

Brentford boxing day

Does anyone have a Brentford Football ticket or a season ticket that they are not using on Boxing Day that we could buy/loan for one match?  My elderly father is visiting us over Christmas and he would love to go to the  match.  My Husband and son are season ticket holders and love it.  We will obviously pay (above the price - £60) for the loan of the season ticket/a ticket. Or if you are a member and have enough points to buy one we will buy it off you for £60.  Thank you

Gaby Crome ● 1058d3 Comments ● 1056d

Lost dog “hour ago “

There’s a post on Cleveland Park neighbours regarding a lost dog.But it’s can’t/won’t/not allowed to view in normal form, except by some means or other.Hope it’s found, but please, allow us choice to view

Peter Yale ● 1061d2 Comments ● 1057d

Carol Concert in aid of the Food Bank

This year's Carol Concert at St Barnabas's in Pitshanger will be in aid of the Trussell Trust, which runs food banks all over L B Ealing.It's on December 10th at 7pm. I shall be helping with refreshments.Do come and tell all your friends.https://www.wegottickets.com/event/549585

Susan Kelly ● 1084d8 Comments ● 1057d

Xmas Art and Craft Fair at The Brook In Brentford

Just been helping a neighbour load her car in the cold. She's doing a Vintage craft show at the Brook Pub this morning from 10 am.Promised I would give it a mention as this is a genuine local thing with local people and worth a look. Starts 10 till about 2pm at the Brook Pub in Brook road south. Brentford ( By the old football ground)Excellent cosy Pub so a nice place to peruse. Should be stuff that you won't find in the High Street.

Raymond Havelock ● 1062d0 Comments ● 1062d

Council Pensioners supermarket voucher, is it genuine or fake?

Mum received a letter seemingly from Ealing Council offering £170 vouchers for use in supermarkets.Why I don't trust it, is the letter says she received it because she is on Housing benefits (She is not, she does not qualify), and/or Council Tax reduction (again she does not as not qualifying).The website she has to log into is not Ealing.gov.uk.... but www.ealingcouncil.select-your-reward.co.uk no gov.ukAnyone else had the letter.

Leslie Bailey ● 1064d11 Comments ● 1063d

New Local Plan: Peter Mason "The future of our Borough is in your hands."

Will LBE take a blind bit of notice what Residents want?If, say, 75% of respondents said "NO more Towers!" would LBE adhere to that?

Rosco White ● 1066d4 Comments ● 1063d

They really have lost it at the council

http://www.ealingtoday.co.uk/default.asp?section=info&page=ldrsroad009.htmNo mention in the article of where traffic (including buses) goes from north of Haven Green to South Ealing. Muppets!

Peter King ● 1077d106 Comments ● 1065d

A round of applause for Gunnersbury Park management

It is important that credit should be given to the management of Gunnersbury Park for its achievement in securing Arts Council funding. The CIC has been the subject of some fierce criticism, some of it deserved particularly with regard to the parking arrangements, and some of it quite intemperate. Bidding for this funding is a complicated and time-consuming process which requires careful planning and a good understanding of the system, so some people have clearly done a very professional job. We should be thanking them because they have helped secure the future of a very valuable local asset. This is particularly the case at a time when the government have drastically scaled back funding for venues in the capital. So well done them!

Gordon Southwell ● 1094d20 Comments ● 1066d

England's football (or rugby) kit

Have they taken a red & white kit with them? We are not France, Italy or Scotland we are England. Tell Nike to do one, can you imagine the Irish not playing in green?

Peter King ● 1080d4 Comments ● 1071d

One bed flat Acton W3 for sale

I'm selling my one bed, raised ground floor flat in Poets Corner, W3.Bright & sunny, freshly decorated and close to shops, tube and Elizabeth line.122 years remaining on lease and a third share of freehold. Property is vacant.  £325,000 ono.  Please email daniellefox80@hotmail.com or call on 07904 631 038 for further info/photos.

Danielle Fox ● 1108d4 Comments ● 1074d

Ask For Henry

From today, anyone who is going hungry through lack of money can get a free jacket potato with beans at Morrison's café.Ask for Henry.

Susan Kelly ● 1106d6 Comments ● 1077d

Ealing Matters newsletter

For those of you interested in what’s really going on in our borough, do read this:https://ealingmatters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/221119-Ealing-Matters-newsletter-13.pdf

Simon Hayes ● 1080d3 Comments ● 1078d

Outside M&S in the Broadway

What are the Muppets in Perceval House up to now with the barriers blocking off most crossing points? Is it part of their ''improving'' the traffic flow or maybe another way of spending some more of our council tax they claim they don't have?

Peter King ● 1111d172 Comments ● 1078d

Are street charging points a Con?

I note the brazen way in which Ealing are planning to install EV charging points.Effectively turing residential streets into profit centres for commercial interests.Would they be as keen to let residents sell coffee or cakes from their garden gates?But the real con is that in CPZs paying residents will be losing parking space that they already pay for. The Charging points will be available to anyone with an EV. Wherever they come from.At the expense of CPZ paying residents.CPZs were introduced to control commuter and non resident parking.But this is blatant commercialisation of residential streets for the benefit of...commuters and non residents.Aside form the high charges for these EV points, will affected residents get a substantial discount or a free residents permit?I note that other boroughs make EV points for Permit holding residents only as a benefit for residents where charging is impractical.But Tony Singhs edict infers complete commercialisation of Ealing residential streets.Why not in that case make some of the Car Parks overnight Charging centres for non- residents?

Raymond Havelock ● 1114d89 Comments ● 1084d

Oh, the sheer hypocrisy

Our Council leader getting into to a 3.2 litre Porsche Cayenne 4x4 Tiptronic which emits around four times the CO2 of an average car.  Where's his bike? https://twitter.com/tottenhamltnno/status/1587574645510782979?s=46&t=xcaoGRcYOs7YYR-kYeISBA

N V Brooks ● 1100d14 Comments ● 1091d

Perceval House

We just cannot stop them, we don't have democracy we have dictatorship with this bent voting system. Instead of being counted centrally our votes do not go out of our wards, Both Conservatives and Labour love it and will never change it.

Roy Baker ● 1700d62 Comments ● 1091d

Plans Submitted for Landmark Development in Central Ealing

Our council seemingly can't control its mates in the property development side if this little charmer is anything to go by. We can't fill the shops in the new development near Christchurch and they are now going to provide even more? We have our pants council upping office space where they can despite people working from home when they can. Hopefully someone along the line, the little donut Khan or someone in government can stop this madness after the PRE nod through its approval.

Peter King ● 1120d28 Comments ● 1093d

Alex Stafford - where did it all go wrong?

Last night allegedly the former Ealing councillor Alex Stafford was physically manhandled while in tears through the division lobby in the House of Commons by a group including the Deputy Prime Minister and Jacob Rees Mogg. A number of witnesses say they were forcing him to vote against a Labour motion of fracking. Such a vote was likely to end any lingering chance of him retaining his 'Red Wall' seat in the north. In some ways the west London public school boy representing a constituency which previously Labour had taken for granted was the poster boy for a new kind of Conservatism in which working class areas in the North and the Midlands would be levelled up making the party serving the interests of the country rather than just rich, old people from the south. This notion was always built on lies the biggest of which was 'Get Brexit Done' and enabled by Labour's catastrophic decision to pick a totally unsuitable leader. This latter should have served as a warning to Alex Stafford that a bad leader puts you on the road to oblivion but he failed to heed the message and believed Liz Truss was fit to run the country. Assuming greed and opportunism persuade this broken Conservative government to limp on for two years doing further damage, Alex has gainful employment for the next two years but, after that, the option of a safe seat on Ealing Council as a fall-back has long gone.

Gordon Southwell ● 1113d37 Comments ● 1098d

Ealing councillors ignore Fire Brigade advice on tower blocks

https://ealing.news/ealing-council/acton-campaigning-group-cap-the-towers-says-the-nine-ealing-councillors-who-approved-friary-park-towers-with-only-one-staircase-have-ignored-london-fire-brigade-advice/Ealing councillors, all Labour plus one Liberal, vote through tower blocks with only one flight of stairs going against official Fire Brigade advice following Grenfell.

Peter King ● 1106d7 Comments ● 1105d

Black History Month

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-history-month-perivale-tickets-451093120667Sharing this event a friend is hosting in the area with great speakers and open mic for sharing. For sharing is caring. Healing  drumming, arts and crafts, fashion and Artworks plus hand made items from  Black Entrepreneurs sharing the heritage and creating that economic independence.   Bring your friends and family this Thursday at 7.30pm @ Perivale residents association UB6 8AP.Lots of Love AnilMessage Debbie for more details or if you want to set up stall / speak/ perform. @ odebbie4@yahoo.com

Anil Patel ● 1107d0 Comments ● 1107d

ceo clements and our money

open email sent to ceo clements:Dear Mr Clements,You were here before.  You left with £74000.  This expenditure has never been explained.  If you resigned, you were due nothing. The only circumstance that could justify this is if the Council had failed in its obligations to you.  Was that the case?  If so, the evidence.  If not, what was?What has occurred is the more suspicious because the Council did not appoint a new CEO; it appointed a temporary one (Martin).  I had dealings with him:  he did nothing to justify any payment he received. Another dubious use of council-tax payers’ money.The effect of this was to keep the post of CEO open – for you.  What is going on?  Do you “have something” on Ealing Council that is compelling them to act in this way. What has happened, all the circumstances considered, appears to be the criminal offence of the misuse of public funds. You are the beneficiary.  The people of Ealing the victims.Please respond and make yourself accountable as is your obligation under the Seven Principles of   Public Life.  Andrew Farmer

andrew farmer ● 1110d9 Comments ● 1107d

QE2 Bridge protest

Any views,opinions?

Peter Yale ● 1114d2 Comments ● 1114d

If U R concerned about Pollution - THIRD Concrete Plant for Horn Lane Goods Rail Yard.

Ealing is "off patch" from Acton I know, but if you have a concern about rising and unnecessary Pollution then please OBJECT to the utterly ridiculous THIRD Concrete Batching Plant in Horn Lane Goods Rail Yard.Local concerned residents and particularly families with young children and/or those suffering any breathing difficulties are invited to OBJECT ASAP to this utterly ridiculous THIRD Concrete Batching Plant to be shoehorned into the already chronically congested and highly polluting Horn Lane Goods Rail Yard.Inspiration for the wording in your Objection can be gleaned from previous Objections lodged against the current two existing polluting Concrete Batching Plants.Please assist in OBJECTING to this wanton further pollution of a residential family area.I thank you.    😁THIRD and Proposed YEOMANS CONCRETE BATCHING PLANT details at:-https://pam.ealing.gov.uk/online-applications/https://pam.ealing.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=RHH84EJMN5800    Installation of a temporary, rail served, mobile ready-mixed concrete batching plant with ancillary infrastructure to serve the High Speed Two development.    Yeoman Aggregates Acton Goods Yard 305 Horn Lane Acton Ealing W3 0BP    Ref. No: 223766FUL | Received: Wed 31 Aug 2022 | Validated: Wed 31 Aug 2022 | Status: Pending ConsiderationThe SECOND and existing QUATTRO CONCRETE PLANT    Construction of a rail served concrete batching plant (CBP), rail served cement storage facility (4no cement / PFA storage silos), workshop, modular office/welfare facilities, aggregate storage bays, substation and other ancillary structures and parking areas to enable use of site for concrete batching, cement storage and distribution, and associated administrative activities (proposals to enable permanent relocation of existing CBP operation, workshop and administrative activities from Quattro site at Park Royal).    Land Forming Part Of Acton Goods Yard 305 Horn Lane Acton W3 0BP    Ref. No: 191885FUL | Received: Fri 26 Apr 2019 | Validated: Mon 22 Jul 2019 | Status: Granted with S106 conditionsThe FIRST and existing HANSON CONCRETE PLANT      P/2013/3475Soft Landscaping  https://pam.ealing.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=ZZZW6JJMTA796&activeTab=summary    Retention of replacement Concrete Batching Plant    Hanson Concretes Horn Lane Goods Yard 305 Horn Lane Acton W3 0BP    Ref. No: P/2013/3475 | Received: Tue 06 Aug 2013 | Validated: Tue 06 Aug 2013 | Status: Conditional ConsentForum Home

Rosco White ● 1116d3 Comments ● 1115d

Power cut in Pope’s Lane W5

The electricity has been off for three days now. SSEN (the electricity distribution company) is not saying why.https://powertrack.ssen.co.uk/powertrack#KB2411

David Marshall ● 1126d14 Comments ● 1115d

Swyncombe Misery Confirmed Permanent

No surprise there then - was a given as soon as they dropped the concrete roadblocks You’ll never convince me of there being logic behind this move.Adds time and distance to journeys and therefore increases pressure and pollution.I’m trying to get clear in my head why they’ve also changed the phasing on all the traffic lights crossing or joining the Great West Road locally as well. It’s as if someone is intentionally trying to increase traffic to justify something else down the line.They wouldn’t do such an underhand and obvious thing as fudge it would they?Oh hang on….

Colin Goodman ● 1129d95 Comments ● 1119d

They're all as bad as each other .......

Mayor breaks silence to say he won’t publish #PennReportPosted on October 8, 2022 by insidecroydonCROYDON IN CRISIS: Part-time Perry took four days to respond to questions over the refusal to publish a controversial report, only to confirm that he is not in charge of the council. By STEVEN DOWNESFour days after he was approached to comment on why Croydon Council has failed to act on any of the recommendations contained in the Penn Report, and part-time Mayor Jason Perry has finally broken his silence.The Conservative Mayor was elected in May on a manifesto that promised to sweep away the malpractice and mismanagement of the previous Labour administration. But nearly six months after taking office, Perry continues to withhold the Penn Report, which was commissioned from the Local Government Association in 2020 to investigate possible wrong-doing in the lead-up to Croydon’s financial collapse.Inside Croydon broke the news on Tuesday that LGA official Richard Penn had recommended getting the borough’s elected councillors to consider calling in the police to investigate possible misconduct in public office, as well as the possibility of trying to recover the £437,000 gold-plated pay-off handed to discredited former chief exec Jo Negrini for breach of contract.For four days, Mayor Perry was silent, ignoring our invitation for him to comment.Then, last night, Perry issued a statement via Twitter. There’s no mention of the Penn Report on the council’s website’s news pages, although they do give over a hunk of bandwidth to claims that Perry is cleaning up the borough (of graffiti, but not civic incompetence).Perry’s belated response to our Penn Report revelations confirms, once again, that he may be in office, but he is not in control.In office, but not in control: the person actually in charge of the council is on the rightPerry has failed to take decisive action and is cowering behind the excuses for non-publication and inaction offered by the council’s current chief exec, Katherine Kerswell. As Inside Croydon predicted before the Mayoral referendum, having a directly elected mayor is just #ABitLessShit.So while The Guardian, Private Eye, the BBC London news website and The Municipal Journal have this week all followed Inside Croydon’s lead, Mayor Perry decided to stay schtum and instead rely on the dubious advice from the same council legal department that was, in some large measure, responsible for getting the borough into its current mess (albeit that the major player in that regard, lawyer Jacqueline Harris-Baker, who is much criticised in the Penn Report, has long since left the organisation).Perry’s statement simply endorsed the policy of the previous administration, claiming concerns over threatened legal action from those named in the Penn Report.What Perry failed to state on Twitter was that he has this week also endorsed the council’s most senior legal official, Monitoring Officer Stephen Lawrence-Orumwense, in issuing legal threats against this website and its editor.Along with the legal threats, Lawrence-Orumwense demanded that we must return our copy of the Penn Report… thus giving yet more credence to the suggestion that the council – now supported by Mayor Perry – is actively seeking to suppress the report.Perry’s tweet states: “Residents and businesses may be aware that a copy of the Penn Report has been leaked. The council and I cannot comment on the contents of the leaked report without risking tax-payer money through legal challenge…”.Which is, of course, supine nonsense. The council never bats an eyelid about hiring expensive lawyers to front-up at all kinds of tribunals when it is contesting claims brought by the ill-served families of autistic children, or when trying to gag sacked whistle-blowers.For the council to be challenged over the Penn Report, the likes of Negrini or Tony Newman would need to be prepared to face the prospect of standing up in court, possibly in front of a jury of 12 ordinary residents, and to claim that their reputation had in some way been damaged by what had been reported.Just consider that thought for a moment.Clearly, Jason Perry has not.Last night, Perry wrote, “This week’s articles on the Penn Report have reminded us all of the sheer level of dysfunction and mismanagement under the previous administration.“Those failures not only bankrupted the council, they have left a lasting legacy of financial and service destruction which we will continue to feel the effects of for years to come. Many of those financial failures have yet to be resolved, for example the potential £70million loss on Croydon Affordable Homes.“That is why I have always been committed to the full publication of the Penn Report…”, the public want actions, Jase, not more empty words, “… once legal and other processes have been completed so as not to risk yet more tax-payer money.“As Mayor, I am committed to resolving these issues and fixing the council’s finances. That will take time and mean difficult decisions to come but I know together as a community we can get our borough back on track.”But Mayor Perry ain’t publishing the Penn Report.So it looks like Inside Croydon will have to do so, in the interests of the people of Croydon.https://insidecroydon.com/2022/10/08/mayor-breaks-silence-to-say-he-wont-publish-pennreport/

Rosco White ● 1121d1 Comments ● 1121d

"More or Less" Radio 4 confirms invalid data driving LTNs More?

We are now clear that the data that backed up the Low Traffic Neighbourhoods is now flawed. Money returned? No. Not Sorry No. Around Ealing published the flawed data? No. Anything learned by the process? No. Will transport for London have to find an enormous wage bill after Industrial action? Yes. Can it afford another go at West Ealing? Well somehow yes. That is a pity because this fund-backed team seem to know less about what they are doing than the lack-lustre team in Perceval Castle. Yes like a Norman Keep you couldn't get in. They don't speak your language but they mess up where you live. The Leader talks about ENGAGEMENT but this lot don't have it in their dictionary. Like a heavy frost just makes you want to stay inside.

Arthur Breens ● 1124d2 Comments ● 1123d

Electrician recommendation needed

I need to have a fuse box fitted and a few other jobs in my flat on Acton and am looking for a local electrician.  I'd really appreciate any recommendations please, if anyone has any.  Thank you

Danielle Fox ● 1125d3 Comments ● 1124d

Framing services in Ealing

I'm having a drawing framed by a shop in Bond Street. Their prices seem to be large but what would I know. Does anyone have any recommendations for a similar service in Ealing that they have used?

Peter King ● 1140d4 Comments ● 1126d

Getting to Clayponds Hospital in a car.

Is Occupation Lane (off South Ealing Rd) still accessible by car? If not, how does one get to Clayponds Hospital?

Tony Heath ● 1126d3 Comments ● 1126d

Car charging points

The clowns at the PRE are at it again. In my road on the Brentham estate they are looking to put in four bays, two for charging cars and the others presumably because they can. Anyone who knows the area will tell you that we have no garages or drives to park in so it has to be on the road. As there aren't going to be any other points on the estate, it will be very clogged with cars looking for a charge. The yellow plastic signs they are supposed to put up on lamp posts (forget writing to every resident) are not there of course and objections have to be in by 7th November. Anyone like to put up their hand and say they voted these bum wipers in?

Peter King ● 1127d3 Comments ● 1127d

Ealing Half Marathon

Ok , while I get it’s all in a good cause, all you Greenies etc profit.Here the thing, roads are closed at every junction.Life goes on, people need to go about their business.Road closed, go WHERE????????There are absolutely no diversion signs or alternative routes.Said the same last year, cars going round in circles.Ban the run until it’s properly managed.As for the clueless marshals

Peter Yale ● 1137d22 Comments ● 1127d

Help with journey planning

Can anyone advise the best way from Ealing Broadway Station to Slough. Looking on the TFL website it seems I can either use the GWR or the Elizabeth line. Which would be the best to use? Thanks

Pat Kingham ● 1140d6 Comments ● 1128d

People Living in Tents on Ealing Common

Two people have been living in two separate tents on Ealing Common since March this year. The Council really need to do something about this. It is unacceptable that in 2022 people are living in tents.

Kevin McGrath ● 1133d14 Comments ● 1128d

Tony Clements, LBE's new Chief Executive.

"He first joined the council in December 2017 as executive director for regeneration and housing."So that'll be Business As Usual then, another patsy in charge at The Ealing Kremlin?

Rosco White ● 1308d25 Comments ● 1129d

Minor road traffic counts

Oh look, the Department for Transport has revised its data collation for minor roads between 2009 and 2019. The big surprise (for the anti car zealots) is that minor road traffic in London didn’t increase over that period, despite all the claims about satnavs and ‘rat running’ and the other nonsense spouted to support the introduction of LTNs.Maybe Dr Aldred was behind the original data collection?You can see the report at  https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/road-traffic-estimates-in-great-britain-2021/minor-road-traffic-estimates-review-frequently-asked-questions#why-are-previously-published-minor-road-traffic-estimates-being-revised

Simon Hayes ● 1129d2 Comments ● 1129d

Rupa Huq Has Labour Party Whip Suspended

Just come back from a break in Scotland to see this story and can't find any chat about it. What?

Peter King ● 1130d3 Comments ● 1129d

Pitshanger Park Bowling Green

Does anyone know what has happened to the bowling green in Pitshanger Park?  It does not appear to have been used this year and the surface is overgrown. In the summer I used to watch the occasional matches but alas no more.

Peter Tolhurst ● 1146d13 Comments ● 1130d

Looking for host families in Ealing for Swedish 6th form students

The Swedish School at The National Archives in Kew is recruiting host families for sixth form students arriving January 2023. In case you have a spare room in your home, this is a way for you to get an extra income and a chance to get to know a young person from Sweden. Many of the host families have a long lasting friendship with their students. The host family provides care and a room for the student as well as breakfast and dinner. Host families receive £760/month. More info here https://swedishschool.org.uk/en/become-a-host-family/ or send an email to hostfamily@swedishschool.org.uk

Gustav Johansson ● 1132d0 Comments ● 1132d

Nell's Cafe, Northfield Road. Recommended for you know what!

I hadn't been to Nell's for some 5 years ..having moved south.(bus routes too awkward)But I returned there today..and found the Albanian couple still working hard and producing fine meals.Their egg,bacon,tinned tomatoes and fried slice was no doubt fine too.. but I chose Shepherds Pie etc.I used to go there 15 years ago when the old owner Paul ran it. There are changes in Northfield Avenue..but Nell's continues to excel. I like the Cobblers down the road too.So.. are there better greasy spoons in Ealing?

Jim Lawes ● 1134d0 Comments ● 1134d

Brompton aims to move again

https://news.sky.com/story/folding-bike-maker-brompton-rides-to-new-home-with-no-parking-spaces-12550582How many Brompton's fit into a car parking space?(not that you'd dare leave them there).

Philippa Bond ● 1136d6 Comments ● 1135d

Parents for Future to hold pop-up kids wind farm to raise awareness of green energy

Parents for Future are fracked off with the government's new energy strategy and hope you are too.Susan O'Leary from Parents for Future - West London commented: "We are dismayed by the Government's response to the energy crisis - fracking and a huge expansion of new oil and gas fields - as parents we want to make it clear that the answer to the energy and cost of living crisis, goes hand in hand with the answer to the climate crisis. There is no logic in handing out oil and gas licenses to the likes of Shell - the fields won't start producing for years - so won't lower our bills, but will instead create massive emissions, and profits for the oil and gas giants."We deserve an energy strategy that does not side with oil companies over the interests of the people in this country. And a strategy that does NOT prioritise profits over the UK's commitment to reducing the devastating climate impacts of its oil and gas sector. We want a safe and just future for our children".Parents will be making these demands across the country on Friday 23 September, marking the Global Climate Strikes that this year focus on #PeopleNotProfit.Join parents in Ealing at Elthorne Park (W7 2LZ) on September 23rd from 3.30-5pm for a pop-up wind farm as part of Parents for Future's campaign to show our MPs and local communities that we have the power in our hands.The event is a fun family friendly after-school event and will include crafting wind turbines for kids, snacks, games and prizes. All ages are welcome.

Susan O'Leary ● 1142d31 Comments ● 1136d

Electrician wanted for EICR Inspection

I am looking for a local electrician to carry out an EICR inspection and would feel much happier using a recommended person rather than surfing the Internet.  If anyone has an suggestions, I'd be really grateful.  Thank you

Danielle Fox ● 1137d4 Comments ● 1137d

Happy birthday Sultan!

The Sultan of Brunei..one of the richest men in the world...and with property in Ealing will have been delighted to have received a friendly greeting card from you today...his 76th birthday!He perhaps would be so shocked..but grateful..that you might receive an invitation from him to one of his soires.I know a local lady who was able to keep her horse on his property Avery Farm in Windmill Road... not far from Tescos! He apparently several times played golf at Wyke Green.. and it is said he once strolled into Wycombe House Cricket Club "to see what was going on.Perhaps your investment of a belated birthday card could earn you hugh reward!That's all.

Jim Lawes ● 1209d8 Comments ● 1138d

"...Resident Visitor permit verification will expire in 14 days"

This afternoon I received an unexpected email purporting to come from paybyphone "reminding" me that my "access to start new London Borough of Ealing Resident Visitor parking permits in Zone XXX will expire in 14 days".This has taken me by surprise as I renewed our annual parking permit with the council's system over at ealing.tarantopermits.com only a couple of months ago.Now I've got a fair idea that posting this note is just going to end up exposing my own ignorance but does anybody know what this is about?  Have you received one of these yourself?  Are you able to pinpoint where my confusion lies?

Tony Colliver ● 1153d13 Comments ● 1139d

Beats Art Trail 2022

Over the weekends of 10-11 and 17-18 Sept , there is free entry to 68 art venues, around Ealing Borough.  Check our www.ealingbeat.org.uk,  for more info

Tim Hicks ● 1174d3 Comments ● 1140d

B/H Monday Sept 19th. Refuse/recycling collection.

Ealing Council website is unclear, it states that Monday 19th will have no collections, but moved to Tues 20th.  Does that imply that all subsequent days' collections have moved one day forward?

Tony Heath ● 1142d6 Comments ● 1140d

Learn Ealing funds Startup School for Seniors

“Have you got an idea or too many ideas collecting dust, one of which could be making you money?Hi, I'm Suzanne, the co-founder of Startup School for Seniors. We're a not-for-profit that receives funding from Local Authorities and grants to help people like you turn an idea into a business or make money from an existing business.Thanks to funding from Learn Ealing, we have 30 places available for residents for our next course starting on 21st November. The course is online and self-directed, with a daily group session, held via Zoom in which we invite you to meet your fellow 'students,' share your idea and perhaps even make a sale or find a business partner. You’ll also receive 1:2:1 mentoring.We've been featured on BBC1 in newspapers such as The Guardian, the Telegraph, and Saga magazine. Since we launched in October 2020, we've helped over 300 students to become successful business owners.If you want to take up one of the 30 places available, register at startupschoolforseniors.com.

Suzanne Wenda Noble ● 1140d0 Comments ● 1140d

Radio Programme: In Town Tonight?

I am writing about an art teacher Miss Kathleen M Claxton from Ealing. She was also a freelance artist for the Whitbread Brewery in Kent, painting a large number of pub signs.She was featured in the BBC radio programme, In Town Tonight. The show was on air between 1933-1960. I am not sure when Miss Claxton, later Mrs Gordon Roper was featured on radio.My interest is that among the many, she produced a pub sign in Rainham Kent for the Belisha Beacon public house. Seeking extra detail on Miss Roper, to make sure my facts are correct. The feature will be used in the magazine, Bygone Kent.Grateful for any help please?   Thank you.

Mike Gunnill ● 1142d7 Comments ● 1141d

Renewing Residen't Parking permit

Does anyone know how this works. I thought that there should be a red renew button in my account online, but there is no red button.I am waiting for a callback from Town Hall, but thought someone might know. Thanks in advance

Simon Bell ● 1158d4 Comments ● 1141d

Free Sanitary Protection

I realise that this doesn't really chime with this forum's demographic but I thought it worth flagging up. If you know a woman of child-bearing age who is struggling to afford towels or tampons, then both Morrison's and Tesco are offering free products to them.In both cases you go to the Kiosk, where they sell fags etc. At Morrison's you ask for a package left for you by Sandy; at Tesco the package has been left by Beth. Discreet service and packaging for women who are embarrassed by needing them.

Susan Kelly ● 1145d2 Comments ● 1145d

Waterworks Festival cancelled

Probably a bad idea to go ahead with the Waterworks pop festival, given the national mood.But Hounslow Council appears to be encouraging the organisers to go ahead anyway – despite bleatings to the contrary.This is what the council says:“Hounslow Council has made representations in the strongest terms advising against this event proceeding. We are clear this massive multi-stage festival event is completely out of keeping with the mood of the nation at this time of grief.”This is rubbish.The council could – if it wanted to – simply revoke the licence for the event.  But it won’t.What the council actually wants is for people to think it’s concerned (which it isn’t), while trousering the meagre pennies it is being offered by the organisers.Worth noting that this festival will net the best part of £500,000.What do we get in return?Interestingly, the council doesn’t say.

David Marshall ● 1149d6 Comments ● 1148d

Ealing Project cinema

I paid my first visit there this afternoon and shall certainly be going again. A nice bar area with squashy sofas, comfortable seats in the screens, aircon which is almost too effective and very reasonable prices.A great addition to Ealing's leisure offering.

Susan Kelly ● 1176d25 Comments ● 1150d

Yet another murder!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-62570923WTH is going on? An 80 year old man on a mobility scooter stabbed to death in Greenford.

N V Brooks ● 1177d7 Comments ● 1151d

Rest in Peace Your Majesty

I pray that it was a peaceful end for this remarkable woman who always put duty before self.Rest in Peace Ma'am.

N V Brooks ● 1154d3 Comments ● 1151d

One bed flat Acton reduced rent

I'm selling my flat but am looking for someone to rent for a few months, until its sold.  Its unfurnished, no washing machone etc that's why I would offer a fairly substantial discount.  Please contact me on 07904 631 038 if anyone's interested.

Danielle Fox ● 1154d5 Comments ● 1151d

Intervention announced for Thurrock Council

Note: "The move comes in response to grave concerns about the exceptional level of financial risk and debt incurred by the council." Local government secretary Greg Clark has announced measures to intervene in Thurrock Council.The aim is to address “serious concerns” about the financial management of the council and the risk this poses to local services, as well as debt incurred by Thurrock Council.Essex County Council has been appointed in the role of the commissioner and Best Value Inspector. This gives the council full control of the financial functions of Thurrock Council and powers to assess whether there are failures in other functions to mitigate any further risk to services.Thurrock Council will work with Essex County Council to prepare an improvement plan within the first three months of the intervention. Thurrock is expected to provide a Best Value Inspection Report to the secretary of state within the same time frame.The move comes in response to grave concerns about the exceptional level of financial risk and debt incurred by the council.

Rosco White ● 1155d7 Comments ● 1154d

Binmen to go on strike

The Chiswick version has the story that the union the binmen belong to is suggesting strike action after rejecting a derisory wage increase. We will soon look like Edinburgh

Peter King ● 1155d4 Comments ● 1154d

Chloe Kelly - she's one of our own

Poor show from the editorial people on this site not to mention that England's hero/heroine used to take the bus to Wembley to see games but managed (presumably not on a bus) to get there to see west London's finest see off Derby County in the Championship play off final.

Peter King ● 1157d7 Comments ● 1154d

🌻🌻🌻Brentford Festival🎻🎶🎻This Sunday 🌻🌻🌻 Noon-6pm

At Blondin.Enjoy the afternoon out at Blondin Park this Sunday. Noon till 6pm.

Jim Lawes ● 1160d5 Comments ● 1158d

Outline of former building on Haven Green

The dry weather has revealed the outline of a large rectangular building on Haven Green. Does anyone know what it was?

Iain Mackinnon ● 1172d5 Comments ● 1159d

Cycling numbers falling, admits The Guardian!

Well, what a surprise. Since lockdown cycling numbers have dropped dramatically in the UK. Maybe that massive amount of public money could be better spent elsewhere. Even the usually rabid pro-cycling Guardian has to concede the fact that for most people it’s a leisure pursuit, not a regular mode of transport!https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/sep/01/number-of-people-cycling-in-england-falls-a-year-after-2bn-plan

Simon Hayes ● 1161d28 Comments ● 1160d

Just who is policing Lime Bikes ?

This past week, I've seen abandoned Lime Bikes leaning agains parked vehicles, laying on the pavements, blocking narrow pavements.In the last two days teenagers involved in a fight using them as weapons and others throwing them about to damage them.It is almost completely impossible to contact LimeBikes to report misuse and there is nothing on their site to report damage incurred to your or their property unless you are a Lime Bike registered user or use their App. How they expect you to note and scan the tine symbol on a bike is ridiculous. That's like asking a knife wielding individual to hold the knife steady while noting it's brand.Just who approved that? But what I did discover is you have to be over 18 to use a Limebike or scooter. So just how are clearly 14 and 15 years olds riding around on them all over the place?And if damage is incurred or an accident happens who is responsible?I note since that the Guardian has already run several reports on the lack of contact and impossibility to claim for damage to property from irresponsible use of the Lime Bike or leaving them in inappropriate places? And that's from a Paper very much supportive of Cycling.These e Bikes can go way over 20mph but the expectation is that it's a mature rider using it with diligence.

Raymond Havelock ● 1171d64 Comments ● 1161d

Possibly someone in LBE has won £1 Million on EuroMillions and is unaware :-

Unclaimed Prize:-Draw date / Draw number Game Prize unclaimed Prize level Area bought Winning Numbers Last date to claim11/03/2022  1510   EuroMillions £1,000,000.00 UK Millionaire Maker London Borough of Ealing MNZW39388 07/09/2022

Rosco White ● 1162d0 Comments ● 1162d

The Questors Theatre Crowdfunder

Hello allCan I draw your attention to our appeal for funds towards the cost of replacing the roof of our theatre:https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/raiseourroofthanks

Simon Higginson ● 1168d7 Comments ● 1167d

15% of Ealing Council staff work from the office.

Month April 2022.Daily Telegraph article. 'Ealing Council did not respond to further questions.'Article >>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qXk4qJFTm78x5U7SX8zdj1wGAxkf4F8h/view

Tony Heath ● 1180d15 Comments ● 1167d

What will the cycling lobby make of this?

Proposal to increase custodial sentences for cyclists who kill pedestrians.Cyclists who kill pedestrians could face tougher sentences under a planned new law for England, Scotland and Wales.The move proposed by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps will close a loophole which means they can only currently be jailed for two years.He said it will "impress on cyclists the real harm they can cause when speed is combined with lack of care".Causing death by dangerous driving carries a maximum sentence of 14 years.Death by careless driving has a maximum sentence of five years.The government launched a review into whether an equivalent offence to causing death by dangerous driving was needed for cyclists in 2017.It followed a case where a cyclist was convicted of the 19th Century offence of "wanton or furious driving".Mr Shapps said a "selfish minority" of cyclists believe they are "immune" to red lights."We need to crack down on this disregard for road safety," he wrote in the Daily Mail."Relatives of victims have waited too long for this straightforward measure."Ministers are said to be seeking a "balance" to "encourage cycling... but at the same time ensure that pedestrians are protected from irresponsible cycling behaviour".Under the proposal, a new law of causing death by dangerous cycling would be added to the Transport Bill due before Parliament in the autumn.The Department for Transport said it was "exploring changes to allow dangerous cyclists to be prosecuted more easily and delivering more continuous and direct cycling routes in towns and cities which are physically separated from pedestrians and motor traffic".

Simon Hayes ● 1188d152 Comments ● 1169d

Elizabeth Line to open fully ...

In November, apparently. Straight through from Heathrow to Abbey Wood.

Susan Kelly ● 1171d9 Comments ● 1170d

THE SECOND COMING OF TONY CLEMENTS

THE SECOND COMING OF TONY CLEMENTS.I believe someone has made a freedom of information request as to how Mr Clements came to leave the Council with over £70,000 of our money.  Would whoever that was be kind enough to let us have the text of the request and any response that has been received. The whole affair is strange.  His job was kept kept open for him by not appointing a new CEO but a temporary one.  This extraordinary kindness show to Mr Clements makes you wonder: does he have the “dirt” on someone? 

Andrew Farmer ● 1174d3 Comments ● 1171d

Greenford Community Meeting

In light of the recent terrible event in Greenford the police, council and other organisations associated with public safter are holding a meeting to provide reassurance to the local community. It takes place on Thursday 18 August at 7:30pm at the Greenford Community Centre, 170 Oldfield Lane South, Greenford, UB6 9JS.

Gordon Southwell ● 1176d8 Comments ● 1175d

West Ealing Pub Murder

Am I shocked or surprised?That stretch of West Ealing was never the best, a bit “raw” shall we say; but you were never in fear for your life drinking in that little triangle of pubs.Seems things getting a bit worse around that area and a bit beyond.Don’t know any background so won’t speculate but just say NOBODY should pop out for a drink on a Saturday night and not come home because someone had picked up a blade and taken it with them on a night out. There are no winners RIP to the victim

Colin Goodman ● 1201d75 Comments ● 1176d

A minor flare -up. Sahel comes to Ealing

Today I noticed three pocket parks tinder dry with straw, dry branches and full of litter in West Ealing and Acton ready to catch fire. Where are the people now who imposed them on us? One parklet was within 30m of a park so was clearly not needed anyway. An eyesore and a danger.

Arthur Breens ● 1182d8 Comments ● 1177d

Ealing Community School of English open for new students

Registration is open for our English language classes for adults on Monday and Wednesday evenings, starting in September in Hanwell.Refugees, asylum seekers, those not in work or on low incomes can join the school for free.Students must be 18 or over to join the school. We have no childcare facilities and we are unable to provide transportation or reimburse travel costs.To join the school or if you have any questions, please visit our website at ecse.org.uk/study.

Ata Rahman ● 1178d0 Comments ● 1178d

Ealing Today's 2022 Awards

It is about this time of the year that Ealing Today plans its annual awards to give recognition to the conceated in the community. This year there are two new awards, which are to be sponsored by Hermes & Wrigley and Brompton & Dawes.The first award is arguably the pick of them all. Named "The Most Erratic Hermes-Wrigley Boulder Award", it will be given to a resident for their contribution of misleading the Ealing public and the development of a muddy way of thinking. There is some strong competition for this prestigious title. The front runners all include Brooks, Hayes and Yale. If you can beat any one of them then you will have definitely deserved the prize. The Bungling Brompton-Dawes Award will be given to a resident or residents for the volatility shown towards those that don't share the same view. The great thing about this award is that it does not have to be restricted to one person. Ealing Today has already nominated Brooks and Hayes for their tremendous award since it is a tight call between the two. The prize is to be banned from the forum altogether. On the forum there are some past winners of this dismissal award challenging for the two titles again.

Ben Owen ● 1182d23 Comments ● 1179d

Waitrose West Ealing Presentation

Did anybody get to see the John Lewis presentation on their plans for Waitrose in West Ealing yesterday or are you going today?I can't get along but would be keen to find out exactly what is being planned.

Tricia Arbuthnot ● 1223d18 Comments ● 1181d

Anyone see hedgehogs in their garden anymore?

I use to see them at least once a month but haven't seen a single one in my garden for over twenty years now?Anyone got an idea why?I know you have to be very careful with rat poison because they will eat that if they come across it.

Rosco White ● 1189d8 Comments ● 1181d

EALING'S CORRUPT COMPLAINTS SERVICE

The Local Government Ombudsman is “disappointed” in the borough’s handling of complaints. I am disgusted. The problem is rooted in the reluctance of our elected representatives to take an interest in the misconduct of council officers.  It is left to officers to police officers.  The assumption is they will behave with impartiality. The evidence is that senior colleagues collude in cover-up to protect one another and betray the public interest in favour of their own. The trick that has become institutionalised in council practice is to claim the complaint has already been dealt with. When asked to demonstrate where and when, they ignore the request. I and neighbours complained about seven officers in succession. The lie (“already dealt with”) was passed down the line.  “Tell one for the team” is the esprit de corps in Ealing’s top offices. The officers still with the council who, it is alleged, have behaved in this way are Ms Reynolds, Ms Harris, and, in a separate matter, Ms Taylor. Between them, the first two control the complaints procedure so it is impossible to make a formal compaint which will survive their maladministration.  The LGO never names the officers whose behaviour gives rise to complaints. We were paid a sum of money when the LGO found the Council guilty of maladministration in a matter we put to it. Who paid?  We did.  You did. It came from Council Tax.  The offending officers got away without a bad mark against their name.Who is responsible for the present, not-fit-for-purpose complaints system?For one, Mason.   He promised transparency in the Council’s dealings with residents: “Do email me to raise specific issues about the Borough”. I drew the corrupted state of the complaints service with examples to his attention 12.6.21.   Despite three reminders (19.7.21, 18.8.21, 20.9.21), I have not received even the courtesy of an acknowledgement, let alone a reply of substance. Not much interest in the behaviour of senior officers from him. He is happy to turn a blind eye to the complaints against them. I have formed the opinion that Mr Mason is a moral fraud, a man who does not keep his word, who cannot be trusted. I put the matter to Mr Read, the officer responsible for the way the Council engages with the public.    I gave summaries of of a number of complaints. He wrote back : “ I have reviewed the case history of the complaints which you refer to. I do not believe that officers have acted improperly. The complaints process has been followed and exhausted.”  This bland catch-all “acquittal” was mere opinion unsupported by analysis of the behaviour of the officers involved. It was untenable.  I pointed out in the case of Ms Harris that the Council itself had been obliged to apologise for her delay (four months) in dealing with my complaint. (In fact, she never dealt with it at all.) He asked what specific matter we wanted the Council to deal with.  We said the behaviour of Ms Reynolds when she responded to a complaint against a senior colleague. We put it in the form of a questionnaire about Ms Reynolds’ behaviour.  We have waited a fortnight for a response. Give him another week. Then we shall conclude that answering our questions would have led him to the truth about his colleague Reynolds and so he is dodging them.   it would be interesting and useful if readers of Ealing Today would contribute to the Forum their experiences of Ealing Council’s complaints procedure. These could be forwarded to the Minister for Local Government, asking for Ealing’s complaints service to be taken into special measures. The attempt would at least attract attention to Ealing’s corrupted complaints service. Of course, the unacceptable state of the complaints service is only one feature of the corrupt culture of unaccountability that infects Ealing Council. 

Andrew Farmer ● 1192d16 Comments ● 1183d

Any other Council tenants finding it impossible to pay their Rent in full?

Mum in nearly 90 years old, her rent is simply pushed into arrears because the direct debit is out of date, not adjusted when the latest changes happened (April).We have asked many times to have an invoice to pay off the arrears, and to update the direct debit accordingly to stop going in to arears.We've have had no response from Central Rents at Ealing Council (emailed in early May), The Local Ealing Housing Hub (June despite the automated response promising to answer with in 20 days).We've lived at this address since 1966, and for the first time Mum is worrying about arrears now well over £1000, and thinks of debt collectors etc, we have the funds to clear the arrears and pay the full rent (housing benefit stopped in April).There must be many in similar situations in Ealing.The phone options do not allow for changing the direct debit. There has been no letters offering us the option, only rent bills/demands. No promised replies to phone calls when we do get through.At 90 years old Mum does not need this worry, when all she wants is the ability to pay via the long existing direct debit method.

Leslie Bailey ● 1192d10 Comments ● 1186d

Anyone having issues paying their council tax?

Yes, you heard me correctly!Direct debit impossible to set up.

Simon Wycombe ● 1202d7 Comments ● 1186d

Well done England

Well done England!  A hard fought 2-1 win over Spain and into the semi-finals of the Euros. England’s number 9, Chloe Kelly, is from Ealing and attended Elthorne Park High School.

N V Brooks ● 1204d17 Comments ● 1192d

Revised proposal for a new Gotham City just off the gyratory at Hanger Lane

The proposed development on the West Gate site known as the Manhattan Business Park has surfaced - file:///C:/Users/peter.king/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/F30RVCUZ/212468FUL%20To%20whom%20it%20may%20concern.pdfIf you would like to object to this Gotham City blot on the area then 212468FUL is the application number and do so before the next planning meeting on the 20th. If you have no problem with 13 storey high blocks and the associated road/tube problems then do nothing.

Peter King ● 1218d8 Comments ● 1194d

No power = no more tower blocks?

The power grid is at capacity
https://www.ft.com/content/519f701f-6a05-4cf4-bc46-22cf10c7c2c0?fbclid=IwAR07NuB4D9x-8K7hjIcSALDjOnu08fjpUxIbZz8q3OWI9fU5BK394YZyKPA

N V Brooks ● 1196d8 Comments ● 1195d

Ward Forums Axed

http://www.ealingtoday.co.uk/default.asp?section=community&spage=common/eacouncil224.htmWhat a surprise  . . . not! Now that the local elections ar past, no need to pretend to communicate with the electorate

Ian Fergus ● 1196d5 Comments ● 1196d

mobile air conditioner

We are getting fed up with the heat and are thinking of purchasing a couple of mobile air conditioners. The problem is that I have read that you need to seal off the windows with a kit. We also have both veluxes and windows that that open out from the bottom.Does anyone know anyone locally who can help with such aircon and fitting such a window kit?

Paul Martin ● 1201d5 Comments ● 1200d

The Osterley Cricket Club fire.

How shocking to see one's Clubhouse to go up in flames.. mid season... and during a heatwave.Rumour has it that the Club were thinking of building a new Pavilion etc anyway!Let's hope that the cause of the fire is well investigated.. just in case there was some foul play!

Jim Lawes ● 1201d1 Comments ● 1201d

Digital UK Passport Photos, where in Ealing/Acton?

This gets asked every now & then and is due a helpful update by you good peeps.The Oaks in Acton would be ideal for a booth, think I'll suggest it.Meanwhile, Snappy Snaps are extracting the urine at £13 (for 6 pics.)I thank you.     😁

Rosco White ● 1246d18 Comments ● 1203d

Moron on a bike

The idiot in this clip having nearly run into the side of my car as I exited Lower Boston Road the proceeded to jump two more red lights. These are the people for whom we are creating dedicated infrastructure. https://www.facebook.com/groups/3171685249565726/?multi_permalinks=5354678317933064&notif_id=1657725279779471&notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic&ref=notif

N V Brooks ● 1211d124 Comments ● 1203d

Noisy Car This morning

I was woken up this Morning at 7:30am , by a very noisy car. I live in Ealing Broadway, and i hear this car every few months.  My windows face the back , and are near a road , so i was thinking that this car must be waking up Hundreds of people in the area around Grange Road.  Did anyone else get woken up ?

Tim Hicks ● 1224d16 Comments ● 1204d

LTNs on the horizon yet again

Surely the most obvious thing since Jimmy McObvious of the Obvious clan came to visit and did everything you expected of him…Emboldened by another 5 years term and learning from past mistakes the lycra mafia and the doomsayers seem to be making plans in plain sight.Plenty of residential streets have the traffic counters in play at the moment. Suddenly appeared a couple of weeks ago.Also hearing whispers that the usual suspects are talking about cars using excessive speed, rat runs and pollution in these areas blah, blah, blahYou know what’s coming next.Madness

Colin Goodman ● 1218d92 Comments ● 1204d

Why Fake Grass is far from green

Should we petition Deidre Costigan our Cabinet member with responsibility for all things green and climate change strategy?Whilst Ealing Council cannot prevent home-owner’s laying plastic grass, as part of their Local Plan? they do have the power to stop the laying of plastic grass and MUGAs at all new developments, this should include conversions of properties to smaller units. The new development at Dickens Yard not only has plastic grass but also plastic leaf screening, where in a short period the leaves dry out and blow onto flower beds and lawns.https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jul/17/why-fake-grass-is-far-from-green-in-ways-you-might-not-guess?

Libby Kemp ● 1206d0 Comments ● 1206d

Where is this music noise coming from

Theres nothing more annoying than music that drifts in and out like Radio Luxemburg and not actually being able hear it properly. It's just an irritating noise. I would rather hear it properly or not at all.But for well over a week it's been every evening and now all afternoon on Sunday.But where's it coming from. It's audible from Walpole Park and Northfields Ave to South ealing Station, and In Brentford.But so hard to work out the direction.Anyone know where theres a big gig on? And quite frankly if it's as far away as Kew or Gunnersbury, should it be disturbingly audible from this far away?But how does on actually make a complaint at the time? To whom and where?

Raymond Havelock ● 1207d4 Comments ● 1207d

WHY?

When as a young pup, many moons ago. I wS in Germany for the football - European champions.Leaving the stadia, tram, buses, trains were waiting to get everyone hone quickly & efficiently.Now in London with khan at the helm, expect delays, roads closed . Underground stations closed, corralled.As awkward & time consuming as can be.Yeah public transport, every journey matters!

Peter Yale ● 1207d2 Comments ● 1207d

Where is this music noise coming from

Theres nothing more annoying than music that drifts in and out like Radio Luxemburg and not actually being able hear it properly. It's just an irritating noise. I would rather hear it properly or not at all.But for well over a week it's been every evening and now all afternoon on Sunday.But where's it coming from. It's audible from Walpole Park and Northfields Ave to South ealing Station, and In Brentford.But so hard to work out the direction.Anyone know where theres a big gig on? And quite frankly if it's as far away as Kew or Gunnersbury, should it be disturbingly audible from this far away?

Raymond Havelock ● 1207d0 Comments ● 1207d

Fears for Wildlife in 'Neglected' Walpole Park Ponds

Read the article on the opening page please. Sums up this hapless, hopeless council that they can't even look after a leisure amenity in one of our parks. Their claim that there is no money left to put the problems right is a scandal. Plenty of money for 20mph speed signs, 24 hour bus lanes and the LTNs though. Thanks you the Muppets who voted this bunch of clowns back in for another four years. Hang your heads in shame.

Peter King ● 1231d11 Comments ● 1208d

LBE greenwashing

Nice puff piece on the front page of this site about the air quality monitors outside Blair Peach School.Strange there’s no mention of the previous aqm being removed in 2016 for the duration of the redevelopment of the gas works site. Staff and pupils at the school reported headaches and nausea due to noxious gases being released by the excavations yet LBE did nothing for years. No coincidence that developers Berkeley Group have been very cosy with LBE, including trips to MIPIM for the likes of Bell, Mason and others, as well as a £12m contribution to Council coffers.They even had an employee appointed as a school governor to ensure all went ‘smoothly’. Nothing to see here.Then suddenly a new aqm appears to combat the scourge of ‘car emissions’. Deirdre Costigan is either stupid or lying if she believes that toxic air isn’t simply limited to vehicle emissions. But then that wouldn’t be ‘on message’, would it?

Simon Hayes ● 1212d14 Comments ● 1211d

Ginger and White Cat Missing - Park View Road

Please be on the lookout for Bud. Details on link below. https://www.petsreunited.com/ealing/ealing/lost/cats/lost-ginger-and-white-male-cat/3brlebd4

Alison Howard ● 1212d0 Comments ● 1212d

Sanyo Bedside Radio RM 5430

This 50 year old radio of mine has been in storage for some time.It looks good but I'd like to get it serviced and checked over for a couple of hickies. In Ealing Fuselodge in Acton Lane comes to mind. But there's also a radio /wireless shop in Bond Street. Any recommendations?

Jim Lawes ● 1227d12 Comments ● 1212d

South Ealing Post Office Raided???

Came past this morning at 05:50 to see pavement cordoned off, police car and a big hole in the shutter / frontage.Missus said she heard a big old bang about 05:45.Was it a RTA or an actual ram raid?

Colin Goodman ● 4006d43 Comments ● 1212d

Clayponds Gardens, BRENTFORD

The front page report mentions that those arrested for a murder in Hounslow last weekend..had resided in EALING.You don't need that tag!Clayponds Gardens may have a W5 postcode... but it's located within a Brentford Ward, within the Hounslow Borough.Thus those knife-carrying residents live just across the Great West Road from me in Brentford. Charming near-neighbours / locals.Relax Ealonians?

Jim Lawes ● 1222d38 Comments ● 1214d

Make money from your spare room - host a Swedish sixth form student

The Swedish School at The National Archives in Kew is seeking host families in Ealing for Swedish 6th form students arriving 30th August. This is a way for you to make money from your spare room and a chance to get to know a young person from Sweden. Many of our hosts have a long lasting friendship with their students as the student lives with you for 5 or 10 months. The host family provides care and a room for the student as well as breakfast and dinner. The host family receives £760/month/student. You can host two students if you have two spare rooms. More info here https://swedishschool.org.uk/en/become-a-host-family/ or send an email to hostfamily@swedishschool.org.uk for more information.

Gustav Johansson ● 1217d0 Comments ● 1217d

Drivers to be fined for something they could already be fined for from today, errr...

"From this Monday (27 June), fines will be issued to any motorist driving within or crossing the white lines of the cycle lanes that are marked by a solid white line and cycle tracks."It's already an offence to drive into a mandatory cycle lane and doing so has always meant drivers are subject to a fine, so the way this article is written is VERY puzzling!http://www.ealingtoday.co.uk/default.asp?section=community&link=http://neighbournet.com/server/common/contrans008.htm

Paul Richard James ● 1228d100 Comments ● 1220d

Garden Maintenance and Design Services in Ealing

Check out this list of the best gardeners in the area http://services.ealingtoday.co.uk/#Services/List/Category/0/773

Greta Inglis ● 1221d0 Comments ● 1221d

Police in Northfields Avenue/Lammas Park?

Anybody know why several police cars/vans at Lammas Park yesterday early evening?

Andy Burnett ● 1230d4 Comments ● 1224d

Kings of Leon this Fri 1st or Sat 2nd @ O2 two Floor Standing Tickets @ £70 each.

I've ended up with two tickets for each night so buyer can choose Friday or Saturday night.  Face value is £74 and being Floor Standing you can get up as close as you like. They are mobile phone tickets held in my O2 app which are transferable from the app to your email address upon sale transfer.Private message me if interested. Thanks!

Rosco White ● 1224d1 Comments ● 1224d

Handyman recommendations

I'm looking for someone to sand and paint a few windowsills in my flat in Acton asap and would be really grateful for any recs please.  Email address is daniellefox80@hotmail.com and mob is 07904 631 038.  Thanks in advance

Danielle Fox ● 1225d0 Comments ● 1225d

I want to register a company in Ealing

Does anyone know of anywhere except Mailboxes where I can use for a registered office around Uxbridge Road W5/W13 please?

Chris Lucy ● 1226d2 Comments ● 1225d

Unsolved West London Murders.

Are all the links between Abertillery double child killer Harold Jones and other unsolved murders just coincidences?Here are the facts.(1) Just before Jones was released from prison he repeatedly informed the prison authorities that he did not want to lose the desire to kill. That was the same desire that he admitted that he had in 1921 as a 15 year-old boy.(2) The governor of Maidstone prison from where Jones was eventually released stated in a report: "He is callous but would be the last to admit it. Sad as it may seem I can see no hopeful prospect for Jones in the future." The prison chaplain also reported that he felt Jones was a "no-hoper."Professor Mike Berry, (Consultant Clinical Forensic Psychologist.) visited Abertillery and a number of London locations during the filming of Dark Son - The Hunt for a Serial Killer over a 12 month period. His conclusion was that Harold Jones was the Hammersmith killer. (8 unsolved London murders that were the largest unsolved murders in British criminal history.) He stated that he believed after reviewing all the evidence that Jones after leaving prison had killed again and again,(3) Jones had lived 2 streets away from 3 of the 8 women murder victims in Fulham and Hammersmith as well as 50-100 yards away from murder victim Ignac Ulycz in Putney. The police in the 1960's were not aware of Jones' past and he was never a suspect in any of the murders until after 2008.(4) Jones' own daughter has stated that her father would leave her and her mother at home at the times of the killings and book into Rowton House, a  doss-house in Hammersmith whenever her parents would have a row. The daughter stated that she now believes her father would do this in fear that he may kill his wife in temper. Jones' own son-in-law stated that "There's no smoke without fire is there?"(5) One woman prostitute told the police that she had got into a punter's car with a man who showed her a London Metropolitan Police warrant card. She panicked and quickly exited the car. The man offered her some cash. Was the man Harold Jones using his father-in-laws police warrant card. (His father-in-law John Widdows was a retired London Metropolitan police officer.) The woman some time later became the 7th of the 8 murdered women.(6) Harold Jones stored the bodies of Abertillery murder victims Freda Burnell and Florence Little in Abertillery until it was convenient to dispose of their bodies. At least 4 of the Hammersmith victims were stored before being dumped at various London locations.(7) All Hammersmith victims were demure and childlike in stature.(8) Harold Jones had an oral fixation at the time of the Abertillery child murders. It is recorded by his then 13 year-old girlfriend Selina Mortimer that Jones had asked her to spit in his mouth. The Hammersmith killer also had an oral fixation by removing the teeth or dentures of his victims.(9) At least 4 of the Hammersmith victims had been stored (in an electricity sub-station on the Heron Trading Estate Acton) before being dumped at various London locations. Jones' daughter has stated that her father had worked as a sheet metal worker in Acton but wasn't aware of where in Acton. This is something only the police would be able to ascertain.(10) After Harold Jones was jailed for the murder of Florence Little he bragged about his ability to outfox the police during the earlier inquiry into the murder of Freda Burnell. He said: "The arrival of the men from Scotland Yard fascinated me. I had only read of Scotland Yard men before. Now I saw them in the flesh - and I beat them." I am convinced that Harold Jones went to his grave in 1971 knowing that he had beaten them again.I am in contact with adult children of 5 of the 8 Hammersmith murder victims. Learning of the deaths of their mother's has had an incredibly negative impact on them. They all feel cheated that it seems as though the police have no appetite for reviewing the case.I am also in contact with the families of 2 men that have been wrongly named as the killer. (Mungo Ireland and former world light-heavyweight boxer Freddie Mills.) They are also distraught that their fathers' good reputation has not been restored. Freddie Mills' daughter Amanda told me that owing to the stigma regarding her father that she hasn't told her teenage son that his father was a famous world champion boxer.THE SHOW MUST GO ON.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6BnF5FEmvQhttps://www.jarossi.com/the-hunt-for-the-60s-ripper/hunt-for-the-60s-ripper-on-youtube/?fbclid=IwAR0KLDA0Gs8jaaIHQM0MZcbMaZcu1RlMNswmJyiHLZXfp9wP1CwUQZAm_DY

Neil Milkins ● 1226d0 Comments ● 1226d

The Old Fire Station, South Ealing Road.

I've written before of the delights of visiting the Pitshanger Lane area (to get my Covid jabs etc) and enjoy watching the street scene from one of the Coffee Bars.Today I've collected some laundry from near South Ealing Station..and afterwards stumbled across the Munsons Coffee shop with it's fine view of the delightful area of "Old Ealing".Frank Housego (the once Mastermind Champion and Taxi driver) once described the significance of the Area.. before Brunel's railway arrived.It was the old Fire Station that caught my eye today. I had seen it available for 'rent'recently (for an antiques shop?) but is now being lovingly decorated for an upstairs/ downstairs home. Cute and cosy.It's another corner of Ealing to visit and enjoy.

Jim Lawes ● 1237d7 Comments ● 1227d

Postbox still not in use - Gordon Road/Haven Green - Enforcement Officers

Apart from the strange obstacles placed at the beginning of Gordon Road at its junction with Haven Green, the brand new Post Office red postbox is still out of use despite its installation several months ago following the original postbox having been badly damaged by a vehicle.The new postbox is very smart looking - but when can it start being used please?Yesterday, at about 5.45pm, I noticed two Council "Enforcement Officers" in black uniforms actively following a man who was smoking whilst walking along Haven Green presumably hoping that he would discard his cigarette end.  The officers hurried after the man with one of them even "hiding" behind a pillar by the Caspian B & B and then again behind a tree in Castlebar Road when the smoking man stopped to speak to someone in the road.Is this really what Cllr. Peter Mason wants his Enforcement Officers to do?

Victor Mishiku ● 1259d62 Comments ● 1228d

Brentford Canal Festival - Saturday 25th June, 12.00 - 6.00 p.m.

If your plans for this weekend have been scuppered by the railway strike,or by roadworks,then head for the Brentford Canal Festival.There will be music and dancing at 3 locations, boat trips, kayaking, floating traders, arts and crafts workshops, and much more.For further information, please visit our website:https://brentfordcanalfestival.co.uk/

Jim Storrar ● 1234d5 Comments ● 1229d

Sadie Khan - budget and crossrail

Fully appreciating that the pandemic has put a hole in TFL’s revenue, Khan was already mismanaging the budget pre-pandemic. Can anyone explain why he is not being held publically accountable for the unbelievable delays to crossrail? The first section was due to open in December 2018. These delays are unfathomable and, for once, there is no way he can apportion blame to central government nor anyone else.

James Putland ● 1238d13 Comments ● 1230d

Unsolved West London Murders.

PLEASE SHARE.                                      The show must go on. Now that Covid 19 restrictions have ended, I am now back on the trail of the person who killed 8 women in the Hammersmith district of London between 1959 and 1965. A new documentary is on the cards before again asking New Scotland Yard to review this greatest unsolved murder case in British criminal history. Below is a link to a recent Youtube documentary that clearly backs up my belief that Abertillery-born Harold Jones is the prime suspect for these unsolved murders. The pertinent part of this video is 35 minutes in by just sliding the bar to that time.                                                    https://www.jarossi.com/the-hunt-for-the-60s-ripper/hunt-for-the-60s-ripper-on-youtube/?fbclid=IwAR1iJ7RCdAhfJtr3EumpluwLBrUAFypNn43h9rLUcAiKwMNMKB-uL-G8Res

Neil Milkins ● 1230d0 Comments ● 1230d

Dickens Yard design feature?

Has anyone else noted that Dickens Yard /Filmworks restaurants  discharge their smelly kitchen exhaust air through grilles situated just above their front entrances ??Particularly bad is the new Buttermilk Chicken resto which discharges kitchen fumes at its Bond Street entrance.Outside dining is clearly a main feature of these newly built restaurants, but who wants to eat with kitchen fumes blowing in your face...and as for residents sitting on their balconies.? How could this design be approved? Very odd, or am I wrong?

Paul Gibson ● 1230d1 Comments ● 1230d

Looking for Registered office address

HiI am looking for a registered address for a couple of companies near of close to Uxbridge Road W5 W13

Chris Lucy ● 1232d3 Comments ● 1231d

Black Horse, Oldfield Lane, Greenford - Closure?

Today I have received the following information from CAMRAPossible Closure of the BLACK HORSE PUBLIC HOUSE – OLDFIELD LANE NORTH GREENFORDOn Friday 11th March there will be a public meeting at the pub to discuss ways to save the pub from being sold off and developed into more flats. The Pub is opposite Greenford Quay’s development and sits on the canal. The meeting starts at 19:00, but please arrive at 18:30

Mark Forster ● 1336d7 Comments ● 1232d

Hanwell Carnival & Dog Show Tomorrow 18 June

I’m really surprised at the lack of advertising for the Hanwell Carnival tomorrow When I was a kid this would be one of the highlights of the summer, all roads would lead to Elthorne Park.Admittedly I’m not an avid attender these days but I do usually go along for the dog show.Not sure what time things start but assume around midday or so??

Colin Goodman ● 1237d8 Comments ● 1235d

More flats - over Waitrose West Ealing

"The John Lewis Partnership has revealed the first three sites of its new rental homes project.Waitrose’s parent company is set to build new housing at three proposed locations, including over the supermarket’s shops in Bromley and West Ealing, in London, as well as replacing a vacant John Lewis warehouse in Mill Lane, Reading."Stack 'em high - but I bet they won't sell 'em cheap. :-)https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-08/john-lewis-picks-london-sites-for-new-homes-over-waitrose-shops

Kenneth Day ● 1246d39 Comments ● 1239d

What's happening at Ealing Broadway station?

Given that we have the ''fag end'' of the Elizabeth line developments in Ealing, why is part of the outside concourse still closed off? It's no better inside as the stairs that take you down a level to Central/District lines still have temporary banners towards the District line platforms. It looks like a mess, hardly surprising if the PRE/tfl are in charge I'd suggest.

Peter King ● 1246d11 Comments ● 1241d

The £150 Council Tax rebate

I have heard or received nothing yet. There is a form online to complete but it does not accept what are the correct references for my flat.I've tried calling but the phone lines are not accepting calls.It's a shambles/

Simon Bell ● 1256d6 Comments ● 1245d

Berkeley Group in trouble?

Reading between the lines, this is not a good outcome for Berkeley Group:http://www.ealingtoday.co.uk/default.asp?section=info&page=eadickensyard002.htm

David Marshall ● 1252d12 Comments ● 1245d

One for NVB.  Steve Pound on the telly!

Last night (Weds 9th June 2022). Fifteen minutes duration. >>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYb0TD9-wV4

Tony Heath ● 1246d1 Comments ● 1246d

With people getting stabbed left, right & centrre, it's good to see that Khan has his priorities. 😂

It's very important to divert scant resources to investigating the possible legalisation of weed....... 🤣Many would say it's virtually "legal" as it is, and has been for quite some time.

Rosco White ● 1271d29 Comments ● 1247d

Loss of N11 night bus

There was a report in the Acton newsletter today about bus cuts but nothing about Ealing. Although the area is largely unaffected, the N11 is going to be scrapped if the measures are approved. The night tube only works at the weekend and many of the people using this service are shift workers who may have no alternative other than a more expensive tube journey which may be material for their daily take home pay.As far as I can see this is the only change affecting Ealing but TfL has presented this in a very opaque way.If you have a view on this change or any of the others proposed - the link to comment is here.https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/busreview

Mark Evans ● 1252d6 Comments ● 1251d

Planning Application Forms - missing or redacted

On several occasions, neighbours have pointed out the absence of the actual Planning Application Form within the papers filed on the Council's Planning Website.Thus, the identity of the Applicant is uncertain also the Ownership Certificate details are not available, which can be very important where an Applicant incorrectly claims using Ownership Certificate A to be the sole owner of all of the land to which the application relates when, in fact, this is NOT the case.In a recent case in Acton, in Woodhurst Road, a freeholder developer proposed building a structure in part of another long Lessee resident's garden and no Ownership Certificate B was submitted to the Council.  The garden owner did not see any yellow Public Notice outside the property and had not received any separate Notice from the developer as required by law.  The developer's agent having declared in the Application Form submitted to the Council that no one has a Lease of 7 years or more - this, if it were true, would therefore have absolved the Applicant from having to serve an Ownership Certificate B, but in fact, the garden Leasehold owner proved to us and the Council that she possessed a Lease of 142 years!The resident wrote to the Chief Planning Officer, Ms Alex Jackson about this on 19th April 2022 but, as far as I know, she did not receive any response.The Legal Requirement: STATUTORY PLANNING REGISTER - Section 69 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 requires a local planning authority to keep a statutory planning register which includes information about Applications for planning permission and to make it available for public inspection, as per the text below:(1) The local planning authority must keep a register containing such information as is prescribed as to —(a) applications for planning permission;(8) The register must be kept available for inspection by the public at all reasonable hours.........................Article 40 of The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 also provides that where (as is common) the register is kept in electronic format, then it can be provided to the public on a website – article 40(14).As Acton resident, Gerald Moran (with almost 50 years experience in property law) has pointed out, there does not appear to be any authority for redacting the Application Form mentioning that "on the contrary, the Data Protection Act 2018 at Schedule 11 paragraph 3(1) exempts from the listed provisions (in chapters 2 and 3 of Part 4 of that Act) Statutory Registers kept for public inspection".

Victor Mishiku ● 1258d6 Comments ● 1252d

Products made of complex materials can now be taken to Greenford

There's a brilliant quote here - Councillor Deirdre Costigan, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for climate action said, “Ealing is one of the top performing boroughs in London for recycling household waste. But we want to achieve even more so we are making it easier for residents to recycle''. So desperate to see us as one of the top performing boroughs that they closed one of two centres we had eh? ROFL big time love

Peter King ● 1260d18 Comments ● 1252d

Possible nose in the trough?

Can the Liberal's story be true - http://www.ealingtoday.co.uk/default.asp?section=community&link=http://neighbournet.com/server/common/eacouncil218.htmIf it is, glad you voted Labour?

Peter King ● 1273d31 Comments ● 1258d

Ealing Blues and Jazz Festival 2022 day tickets £8.25 !

Weren't they £1.00 just a few years back ?

Adam Porges ● 1262d8 Comments ● 1258d

Still looking for a couple of host families in Ealing

The Swedish School at The National Archives in Kew is seeking host families in Ealing for Swedish 6th form students arriving 30th August. This is a way for you to make money from your spare room and a chance to get to know a young person from Sweden. Many of our hosts have a long lasting friendship with their students as the student lives with you for 5 or 10 months. The host family provides care and a room for the student as well as breakfast and dinner. The host family receives £760/month/student. You can host two students if you have two spare rooms. More info here https://swedishschool.org.uk/en/become-a-host-family/ or send an email to hostfamily@swedishschool.org.uk for more information.

Gustav Johansson ● 1259d0 Comments ● 1259d

Will this be Bellend's gift to Ealing?

I noticed today a sign at the entrance to Haven Green where the council have restricted traffic to one lane going down to the Uxbridge Road.It tells us that the work is shared by Ealing council, their contractors Murrill and TFL. A year or so ago I was asked by one of our local Tory councilors to comment on a proposal from the council to restrict the roadway outside the station, a proposal released so late with just a day to reply! I wonder how much the restriction will cause problems for motorists using this route going to work, school etc. Bellend could leave us all with something to remember his successful term in office I fear.

Peter King ● 1263d36 Comments ● 1260d

Cycle  lane expenditure

Peter Mason boasting on Twitter“@EalingLabour have committed at least £10m to cycling infrastructure. “They’ve got no money,  so they sold off our tiny recycling facility. Labour Out!

Maggie Dodge ● 1286d40 Comments ● 1262d

Half-Hearted, Bunting?

Walking down South Ealing road yesterday noticed how sparse and bleak the bunting is for the Platinum Jubilee.  It's too small, and far to sparse to even be noticed.I know theres uncertainty but surely involvement with schools and local community would have produced something more exciting and festive? and much more of it?Even hanging a line of washing would look more eye catching.Public streets should have larger than back garden bunting. It's just way too small for large places. But the gaps between make it almost pointless.There is unlikely to be another Jubilee for avery long time and Platinum possibly never as William is already older than The Queen when she ascended the Throne.It should be at least visually memorable for at least local children as they may well be great grandparents before another.What were those in charge thinking or was the budget simply tiny ? In which case why not put out a call to the communities - which is kind of what the Jubilee celebrates?Had months to plan ahead.If its going to be done why is it it's never done properly?Still, nothing at all in other boroughs. Maybe the inability to do it well was the overriding factor in those boroughs.

Raymond Havelock ● 1262d1 Comments ● 1262d

Helicopter landing in Wickes car park

Does anyone know why helicopter landed in Wickes car park South Ealing tonight about 7.30 pm. I heard bangs and it was not thunderMany thanks

Jerry Byrne ● 1266d1 Comments ● 1266d

Thankyou all for voting

Your vote was important

Julie Carter ● 1280d28 Comments ● 1267d

Advice please

Waiting for a replacement Freedom Pass, meanwhile where can one buy a 1 day Bus Pass please?

Jean F Fernandez ● 1267d1 Comments ● 1267d

High Court Judgment & Costs Award

After no less than 5 previous failed planning applications and appeals during the last two years, the High Court was today asked to rule that the Secretary of State's Planning Inspector was wrong to dismiss an appeal against an LBE Enforcement Notice which requires the removal of an overbearing and unneighbourly climbing frame structure erected without planning permission in a private garden on the Haymills Estate in Ealing.The High Court has now dismissed this latest appeal on all five grounds.  The Court thus upholds the Decision of the Planning Inspector earlier this year, who refused to cancel the Enforcement Notice and grant planning permission.  The High Court awarded costs in the amount of £6,000 against the appellant - reduced from over £7,000 claimed by the Secretary of State after the appellant, a company director, stated through her barrister, that she is unemployed. Victor Mishiku - "The Covenant Movement"  10th May 2022.

Victor Mishiku ● 1275d6 Comments ● 1271d

Handyman /Carpenter for wooden flooring

Hi does anyone know or could recommend a carpenter to put wooded flooring. Just for the hallway landing.Thank you.

Caroline frederick ● 1280d1 Comments ● 1272d

Found - Grey rucksack, outside Ealing Broadway station

Looks fairly new.

Nicholas Black ● 1273d0 Comments ● 1273d

LIVE: Property developer on the prowl

This chap seems REMARKABLY interested in schools (with playing fields).https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=407691He has flown over more than 20 schools since 12:30. The helicopter is registered to a property developer. Currently over Northolt (Willow Tree Primary School).

David Marshall ● 1295d5 Comments ● 1273d

I've been waiting to post...

..about the Tories losing long held seats in Ealing on the promise of ripping out all the LTNs and cycle lanes and stopping any more, but it's taking me quite a long time to find my tiny violin.I'll be back...

Paul Richard James ● 1275d20 Comments ● 1273d

Will there be a Tory wipeout in Ealing?

Prompted by an article about the election in Hounslow borough I checked the Electoral Calculus web site to look at recent voting patterns. This showed that at the last general election (2019) Ealing Broadway ward, Ealing Common ward , Hanger Hill ward and Northfield ward all voted Labour and the latest detailed survey (March) predicted them doing so by a substantial margin. This is of course for Westminster voting rather than local elections but the survey was also before the issuance of FPNS to Johnson and Sunak and the rise in energy bills and 'Tractorgate'. If this pattern is replicated on Thursday there would be no Tory MPs on Ealing Council. I am not sufficiently well informed to say whether this is a reliable indicator or not but it would be a shocking outcome for the Ealing Conservatives.

Gordon Southwell ● 1283d18 Comments ● 1280d

Please give some thought to voting in UKIP May 5

Julie Carter ● 1282d7 Comments ● 1280d

Ealing Common and Greenford Broadway - Vote UKIP today for YOU

Julie Carter ● 1281d0 Comments ● 1281d

Ealing Council Website.....Grrrrrrrr!!!

Has anyone else encountered problems using the Ealing Council Website recently?  I have been trying to renew my Garden Waste Collection but end up going around in circles and getting nowhere fast!Who designs these websites? They are certainly not user friendly!  Any suggestions please?

Jean F Fernandez ● 1282d5 Comments ● 1281d

Local issues or national when voting?  Opinions please

Julie Carter ● 1295d27 Comments ● 1281d

A survey Ealing Council wont want you to read

https://ealingmatters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/220428-State-of-Ealing-report-final.pdfAt last a survey although slightly not representative of Ealing (fully spelt out by the hosts Ealing Residents Associations though) that really gives residents views on the failing Labour administration.

Peter King ● 1283d5 Comments ● 1282d

Door to door sales scammers - Beware!!

Please be aware that door to door sales scammers are targeting Ealing.  Last night a guy came to my door, he had a large sports holdall and started off saying he was with a charity and gave me a story about being a single dad and an ex-alchoholic.  I'm usually good at sending these guys away, but before I knew it he had his bag open and tried to get me to buy some household items.  As he got the stuff out he was asking me quite personal questions, have I been working, do I live alone etc.  I just said no to all his questions and didn’t give him any details. When I said I didn’t have any cash so couldn’t buy anything, he told me to go to the cashpoint, when I refused he said he could take card. When I told him to put his things away as I wasn’t interested he turned quite nasty. Eventually he took his things off the doorstep and left.  It was definitely a scam. I found out that they work in gangs and are trying to work out details of the property, such as who lives there, is there money in the house, to sell to other criminals who later return to burgle the house.  Please send these people away or don’t open the door to them and notify any elderly or vulnerable neighbours.

Pamela Gilmore ● 1286d1 Comments ● 1285d

Warren Farm - time for compromise?

I'm full of admiration for what campaigners have achieved so far with Warren Farm. The protection of our available green space is very important. However, is it not the case that a demand for a total return to nature would be a step too far. I'm old enough to have participated in sport at Warren Farm and it was criminal that the facilities were allowed to degrade in the way they have. Sports facilities play an equally important role in our well being to nature reserves and restored pitches and changing rooms would probably benefit more people directly particularly in younger age groups. Anyone involved in community team sports knows how challenging it can be to get appropriate facilities and the cost of participation is driven up by a shortage.

Gordon Southwell ● 1309d37 Comments ● 1285d

Useful phone apps

Which of your less well-known phone apps would you recommend to me/others? Maximum of 6.1. Inside Time - the national newspaper for prisoners. (the letters pages are a must for riveting reading!)2. Love Clean Streets. (finds your location and the correct local authority, wherever you may be, and reports any issues that you want dealing with - from dead animals to abandoned vehicles and more besides)3. QR Code Reader. (able to create and scan them)4. Stocard. (every loyalty card all in one app - saves wallet space)5. Sainsbury's Smart Shop. (cheaper prices on certain products)6. Tube Map London  Underground. (has the exit points of every tube station, and more besides)

Ben Owen ● 1316d9 Comments ● 1287d

Council Elections - Propaganda Received Scorecord:  Labour 1  /  The Rest 0

The above flyers received in my letterbox to date, with only one week to go.True to form, it seems the Conservatives are rolling over in Ealing?No idea what the LibDems are up to, but they appear awake and a bit more active than the Conservatives?Whilst the sole Labour propaganda flyer I received was very bland &  singularly uninspiring. Crowing about the North Acton Square!  😂      Wot's your score?        😁

Rosco White ● 1288d7 Comments ● 1287d

Fixing Rotten Sash Windows

Hi Our wooden sash windows have got some rotten bits. Am hoping that it is a question of repairing rather than replacing. Has anyone got any suggestions of a good local firm that could do this?

Christine Mulligan ● 2205d8 Comments ● 1289d

Ealing 2nd highest in skyscraper application league

Todays Evening Standard ( 25/4 ) Only Newham ( a borough with a mass of industrial wasteland and recipient of huge amounts of funding and infrastructure from the Olympics) tops Ealing ( Bereft of almost any infrastructure and Olympic development funds and industrial and commercial space.Newham though is suitable to cope with hi density development.Ealing, like most of West London is not.But profits for developers are far more healthy from the 'deal's with Ealings council and regeneration executives.I wonder what the election manifestos say on that one?Or is it's like other, issues brushed aside with patronising garbage?

Raymond Havelock ● 1290d2 Comments ● 1290d

cake maker

Hi there, does anyone know of a good cake maker in Ealing?

Rachel Munro ● 1296d2 Comments ● 1294d

Man Knocking on Doors in Fordhook Avenue W5

Be aware that the local police have issued a warning that they have received reports of a man going around knocking on doors in the area of Fordhook Avenue claiming that he is from the council and demanding payment of debts.

Tricia Arbuthnot ● 1295d0 Comments ● 1295d

Themed Hustings?

...held by an Activist pressure group?These are supposed to be completely impartial, not with an agenda.It will simply be like minded activists asking questions.That is not what hustings are about. A Q&A on a subject with a panel of local hopefuls is fine.But this is complete misuse of the ethos of electoral hustings which is supposed to be broad based and open and not a fringe part of the electorate.Are there any proper hustings happening though?

Raymond Havelock ● 1296d6 Comments ● 1295d

Seeking host families in Ealing

The Swedish School at The National Archives in Kew is seeking host families in Ealing for Swedish 6th form students arriving 30th August. This is a way for you to make money from your spare room and a chance to get to know a young person from Sweden. Many of our hosts have a long lasting friendship with their students as the student lives with you for 5 or 10 months. The host family provides care and a room for the student as well as breakfast and dinner. The host family receives £760/month/student. You can host two students if you have two spare rooms. More info here https://swedishschool.org.uk/en/become-a-host-family/ or send an email to hostfamily@swedishschool.org.uk for more information.

Gustav Johansson ● 1295d0 Comments ● 1295d

I’m against LTNs - vote for me in Ealing Common. May 5

Vote Julie Carter

Julie Carter ● 1301d32 Comments ● 1296d

I am on the ballot for UKIP in Ealing Common May 5

Would love to hear from any kippers in Ealing Common and arrange a drink

Julie Carter ● 1322d17 Comments ● 1296d

Who can I vote for? See link

https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/person/51/julie-carter

Julie Carter ● 1297d0 Comments ● 1297d

Ealing Council workers very busy on social media

Well, glad the #percevalhouse #ealingcouncil shirkers are keeping busy!! No wonder no one answers the phones with all those social media accounts to manage.“A London council worker set off from London St Pancras yesterday with one mission in mind - to see how far he could get by train in 24 hours.Jo Kibble, who works for Ealing Council, recorded the whole journey on Twitter, posting videos at his stops in Paris, Basel and Milan among other places.”With 16 years of providing strategic, research and policy support to front-line politicians in all tiers of government, Jo is confident, proactive, and creative, with a great work ethic. As per his linkden profile 🤣

Julie Carter ● 1316d29 Comments ● 1297d

Voting UKIP in Ealing Common and Greenford Broadway

Our focus in Ealing offers the following policies:• UKIP will provide local council offices in each ward so that residents can meet council officials face-to-face when they need to, which has not been possible since the closure of Perceval House and the possible redevelopment of Ealing Town Hall. We will also upgrade the Council's telephone system to make it more user-friendly,• We will abolish fat-cat pay by introducing a recruitment protocol for senior council positions we call Cheapest Competent Candidate. This requires recruiters to put at least five names on their shortlists and then ask the candidates to bid for the job, thereby creating an open competitive market, appointing the lowest.  Further increases will be kept in line with the average for all staff,• We will rip up all speed bumps, cycle lanes and other traffic restrictions to reduce pollution and frustration as well as increase local economic efficiency,• We will provide free off-street parking for borough residents throughout the borough,• We will support housing associations to provide new affordable housing using cheap loans from the City which we can guarantee,• We will set up a Landlords' Guarantees Agency to offer landlords direct on-time payment of their rent in return for an insurance premium deduction. The Agency will then collect the rent from the tenant using all the powers of the council. Likewise tenants can hold landlords to account through the Agency to ensure that maintenance and other obligations are properly met.• We will work with the DWP to review Universal Credits to iron out delays,• We will work with the DWP to introduce pre-vetting for benefits so that those who need them can receive them immediately on claiming. In particular this will benefit the self-employed who currently have to reclaim from scratch for every gap between contracts.

Julie Carter ● 1303d10 Comments ● 1300d

Register for your postal vote for May 5 elections today

Julie Carter ● 1303d4 Comments ● 1302d

Easter collections

Last year the Easter rubbish/recycling collections remained the same as normal. Is it the same this year? There’s no online site to confirm or deny. Does anyone know?

Bettina Margaret Thwaite ● 1303d2 Comments ● 1302d

WHERE IS CEO MARTIN?

Working at home in Jersey?  Any sightings of him in Ealing?  I have written to him and received only an automated response with an irrelvant  statement concerning the "improved" complaints procedure.  Not working at all, then, from my experience of him

Andrew Farmer ● 1302d0 Comments ● 1302d

Ealing council gets round the flats in the sky problem by building them in Acton Park

https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/new-flats-next-acton-park-23668593Who says you can't put a quart into a pint pot? Flats will overlook areas where children play apparently

Peter King ● 1303d6 Comments ● 1303d

Woman fined for feeding ducks in Walpole Park

There has been a bit of a kerfuffle about this incident which took place in Walpole Park last week. I'm not a fan of contracted out enforcement but I believe in this case the right thing has been done. Allegedly the woman dumped a bag of bread on the grass and was spotted by the Kingdom enforcement officers and given a £150 fine. Feeding ducks isn't good for them as bread isn't a part of their natural diet. Discarded bread attracts rats and other vermin. There are plenty of signs up telling you not to feed the birds. While I think the fine is excessive for the offense and hope that leeway would be given by the enforcement officers to families with small children feeding the birds, it is good that this sort of activity is being discouraged.

Gordon Southwell ● 1442d10 Comments ● 1304d

Divisive, and a form of social exclusion. Another Labour Triumph

... that has gone completely unchallenged by any opposition.  Which just underlines the pitiful state of this country' inept and morally corrupt methods of management.Shaping Ealing.Another leaflet. Bereft of information and contact points.This is clearly open to only those who have an up to date smartphone.It is only open online to those who willingly accept ALL cookies.Read the terms.  These way beyond most online cookie intrusions.There is no offline form of participation.The claim on the flyer is completely contradictory. " We're encouraging ALL residents, businesses and others to get involved"Who, exactly are others?  Lobby groups? Property developers? PR companies, Activist groups all pre briefed on what to input?This needs to be clarified.Just how many council tax paying residents who are not online or in possession of the latest technology are excluded?It's already known that a very significant proportion of residents in most demographic groups are not fully internet and online savvy or have safe access.Cover restrictions revealed to volunteers just how widespread this is. Not that that made any impact with this council who have not really listened at all to any non council volunteer groups except the ones they fund. Who dare not criticise for obvious reasons.How can a local authority that is supposed to uphold democracy and equality engage a survey company that wants complete control and access without choice?Not even Government or security establishments do that.So who exactly is responsible for this and why is their name not anywhere to be found?It is shameful.  Just another form of discrimination and deception.Worst of all is why any respectable opposition party is not asking this and highlighting this abuse and debacle in election campaigns?That is equally shameful.

Raymond Havelock ● 1311d17 Comments ● 1306d

Give my View. Ts&Cs of an undemocratic nature.

This organisation want it all.  There is no simple option to opt out of anything and the terms to do so are ridiculous.How on earth can a Local authority engage such a dodgy organisation?  Undermines completely the credibility of 'listening'pated to save others the trouble.I wonder of Cllr Manro has a comment to make?  Or any councillors of any party come to that?Give My ViewContact usPrivacy policyThis privacy policy contains important information about who we are, and how and why we collect personal information from you. It explains what personal information we collect about you via the Give My View platform (givemyview.com) (the "Site"), why we collect it, how we use it and your rights in relation to it.When we refer to personal information, we mean any information which could directly identify you (such as, your name or e-mail address) as well as information which could indirectly identify you. Information which could indirectly identify you means information which could identify you when combined with other information we hold about you.When we refer to "us", "we" or "our", we mean Built-ID Limited, a company registered in England and Wales (registration number 10311228), and with registered address of Minerva House, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 9ER. Our correspondence address is: Hurst View, Jacobs Well, Surrey, GU4 7QS.Please read this privacy policy carefully. If you have any questions, comments or concerns about any aspect of this policy, please contact us at info@givemyview.com or call +44 (0) 7547 780 640.1. WHAT BASIS DO WE HAVE FOR PROCESSING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?We will only process personal information where we have a lawful reason for doing so. The lawful basis for processing personal information by us will be one of the following as set out in section 2 below:the processing is necessary for the pursuit of our legitimate business interests (including that of the delivery and the promotion of our Site or services) so long as this is not overridden by your own rights and interests; orprocessing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation; orwhere you have given your consent to the processing.2. WHAT PERSONAL INFORMATION DO WE COLLECT AND PROCESS?We collect personal information from you when you access our Site, participate in Give My View polls and surveys or if you contact us. We either collect this personal information from you directly (such as when you participate in a poll or answer a free-text question on our Site) or indirectly (such as your browsing activity on our Site).This section sets out the different ways in which we collect and use personal data from you.2.1. Information we automatically collectCollection:We collect certain information relating to all visitors to our Site (whether they choose to participate in a poll or not). Indirect personal information consists of:information about the device you used to access the Site, such as the internal protocol (IP) address of the device, the browser software, operating system, date and time of access; andinformation on how you use our Site (for example, what pages you looked at).Use:We use the personal information we collect when you visit the Site to:Use: enable you to use the Site (and all of its features);Analytics: analyse how our Site is being used, so that we can constantly improve it; andStatistical purposes: collate anonymous, aggregate statistics on the performance of parts of our Site or member profiles (for example, the number of people answering a poll over a defined period of time).Our reason for using your data in this way:Legitimate interests (for essential cookies): where our use of your personal information is necessary for our legitimate interests or the legitimate interests of a third party (unless there is a good reason to protect your personal information which overrides our legitimate interests).Consent (for non-essential cookies): we collect and use your personal information in this way where you have given us clear consent to do so. Please see our Cookies policy below for more information about how we use Cookies.2.2. When you participate in a Poll on our SiteCollection:We run are a digital consulting business that engages with individuals to collate information and opinions about particular projects, through targeted campaigns. You are able to give you views on projects that relate to, or may affect, you through our Site.When you participate in a poll or survey through our Site, we may ask you for personal information (such as your name, email address and/or postcode) depending on the nature of the project or campaign. We may also ask you other questions that relate specifically to the poll that you participating in. For some polls, you may be able to submit answers without providing your contact information but for others we will require you to enter your contact information if you wish to participate. 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For more information on how we share your personal data, please see the "How will we share your personal data?" at section 3 below.Please note that you can still vote anonymously by choosing not to provide this information, but it is only by creating a profile and providing your name and email address that you can donate points earned by voting to a local charity.If you choose to sign up via Google or another third party network, we will collect certain additional personal information from you (such as an overview of your profile with that third party). If you choose to use a third party to sign up, please consult the relevant third party’s privacy policy for information on how they use and share your data.In some instances, our Clients may request additional information from you as part of their project. 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SECURITYWe use a variety of security measures, including encryption and authentication tools, to maintain the safety and security of your personal information. Your personal information is protected behind secured networks and is only accessible by a limited number of people who have special access rights to such systems and who have a genuine business need to access it. Those processing your personal information will do so only in an authorised manner and are subject to a duty of confidentiality.We also have procedures in place to deal with any suspected data security breach. We will notify you and any applicable regulator of a suspected data security breach where we are legally required to do so.If you want detailed information from Get Safe Online on how to protect your information and your computers and devices against fraud, identity theft, viruses and many other online problems, please visit https://www.getsafeonline.org/. Get Safe Online is supported by HM Government and leading businesses.9. COOKIES9.1. What are Cookies?A cookie is a small file which is placed on your device when you use our Site . Cookies contain information that is transferred to your computer's hard drive (or the hard drive of another relevant device).We use cookies to distinguish you from other users on our website, to tailor your experience to your preferences, and to help us improve the Site.Some of the cookies we use are essential for the Site to operate. If you use your browser settings to block all cookies (including essential cookies), you may not be able to access all or parts of our Site.You can manage any non-essential cookies by clicking on our cookie pop-up. By default, most internet browsers accept cookies, but you can choose to enable or disable some or all cookies via the settings on your internet browser. 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We use third party cookies on the Site to perform other functions such as analytics and advertising (as set out below).You have the right to opt out of third-party cookies by removing your consent through our Site.Cookie Name Purpose Essential or Non-EssentialBID-Authorization Application session cookie Allows your to securely access the Site, including the polls, and submit responses. This is an essential cookie so we are not required to request your consent before placing this cookie.Google Analytics _ga, _gid This cookie collects the following information: traffic source, page visits and duration, repeat visitors, browser type and version, browser language, operating system, device type, service provider and screen resolution (if on mobile). If you are logged into a Google account, Google Analytics also provides us with your age range, gender and interests. Non-essential third party cookie. 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We don't control the setting of these cookies, and we recommend you check the third-party websites for more information about their cookies and how to manage them.9.4 How to turn off CookiesIf you do not want to accept any cookies, you may be able to change your browser settings so that cookies (including those which are essential to the services requested) are not accepted. If you do this, please be aware that you may lose some of the functionality of our Site.For further information about cookies and how to disable them, please go to the guidance on cookies published by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office available at: www.aboutcookies.org or www.allaboutcookies.org.10. UPDATES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICYThis privacy policy was last updated in March 2020. We keep our privacy notice under regular review to make sure it is up to date and accurate. If we change our privacy policy from time to time, we will post the details of any changes here. We may also take reasonable steps to notify you if such changes affect how your personal data is processed.

Raymond Havelock ● 1306d0 Comments ● 1306d

A thank to Baron Siberia?

I know a few people who worked at the Evening Standard and the Independent and they all agree that both publications have been stripped down to the bare bones. Yet yesterday they broke what is probably the biggest scoop this year in British news.That the Chancellor's wife was non-domiciled for tax purposes would have been know to relatively few people outside government but one of them must have leaked it to the paper. Can anyone think of someone who perhaps may have been a social acquaintance of Evgeny Lebedev who perhaps made him a Lord who would have stood to gain by this information being put in the public domain and could rely on not being named as the source?

Tricia Arbuthnot ● 1308d14 Comments ● 1306d

The doyen of virtue signalling

Great poster (billboard to the non technical people) at Ealing Broadway station in Ukrainian. Seems as if the little twerp has taken it upon himself to welcome our allies to the country despite there not being that many of them! The Home Office is a shambles but so to is TFL. Just look at how much the employers are putting into tube drivers pensions, around 25%!I'd like that and so would you but it's OUR money on top of their 8.4% pay rise.

Peter King ● 1310d1 Comments ● 1310d

Food for thought

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cQTevFKKlU4&fbclid=IwAR1zpWyJ0QeMextYtP1_nvVaxerEdo_iPiPmgwv8KZX2ZOrPGB2S48dxuwg

Simon Hayes ● 1312d5 Comments ● 1310d

Ealing Council fined for cutting care to man

https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/ealing-council-fined-500-after-23572197

Julie Carter ● 1314d4 Comments ● 1313d

Ealing Town Hall SOLD - Perceval House SOLD  No one home

Julie Carter ● 1317d9 Comments ● 1316d

Labour Flyer with nothing to say

Had a Vote Labour flyer through the door today.Three names. Nothing about them, and nothing about what they stand for, intend to do or campaign for.Clearly that's all they think they have to do to get a vote.These need to be earned. A list of achievements, a proper resume of who they are and what they are involved in and a full list of what they as a collective intend to do.Not a word.I doubt flyers from any other party will be any better.Thoroughly depressing example of our dented and disintegrating democracy, being taken for granted.

Raymond Havelock ● 1331d79 Comments ● 1318d

Fitted Bedsheets

Help!I have a bed measuring 7ft long by 5ft wide - my husband is tall!  Until recently I have been able to get bottom sheets made to measure by Keys of Clacton (a delightfully old-fashioned company), but they appear to have closed down.Has anyone got any idea where I might be able to find a new supplier?

Thelma Leach ● 1318d2 Comments ● 1318d

The Numpties of Gunnersbury Park

So rather than easily fix the southern  footpaths, they throw taxpayers money at a building with no dedicated purpose?Which of course will mean that it will end up being unsuitable for any possible purpose and thus require additional expenditures to be adapted to any future use.This management, board and trusteeship lot are an utter crowd of self indulgent airheads with a deluded and cavalier approach to other people's money. No doubt this won't be the case when it comes to their own money or incomes.Why this catalogue of questionable and anti local ethics has not been called in properly by LBH and LBE is very questionable.  Probably because too many at both are also in the thick of it..It is verging on scandalous.It is after all, a Public Park bought cheaply by and for the local populous. Not a private estate.

Raymond Havelock ● 1321d4 Comments ● 1319d

Gurnell consultation, starting Cllr Manro!

Use the link below to have your say in the future of Gurnell Leisure Centre, which has now been closed for two years. Have no doubt Ealing Council still wants to build lots of flats on the site, it’s a crucial component of its business model for its development subsidiary Broadway Living.You’ll see a nice video of Cllr Manro as well.Don’t be swayed by the scaremongering about tax rises or borrowing. Our council has already got us on the hook for a £400m loan for Broadway Living to find developments like Perceval House. The length of the loan, 50 years, is longer than the expected lifespan of the buildings they sling up!Oh and FYI. Gurnell is on Metropolitan Open Land which shouldn’t be built on. It’s also on the River Brent flood plain and thus not really suitable for housing.https://www.givemyview.com/gurnell?utm_campaign=Around+Ealing+Extra_%23119_24+March+2022&utm_source=emailCampaign&utm_medium=email

Simon Hayes ● 1319d0 Comments ● 1319d

What are your views overdevelopment and road usage?

Do you think crime rates are out of control?Do you think the ugly tower blocks are too high?Do you think there is too much over development?Do you think the area is losing its architectural charm?Do you think the roads are too dangerous?Do you think the 20 mile an hour speed limit is unnecessary?Do you think 24 hour bus lanes are unnecessary?Do you think LTNs are ridiculous?Do you think there is a war on motorists? Do you think that the cycle lanes are unnecessary and unused?Do you think that parking charges are though the roof?

Julie Carter ● 1324d18 Comments ● 1319d

Did you know that Perceval House has been closed for TWO years?

Julie Carter ● 1322d7 Comments ● 1320d

Electric train from West Ealing to Greenford

It's good that ths is being promoted and it should help the climate change cause. But it's important to note that simply using an electic vehicle (car, bus, train or aircraft) does not make it zero or low carbon. You have to 'de-carbonise' the national grid (or whatever your electicity source is) to gain the real benefits.

Nic Ferriday ● 1322d4 Comments ● 1320d

Assume it's May 7th & Mason and mates have been returned to office

As it stands, Labour will keep hold of Ealing (and Hounslow too for that matter) come 7th May. The fury that Johnson and chums have unleashed will put paid to any chance the normal sensible people in the borough have of getting rid of a council that has had its day. Bar a few upsets in the areas where the LTN's provoked people, they will retain the same sad fools voting nationally without realising that they should be worried about over development instead of restrictive immigration policies. Anyone who was hoping that this year will be better than the two we've been through is sadly wrong.

peter king ● 1367d10 Comments ● 1320d

Manor Road Development

If the firm building the tower block in Manor Road in West Ealing hasn't submitted all the proper paperwork for the demolition and construction, how can we be confident they won't be similarly cavalier when it comes to fire safety regulations.

Gordon Southwell ● 1323d1 Comments ● 1322d

What are the most important local election issues for you ?

Julie Carter ● 1327d12 Comments ● 1322d

HAROLDS PLACE in South Ealing

Does any one know what happened to the lovely shop in South Ealing called HAROLDS PLACE?

Debbie Paradin ● 1329d3 Comments ● 1323d

Looking for host families in Ealing for Swedish 6th form students

The Swedish School at The National Archives in Kew is recruiting host families in Ealing for Swedish 6th form students arriving in the end of August. In case you have a spare room in your home, this is a way for you to get an extra income and a chance to get to know a young person from Sweden. Many of our hosts have a long lasting friendship with their students as the student lives with you for 5 or 10 months. The host family provides care and a room for the student as well as breakfast and dinner. Host families receive £740/month/student. You can host two students if you have two spare rooms. More info here https://swedishschool.org.uk/en/become-a-host-family/ or send an email to hostfamily@swedishschool.org.uk for more information.

Gustav Johansson ● 1325d0 Comments ● 1325d

NEVER EVER GO TO THE SUPERDRUG PHARMACY IN EALING SHOPPING CENTRE

The following sums up the cavalier attitude of the organisation with the pharmacist saying that they probably would not have any more lateral flow tests until you HAVE TO PAY FOR THEMHelp@Superdrug Thu 17/03/2022 21:36To: You------------------------------------------------------------Hi marc, Thanks for your patience, I now have the following update from the pharmacy superintendent:"Thank you for getting in touch. The lateral flow Pharmacy Collect Service is ceasing under the instruction of the NHS as a result of the government publication of the COVID-19 Response: Living with Covid-19 document. The pharmacy will therefore no longer be able to offer this service free of charge."Have a lovely evening and if you need anything else, please get back in touchNicolaThe Superdrug Customer TeamSuperdrug Stores PlcA.S. Watson (Health & Beauty UK)Our team are here to help you during these hours9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday9:00am to 5:00pm Saturday9:00am to 5:00pm Sundaywww.superdrug.com/contact

John Erbauer ● 1329d18 Comments ● 1327d

Re; The met school article

Although not a graduate of the Met school, another Ealing raised and schooled ( Little Ealing and Drayton manor) lad Alan Mehdizadeh is at the Hollywood premiere of the new Mark Rylance movie “The Outfit” tonight, in which he plays Simon Russel Beales bodyguard/gangster

Tracey Mehdizadeh ● 1331d3 Comments ● 1328d

Proposed development of 10-40 The Broadway

David Pollock, Development Director at British Land said, “This is an exciting next step in OUR plans for Ealing Town Centre. Not only can the Broadway Connection deliver much needed high quality, modern space, it could bring an additional 3,000 new people to the area, supporting local jobs and businesses.Given the new shops by Christchurch are nowhere near occupied yet, this is another mad scheme supported by the ruling Labour party that will tear what heart is left in Ealing out

peter king ● 1357d18 Comments ● 1328d

David Millican Standing Down

Just been told that David Millican will not be standing as a councillor for Northfield in the May election. Not sure of his reasons but it would have been astonishing if he had managed to hang on given the state of his party's showing in the national polls. He's not my ward councillor but I know he is well liked by residents of that area across the political spectrum and was excellent at keeping his constituents informed. Some of my local Tory friends are predicting a total wipeout for the party in May which I think unlikely but would be astonishing given they were the largest group in the borough as recently as 2010.

Gordon Southwell ● 1331d27 Comments ● 1329d

Ukraine Emergency Appeal - link to justgiving

Please may I ask you to donate to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Emergency Appeal? To do so please copy and paste this link into your browser. Thank you.https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/latymer-upper-ukrainedecCharity Registration No. 1062638The purpose of the fund and further information is also below.Every pound donated by the UK public will be matched by the UK Government up to £20 million.£30 could provide essential hygiene supplies for three people for one month£50 could provide blankets for 4 families to keep them warm£100 could provide emergency food for two families for one monthIntense conflict in Ukraine is threatening the lives and livelihoods of civilians across the country, causing hundreds of thousands to flee. Homes have been destroyed or are unsafe to live in. Essential services have been hit. Families have been separated. People have been injured. Lives have been lost.DEC charities and their local partners are in Ukraine and across the border in the neighbouring countries. They are working to meet the immediate needs of all people fleeing with food, water, medical assistance, protection and trauma care.

Joy Griffiths ● 1343d3 Comments ● 1330d

This is hilarious, and stupid!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbAESJrLwxh/?utm_medium=share_sheet&fbclid=IwAR2ldZG7UYUXo6_DCKpuGFn_BfowFcwnjNAhUGplmvLXbmXdgvf4ZJNQIIA

Simon Hayes ● 1332d35 Comments ● 1331d

Bob Wellings and the Castlebar Road elephant

I was very sad to hear that Bob Wellings the former Anglia TV presenter died this week. He used to live in the area and was responsible for what may or may not be Ealing's most famous urban myth — that a circus elephant is buried under Castlebar Road. I've heard various versions of the story but the most commonly told is that the animal died when the circus came to town at the end of the nineteenth century and it was easier to bury the animal near where it died as it was impractical to cart it away. Maybe with Bob's passing we'll never know the truth of the story.

Gordon Southwell ● 1337d4 Comments ● 1332d

Post Box collections Uxbridge Road W5

I have just noticed the collection from my local Post Box has changed from 6pm to 9am so I am no longer able to get my letters in the post the day they are ready.Are others experiencing problems?How can you find later collection times please?

Chris Lucy ● 1342d16 Comments ● 1333d

Dr Bike and Free Online Cycle Training

Check out where and when the free bike mending sessions are and what is happening with cycle training in Ealing.  There is also free Online Cycle Training.https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201173/transport_and_parking/150/cycling/4

Philippa Bond ● 1349d5 Comments ● 1335d

Taken from  Chiswick W4.com

A good way to boycott Russia is not buying anything built by Berkeley Group.This is a company that has trousered huge profits by luring super rich Russian investors – and boasting about it.Astonishingly, Berkeley Group’s “Russia Desk” is still open for business.Please note: Berkeley Group trades under several different names. These are St Edward, St George, St James, St Joseph and St William.Aren't St George currently ruining whats left of Ealing supported by our pony council?

Peter King ● 1337d7 Comments ● 1337d

Here's whats coming when Ealing Broadway station work is finally finished

The carriageway outside the station to be narrowed to 1 lane;Bus Stop F outside the station to be relocated to be outside Metro Bank;Removal of the existing taxi rank and convert the available space into new footway;Removal of the bus layby and converting it into new green space;New signalised pedestrian crossing on Haven Green;Landscaping on the station forecourt, additional cycle stands, footway and cycleway resurfacing.My local councillors sent the proposals to me after they were given no time whatsoever to respond to them, Quelle Suprise eh?

peter king ● 1356d10 Comments ● 1337d

Financial Incentives for Councillors to use bikes.

....at the expense of council tax payers no doubt.Is this for real?A bit like the Councillor some years back who insisted that a CPZ was important to help people understand that don't need cars.She then left the meeting as she had to attend another one.Leaving by car.When challenged she said "I have to have a car otherwise I would never be able to do my important work."Total double standards but the fact is whose work is not important?  Unpaid volunteers? or those scraping by trying to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads?I hope all these roughing councillors will be having their subsidised machines tracked so as to prove their legitimate use in the interests of transparency.  Most I know claim taxis as they are too inebriated to drive after the customary post meeting neck oiling.

Raymond Havelock ● 1338d4 Comments ● 1337d

IF tfl goes bust, does that mean we finally get shot of Khan, Bell, et al and their incompetency?

Does it mean that Central Government step in and run tfl?Once the politicised mismanagement by Khan, Bell et al are removed I imagine Londoners will be a LOT better off with their transport system?

Rosco White ● 1351d29 Comments ● 1338d

Opposition to cycleway IGNORED

Those ****s at Ealing council ignored massive opposition to the proposed scheme.Including reducing 2 lanes to 1 !!!!!!!There goes the economy & time lost in endless  queues of traffic.Cue blinkered, resident liar pc paul sadiq khan richard james

Peter Yale ● 1343d57 Comments ● 1338d

Government Demands Driverless Trains and More Active Travel

Story here:http://www.ealingtoday.co.uk/default.asp?section=community&link=http://neighbournet.com/server/common/ldrstrans112.htmDriverless trains are a pipe dream of course, but we can all be on board about the more active travel bit!

Paul Richard James ● 1346d17 Comments ● 1340d

Revealed: Full scale of injuries being caused by e-scooters in London

From the Sub, so it must be right - https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/escooter-accidents-injuries-revealed-london-tfl-ban-b985850.htmlIs the hapless little twerp of a mayor still behind them as part of his vision of the future?

Peter King ● 1342d0 Comments ● 1342d

Stolen Collie - URGENT APPEAL

Bobby the collie was taken from Ealing Common Station on 28 Feb and has been missing sinceHe’s three years old and owners are franticI can’t copy a photo of the appeal poster here but if you hear of anyone looking to sell on a collie type dog, know anyone who has suddenly obtained one or if it’s you who has him thinking he was a stray please get in touch as details belowCALL 07821 867999OR 07774 724797CrimeStoppers.0800 555 111(ANONYMOUSLY)DogLost ID: 173861MALE BORDERCOLLIEMICROCHIPPED3yrs oldMISSING SINCE9.37pm - 28th Feb 2022Ealing Common StationLONDON W5BOBBY WAS SEEN ON CCTV BEINGENCOURAGED ONTO A TRAINThe couple involved had a Labradortype dog of their own, arrived on aWestbound Train, and left station onan Eastbound Train with Bobby.IF YOU WERE JUST KEEPING HIM SAFEPLEASE HAND HIM IN TO ANY VETSCALL ONE OF THE NUMBERS HERE

Colin Goodman ● 1343d2 Comments ● 1342d

best estate agents?

I clicked on that and just got a list of all of them.  Whilst I had expected a blank page - much as the CD of the Wisdom of Donald rump is a blank disc - but not even that!

Robert Shaw ● 1350d3 Comments ● 1342d

Host a Swedish 6th form student in Ealing

The Swedish School at The National Archives in Kew is recruiting host families in Ealing for Swedish 6th form students arriving in the end of August. In case you have a spare room in your home, this is a way for you to get an extra income and a chance to get to know a young person from Sweden. Many of our hosts have a long lasting friendship with their students as the student lives with you for 5 or 10 months. The host family provides care and a room for the student as well as breakfast and dinner. Host families receive £740/month. More info here https://swedishschool.org.uk/en/become-a-host-family/ or send an email to hostfamily@swedishschool.org.uk

Gustav Johansson ● 1343d0 Comments ● 1343d

Ealing Council - Air Quality Strategy Survey.

Tell 'em exactly what you think!  😆http://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90425083/Ealing-Air-Quality-Strategy-Survey?utm_campaign=Shaping_Ealing_%20Air_%20Quality%20_email%20template&utm_source=emailCampaign&utm_content=&utm_medium=email

Rosco White ● 1356d94 Comments ● 1344d

Water meter  - effects on boiler

I’ve been advised by a gas engineer to have something fitted to my boiler, now that we’re on a water meter. Does this sound right? Sorry I’m not sure what the part is?

Maggie Dodge ● 1349d14 Comments ● 1344d

More claims about NHS Closures

Labour start May election campaign at Ealing Hospital with Eve Turner of Ealing Save Our NHS, Dr Sonia Adesara, from Keep Our NHS Public, and Southall MP Virendra Sharma on 26th Feb 2022. Lies about NHS closures from those who failed to provide Covid information or vitamins.

Martin Cain ● 1349d2 Comments ● 1349d

WW2 bomb on Ealing Common

Does anyone know anything about this?

Ian Richardson ● 1355d5 Comments ● 1353d

Should we be reassured on Ealing's Cinema?

Peter Mason and Cllr Anand have been featured in a new video issued by Ealing Council from the Filmworks site eating popcorn and promising that Ealing will be getting a cinema. I would assume it has been made partly in response to the article that was recently published on this site which reported that the cinema wouldn't be opening until the end of the year. One thing that doesn't appear to be mentioned in the video is a date with Covid being used as the excuse for the delays but other construction projects are cracking along quite nicely and haven't missed deadlines certainly not by this extent. It is mentioned that a Picturehouse representative was at the site but that doesn't necessarily give total reassurance. The financial troubles of the group have been well covered and there is a big question about the viability of multi-screen cinemas on the scale of this one with many films now being released on streaming channels. There simply may not be enough films to show on eight screens. Neither Cllr Mason nor Cllr Anand are financial analysts so they can't know for sure that Picturehouse will be around or will stick to its commitments.

Gordon Southwell ● 1357d4 Comments ● 1356d

Puncture repair Ealing

Where is the best place to get a bicycle puncture repaired in Ealing and how much should I expect to pay?

Gordon Southwell ● 1365d13 Comments ● 1357d

Somers & Blake

Hi, Does anyone know if Somers & Blake, solicitors near Wickes in Hanwell, are still in business?  I've been getting a ringing out phone for the past week.

Caroline Cabraal ● 1364d4 Comments ● 1357d

Ealing Council Tree Department

In April 2021 Ealing Council contractors sawed down a beautiful and perfectly healthy Norway Maple from outside our property. Over nine months later its large ugly stump remains. The justification to cut this huge tree down was that over time its trunk and roots had caused damage to the pavement, as the trunk has been left and the pavement remains in the same condition the exercise was pointless and leaves us an eyesore in place of a magnificent tree. I have tried to telephone and have written regular emails to the Councils tree dept, the last time anyone was courteous enough to reply was in November when they cited the contractor as not having the correct tool and staff shortages, previously that it was policy to have a group of trees to do on the same day. Nine months! I’d be grateful for any suggestions on how to escalate the matter,  Ealing Commons local councillors have been emailed directly and copied on all correspondence but don’t acknowledge.

Adam Porges ● 1360d12 Comments ● 1358d

TfL still manipulating and lying

If TfL were a national government, it would be up there with Russia, China and many despot countries for their constant misleading and use of unsubstantiated propaganda.It may not be as nasty as those places but the methodology remains the same. It would no doubt be unrecognised by the UK and sanctions applied.Then again. our Government is not exactly squeaky clean when it comes to telling the truth or misleading the public.However, it takes constant Freedom of Information requests to glean anything from TfL and their duck and dive approach to responding usually means 2 or three attempts before the answers start to emerge.They know that journalists and those who take the trouble to investigate further have limited time or resources or both and this appeases them.The latest claims on this websites lead story are completely unsubstantiated and based on policy and politically funded research. In other words organisations that will produce a report that vindicates what their paymasters policy requires.To take one example : To date there are no clear and definitive causes of Dementia. Whilst Alzheimers is now the generic word, Dementia is a range of diseases of which Alzheimers is one.It is as common in rural areas as it is in dense urban areas - as is Asthma. I have family who suffer both and live in a very rural part of England and one in Eire. Fact is, after decades of research,fund raising the causes are still not understood. It is so random in so many cases.TfLs claims about Hospital admissions are also unfounded. it is modelled propaganda. They have omitted the sources again and again.  B*******t baffles Brains and it seems it works.Our politicians are too lazy or afraid to do the hard work of proper fact finding and force TfL to be open and honest rather than sly and deceptive.The huge waste of money on the ULEZ which with diminishing non compliant vehicles already way below the figure TfL based the justification on in the first place - again by not even being honest to themselves but keen to please their political masters, could have made safer road surfaces and better general improvements London wide for all road users and provide a fully funded mandatory training and proficiency scheme to be reinstated for Cyclists and other non car users.It was the LCC that set this up in the first place and it ended with the demise of the GLC.

Raymond Havelock ● 1408d124 Comments ● 1367d

Lost Kitten in Wilsmere Drive, UB5

Please could you keep an eye out for a kitten that got lost on 1.February, around 11AM, on Wilsmere Drive, near Wilsmere Park. He is male, black, with 2 white patches on his belly, and green eyes. Please contact me if you see him, he is so vulnerable out there.

Erika Lutzke ● 1368d0 Comments ● 1368d

What to do with your Old Electricals

Lots of info on the different ways to deal with and how to recycle your electricals now that many people will have updated or have had a sort out during the holidays.Make sure you match your chargers and leads to their equipment so that you don't recycle parts of items that you'll later regret... Mark them so mark them so no-one will get carried away in their de-cluttering enthusiasm.  You could spend ages trying to replace them online.https://www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk/

Philippa Bond ● 1388d18 Comments ● 1369d

Fire Engines Delayed by LTNs

No source is given for the figures on delays to fire engines in the report currently on the front page but I presume they come from London Fire Brigade. They don't really tell us anything we didn't already know. Emergency workers had made it clear that the barriers were causing them delay. What I found annoying was the attempt by some to minimise this problem by quoting figures based on average response times for fire engines as if a minimal change showed that the LTNs were not causing extra risk. What these figures demonstrate is that probably on around 40-50 occasions in Ealing fire engines took longer to get to an incident because of LTNs. Another reason to applaud Peter Mason's decision to scrap most of these schemes despite the punitive measures that have been taken against the borough in terms of funding as a result. As I write Sue Grey has yet to present her report but the Prime Minister may be gone by the end of the day — with him will go Andrew Gilligan and Ealing will start to get its fair share of transport funding again.

Gordon Southwell ● 1379d30 Comments ● 1373d

An urgent plea.

From Facebook."An urgent plea for help to anyone travelling on the 207 this morning (and for some kind person to share this to Hanwell friends - please)A bereaved man on his way for a last visit to his partner at Ryan’s undertaker in South Ealing, before the funeral tomorrow, left a bag of really precious but not valuable things of his partner’s including a photo for the funeral on the bus. He ran after the bus when he realised,  but fell over. He did alert the next bus. It is a Marks and Spencer’s green and black zipped cool bag n the bottom deck of the bus. Southall bus depot are trying to locate it too. Ryan’s happy to receive calls about it too - 020 8567 1664 Would be so grateful if you can help."

N V Brooks ● 1375d5 Comments ● 1374d

Sneaky LTN backdoor alternative

I read in the paper a new policy adopted on 2 occasions to my knowledge, new road restrictionsFirstly a no left turn sign off Olive Rd (to motorists) to enable access to South Ealing Road.2) is to prevent left turn from Springbridge Rd/Haven Green into Gordon Rd,Effectively closing the road & channelling traffic down the main roads as an alternative to foolhardy LTNs

Peter Yale ● 1391d9 Comments ● 1376d

Is Alex Stafford a pork pie plotter?

Has anyone been keeping tabs on Alex Stafford, formerly of this parish, and his doings in Rother Valley?  It would interesting to know if he was one of the pork pie plotters involved in the coup attempt against Johnson or indeed if he might be considering doing a Christian Wakefield and defecting to Labour. I had a quick scan of his social media and was unable to find any messages of support for the Prime Minister at this difficult time for him.

Gordon Southwell ● 1386d4 Comments ● 1378d

Complaints procedure rewritten to protect the CEO.

Complaints procedure rewritten to protect the CEO.The complaints procedure used to have 3 stages.  It has been reduced to 2.  It will no longer have a stage-three input from the CEO.  Instead, it will go straight to the local Government Ombudsman.  Nice for the CEO.  If the LGO finds the Council guilty of maladministration, the CEO will no longer be implicated.The CEO should be held accountable for anything and everything those under him do.  He is paid enough to take responsibility for their behaviour.   The change was discussed at the cabinet meeting of 10.11.21.  The rationale for trimming away the third stage was that it was found that the stage-three review did not change the outcome for the complainant. The same might be said of stage two, because the officers who review the response of the stage-one respondent (their colleague) act not with the honesty and impartiality required of a public servant but as “counsel for the defence” for their colleague.   The usual trick, even at stage one, is to claim the matter has already been dealt with. At the cabinet meeting, there was no discussion of whether the CEO should not still play a part in the process by being the second-stage respondent. So, now the CEO has no responsibility to investigate the behaviour of the senior officers below him, which one would have thought was one of his functions. The author of the proposal put before the Cabinet for this change was Alison Reynolds,who has control of the complaints procedure.  This is the Alison Reynolds who when asked to investigate a complaint against a senior colleague wrote “I have concluded that all of the matters raised as part of this case have now been addressed”  - even though she was the first person to address them  - and handn’t addressed them and didn’t! The complaints procedure is corrupted by senior officers who protect their senior colleagues by this quick-fix comment (“already dealt with”).  It has become institutionalised by repetition.

Andrew Farmer ● 1379d1 Comments ● 1378d

I hope the next LBE Chief Exec is a "suitably high quality candidate" such as Najsarek was.  🤣

One thing we do know, s/he will possess uncannily strong Left Leanings.That is all!

Rosco White ● 1388d4 Comments ● 1381d

Lost Ginger Cat- Cavendish Avenue

Our cat Astro has been missing for 2 days!He is completely ginger with spotty markings on his back. Wearing a red bowtie collar.Please if you are local check your sheds and garages!If you see him please call Lauren on 07857 427785 or Guy on 07482 339495.

Lauren Taylor ● 1384d0 Comments ● 1384d

Changes to Council Services eg Recycling & Waste:  Christmas & New Year

https://www.ealing.gov.uk/news/article/2140/changes_to_council_services_over_christmasnew_year_periodIt takes a while for the collections to get back to the schedule.You can also find the write up and dates for this on this website in the Calendar column if you scroll down.You can also re-check what can be recycled kerbside and in the neighbourhood recycling bins here:https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201171/recycling_servicesCheck out the new textile collection and where our recycling goes etc.Even better check out the West London Waste Authority's website for hep with reducing waste and recycling.www.lovefoodhatewaste.com, supermarket websites and many more now have lots of recipes for leftovers.

Philippa Bond ● 1409d28 Comments ● 1385d

Shining a light for LibDems

As well as having his say on tower blocks after helping Catalyst Housing Group get their 34 storey block at the expense of a coherent community and 232 social housing units on the Friary Park estate Ealing Liberal Democrat Group Leader Councillor Gary Malcolm is now up in arms about street lighting. As usual the Lib Dem is missing the point and helping his Labour Councillor mates as the political elites always do. In 2015 Labour Cllr Bassam Mahfouz established Ealing’s ‘Smart City’ project by having SSE Enterprise run street lights in the Borough. There was no consultation with any community or environmental groups about allowing a failing private firm to provide public services. Why has jet-setting Gary made no mention of fellow Councillor Mahfouz or Andy Marcham, the SSE Enterprise Lighting Operations Manager  Fin Kelly, Strategic Lead for Digital and Smart Cities at Ealing who all have their hands deep in the taxpayers pockets?

Martin Cain ● 1385d1 Comments ● 1385d

Fly Tipping

Last week, fly tipping took place in a private estate in Northolt West End. The police were contacted but said it was nothing to do with them and we should contact the council, even though we supplied the registration number and a photo of the miscreant's van. I contacted the three councillors in Northolt West End but received absolutely no response. Somebody else contacted the Council who said it was none of their business and might issue an order for us to remove the dumped rubbish. Some advice would be appreciated as our Metropolitan Police seems no longer interested in criminal activity even when being supplied with evidence of who is the offender.

Ian Fergus ● 1399d18 Comments ● 1386d

Can you Recommend a housing law solicitor in Ealing please ?

I have had disrepair in flat and would  like to know if anyone can recommend a solicitor in  Ealing who can bring a claim against freeholders for disrepair and damages ?

Fabian Peter ● 1391d4 Comments ● 1386d

council fined by LGO for housing and compaints maladministration

Council found guilty of “severe maladministration” in respect of housing and its complaints procedure. No news to me and my neighbours.  We recall the horrors of the time the Council was operating a hostel at 354-6 Uxbridge Road - contrary to planning regulations.  More recently council officer Mark Wiltshire relicensed a landlord as “a fit and proper person” to hold a licence on a large HMO when he knew he had been housing tenants in filth and fire hazard (walls damp and mouldy, smoke alarm taped over, fire escape route blocked with old furniture and rubbish), and knew he was failing to prevent his tenants causing antisocial nuisance in the neighbourhood.   Shocking.  More shocking:  Wiltshire still has his job.  The complaints procedure?  We complained about him. It was dealt with by Helen Harris, Director legal and Democratic Services.  Required to respond within twenty days, she procrastinated for nearly five months!  The Council apologised for her “unacceptable” behaviour.  The complaint passed to officer Alison Reynolds. Before we had had a chance to request escalation, she had already refused to escalate the complaint. “I would like to advise you that the Council will no longer enter into any more correspondence with you or your associates”.  It was our right to request escalation. She corrupted due process, Shocking.  More shocking. She still has her job. History has repeated itself and will go on doing so under Mason.  He asked residents to email him with concerns about the borough.  I emailed him about this.  He ignored the email.  

Andrew Farmer ● 1393d1 Comments ● 1387d

Public Open Space Covenants & Stipulations on Council-held land

In the neighbouring London Borough of Hillingdon (our Prime Minister - The Right Hon. Boris Johnson's constituency), the Leader of the Labour Group of Councillors made the following Motion at Cabinet on 13th January 2022."That this Council believes that restrictive covenants on public & communal land plays an important role in ensuring that the value and enjoyment of the land is, and continues to be, preserved. Restrictive covenants enhance and protect our borough for our residents’ benefit and that of future generations.This Council, therefore, believes that it should set the example and do all within its power to uphold restrictive covenants especially on council land.This Council, therefore, calls on the Cabinet to abolish their current plans to remove the restrictive covenant in Yiewsley in order to develop on the recreation ground and library site.This Council calls on the Cabinet to enter into dialogue with local residents to devise alternative options for the use of the land in Yiewsley that complies with the restrictive covenants put in place to preserve the enjoyment and benefit for Hillingdon residents.Furthermore, this Council commits to uphold restrictive covenants across the borough for the benefit of residents."The above declaration in the Motion is reminiscent of the admirable Manifesto Pledge made by Cllr. John Cudmore, former Acton Councillor and the Leader of the Labour Group in Ealing at the time of his party's successful efforts to win the administration control of Ealing Council in May 1994 at the local 4-yearly election promising that the Council would respect the views of residents and protect the borough's conservation areas and green spaces from backland developments, etc.Victor Mishiku  16/1/2022"The Covenant Movement" Ealing.

Victor Mishiku ● 1390d2 Comments ● 1387d

Co Op Pitshanger Lane

A friend used the ATM (Albert Rd end) 10.35, Monday03/01/22Unfortunately they left their phone & the bank card in the phone wallet, a Nat West card on top of a bin.Returning within minutes,they  were goneThese have both now been cancelled, but should someone happen across them, could they hand them in to the Co Op staff please,There is cctv covering the ATM, hopefully the police can investigate

Peter Yale ● 1402d2 Comments ● 1394d

Brentford County Court is a disgrace

i have sent 3 emails to Brentford County court using 3 different emails and using 2 different email accountsbrentfordcountycourt@justice.gov.ukenquiries@brentford.countycourt.gsi.gov.ukbrentfordcountycourt@hmcts.gsi.gov.ukall 6 emails have been bounced back as undelivered , could somebody else try them to see if they also get bounced on top of that its impossible to get through on the phone , one phone has message that its not been possible to connect that number and the other rings and rings until it auto hangs upthe so called pandemic has destroyed what little infrastructure was left and how the hell can can Communist Ealing Council be awarded  £1600 in the SMALL CLAIMS COURT

P Taylor ● 1427d4 Comments ● 1395d

  Adam Posting for under a month Any basic gardening/manual labour jobs done quick and fast!

http://services.ealingtoday.co.uk/#Services/List/Category/0/773

Happy Gardens ● 1396d0 Comments ● 1396d

New Years Honours

Why & for what?Ok Max Woosey & Tobias Weller.Blair? Whitty, Craig etc????

Peter Yale ● 1405d3 Comments ● 1402d

Congratulations Bev Tremayne

British Empire MedalCivil DivisionCentral Chancery of the Orders of KnighthoodSt. James’s Palace, London SW101 January 2022THE QUEEN has been graciously pleased to award the British Empire Medal (Civil Division) to the undermentioned:B.E.M.Beverley Susan Jill TREMAYNELeader, Brownies and Guides, Hanwell, London Borough of EalingFor services to Girlguiding and Trefoil, particularly during Covid-19.Bev has been running Brownies, Guides at St. Thomas the Apostle, Boston Road for close on to 40 years, a well-deserved honour for someone who has kept a programme active during the pandemic.

N V Brooks ● 1405d2 Comments ● 1404d

The continuing tragedy of Gunnersbury Park

Neglected by two boroughs who could not manage to tie a shoe-lace together for decades, handed over in an appallingly formulated way to a Cop-out CIC, then packed out with Cronies of like mindsets and connections, a TfL approach to funding where even a tuft of grass is fiscally overpricedSome good stuff, but from a a lot of grant funding which is unaccounted for and overseen with sort of knowledge that would make an IKEA shelf priced at £2500 plus fitting seem "very reasonable". Much core infrastructure for a public park remains as poor as it has been for 25 plus years. A complete contradiction to 'Community Interest Company " and with not even a freedom of information clause - which needless to say this management wriggled out of. Because it's overseers, both Trustees and Councils, deemed it irrelevant.Even a Velcro shoe strap is too challenging for this CIOC who only know how to bully and manipulate with help from their 'friends'Loss of cheap affordable to all public park amenities and replaced by exclusivity with a patronising faux front of inclusivity.Change is welcome, but that will only be change for the better if ALL the existing league of cronies and those at the trough are not involved in any form.  A completely new broom of more open and honest management put in place properly answerable to the local people of Ealing, Acton and Brentford who seem to be considered as irrelevant unless they can afford it. Community groups must be on the board and as trustees, not just selected politicians and 'preferred' individuals.Local people, not council officers with close connections, or politicians who seem to have failed with Gunnersbury time and time again, need to be far more in control of a Park that was purchased at a knock down price on the premise that it was for the well being of All the local people of Ealing Acton Brentford and Chiswick.Will this be any better? With how things are carried out in our name?I doubt it. It seems more like another move to making it a pay to enter venue like Syon or Kew and not what it is supposed to be, a Public park owned in trust by two boroughs for it's inhabitants

Raymond Havelock ● 1405d1 Comments ● 1405d

The ''vote for us campaign'' has started

I live in the Hanger Hill ward and have noticed how, at blooming last, we finally have most of the leaf strewn streets swept. The Muppets at Perceval House have even had Montpelier Park spruced up as well after it was ignored for many years. Message to ''Del Boy'' Mason, you fool no-one mate, my vote would go to anyone who I thought had a chance of shifting you wasters out of office.

peter king ● 1420d21 Comments ● 1405d

Danger Speed Camera Recalibration 20 to 30mph

Hounslow have had their speed cameras recalibrated to catch motorists  exceeding 20mph. They were doing drivers for speeds of 30 mph + a margin .Now they have been recalibrated.  My two friends are paying fines of £230 each for driving just over 20 mph. I am trying to find if the one in Northfield Ave outside Tesco has been altered. Not finding authority easy to get hold of to let me know.PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS

Arthur Breens ● 1413d29 Comments ● 1405d

Freedom of Information Refused by Ealing

I have strong reason to feel that the courts are partisan and are assisting Ealing Council in getting their way in court cases . ( at least with pricate individuals ) so i asked Ealing if they could provide me with some simple data FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 - INFORMATION REQUESTThank you for your Freedom of Information request received by the Council on 13th December 2021.Your request:• What percentage of court cases Ealing win and lose and where these court cases areheld?• The names of the deputy district judges and judges who hear your cases• I would also like to know how many court cases you instigate and how many courtcases are instigated against you.Your request has been assessed and the following information is provided in response:This information is not recorded. It would take longer than 18 hours to answer this request, due to theneed to peruse hundreds of files from many different council departments. Note that it is not just thelegal team that deal with legal proceedings brought against the council; many departments (eg.Insurance, housing, planning) deal with many cases independently. Some non-legal teams also onoccasion bring proceedings on behalf of the council.the reason for my request was to see if Ealing was given special treatment and if certain judges were given the cases related to the borough it seems a reasonable FOI request to me because my own experience suggests networking between Ealing Council and the judges who fail to act with impartiality and have ethnic and political links with the Councils senior leadership

P Taylor ● 1415d11 Comments ● 1407d

Missing Tortoiseshell cat Gunnersbury Park area

£50 reward offered for 'Pissik' who has been gone for two months from Gunnersbury Park Mansions. More details on Pets Reunited

Alison Howard ● 1408d0 Comments ● 1408d

Nearly two per cent of people in Northfields got Covid last week

Just to guard against any complacency about the situation at the moment I'd urge you to put your post code into this link. https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map/cases The rates of infection in parts of Ealing are really alarming. The infection rate per 100,000 in the Northfields area is close to 2,000 which means that nearly 2% tested positive. As many cases are mild or asymptomatic the number with the virus is probably far higher. Thankfully people seem to be effectively locking themselves down because they have more common sense than the government.

Christine Mulligan ● 1413d19 Comments ● 1413d

Yet another Pitshanger Lane planning application

I noticed in several shop windows yesterday in the Lane a sign asking for objections to be submitted to yet another chancers planning application. From memory it was number 150 which I think is the chemists on the corner of Queens Walk which looks different from the other shops on that side of the street. The proposal is to add another 5 flats up on top there somehow. I've just tried to look it up on the council website but there's no access to the planning section for some reason!

peter king ● 1421d5 Comments ● 1413d

Leaves in bike lane near Ealing Common

I nearly had a wipe out on the segregated cycle lane on the Uxbridge Road near Ealing Common earlier this week after skidding on leaf mush. Parts of the lane are completely unsafe due to a mixture of standing water and leaves. The issue has been reported but, with all the sound and fury over cycle infrastructure it would make sense for the council to take simple measures to ensure they are actually usable.

Andy Jones ● 1428d84 Comments ● 1413d

What's the point of the Brexitometer in Ealing?

While I completely on board with the aims of the European Movement it has to be said that bringing their 'Brexitometer' to Ealing again seems totally pointless. Very few people in the area were willing to show support for Brexit last time by placing a sticker in the appropriate place and even fewer will now as more and more negative consequences of leaving the EU become apparent. Rather than wasting their time in places like Ealing and Chiswick where we already know what people think they should go to places like Romford that voted in favour. If people there now mainly thought Brexit was a bad idea that should give us all pause for thought.

Gordon Southwell ● 1428d4 Comments ● 1414d

No to 5G

i had no idea they wanted to build a 20 metre high 5G mast in Blondin park , i have spent a lot of time looking into the issue of 5G and my conclusions are that it is not safe , Lloyds for example will not insure against any risks associated with it. regardless of that there has been zero public consultation about this military grade  technology rollout npo can anybody explain who exactly is paying for it as it does not actually meet any actual public requirement , the fact that these horrifc eyesores were erected all over the world at exactly the same times as the public were locked up due to the alleged Covd pandemic is another reason for suspicion , why was this unusual technology give  priority , in may area ugly masts have been erected between Pitshanger and Cleveland Park and i saw NO consultation documents or requests for local residents feedback , anyway I am far from alone in my opposition to this Franeknstein tech a recent consultation document for Blondin had 189 objections and ONE  in suppor lol . i daresay Andy Jones will add his name to the 5g supporters list in due course but the rest of us need to say a resounding NO https://pam.ealing.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=Q7P015JMJGZ00&activeTab=summary

P Taylor ● 1417d59 Comments ● 1414d

Islamic Prayer at Ealing Council

i saw a video where Ealing Council chambers are being used for Islamic prayer , odd since many Mosques are nearby in my opinion Council chambers should only be used for council work and not for religious ceremonies of any kind

P Taylor ● 1415d0 Comments ● 1415d

We can't run the service properly but you'll have wi-fi

Somewhere tfl's priorities are a bit jumbled. As I go into the office twice a week I listen to the traffic bulletins on the local radio stations. Plenty of cancellations due to a shortage of drivers, lack of trains and stations closed owing to a lack of staff. Don't worry though, the old ''I'm on the train'' will soon be heard underground. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/london-tube-underground-4g-three-ee-crossrail-b973082.html

peter king ● 1416d3 Comments ● 1415d

Ealing is a toxic brand

Yesterday’s by-election was triggered by the resignation of Labour councillor Lewis Cox amid ructions following Ealing’s vexed leadership election in May. Cox did not mince his words, calling Ealing Labour a “toxic brand” and describing “a system very much based on patronage, back-room deals and cronyism”. It was not an ideal way for the incumbent party to start the defence of the seat.who disagrees with that assessment ? not me

P Taylor ● 1416d11 Comments ● 1415d

Is this ok?

I recently had a remote hearing at Brentford County court , Ealing Council won £1600 based upon their claim taht there is no law that requires the council to respond to a local resident . this means that according to the judge absolutely NOBODY has any actual right to a response regardles sof the topic . i regard this as a denial of basic justice . after the hearing I went online and discovered that the Judge Michael Shelton was a co religionist of the Councils lawyer and indeed the leader of Ealing Council . I am no legal expert but where there are significant political and religious links I would have thought it would be prudent to avoid any possibility of favouritism. I had emailed the editor of Ealing today but got no reply . Ealing Council have all kinds of stated policies on treating residents with respect that they violate , the new leader Peter Mason ( he probably is) claimed that his administration would be open and transparent and that is absolutely not the case . The council have an exprert legal team and very warm relations with Brentford Court , i have submitted a FOI request to ask what percentage of Ealings court cases are won and lost . in my opinion the small claims court should be a simple straightforward method for average people to get justice but in reality it is a minefield of corruption, legalese, jargon , how the hell can I who brought the case because i have been IGNORED for 6 years be given costs to the wealthy council of £1600 in the SMALL CLAIMS COURT based upon the idea that no law is actually some sort of law and using obscure civil procedure rules . so far a couple of people have been helpful but i am determined not to allow Ealing Council to get away with this and you should help me because the idea that teh council can legally ignore us must be absolutely unacceptable in a so called democracy and that there must be no overt links between the politicians and the judges as was in this case , you are welcome to call me on 07396534522 Paul

P Taylor ● 1419d9 Comments ● 1416d

Cat Among the Pigeons

https://twitter.com/i/status/1471136176824332292

P Taylor ● 1416d0 Comments ● 1416d

Spanner in the works-High Lane Estate

Rydon, the company chosed by Ealing Council to carry out the regeneration of the High Lane Estate in Hanwell, has been blocked from the government's Help to Buy loan scheme with immediate effect (16 December).The new development was to have 550 flats replacing the 250 that currently exist and of those 550 only 142 were to be social rented. I'm wondering if that makes this scheme now unviable. It's an awful estate but I was surprised Ealing chose Rydon as they were the ones involved in Grenfell (and they were chosen after the fire).

Terry Freestone ● 1420d3 Comments ● 1420d

Christmas Trees

If you’re looking to buy a real one this year then look no further than Steve in The Conservative Club car park where St Mary’s meets South Ealing Road.I don’t normally buy a real one but thought I would this year so dipped in first thing this morning. The man was an absolute Gentleman and I believe the prices very competitive Merry Christmas to y’all

Colin Goodman ● 1423d6 Comments ● 1421d

Anyone got any idea why the Planning Inspectorate seems to hate Ealing Council?

On the rare occasions when LBE has "Refused" a Planning Application, every case I can recall LBE have been overruled by the PI on Appeal and the application "Granted"This seems to me far more than sheer coincidence because the instances I am aware of the Council's decision was 100% correct to "Refuse"ISTM that the Planning Inspectorate may have it in for Ealing Borough which is not good at all for us put upon residents suffering relentless and hideous overdevelopment.Anyone got any inkling of what might be going on?

Rosco White ● 1422d7 Comments ● 1422d

Hanwell Station.

Hanwell Station seems to have disappeared from GWR timetable/maps (which are no longer published in paper/booklet form, I believe?).Is the station now 'owned' (administered) by TfL?

Tony Heath ● 1433d21 Comments ● 1424d

Gunnersbury Park Farmers Market - today

You will find us in the car park today - bit too slippery in the field!

Fiona Campbell ● 1425d0 Comments ● 1425d

Ealing council want to know your views on living in Ealing

Honestly they do. Here's the link - https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/KL8KBCYI feel like Phillipa now!

peter king ● 1449d4 Comments ● 1427d

Christmas at Kew tickets

Hi I have Christmas at Kew event on Friday 10th December at 6.40. Family of 4 tickets2 adults and 2 children (over 4(ThanksNeed to know asapI can email or please pick them up and I'll send you email in person?

Ronnie Gill ● 1429d3 Comments ● 1427d

Ealing Council awarded £1600 costs against me

ok guys very few of you seem to give a toss but anyway , I have just concluded a remote hearing with Brentford County Court , the court agreed with Ealing Council that they do not have any statutory duty to respond to local ratepayers and residents , this means that Ealing Council are free to ignore all local residents at their sole discretion REGARDLESS of the issues , you however are not allowed to not pay rates . so we have a legal one way street . i am going to apply for a transcript, in my opinion the district judge was partisan . i draw your attention to the stated policies of Ealing Council that claim they will treat people with respect , despite that these nice sounding words are actually totally without meaning . Do you think being ignored is being treated with respect ? i think the entire judicial process is bentDo you accept that there has to be a law requiring ealing to respond? that makes no sense at all. There is also no law saying Ealing Council must not respond Ealing Council spent a lot of money fighting me, whats more Ealing Council denied my Subject Access request for emails , asking for 3 months rather than the standard 1 month even though emails are simple to retrieve where do I go from here as I really cant stand Ealing Council and do not see how they can be allowed to get away with it

P Taylor ● 1428d7 Comments ● 1427d

Ealing Council Update

on November 2nd I contacted the Council asking for my emails via a Subject Access Request , the rules normally give the council 1 calendar month to comply. The council have now informed me that they need 3 months to complete this every simple task considering I have a remote hearing on Thursday i am unable to present the  court my evidence , do you think its acceptable that the council can give themselves more than 3 calendar months to complete such a straightforward request especially when the evidence is required for a court case ?

P Taylor ● 1430d4 Comments ● 1429d

Illegal e-scooter use in Ealing.

Here we go, can we get back to talking about LEGAL use of e-scooters as part of the upcoming trial scheme on the other thread?

Paul James ● 1631d96 Comments ● 1435d

LTN49 - anyone have any news?

I know LTN’s are the worst thing to post about, so my post is not pro or against just simply does anyone have any more information.LTN49 (Hamilton Road rat run) is posted on Ealing council website but the info there is out of date. I believe the plans have changed (possibly to a timed no entry rather than just 24 hour no entry.  I picked this up from recent council minutes but there was no detail just a vague reference to it having been redesigned. Does anyone have any more info on either what the new scheme will be or when it will be implemented (as I believe it has been approved for delivery)?

Ian Jones ● 1448d87 Comments ● 1436d

Scam PCR test email

Good afternoon friends and neighbours.Bogus "Apply now for Free Omicron PCR test to avoid restrictions" e-mail doing the rounds offering an "omicron specific" PCR test in exchange for your credit card details "to validate your identity".Obvious scam as the web address resolves to a domain in Sri Lanka.Please just delete it and don't get scammed.

N V Brooks ● 1436d0 Comments ● 1436d

Active LTN. Behind Gold's Gym.

Thurs 25 Nov 2021. St George's Road, Hanwell. It rather looks like motorised vehicles (with the exception of 'permit holders') are now (once again) prohibited from going through the road restriction at the rear of Gold's Gym, Hanwell W7.Road signs indicate 'no through road'. And signs declaring 'DIS 50' are in place.  And an active camera is in place.Can anybody confirm the situation?

Tony Heath ● 1441d24 Comments ● 1437d

Checking your EPC Rating and the Green Homes Grant

https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201098/energy_efficiency/2764/green_homes_grant/1

Philippa Bond ● 1470d9 Comments ● 1439d

Over 100,000 people still unvaccinated in Ealing Borough

These figures are alarmingly high. Who are all these people? I think I've got a set of acquaintances that is not unrepresentative of the population of the borough but I know nobody who hasn't been vaccinated.https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/london-borough-breakdown-unvaccinated-hotspots-covid-b967975.html

Andy Jones ● 1443d21 Comments ● 1440d

South Ealing Road

I wonder why there are so many problems there. The post office has been closed for ages because of 'anti-social behaviour'. Then last night the local police were out in what ought to be quiet residential roads, breaking up 'anti-social behaviour'. Not late at night but in the middle of the evening. I only go there during the day and all seems peaceful so what happens after dark. I seem to remember someone saying long ago that there were a lot of drug dealers.

Susan Kelly ● 1446d20 Comments ● 1440d

Green bags for leaves

Can I get green bags from the Council to collect leaves from outside my property? If so what department does it come under please

Maggie Dodge ● 1447d27 Comments ● 1442d

Light Up The Lane This Sunday

Make sure you check out Light Up The Lane on Pitshanger Lane this Sunday. It's a wonderful community event and takes place from 4pm to 8pm. Local independent shops will be open to sell mulled wine and mince pies with the trees all lit up with fairy lights.

Tricia Arbuthnot ● 1443d0 Comments ● 1443d

Sadiq Khan is misusing our money 

Khan is giving £25,000 grants to help people 'decolonise' their street names, part of his million-pound Untold Stories fund, which was “inspired by the BLM protests”. The protests, let us not forget, saw a female police officer injured when one of the defund-the-police activists threw a bottle at her and were inspired by the death of a drug-fuelled armed black burglar who terrorised a woman in her home, yes, good old Georgie Floyd. Renaming a road requires a consultation.   It is a two-sided affair.  Why is Khan, in fairness, not funding those who oppose the renaming?  His obligation is to represent not only people who voted for him but all residents of London.  This is a politically biased and when its detail is examined a racially-discriminatory handout that favours the interest of one section of the community. It was redundant as far as Ealing is concerned.  As soon as Khan first introduced this scheme, Julian Bell was up at dawn, tongue in Khan’s anus, suggesting a specific road-name change, Havelock Road in Southall.  No one there had requested or paid for the change, but the council had heard that people wanted it and so adopted the proposal. The protocol applicable at the time did not permit the name-change so the Council changed it allow it to go ahead. This dishonest stratagem was endorsed by the Cabinet.  Of course. Back to Khan.  This is the man who referred to the “passing” of Sir David Amess as if he died peacefully in his sleep. Nick Price of the Crown Prosecution Service has stated: "We will submit to the court that this murder has a terrorist connection, namely that it had both religious and ideological motivations.”  Which religion would that be?  Is there something embarrassing to Khan in what happened so that he disrespectfully to the memory of David Amess tries to make light of its the horror?  Khan has embarked upon a scheme to undermine our culture and rewrite our history.  Whatever the merits of that, the question is what does he want to replace it with?  One founded on the culture of his ancestral homeland?   I do not want to live in Pakistan-on-Thames.

Andrew Farmer ● 1468d34 Comments ● 1443d

Ealing in breach of Digital Discrimination

The latest 'triumph of transparency' is Ealing Councils new consultation for it's Cityfication Plan.Shaping Ealing is an online only consultation for "ALL those who live and work in the Borough of Ealing"Except those who are not online.  Or those who choose not to agree to all the terms of a company called Built-ID.   Another produce what the client wants consultancy.This company does not offer opt outs of Cookies and data use. It's their terms or not at all.Read their terms and it exposes what a sham this really is.However this is a clear breach of discriminatory exclusion for the thousands of residents who are not avid online addicts, and are already excluded from much of this boroughs antics.But also in breach of the opt out requirements for public service use of data.I wonder if the council leader can explain why so many are excluded on two fronts when he claims openness and transparency?

Raymond Havelock ● 1455d23 Comments ● 1444d

Ealing Council a disgrace , protected by Ombudsman

the ombudsman has just sent me a standard letter telling me I must give the council 12 weeks to get back to me when I have a hearing ina fortnights time . i already wrote to the CEO on many occasions he is famous for ignoring mails , fact is the only professional department at Ealing is their legal department , evetubody else preetnds you do not exist , so how can I go about complaining about the blooy useless ombudsman ?

P Taylor ● 1447d6 Comments ● 1447d

Paul Najsarek resigns

Leaving in Decemberhttps://www.lgcplus.com/politics/workforce/najsarek-to-leave-ealing-at-christmas-11-11-2021/?fbclid=IwAR3KhClARfRrCCjE2XSV_EpeR7fNdejBW2nYo_tm2cfnFiN_xuP-jTJnQz8

N V Brooks ● 1455d16 Comments ● 1447d

Gunnersbury Park parking charges update

Does anybody have any more current information about car park charges in Gunnersbury Park? All the kit seems to be in place and they need the money so it is surprising they haven't activate it yet. The web site says 'not before November' which doesn't really tell us anything we don't already know. It would be great if the delay is down to a reconsideration of the appalling arrangement by which parking and parking fines are to be managed.

Andy Jones ● 1456d3 Comments ● 1448d

Missing Cat Balfour Road West Ealing

Autumn the tortoise shell cat is missing More details here from Pets Reunited

Alison Howard ● 1454d3 Comments ● 1448d

What happens post 6th May next year?

The local Conservatives in the Hanger Hill constituency popped a leaflet through the door this morning. Worrying headline that says that the council won't rule out LTN's coming back after the election which they will win but hopefully with a reduced majority. There's also the news that the Gurnell pool won't be re-opening, almost certainly because they will try again to build on a scarce leisure facility. Hopefully the decision to build an 8 storey tower on the current care home site in Pitshanger Lane will be referred to a higher authority to reject an out of place scheme that will look completely alien. Well done Labour

peter king ● 1454d22 Comments ● 1449d

Action against Ealing Council December 7th

i am attempting to get justice against Ealing Council who for 6 years have been ignoring my on topic emails and calls relating to housing issues , the argument that Ealing give is that there is no law that obliges them to respond, how can a council obtain money from local ratepayers without an obligation to reply . do you agree with Ealing council , please note that I am not attempting to locate a missing cat , my emails are about vital housing issues and negligance by the council that have harmed me personally . This matter has been escalated via the official complaints procedures and I had previously been given esacalation reference numbers none of which resulted in any action , My local councillor Anthony Young who is well past retirement age and has out of date details on his landing page also refused to respond fact is that with the exception of bin emptying, street cleaning and parks which at least down my way are well done . i also note a point made by the excellent Andrew Farmer that the promises of new council leader Peter Mason are just empty rhetoric and hot air . there is no point in pretending to make a fresh start after the atrocious Julian Bell and then simply duplicate his policies . anyway if any of you who have experience with Ealing Council would like to asisst me my contact number is 07396534522 and please can you state publicly if you agree that Ealing Council can legally be allowed to ignore the legitimate correspondence of local residents and ratepayers

P Taylor ● 1457d4 Comments ● 1454d

Unfurnished Studio Flat wanted

its time i relocated , any offers ? its a long shotnon smoker , not noisy i put the bins out, no pets

P Taylor ● 1454d0 Comments ● 1454d

Stirling Road dump closes on the 26th

I hope the lousy council have the weighbridge repaired at our only site left in Ealing as they will be missing out on lots of lovely money to spend on nothing as usual.

peter king ● 1462d6 Comments ● 1455d

Looking for host families in Ealing for Swedish sixth form students

The Swedish School at The National Archives in Kew is recruiting host families for sixth form students arriving in January. In case you have a spare room in your home, this is a way for you to get an extra income and a chance to get to know a young person from Sweden. Many of the host families have a long lasting friendship with their students and visit them in Sweden after the exchange year. The host family provides care and a room for the student as well as breakfast and dinner. Host families receive £740 per calendar month throughout the student's stay. More info here https://swedishschool.org.uk/en/become-a-host-family/ or send an email to hostfamily@swedishschool.org.uk

Gustav Johansson ● 1455d0 Comments ● 1455d

Car body repair shops Ealing

Our car has received yet another minor bump so I was thinking of taking it in to get it repaired. There is nothing major - just a few minor scrapes and dents. Can anyone suggest somewhere local?

Tricia Arbuthnot ● 1456d1 Comments ● 1456d

Do we have any Refill Shops in Ealing?

Although soap bars are a lot more economic than liquid soap and suit me, Him Indoors prefers the latter.  I'm fed up with all the plastic bottles with unrecyclable pumps - so is there anywhere in Ealing where I can find refill packs or can take a large bottle to be filled with liquid soap?

Philippa Bond ● 1483d10 Comments ● 1456d

Mason to be questioned

I am not able to participate in the event.   An email address was given for questions to be submitted to Mason. It was invalid.This is what I wrote:Mr Mason promised Transparency in the Council's dealings with the public.  He wrote:  Do email me on peter.mason@ealing.gov.uk to raise specific issues about the Borough”.I put a serious matter to him (Corruption in the Council's complaints procedure)  on 12.6.21. Despite three reminders (19.7.31, 18.8.21,  20.9.21), I have, FOUR MONTHS LATER,not received even the courtesy of  an acknowledgement, let alone a reply of substance.His behaviour does not live up to his words . My quesion is :Can Mr Mason give me any reason why I should not regard  him as untrustworthy, a MORAL FRAUD and HYPOCRITE and as such UNFIT FOR PUBLIC OFFICE. I am unable to particate in the meeting.  Please put the question to him on my behalf  and please do not soften thelanguage.  Andrew Farmer

Andrew Farmer ● 1479d38 Comments ● 1456d

Ealing Independents announces Southall Candidate to compete against Peter Mason.

I have nothing to do with Ealing Independents, just thought folk would like to be aware:-EALING INDEPENDENTS ANNOUNCES SOUTHALL CANDIDATE TO COMPETE AGAINST CURRENT EALING LABOUR AND COUNCIL LEADER PETER MASON IN THE WARD OF SOUTHALL GREEN FOR THE MAY 2022 EALING COUNCIL ELECTIONSDate: 26/10/2021 10:00From: Ealing Independents PRESS RELEASEEALING INDEPENDENTS ANNOUNCES SOUTHALL CANDIDATE TO COMPETE AGAINST CURRENT EALING LABOUR AND COUNCIL LEADER PETER MASON IN THE WARD OF SOUTHALL GREEN FOR THE MAY 2022 EALING COUNCIL ELECTIONSEaling Independents (www.EalingIndependents.com), the grassroots group founded by Ealing resident Leslie Bunder is delighted to announce the first of its many candidates who will be standing for Ealing Independents in the forthcoming May 2022 Ealing elections.These independent candidates will represent their local community and are the first of many to be standing across all towns of Ealing which include Acton, Ealing, Greenford, Hanwell, Northolt, Perivale, and Southall.(Ealing, London, UK – October 26, 2021) – Ealing Independents (www.EalingIndependents.com), the grassroots group standing up for all Ealing residents, is proud to announce that members of the public who wish to improve the lives of their local communities in towns such as Southall are to stand as candidates in their local wards in the May 2022 Ealing elections.These independent candidates, as councillors, will ensure that all Ealing residents and businesses in its seven towns (Acton, Ealing, Greenford, Hanwell, Northolt, Perivale, Southall) have better services to improve life in Ealing and make it better, safer, cleaner and greener.Unlike the current leader of Ealing Council, Labour's Peter Mason who doesn’t live in the ward he is councillor for and has failed to hold any resident surgeries (including virtual) for over a year despite having a contract to do so, Ealing Independents councillors live and are a part of community the wards they will represent.“I moved to Southall Green fifteen years ago. I live with my wife and two young children, who attend school and nursery in Southall,” says Southall Green resident and candidate for councillor David Marsden.“I’ve worked in Southall for the last six years supporting better neighbourhoods in West London, and Southall in particular.”“I’ve been a leading campaigner in the fight for Clean Air for Southall and Hayes, and I’ve opposed the unsafe development of the highly toxic old Gasworks site at Council meetings and community protests.”Marsden added: “I’ve been an active local Labour party member since 2019. Ordinary Labour party members and a few councillors have always shown solidarity and offered practical help. But we have all been blocked from changing anything for the better by former Ealing Labour Council Leader Julian Bell and his successor Peter Mason, who is also an elected councillor for Southall Green ward. Both are very much on the right wing of the party, and only interested in serving their own interests, not the interests of the people of Southall, whose votes they take for granted.”“Both Bell and Mason accepted over £30,000 in gifts and hospitality from the Gasworks developers, yet refused to openly and transparently declare their financial interests at the public meeting in 2019. Mason, as chair of that meeting, tried to prevent me from speaking to reveal that one of the chemicals being dug up at the Gasworks site, and one of the main causes of the bad smell, is potentially fatal to some people with Asian and African genetic heritage.”“Instead of standing up for residents in his own council ward, Mason took time off to get a Masters degree in Town Planning. Now we are faced with tower blocks going up everywhere, 10,000 new homes, 40,000 new residents and their cars. No wonder they want us all to get on our bikes!”“It’s clear that Mason’s and Labour’s priorities are not in the best interests of Southall residents. It’s time to tell Mason and Labour to get on their bikes, and get out of Southall!”“If elected as an Ealing Independents councillor, I will stand up and make sure that the voices of Southall people are heard in the Council Chamber and elsewhere. I will fight for the rights of Southall people to live, work, learn and play in a cleaner, safer Southall that we can all be proud to call home. I will always be open to listen to people’s problems, concerns, ideas and suggestions in person, by phone, text, email, WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook and any other means where possible. I will make sure Southall people’s views are represented.”ABOUT EALING INDEPENDENTSSince launching in February 2021 with the sole aim to support all residents and stand up for them, Ealing Independents has focused on ensuring that local people have a party that puts them first.Ealing Independents candidates will give residents something that national political parties do not offer – elected councillors putting the interests of residents ahead of their own self-interest or national party interest.Ealing Independents is committed to ensuring it creates and delivers the borough’s first and only people’s manifesto.This manifesto involves Ealing Independents actively listening to residents and local businesses across the borough and its seven towns to ensure that as a council it follows what the people need – a council that listens to them, helps them, and ensures they are protected.Ealing Independents is the party that loves Ealing, and its councillors will ensure residents are never ignored.All residents in Ealing are invited to submit their thoughts of their priorities for a better Ealing at hello@ealingindependents.com where the party will read every email and listen to the feedback.Among the failures to Ealing residents since 2010, Ealing Labour has:Fought against Southall residents who suffer toxic air from the Southall gasworks development by not taking action against developers and hiding information that advises of the issues causing toxic air.Failed for years to pay Ealing Schools catering staff a Living Wage despite the council claiming to be a Living Wage employer.Poorly engaged with residents instead of creating and ensuring a partnership is developed to improve roads for all users, including cars, bikes and pedestrians in order to unite communities to work together and tackle climate change.Closed youth centres and deprived young people of safe and secure facilities to meet, socialise and develop as citizens.Allowed tower buildings to be approved without listening to local residents and creating architectural and environmental eyesores as well as not helping to provide council homes. These buildings are put up without consideration for the need for services, such as GPs and schools to accommodate residents’ needs.Allowed many of its councillors to ignore residents, not respond to their enquiries and fail to provide meaningful actions to help their wards and those living in it.Poorly maintained public pavements and roads making it difficult for disabled as well as able bodied to get out.Allowed trees to over-grow on pavements along with an increase of refuse on footpaths making them a hazard to walkersClosed recycling refuse centres making it difficult for residents to get to them, and resulting in an increase in fly tipping.For more information on Ealing Independents, email: hello@ealingindependents.com or call 07862 748611.You can also visit our website: www.ealingindependents.comor follow us on Twitter at @ealingindys   - www.Twitter.com/EalingIndysEaling Independentsweb: www.EalingIndependents.comtwitter: www.twitter.com/EalingIndysemail: hello@EalingIndependents.comtel: 07862 748611Ealing Independents is a grassroots group exploring the opportunity for independent candidates to be elected in May 2022 and make Ealing better for all.

Rosco White ● 1471d10 Comments ● 1456d

Transparecy and openess promised by Council Leader Peter Mason, or is it censorship?

Peter Mason, when he become Council Leader, said on Tuesday 18th May 2021 that, "I will lead an open, inclusive and transparent council, that engages local people in the challenges we face" (source: Ealing Today 20/05/2021). Yet I would like to bring to your attention an example of Ealing Council's censorship. When submitting comments/objections to planning applications on the council planning portal, Ealing Council are applying moralistic political censorship, which seems to show them to be wilfully ignorant of past history. On 2nd November 2021, I submitted my objection to Planning Application 215857FUL, the developer's land grab of Friary Place Green. I was the 208th commentator at 11.03pm. On the next day, 3rd November, I looked through the planning portal comments page, and my comments/objections that I submitted had been taken down. This led me to re-submit my comments at 12.39pm, as commentator 222, after someone at W12 0RF. These comments/objections were taken down/censored when I looked at around 1.30pm. All this suggests that the present Ealing Council leadership seem predetermined to approve of this land grab by developer Catalyst/Mount Anvil. My second submission to the Ealing Council planning portal, which is almost identical to my first submission. The only difference is instead of Hitler, I wrote H....r, and instead of Friary Park Estate, I changed the capital "E" into a lower case "e".All this led me to copy my second submission and put it on the ActonW3.com discussion forum under the "Catalyst and Mount Anvil attempt Common Lands Grab through dubious planning application" topic/thread. Below is the text of my first submission to Planning Application 215857FUL. Thanks.  Friary Place Green is Common Land, its derogation cannot be changed without a formal consultation carried out by the Council. A Consultation has not taken place. The Council should be protecting Common Land for the people, and not letting others who do not own it redevelop it for their own profits.  "Salami Slicing Imperialism", that Adolf Hitler practised before World War Two is being applied at local level by the developer, Catalyst and Mount Anvil. "One Man", i.e. the developer is trying to impose his will on the thousands of residents, and objectors, that live in the local area. Why is Ealing Council being feckless towards the "salami slicing" of the peoples' Common Land - Friary Place Green, by greedy avaricious developer.  Please do not let Ealing Council be a malleable Quisling, Chaim Rumkowski or a Vichy Republic lackey collaborator for the avaricious developer. Catalyst and Mount Anvil should have planned for the children's play area and cycle hub on the Friary Park Estate that they are redeveloping into an over dense battery council tax farm. Among other things in this redevelopment, they want to erect a 37 and a 29 storey death trap tower blocks. They should not be allowed to parasite on land that they do not own for their own profit desires. Please protect the peoples' Common Land - Friary Place Green, and the environment in general, and reject planning application 215857FUL.

Anthony Hawran ● 1462d7 Comments ● 1456d

Clean Air Zones & Ultra Low Emission Zones

Did you think it was just here in London?https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-10127557/All-towns-cities-Britain-planned-clean-driving-zones.html

Philippa Bond ● 1463d24 Comments ● 1457d

Air Source Heat Pumps

With the Renewable Heat Incentive here for several months more and ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps in the news as alternatives for gas heating, there is a good article on ASHPs today in The Guardian:https://www.theguardian.com/money/2021/oct/23/air-source-heat-pumps-how-the-costs-and-savings-stack-up

Philippa Bond ● 1474d7 Comments ● 1457d

Energiesprong Retrofitting Comes to London

I first heard about this happening in Devon then Nottingham and now it is coming to Ealing.https://www.aroundealing.com/news/retrofit/

Philippa Bond ● 1523d22 Comments ● 1457d

Bloody giant plant pots

Just back from Pitshanger Lane where giant plant pots have appeared since Saturday. If they are financed by the local association, fine. If they are paid for by our council taxes when the streets are filthy, drains blocked and the pavements are in a dire state then why?

peter king ● 1464d61 Comments ● 1458d

Passport photo

HI folks, looking for passport photo shop in Ealing, Simon

Simon Lee Swinn ● 1462d6 Comments ● 1460d

Shameless MPs Sink Back into Sleaze

Not my words but the headline in today's Daily Mail. Owen Paterson is clearly guilty of breaches of parliamentary rules far worse that the expenses claims that many MPs were found to be making some years ago. He was basically spending his time in parliament as a paid representative of two companies rather than working on behalf of his constituents which he was also being paid to do. The supine nature of a large proportion of Conservative MPs who have followed the party line on this gives little hope for a continuation of government in the public interest. It is blatantly obvious that Boris Johnson is forcing them to do this to avoid the Parliamentary Standards Committee being able to produce its report on exactly who paid for the renovations on his flat. The implicit understanding is by doing this their snouts can get ever more deeply in the trough.

Gordon Southwell ● 1463d6 Comments ● 1461d

A "Top curry house in UK" Award:  Haweli of Ealing!

Better than Madhu? Surely not!Better than the Brilliant in Western Road? Really!Wow: Just announcednot just a contender for the top spot..but the WINNER...Haweli at 127-129 Uxbridge Road,West Ealing...(based on customer satisfaction.Fancy that!Any observations?

Jim Lawes ● 1474d2 Comments ● 1464d

Watch out Northolt! LTN's heading your way

Militant Mason and his cronies are crowing about the "millions secured" from central goverment for "Active Travel" in Notholt.We've already seen that this is actually wrongly named and it should be "in-active travel" as some roads will become no go and others bumpre to bumper.That arguement already beed done, and won, so won't go there again.These barmy schemes are such a waste of OUR ££££££'s.Surely much better to invest in infrastructure like electric chaging points on lamposts, making existing pavements and parks usable or improving lighting etc?The lycra mafia and climate crackpots are still out there... beware Northolt, beware...

Colin Goodman ● 1468d9 Comments ● 1466d

Name for new cinema

Such a shame that a great idea for locals to come up with a name for the new small cinema in Ealing Broadway is for Twitter users only.It's bad enough with whole sections of local community not having a voice unless 100% online and hooked to social media.It kind of indicates that only a certain kind of demographic is going to be preferred for the venue.  Or was this an omission in the W5 report?

Raymond Havelock ● 1476d7 Comments ● 1469d

Wayne Couzens - Bring back the Death Penalty?

For me, YES, for at least two reasons:-If a potential killer knows that when caught there is the probability that they will also die, there is possibly a chance some murders wouldn't happen? So there's lives saved right there.We are all fed up with "Life Sentences" being anything but, and why should society pay the long term expenses of keeping a killer? Colin Pitchfork anybody?An interesting, albeit highly emotive subject, let's keep it clean folks, without the histrionics.  😀

Rosco White ● 1497d39 Comments ● 1470d

FREE CONFIDENCE COURSE (includes one week self-defence) @REYNOLDS SPORTS CENTRE

A local training academy is offering female residents the chance to participate in their FREE six-week confidence building course (includes one week of self-defence) for free. The course aims to give the participants more independence and learn new techniques.Starting Saturday, 13th November 2021, the course held from 11.00am to 1.00pm and is open to women and girls aged 14 years and older who are looking to learn skills to protect themselves and build confidence.This is the eight occasion Sev Necati Training has offered the courses and based on the feedback received, places will be booked quickly.Read below feedback from participants of last year’s course:“I feel very empowered and strong, really inspired and ready. You will grow, gain independence, grow in strength and be able to help others. I really appreciated the opportunity. I feel very lucky and responsible to help others,” Bethany-Anne said.“I’ve never done a course like this before and wanted to know what it was about. It was brilliant, very fun yet professional. Do it! Every girl and woman should do it,” Virginia said."Reynolds Sports Centre in Acton, West London has hosted several Course’s which also includes self-defence training for women and girls 13 years old upwards. These funded classes in conjunction with the Met Police and MOPAC to name but a few are run by Sev Necati Training. Sev’s classes are professionally run and are expertly delivered and increase confidence in everyone who attends.Reynolds Sports Centre and Everyone Active are proud to host and assist with the running of Sev’s classes in the West London area." General Manager, L.CurtainSev Necati, director, said: “We’re delighted to be running another free course in Ealing. This is a great opportunity for women and girls who want to increase their independence and confidence to take advantage of this offer. The course will provide practical techniques, regardless of their background, age or ability which will include one week in self-defence training and vital knowledge on street safety. At the end of the course participants will feel empowered, more confident and improvement in self-worth.”Sign upThere is one course being offered this time on Saturday from 13th November 2021 to Saturday 18th December 2021.  Held from 11:00am to 1:00pm.Held at Reynolds Sport Centre, Ark Acton Academy, Gunnersbury Lane, W3 8EY. A £10.50 deposit is required to secure a place, which will be returned at the end of the course.For more information and to book your place, email info@sevnecatitraining.comYou must contact Sev on the above e-mail address to book a place and for further information

Sev Necati ● 1471d0 Comments ● 1471d

Don't forget the ULEZ Expansion comes into effect 25 October

I do hope that nobody is going to be taken by surprise by this next week.  Use the Tfl Ulez checker to find out if your car is compliant or not.

Philippa Bond ● 1474d9 Comments ● 1472d

Call for Smart Road Charging

See front page:http://www.ealingtoday.co.uk/default.asp?section=community&link=http://neighbournet.com/server/common/ldrstrans096.htm

Philippa Bond ● 1485d64 Comments ● 1472d

Restrictive Covenant Breach - Compensation of £224,000 awarded to Ealing neighbours

In March 2018, I was contacted by residents of Elmcroft Close, which is adjacent to 59 Eaton Rise, Ealing W5. This was in connection with a new planning application for a substantial 3-Storey extension to the Victorian house plus a smaller outbuilding in the rear garden. The detached Victorian house at No.59 has a large rear garden which some 28 years ago was subject to several unsuccessful attempts to carry out backland development by the then owner, Mr Richard Millett, on the back of his garden. The Planning Committee refused the application and a subsequent appeal was dismissed by The Planning Inspectorate in Bristol. At that time we were fighting purely on planning grounds. On this occasion in March 2018, I also investigated if there might be a restrictive covenant of any assistance to the Objectors. Eventually after a determined campaign by the Objectors, planning permission was granted by Ealing Council for the new development in February 2020 to convert the property from 2 flats into 7 self-contained flats. The Restrictive Covenant was created in the mid-1960s and stipulated what could be built at the rear of No.59 which included the former boundary wall. Although the wall was replaced by a fence long ago, the covenant limited any new building to that of the original wall-height at that time. Subsequently, this was estimated to be about a metre high. The proposed 3-Storey rear extension would of course be very substantially higher this modest wall and therefore was in clear breach of the Restrictive Covenant. The neighbours raised this issue with the developer and eventually having received planning permission in February last year, the developer subsequently made an Application to the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) for a modification of the Restrictive Covenant so as the permit the extension and outbuilding. The original proposal was for 8 flats but this had been replaced by a revised planning application for 7 flats in October 2018. After a Hearing of the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) on 27th & 28th July 2021, the Tribunal Member, Chartered Surveyor Ms Diane Martin MRICS FAAVA, decided to allow the proposed modification of the Restrictive Covenant but ON TERMS. The terms are according to the 28-page Decision of the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) which can be read in full on the Internet is that in order to obtain the proposed Modification, the developer, Mr Emil Moskofian, must pay a total sum of £224,000 to 11 Objectors who reside in the houses at Elmcroft Close (No.1-11) as Compensation. The highest award was of £40,000 to one Objector and the lowest £8,000; five others were awarded £16,000 each and four more were awarded £24,000 each. In past days, the Tribunal might have even turned the application down as the compensation is quite large. This is the third highest award of Compensation in a Middlesex covenant case I know of. In this borough, the highest was £350,000 (flats instead of private dwellinghouses), in Wembley £230,000 for a school building on a playing field where houses are anyway allowed but never built). I note with satisfaction that on page 9 of the Decision, Ms Martin stated with regard to a precedent having been set by their lack of previous objection to height above the boundary of the garden trees, and construction of the first floor balcony, that the objectors originally “were unaware of the covenant until alerted to it by a neighbour in March 2018…“ That neighbour (myself) was able to assist the residents at the start of their battle due to long experience with Restrictive Covenants since our first ever case in December 1986 - March 1991 at 8 Longfield Road Ealing W5 (which took 4 years in the High Court and Lands Tribunal - the longest single covenant case ever fought in Ealing with 6 days in court) preventing a major backland development behind the sequence of gardens of houses in Longfield Road, Castlebar Road and Gordon Road on the “Hanger Hill Estate, Ealing” and the proposed use of the garden of 8 Longfield Road as a Vehicular Access Road after demolition of the red-bricked 1883 dwellinghouse built by James Wills, who lived at 43 Castlebar Road. This lends some weight to the words of a past Tribunal Member that the benefit of a restrictive covenant may be found “like hidden treasure in the hour of need”. Finally, I am glad that I did not take Mr Richard Millett’s advice some 27 years ago when he wrote to me telling me to “go back to Japan and save Tokyo”. Victor Mishiku 29/9/2021 “The Covenant Movement”

Victor Mishiku ● 1498d8 Comments ● 1477d

Backgarden development refused tonight at Committee

I attended the Planning Committee tonight at Ealing Town Hall.  I have been doing so for the last 35 years now.I was interested in the case at 1 Golden Manor W7 which is both in a Conservation Area and faces an adjoining Conservation Area and a small Public Open Space (the "Rose Garden").  In 2017 & 2018, I assisted neighbours fight off a previous worse proposal (which was being recommended for granting by the Planning Department) as on this occasion tonight.Upon arrival, I asked to see the Agenda for the 10 items under discussion.  The Committee Clerk gave me her only copy (and there were 9 members of the public there including former MP, Stephen Pound).  The 1 Golden Manor application was listed as Item 10 on the Agenda but the Agenda I was given only went up to Item 3 (last page 185).On reading the index, I realised that there are supposed to be 264 pages and the ones I wanted to read were pages 219 - 264 but they were all missing!    I was able to read the "Briefing Notes" which were placed on the public seats right at the end of the Victoria Hall (away from the loudspeaker) and straight away I noticed a fatal error in them where the Planning Department had come to the bizarre conclusion that the garden at 1 Golden Manor was "previously-developed" land - in fact it is "Greenfield" as residential gardens in built-up areas are now designated as "Greenfield" since 9th June 2010 when the law was changed to protect green open spaces.  This is not the first time a senior planner has made this mistake (uncorrected by her Area Manager, Ms Alex Jackson - as occurred in another case in W13 as Cllr. Mahmood may recall).After the Objectors' representative addressed the Committee very fully and after they then heard from the developer party, the Members of the Planning Committee discussed the application which Ward Councillor Ray Wall (Chair of the Planning Committee) had called in.I was very impressed by the comments of many of the Committee Members who were not afraid to question the recommendation of the Case Officer who was wholly in favour of the development.A number of the Members expressed concern about the inadequate plot size of the proposed development, the loss of garden land especially when "climate change" is much to the fore these days, actual harm to the Conservation Area and the fact that the proposed development would be out of keeping with the character of the Conservation Area and its original carefully laid-out housing and spacious gardens.The acting Chair, Cllr. Tariq Mahmood, called for a vote and the result was 8 - 3 to REFUSE the planning application.Well done to the residents who stood up to the garden-grabbers!Victor Mishiku  Wednesday 21/7/2021"The Covenant Movement"  vmfree@madasafish.com

Victor Mishiku ● 1568d8 Comments ● 1480d

My cup runneth over or maybe not!

The autumn edition of around Ealing arrived today, how have I coped since the summer edition tumbled onto the mat? Alternatively known as 'propaganda on the council tax', does it really cost as much as keeping the Stirling Road tip open for a year? On an alternative tack, a council employee was in our cul-de-sac early on Thursday morning picking up a few pieces of paper to drop into a green bag. I'm worried that it may be our annual road cleansing visit, last seen with a full sweep in May of last year. Maybe it's down to the fact that Pitshanger is a Conservative area or maybe they are as inept as they regularly come across.

peter king ● 1523d50 Comments ● 1481d

LTNs gone - but a more fundamental issue.....

The LTNs may (mostly) be gone but like other British politicians in history many Ealing councillors failed to understand the political climate of the day. After over 16 months of restrictions the last thing people wanted was more control and more restrictions - they want their freedoms and their normal way of life back. But whether or not you believed that Low Traffic Neighbourhoods were a good or a bad idea, and notwithstanding any policy from central Government or finance from TfL, whether it’s the LTN fiasco or other issues such as high rise towers or Victoria Hall  the whole saga is symptomatic of a more fundamental issue. That is:  the abuse of position and the erosion of democracy.  With their dogma and their own political agenda they become arrogant, don’t listen, think they know better than the people, and that residents should subscribe to their world view. Driven more by party political agenda than respect for the wishes of the local community, they have lost touch with the residents they are supposed to represent. Ill-thought-out policies alienate local residents, creating an anger and resentment which in itself does not promote a healthy and harmonious community. There are a few very good councillors, but generally our party political system does not produce competent individuals suitable for running a local community for the benefit of its residents. As the respected linguist, historian and political activist Noam Chomsky observed, there are always those prepared to reduce our democracy in order to further their agenda. The same people are still in council and there remains an existential threat to our communities and our democracy. But whatever your political persuasion, residents should remain vigilant else there is the risk of more of a ‘Culture of Control’ and an increasingly authoritarian administration. Local communities do not need party agenda driven politicians. Local communities do need honest and trustworthy people as councillors, who are competent, without party-political ideology, and who listen to the local residents who elect them to office to represent their majority wishes. Certain councillors may not like it, but it’s called democracy. Councillors are our local public servants, not our masters - they are not in power, they are in office at our sufferance. They might do well to remember this. 

Mike Davidson ● 1492d85 Comments ● 1483d

Strange road signs appear in former Ealing LTNs

Whoever did this was being a bit childish but also very funny.

Gordon Southwell ● 1483d5 Comments ● 1483d

Looking for host families in Ealing

The Swedish School at The National Archives in Kew is recruiting host families for sixth form students arriving in January. In case you have a room available in your home, this is a way for you to get an extra income and a chance to get to know a young person from Sweden. Many of the host families have a long lasting friendship with their students and visit them in Sweden after the exchange year. The host family provides care and a room for the student as well as breakfast and dinner. Host families receive £740 per calendar month throughout the student's stay. More info here https://swedishschool.org.uk/en/become-a-host-family/ or just send an email to hostfamily@swedishschool.org.uk

Gustav Johansson ● 1483d0 Comments ● 1483d

Ealing Council Legal Action

I am trying to take Ealing Council to Court but am hampered by my lack of of legal experience , they have assigned a solicitor to send me threatening messages warning me of court costs etc. My claim is based upon the fact that in the 6 years I have lived in the borough Ealing almost always ignore emails and take no action to protect tenants from rogue private landlords , I am sure many of you here have negative experiences with the council , would ask anybody with some basic legal experience be willing to help me obtain justice . I am trying the small claims court but its not straightforward at all , I think its time Ealing residents united against the Council who despite the new leader almost never listen to the genuine concerns of local residents , I will happily share a contact email if anybody is willing to assist me in any way

P Taylor ● 1490d9 Comments ● 1484d

Has Money Run Out for Ealing Broadway Station Works?

It does look a bit odd that the work has slowed down even more outside the station recently. Having seen the award winning stations in east London, our flagship out west is a prince disguised as a frog in comparison. Despite having Labour all over Ealing plus that little twerp Khan, we have got a station that ticks the accessible box but no more. The sheer volume of passengers using it should have made an escalator a no.1 priority.

peter king ● 1490d4 Comments ● 1484d

Croydon: Borough’s voters choose directly-elected Mayor system in referendum

Support for a change in the governance arrangement was overwhelming (by DAVE HILL)Croydon Council will be led by a directly-elected Mayor (DEM) in future after voters expressed a strong preference for switching to the mayoral system at a local referendum held yesterday.Of the 58,897 people who cast votes, an overwhelming 47,165 chose to adopt a mayoral model, while only 11,519 opted to retain the current leader-and-cabinet set-up, under which the council leader is elected by fellow councillors rather than by voters. Turnout was 21 per cent.The referendum was held after a petition raised by pro-DEM campaigners last year secured enough signatures of borough electors, five per cent of them, to require the plebiscite to take place.The leader of the Labour-run council at the time, Tony Newman, was opposed to switching to the mayoral system. However, following Newman’s departure a year ago amid severe financial problems at the borough, his successor, Hamida Ali, took a more conciliatory approach.Hackney, Lewisham, Newham and Tower Hamlets have had directly-elected Mayors since early this century, and governance referendums held in the latter two boroughs in May saw local electors vote strongly in favour of retaining them.The workings of the mayoral system can vary, however, with power concentrated in the hands of a Mayor or devolved to councillors in different ways and to differing degrees. Croydon Council says its Mayor will appoint a cabinet and delegate powers to it “so that decisions are made collectively, as at present under the leader/cabinet model.”Both the mayoral and the leader-and-cabinet arrangements are termed executive models of governance, with most decision-making powers held at cabinet level.Labour in Croydon has been divided over the governance question, with local MPs Steve Reed and Sarah Jones opposed to adopting the mayoral system while key activists in the south of the borough have favoured it, along with Croydon South Conservative MP Chris Philp.The referendum petition was supported by a political coalition embracing Labour, a former UKIP candidate and residents’ groups unhappy with the “growth borough” policies of the council under Newman, particularly its enthusiasm for more house-building in a borough that has experienced a rapid population increase.Advocates argued that candidates seeking to become Mayor will have an interest in seeking support across the whole of the borough and tailoring policies accordingly, rather than concentrating their efforts on electoral wards they know they can win. Criticisms of the pro-DEM campaign have included claims that it is motivated by a desire to prevent more homes being built in affluent areas.SOURCE: https://www.onlondon.co.uk/croydon-boroughs-voters-choose-directly-elected-mayor-system-in-referendum/?utm_campaign=12721421_Key%20Issues%2013%20Oct%202021&utm_medium=email&utm_source=London%20Councils&dm_i=192K,7KNWT,M4M0DR,UU03B,1

Rosco White ● 1485d5 Comments ● 1484d

Buying gluten-free cous cous in Ealing

Bit of a niche request but can anyone suggest a place where you can buy gluten free cous cous in the centre of Ealing?

Tricia Arbuthnot ● 1484d0 Comments ● 1484d

Help required in renewing parking permit.

I am sure i am not the only one but have tried all ways including changing password and no joy.I have 4 days left now and have been trying for 2 weeks!

Simon Wycombe ● 1510d16 Comments ● 1487d

Peroxyl

Has anybody else tried to buy Peroxyl recently.,I’ve tried every pharmacy I know of- out of stock is the answer everywhere.Husband has often ordered in bulk online but even this is a no no now., it’s either out of stock or the prices quoted are grotesque. e.g. Superdrug normally has it at about 3.40 pounds but online it’s double indeed sometimes several times that price. You would be mad to pay several times the odds. I even saw one site that quoted over 300 pounds ( no, that’s not a typo). So Corsodyl it has to be! Any information would be welcome. Production difficulties maybe? Transport difficulties ?

Bettina Margaret Thwaite ● 1488d2 Comments ● 1488d

Webinar & Interview with Peter Mason, Leader LBE on 19th Oct at 11 am

Tuesday October 19, 11:00 - 12:00Ask The Voice of Authority:Cllr Peter Mason, Leader, Ealing CouncilA live interview with Cllr Peter Mason, Leader, Ealing Council, to ask: what is on his wish list for the borough, what challenges does he face in delivering recovery, growth and development in Ealing and what sort of partners is he seeking to help overcome those challenges and deliver that wish list.We'll also seek to paint a picture of the man behind the vision for the borough: who and what have influenced his views on growth? What were the watershed moments that formed these views? And what are his personal passions and pastimes?Watch the live interview and take your chance to submit a question. Use the 'Questions and Comments' form below to submit your questions for Cllr Mason, and get ready to be called onto the screen to Ask The Voice of Authority...WEBINAR REGISTRATION - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_B8jRyEuXTBer03H6xbjyTA?utm_campaign=Friday%20listings%2008.10.21&utm_source=emailCampaign&utm_content=&utm_medium=email

Rosco White ● 1490d0 Comments ● 1490d

Labour conference: Party pledges to cap foreign sales of new homes

Maybe someone should have told Ealing council about this before Dicken's Yard was put on the market outside of the UK first

peter king ● 1504d7 Comments ● 1490d

Belvedere Forum?

Are Rupa and her pals still banned out the Churchfield?

Martin Cain ● 1490d1 Comments ● 1490d

Storage heater testing

I need to find someone who can test the off peak economy 7 supply to a storage heater and reset the storage heater.

Chris Lucy ● 1492d0 Comments ● 1492d

Council cabinet votes to remove LTNs

Good news. Ealing Council cabinet has just voted to remove seven of the LTNs.

Simon Hayes ● 1505d67 Comments ● 1492d

We are car nuts that focus on the imposition on drivers instead of the amazing Ealing Half itself

Typical of Ealing Todayto focus on the impact on drivers rather than the amazing Ealing Half Marathon itself."Watch Out for Ealing Half Marathon Road Closures"Why do they do this?

Paul James ● 1501d99 Comments ● 1492d

Wooden Bed Repairs?

Just discovered that the wooden bed we purchased from Warren Evans a few years ago is falling apart. Unfortunately the 15 year warranty is worthless as the then Warren Evans, based in West Ealing are in liquidation. They were actually Designer Ideas Ltd (t/a Warren Evans). Really annoyed by this.To cut a long story short the new (or original)Warren Evans will not undetake the repairs. They suggest hiring a local handyman. Can anyone recommend someone local who might be able to undertake bed frame repairs? They probably need some big clamps. Ta.

Paul Martin ● 1496d7 Comments ● 1493d

Ealing Council messes up again : Not fair to The Fox Pub

Tried to go for lunch at The Fox Pub in Hanwell. Nowhere to park - London Borough Ealing has just designated ALL the surrounding roads CPZ. We did go in to enquire and the staff said they are losing a huge amount of business (party of 20 recently booked for dinner - had to return home). The place was empty. They surely can’t afford to keep on going at this rate. We were told nearest road for parking was Trumpers Way - tried that and no spaces. We also had to turn back and go home. Very sad - they’ve spent so much money refurbing  the pub and making some lovely covered areas outside in the garden. Added to that this was an important access to the canal where people could have healthy walks. Huge sympathy with local residents but why ALL ROADS CPZ?  Ealing Council is  besotted with getting people out of their cars but  what do you do when you have a mum and 2 aunties in their 90’s to take out..The members of this Council  are not our friends ..... shame on them

Val Benjamin ● 1510d75 Comments ● 1495d

Big Green Fair  Sat 25 Sept 11am-3pm

https://www.ststephens-ealing.org/Articles/617977/Great_Big_Green.aspx

Philippa Bond ● 1503d2 Comments ● 1497d

Ealing petrol situation

Has the petrol panic buying hit Ealing yet? If so, has anyone found some smarter ways to find petrol? Are some petrol stations less busy/have fuel - are weekdays quieter? I'd have hoped motorways, like the M3 stations, might be better options - who knows?I'm sure this will calm down somewhat and this weekend was the worst - I don't need to worry about petrol for a couple of weeks, but best not to drive around like an idiot looking for any when it comes to it.

Kevin Wilson ● 1501d20 Comments ● 1497d

Hobbayne 16th Sept by-election result.

31% turnout. Unsurprising, but still a very disappointing result. >>> https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201065/elections/2864/hobbayne_ward_by-election_16_september_2021_-_results/1

Tony Heath ● 1500d6 Comments ● 1499d

Stirling Road recycling closure

This morning I went to the Stirling Road Recycling Centre in Acton to deliver an unrepairable item. I was told that despite all the protests, Ealing Council still plans to close the centre in November.  What we will then face is even more fly tipping which the council will have to deal with. Madness, defying all common sense.

Ian Richardson ● 1520d64 Comments ● 1499d

Interesting greenwatch data. UK actually not the villains some believe

https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2019/10/greenhouse-gas-emissions-by-country

N V Brooks ● 1500d1 Comments ● 1499d

Failure to Display Public Notice on Planning Application

Ever since Ealing Planning Department stopped sending out Notification Letters giving 21 days in which to respond to planning applications nearby, the system of putting up the yellow Public Notices on lampposts has been less than perfect.Disregarding instances where developers have likely pulled them down, the Planning Department itself has not always acted sensibly to ensure that affected neighbours know what it being proposed at close proximity.In a case in Rotherwick Hill (part of the Haymills Estate in Ealing W5), an unneighbourly play tower & platform was erected without planning permission.  Eventually, planning applications were made but the Council did not put up any Notices in the road where the adjoining back garden of an Ashbourne Close neighbour would be badly affected and where the neighbour had previously complained about the unauthorised structure overlooking their garden.Because no yellow Public Notice was put up in Ashbourne Close, the most affected neighbour was unaware of the latest application and therefore did not write in within the usual 21 days - only finding out that an Appeal to The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) had been lodged months later.   Because the neighbour had not filed an objection at first instance, the rules did not allow her to respond to the Appeal!The writer contacted PINS to explain the situation which was made worse as the Appellant's Planning Consultants were stressing that the neighbour had not objected at first instance and therefore there was no problem!PINS however were not satisfied that natural justice was being observed and ruled that the affected neighbour should be allowed to make her objections.The Appeal was dismissed by PINS yesterday  - please see at:https://www.dropbox.com/preview/AppealDecisionDismissedByPINS.13thMay2021.pdf?role=personalThis result vindicates the objection of the neighbour in Ashbourne Close - the road in which the Planning Department failed to put up a Public Notice!V.Mishiku  - "The Covenant Movement" vmfree@madasafish.com

Victor Mishiku ● 1636d37 Comments ● 1501d

Energy supplier 'Utility Point' finally gone bust.

No surprise there.

Tony Heath ● 1513d28 Comments ● 1501d

Sell Out Mini Mile Today Sat 25 September 2021

1700 runners in Lammas Park.It was lovely to see so many children and their families taking part.It's the Half Marathon for the Grown Ups tomorrow Sunday 26 Sept.  Some roads will be closed.https://www.ealinghalfmarathon.com/resident-information/ 

Philippa Bond ● 1502d0 Comments ● 1502d

Surviving Squalor:  Britain's Housing Shame:  ITV 10.15 last night

Absolutely disgusting and disgraceful situation - in housing block after housing block - in borough after borough and much of it seemed to be caused by lack of maintenance.https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/croydon-housing-crisis-failure-fix-20547964https://redbrickblog.co.uk/2021/09/squalor-and-the-return-of-real-capitalism/https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/tv-providers-and-services/article/catch-up-tv/itv-hub-itv-s-catch-up-tv-service-a619t1J8CLWY

Philippa Bond ● 1514d6 Comments ● 1502d

Ealing Council Website problems

Has anyone else experienced problems using the Ealing Council Website recently?I have tried to log a report since Thursday as my Garden Waste Wheelie Bin was not emptied   going around in circles I was unable to complete the report.I then rang Ealung Council and after some time finally spoke to a staff member. She tried the Website but had the same problem. I was told to complain to the council.All I wanted was to report the problem with non collection of my Garden Rubbish.I sent an email to the new Leader of the Council, which was returned by the Postmaster, undelivered.Mist frustrating.

Jean F Fernandez ● 1507d6 Comments ● 1504d

Anybody fancy a wager?

I know it's a hideous thought, but should Mason and his cronies be elected back in charge of Ealing Council next May . . . .  the LTN's will be back in place within days after the election?I would say it's a 100:1 dead cert.

Tony Heath ● 1507d5 Comments ● 1505d

Black Cat Found in The Grove in Ealing

Details from PetsReunited here. https://www.petsreunited.com/ealing/ealing/found/cats/found-black-female-cat/8dbflqe9

Alison Howard ● 1505d1 Comments ● 1505d

Woeful Number of Fire Safety Defects in London Buildings

http://www.ealingtoday.co.uk/default.asp?section=community&link=http://neighbournet.com/server/common/ldrshousing017.htm718 blocks of flats still have dangerous cladding.  Article on the front page.

Philippa Bond ● 1513d3 Comments ● 1508d

Anyone know anything about the new "Ealing Independents" standing in the next Council Elections?

I have just emailed and asked them if they still exist and what they're doing.Will post the reply here as/when/if I receive one.     😊https://ealingindependents.com/Ealing Independents is a fast growing grassroots group set up by Ealing resident Leslie Bunder to explore the opportunity for independent candidates to contest Ealing local elections.  This is through an umbrella alliance of like-minded people standing united on a shared vision and manifesto, which Ealing Independents is developing for a better, safer, cleaner and greener Ealing for all.These independent candidates will be standing to be councillors to ensure that Ealing residents and businesses get improved and better services to improve life in Ealing and make it better, safer, cleaner and greener.The independent candidates will represent Ealing residents and businesses in Acton, Ealing, Greenford, Hanwell, Northolt, Perivale and Southall.We are not a party at present but have formed a group to support the importance independent candidates can play in local elections.Ealing Independents wants to see Ealing becomes a better place for everyone to live, work and study in.We will work to ensure Ealing becomes a be better, safer, cleaner and greener borough for all.This website serves as an introduction to Ealing Independents and will be updated on a regular basis as we develop our plans.Local independent candidates offer an alternative to the existing political parties who place national politics ahead of local people and issues in Ealing.The next local elections in Ealing for councillors will take place in May 2022.We support and will help create a true local manifesto for Ealing in time for the next election.Before then, we are listening to all residents and businesses across Ealing. We want to ensure the manifesto reflects their needs so that Ealing Council run by independents will provide better services to all.A change of council is needed, as the existing political parties have let down residents and businesses by following their own national party political agendas.Party politics has been allowed to damage Ealing and hurts residents and local businesses alike.We are people from all parts of the community united to making Ealing better after years of not being listened to by the established parties who have shown total disregard to residents and local businesses.Like so many residents and businesses, we are fed up with the way the existing council has been run. It has failed to listen to local people, not been open or transparent and provides very little accountability.We will be challenging the established parties by championing true local candidates who are not influenced by party politics but instead are driven to making Ealing a better place for residents and businesses.Ealing Independents will listen and help in supporting Ealing residents and businesses by seeking to ensure local independent candidates have the opportunity to challenge the established parties.Ealing Independents is all about putting Ealing residents and businesses first and ensuring their needs are represented and their issues are fully addressed to ensure Ealing becomes a better place for all

Rosco White ● 1510d7 Comments ● 1508d

Now empty Nissan garage, Hanwell.

Boston Road, W7.Is the plot earmarked for another concrete monstrosity? (As has happened with the adjacent ex-Wickes site.)

Tony Heath ● 1511d11 Comments ● 1509d

Momento Northfields

Does anyone know whether this nice lttle restaurant is going to open agian?  Or has it gone for good?  Thanks to anyone who knows

Sarah Vickers ● 1563d24 Comments ● 1510d

Council report recommends LTN removal

The report to be considered at next weeks council meeting recommends the removal of the following LTNs:Olive Road (LTN 08)West Ealing North (LTN 20)Acton Central (LTN 25)Loveday Road (LTN 30)Junction Road (LTN 32)Bowes Road (LTN 34)Mattock Lane (LTN 35)Hopefully this will be passed next week.I expect there will then be the removal of quite a few Labour councillors next May.

Simon Hayes ● 1513d23 Comments ● 1511d

Train to be an HGV Driver

https://ealingnewsextra.co.uk/latest-news/become-an-hgv-driver-2/We keep hearing about the shortages on the shelves and the lack of drivers due to the lack of HGV drivers.  Well here is a chance to get some training.

Philippa Bond ● 1537d41 Comments ● 1514d

Borough of Ealing Art Trail  11&12 and 18&19  September

https://ealingbeat.org.uk/You can be transported just by looking at all these wonderful pieces of showcased work.

Philippa Bond ● 1517d0 Comments ● 1517d

Hanwell Library - Carnegie - BEAT Sat/Sun 11/12/18/19

Come and visit the lovely CRNEGIE Library in Hanwell and see 8 artists with displays for the Trail.   Open 11-6pm on Sat 11 & 18 and Sunday 12 & 19.  Just near the Clocktower in Hanwell.  Look forward to seeing you there and all are welcome.

Jools Lewis ● 1518d2 Comments ● 1517d

Rats in Blondin

Is this article for real?

Simon Wycombe ● 1556d21 Comments ● 1517d

English language lessons

Hello all,If you or anyone you know may benefit from English language lessons on Monday and Wednesday evenings, look no further than the Ealing Community School of English.Our enrolment starts from Monday and we accept adults from all backgrounds.You can visit our website - ecse.org.uk to find out more or alternatively email us at info@ecse.org.uk or ring us on 07565 386 757.

Ata Rahman ● 1520d0 Comments ● 1520d

wood floors specialist

Can anyone recommend someone who repairs parquet flooring? Thanks.

bela cunha ● 1523d2 Comments ● 1522d

Silent majority speak and reject LTN schemes and

https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201268/low_traffic_neighbourhoods/2841/ltn_consultations/1?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Orlo

Simon Hayes ● 1542d137 Comments ● 1523d

Comedy Night

Return of a Hanwell institution, the Bearcat comedy night at the Viaduct. Great entertainment.

David Burke ● 1524d0 Comments ● 1524d

Rubber face Ramsey and the pseudo victorian breakfast convenience of doom

£12.50 for an English breakfast in Ealing. Clearly Gordon Ramsey has seen em coming a mile off. I shall be sticking to the excellent value Sir Michael Balcon Weathersoons for breakfast given a definite case of sticker shock. Just officially opened this week admit much media fanfare Rubber Face Gordon Ransey has created a food machine in the heart of Ealing, the Bread Street Cafe, in the shopping centre that is lined with an amazing acreage of white victorian public convenience ceramic tile making one wonder whether the target market is the weekend late night clubbing crowd where the requirement is to be able to hose the inside down after a heavy nights useage rather than to service the needs of the central Ealing English breakfast community. Certainly you would need a few beers at the local late night drinking joint to handle the sticker shock of a this English breakfast. Not for me methinks. The establishment was strangely without customers both before the official media freebie and remains so after the official media freebie.

Gordon Lanvender ● 1532d21 Comments ● 1525d

Great community event at Acton market saturday 4th sep

Come and join in this great Acton Market community event organised by local charity Action West London and community partners this Saturday from 12 noon-8pm . Childrens activities/face painting/ZUMBA/ market stalls /ethnic food--  --and much MORE!  Enjoy!  outside Morrisons and St Marys church, Acton W3 9NW

John Blackmore ● 1527d1 Comments ● 1525d

Pointing recommendations sought

I have to get the old chimney breast outside my house repointed. Can anyone recommend a builder if they have had this done recently? Thanks

peter king ● 1528d1 Comments ● 1525d

Missing Black & White Cat

Our one year old cat Reggie is missing from the Acton Green area of Chiswick since the 23rd August and we're worried he could have wandered further. Reggie is wearing a light blue sparkling collar. If you have any information please could you let me know. Below is a link to a picture of Reggie:https://www.flickr.com/photos/193755075@N05/shares/20t3g6

Clara Barrington ● 1530d2 Comments ● 1525d

Missing silver tribal bangle

Yesterday, (1st September) a much cherished silver bangle fell off my wrist somewhere between Ealing Broadway tube station and Pitzhanger Manor. If anyone found it I should be so grateful for its return!

Sue Tuck ● 1525d0 Comments ● 1525d

When is the meeting that makes the decision on the LTNs?

Can anyone clarify when exactly Ealing Council will be meeting to make its decision on whether or not to scrap the Low Traffic Neighbourhood schemes?

Mark Evans ● 1526d9 Comments ● 1525d

Dr Bike Free Cycle Maintenance: Haven Green 10am-1pm Sats 4 Sept, 9 Oct, 6 Nov, 4 Dec, 8 Jan, 5 Feb

Also Sats at Acton Market 2-5pm on the same dates +lots more venues and datesAlso check up on Cycle Training for Adults, Children and Families, and there is also free Online Cycle Training so you can update your skills and bolster your confidence before going on the road.and lots more:https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201173/transport_and_parking/150/cycling/4

Philippa Bond ● 1526d3 Comments ● 1526d

Dusty Springfield.

Well known for her Ealing connection (not least her attendance at St Anne's School, Little Ealing Lane).  Does anybody know in which Ealing street she lived (having moved into the borough in 1950)?  Thanks.

Tony Heath ● 1543d15 Comments ● 1531d

Ted Dexter CBE RIP

"Lord Ted". a longtime Ealing resident. has passed into heaven's Long Room at the fine age of 86. May he Rest In Peace.

N V Brooks ● 1533d2 Comments ● 1531d

Let's hope the clowns at Ealing council don't read this

Council accused of taking ‘rewilding’ too far as weeds take root in Brighton - https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/aug/22/council-accused-of-taking-rewilding-too-far-as-weeds-take-root-in-brighton

peter king ● 1536d6 Comments ● 1532d

Owners of aggressive and/or dangerous dogs, please explain to me ...........

What gives you the right to knowingly allow your aggressive and/or dangerous dog to run loose in a public place, off leash/unmuzzled?Also, please explain to me, even if your aggressive & potentially dangerous dog is on a leash, why I have to be constantly on the alert and ensure I go out of my way around YOU when going about my business in a public place?I'd really like to know, in case I'm missing something.

Rosco White ● 1548d14 Comments ● 1532d

Crossrail

How can a project which should have been completed in 2018, and is now expected to be completed by July 2022, be described as "very much on target".

Robert Shaw ● 1533d3 Comments ● 1532d

Gurnell closure

While not wanting to stir the pot, a cynic may say that the EBC is deliberately allowing Gurnell to fall into disrepair and then claim it must be demolished.  Lo and behold they will then say the site is ripe for redevelopment and we have a plan.

alan raine ● 1539d20 Comments ● 1533d

Rubbish removal

Need to get an old stained double mattress removed quite quickly. I'm in Hanwell, looking for someone reliable.

Chris Edwards ● 1538d1 Comments ● 1538d

Acton Bright Steel.

Did you or a relative work for Acton Bright Steel Stockholding business, on the ground floor at 55-57, Strafford Road, Acton, London W3 in the 1960's?

Neil Milkins ● 1538d0 Comments ● 1538d

Mount Vernon Hospital - journey

Can anyone offer advice on the best way to get to Mount Vernon from West London.  Drive, train ? Thanks in advance

Maggie Dodge ● 1542d10 Comments ● 1540d

Swyncombe Ave closed again as part of gerrymandering?

So within days of Swyncombe ave finally reopening after a needless 8 weeks. LBH have removed and then reinstated the closure barriers with new signage.Gone is the "Closed for 8 weeks" to a new sign stating a different reason.So what is the justification this time of restricting the only wider than average straight and driveway lined street linking Boston Manor and Northfields and Little Ealing?Word is both Ealing and Hounslow are colluding to create a distorted figure for traffic in nearby streets including LTN21 to justify furthering their LTN desires which have taken a dent from so many quarters.They are planning new 'experimental orders' to effectively get their way by setting street against street - often known as Divide and Rule.Yet again, more Sly, Sneaky and reckless towards local people and their livelihoods and day to day needs.

Raymond Havelock ● 1545d14 Comments ● 1542d

PHEONIX FESTIVAL - Crawdaddy Club, Richmond 22nd August 2-9

An annual mini-festival of Music and this year supporting an NHS charity called Healthcare Foundation run by NHS staff for NHS staff with all monies going direct.  Great music all afternoon, friends and families invited and with a bar and food and a raffle and an outside terrace if you prefer that.Richmond Athletic Ground near roundabout approaching Richmond.  Bus 65 or Richmond station.  Some limited parking too.  Advance tickets £12.00 or £15.00 on door. (under 18's half price).hhps://www.wegottickets.com/event/521293

Jools Lewis ● 1543d0 Comments ● 1543d

Paul Shepherd RIP

Wonderful turnout today for the funeral of Paul Shepherd. RIP Paul.

David Burke ● 1553d9 Comments ● 1546d

Londoners injured in road crashes halved in LTNs

Plus this gem .........But there was not a “statistically significant” drop in the number of cyclist injuries. This fell from 18 to 17, though against a 10 per cent Londonwide increase in bike casualties.No mention of course about the number of injuries from road crashes occurring in areas of increased traffic surrounding the LTNs.  Maybe those figures aren't convenient?  😁https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/uk-travel-traffic-news-london-road-car-crash-b947328.html

Rosco White ● 1566d52 Comments ● 1550d

Two Leather Sofas - free to collect

Bought John Lewis.petrol blueH: 75cmD: 85cmL: 170cmExcellent structural condition with some scuffing on cushions. Free to collect from central Ealing third floor flat.

Paula Gjesdal ● 1551d0 Comments ● 1551d

Tory Party Funding....

https://www.ft.com/content/c5737fbb-2893-4a5a-be5e-965785f1a37b

Philippa Bond ● 1558d29 Comments ● 1552d

VINTAGE & FOOD MARKET - St Augustine's School 25th July

LOCAL EVENT:   St. Augustine's Priory School, Ealing this SUNDAY 25th July is the launch of a new European-style Market with lots of Vintage fashion, homewares, paintings, fabulous artisan stalls, street food, good tunes, kids activities, face painting and maybe even some live music.  Come and see us for some Sunday fun! Support your local traders and small independent businesses.  Hopefully the weather will be nice and you can bring your blankets and have a picnic on the grass... so see you there....10-3pmGood Vibes. Good Food. Good Music. Good Laughs. Good Goods!

Jools Lewis ● 1567d1 Comments ● 1552d

They should ban these death machines!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-58009784

Simon Hayes ● 1561d44 Comments ● 1554d

PRS Licensing Private Landlords and HMO's in Ealing

Private Landlords have your say on Ealing Council proposal for the expansion of PRS in 2022 and the increase cost of £750.00 per property. increasing for HMO's.http://ealingcouncil.net/_act/link.php?mId=P929364478582826459942400zzzzz64ced1b08da22c058979587ec0d3e7a04c55bcf74742aa49cf5d3d4b2312a85813&tId=323270966

Nicolas Ozegovic ● 1555d0 Comments ● 1555d

Reminder about LTN survey deadline

Don't forget, if you haven't done so already to give your feedback on your local LTN. A list of the ongoing surveys is here:https://oneealing.co.uk/links-to-ealing-councils-ltn-surveys/

Tricia Arbuthnot ● 1567d23 Comments ● 1558d

Join in and take part in the 2021 Big Butterfly Count

It starts today 16 July and runs until 8 August.  The Count itself is just 15 min of your time - but there is lots of info and this would be  a great activity to get the whole of the family involved in.Which butterflies do you know the names of and can identify already for instance?  (I failed on two out of the five in a Zoom quiz last night!)https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/

Philippa Bond ● 1573d5 Comments ● 1558d

Looking for feedback on real estate project - Under Garden apartments built by Robots

Hello everyone, I am currently on an internship for a company that is looking to help solve a number of problems related to housing in London, many of which have been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic:(1) The availability and affordability of property for those looking to relocate closer to loved ones - made all the more pressing where they may have lost a partner as a result of the pandemic.(2) New ways in which people can release value to their homes without having to sell up.(3) Solutions which might work for those living in one of the many conservation areas in Dulwich and other parts of London.(4) Something that will appreciate in value - as opposed to that of garden buildings that will depreciate over timeThe company has come up with a way (excavation robots and a sinking concrete shell) to create living/working space underground allowing the vast majority of the garden to remain in use. They are starting off by building a self-contained under garden apartment with a sunken courtyard garden that should work as a home for elderly parents or grown up kids that would be closer to loved ones and significantly less expensive than trying to buy a property off the open market.What do you think of this idea?What problems do you see or concerns do you have?Is it something that you or someone you know might be interested in?Thank you in advance.

Mira Markova ● 1561d0 Comments ● 1561d

Ealing Summer Festivals

Has anyone else found the website this year a mare to navigate around?Click on buy tickets for anything and you're taken to comedy tickets and nothing else.Pretty poor and will surely effect attendee numbers????The council doesn't seem to have done much to promote it at all this year which i find odd......... perhaps too busy making sure there's enough flowerots blocking up the roads to care.

Colin Goodman ● 1566d3 Comments ● 1561d

Tesco Metro to Tesco Express

I myself don’t often visit this store as I’m based in Pitshanger Lane that meets my needs. But for people living in Central Ealing, it’s a bit of a blow surely. This talk of people using it daily rather than the weekly shop, well that’s a national trend much advertised by the press & TV. That’s not a purely Ealing shopping pattern.There will be fewer items & higher prices. Cynical little ole me thinks it’s the usual greedyitis at play.

Bettina Margaret Thwaite ● 1567d13 Comments ● 1564d

No Public Inquiry into Perceval House Scheme

Probably the last hope that the 26-storey won't be built in the centre of Ealing has gone as the Secretary of State Robert Jenrick has declined to intervene. If he had there would have been a public enquiry which might have cast more light on exactly how this was allowed to happen. As Jenrick's track record shows he is relentlessly pro-developer this probably was not a huge surprise.

Gordon Southwell ● 1568d1 Comments ● 1567d

Black Cat Monkey Last Seen on Hillcroft Crescent

Please see this appeal for a missing cat in Ealing from Pets Reunited https://www.petsreunited.com/ealing/ealing/lost/cats/lost-black-male-cat/rw45egpg

Alison Howard ● 1570d2 Comments ● 1568d

Development of Woolworths plan in West Ealing 'Abandoned'

According to the Stop the Towers group the plans for a 15 storey tower behind the Art Deco facade of the old Woolworths building have been abandoned and the developer is now going to sell the site having cleared it.

Gordon Southwell ● 1569d2 Comments ● 1568d

Marevna painting of blonde girl

The girl in the blue shawl is my daughter Corinne Day, I have a photo of Marevna painting the picture. Marevna painted two other pictures of Corinne which she gave to my mother-in-law. They are now with Corinne's husband. They were painted in 1975.

Hazel Day ● 1569d1 Comments ● 1568d

Deluge!

Just driven back from Sainsbury's in Chiswick, water, water everywhere.Yes it did rain a lot but the number of blocked drains doesn't help. Ironic that I went past south Acton where the old factories are being levelled to enable even more high rise flats to be put up. We have a council that can't do the basics right (sweeping the roads, gulley emptying) so they become property developers. Can't wait for Phillipa's response.

peter king ● 1602d71 Comments ● 1568d

Acton Refuse and Recycling Centre closure

Ealing Council has unveiled plans to ‘rationalise’ its household waste recycling service to save money. This will mean the closure of the site at Sterling Road in South Acton.Residents are told that they can use the site in Greenford or travel up to Park Royal. Not exactly encouraging fewer miles in the car, is it?No doubt discussions are well underway for the redevelopment of the site with one of the council’s favoured property companies.My bet is on at least 25 storeys as the height of whatever tower replaces this much valued community amenity.

Simon Hayes ● 1723d66 Comments ● 1569d

Looking for friends or ahead to next May?

Our new council leader Peter Mason has apparently nominated England player Bukayo Saka for the freedom of Ealing borough. I know he is a Greenford lad but he missed a penalty for his country. The manager should never have asked him to take it I believe and has exposed the lad to the keyboard morons. However, the freedom of the borough is taking his new found position to the extreme.

peter king ● 1576d16 Comments ● 1570d

JULIAN BELL HONESTY TEST UPDATE

Julian Bell Honesty Test.  Update. I asked Bell a simple question over a month ago.  It concerned the circumstances in which Mr Najsarek gained employment with Ealing Council?  It was: “Did you already know anything of what appeared in the press on June 30 2016 in respect of Mr Najsarek’s behaviour in Bolton when you appointed him?”  Bell must have known the answer.  All he needed to say was yes or no.   A dilemma.  If he said “yes”, he would reveal that he had been dishonest with the people of Ealing when he praised Najserak’s wonderful record of public service.  If you said “no”, he would confirm that Mr Najserak had successfully deceived his way into Ealing Council.A test of integrity for a public servant!   Not Bell.   He ignored the email.  He was guilty of a LIE BY OMISSION. As an avowed Christian, Bell, I am sure, would have been familiar with the Epistle of St James, the origin of this concept. It was his obligation as a public servant to make himself accountable.  He failed. It is was his obligation as a public servant to be honest.   It is my opinion and allegation (which I believe is supported by the simple evidence of this case) that he is a public liar and, as such, unfit for public office. I have told him to understand that every working day from now on I am asking the same question.  HOW OFTEN WILL JULIAN BELL LIE TO ANDREW FARMER?  FIVE DAYS SO FAR – AND COUNTING.

Andrew Farmer ● 1937d105 Comments ● 1571d

religion in the council chamber

Religion in the council chamber? NO THANK YOU.Did we all enjoy last week’s Full Council prayer meeting?    Region should play no part in politics.  It was not on the agenda.  We would not have known what happened but for the YouTube relay of the event.  How long has this been going on?

Andrew Farmer ● 1593d30 Comments ● 1572d

Get Mayor Khan out NOW

KHAN OUT NOWIt appears the London Mayoral Election will be going ahead.Khan is unfit to stand and should be removed now. On New Year’s Eve, he spent £1.5million of our money on a light show.   It included an image of a clenched fist associated with the violent BLM Movement.   That association apart, a clenched fist is a symbol of violence, of a threat of violence.    I take threats seriously.  Don’t we all?   Khan needs to answer this question:  Who are you threatening, Mr Mayor?  Clearly, it is not safe for a man who has incited violence in this way to continue in office. OUT NOW.

Andrew Farmer ● 1758d42 Comments ● 1576d

Ealing Council Do not respond to emails or phone calls

I looked at the Ealing Council reviews on trustpilot and they are atrocious. I am currently in litigation with Ealing Council and would like to hear about your experiences with them. My main beef is lack of replies to legitimate contact and this also applies to local councillors

Paul Taylor ● 1576d4 Comments ● 1576d

West Ealing Station

To Paddington today at 1:30pm via the old station and back at 4:30pm and out through the new buildings.Nothing lavish but seems modern, bright and functional. And of course with the option of step free to the platforms.

Philip Coe ● 1686d11 Comments ● 1576d

Any GOOD table tennis or chess players here

club level , say hello

Paul Taylor ● 1576d2 Comments ● 1576d

Freedom Pass found in West Ealing

If you know of a Timothy Omeara who has lost his freedom pass near Sainsbury’s in West Ealing, I’ve found it. I’ll be posting it to the “lost and found” address in a couple of days if no one claims it.

Andy Hamm ● 1734d1 Comments ● 1576d

Website For Offering Household Items For Free Locally

Looking to dispose of some unwanted, but useful, household items.  Can anyone please kindly remind me of the name of a local website previously recommended on this forum?  Thanks

Philip Coe ● 1618d4 Comments ● 1576d

Rupa Huq vote Labour feature

As someone who would not vote for either this rubbish council or that small non entity of a mayor, can we have an even hand please? Free publicity for people who are widely despised by some of us in Ealing should extend to every party surely?

peter king ● 1644d5 Comments ● 1576d

Which nightclub did this terrible thing happen in?

This was a terrible thing, but, which nightclub did this take place in?This is not mentioned in the Ealing Today article: "Woman Gang Raped By Men She Met at Ealing Night Club Perpetrators receive lengthy jail sentences after expressing no remorse".

Marc Yonder ● 1636d14 Comments ● 1576d

Around Ealing and its pointless existence

The latest issue of the Council propaganda sheet thudded onto my doormat today. Lots of guff about the new Commissar and his loyal minions, all pledging to be inclusive. So inclusive that they removed the pages with all the councillor contact details from the back of the magazine.Maybe that was because they don’t want Bell’s smug mug in there, or it might be because all that information is ‘available online’ (which it is, of course). But then all the other information in Around Ealing is available online, which begs the question why keep the print edition? I was told by the former Commissar that it was for people who can’t access online information, yet there’s nothing in its glossy pages that indicates it’s £100,000 of our cash spent wisely every year.

Simon Hayes ● 1602d18 Comments ● 1576d

Julian Bell fights back claiming LTNs were popular

Interesting article in the Guardian featuring 'analysis' from Julian Bell about the Mayoral election results and what they tell us about LTNs. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/02/cycling-schemes-popular-with-london-voters-analysis-finds He seems to be getting a very obvious dig in at Peter Mason as the Commonplace consultation system presented a very different picture. Although the central claim of the piece, that the LTNs were actually popular and a vote winner for Labour, is nonsense the analysis does raise some very interesting points. You can reach a definitive conclusion about the popularity of LTNs based on Mayoral results. People will have voted on a whole range of issues and, time and time again research has confirmed that national politics determines how a large proportion of people vote in local elections. The LTN wards were also the Remain supporting, predominantly middle class professional wards that did so well across the country for Labour so it is a huge leap to say the result was an endorsement of the former leader's policies particularly as he was actually implementing it in partnership with a Conservative government. However, it cannot be denied that there is no evidence of a significant swing away from Labour as a result of LTNs. While it can't be claimed that the results show that LTNs are popular it also is clear that they aren't the main issue most people in the borough are concerned about at the moment. The only firm conclusion these results can really bring us to is that it is wrong to be distracted by noise made by people on social media.

Gordon Southwell ● 1618d56 Comments ● 1576d

20-metre high 5G Tower at Gunnersbury Park

Are people aware of Ealing Planning Application no. 213916PNT for a 20-metre-high 5G Tower to be erected at the Popes Lane/Lionel Road entrance to Gunnersbury Park? It does not appear to have been widely publicized (what a surprise!). I've only just heard of it through a neighbour and the closing date for objections is 1st July. So, unless you're happy to have a monstrous eyesore, twice as high as the houses, visible to the whole neighbourhood, with the attendant health and nature concerns over 5G, at the entrance to a Grade II Listed Park, register your objection quickly at:tinyurl.com/44vn6wyn

bela cunha ● 1592d9 Comments ● 1576d

Ealing Council falling apart (uncut grass, garbage dumping, vehicles on pavement, you name it)

The grass is not even being cut in the Ealing parks.This makes it harder to socially distance from people.People all trying to pass each other on the narrow paths surrounded by waist-high grass.Children play on the same paths because the grass is too high around them.People with buggies cannot pass-by head-on because the paths are too narrow and the grass is too high to go onto.The rats (!) love the long grass.The long grass hides rubbish too.Sometimes even broken glass. And dog poo and much worse.Where are the children to play and the adults to exercise in Covid?You would think the council would try and keep the green spaces usable in Covid so you could walk about?

Waldemar Baran ● 1608d32 Comments ● 1576d

Gotham City moves west to Hanger lane now

A chancer has put forward proposals to build some more skyscrapers on the edge of Westgate just over the gyratory system but still technically in Ealing. Almost next door to the conversion of the Westgate office block into flats, the proposed development will be an eyesore from any angle. It will stand out like a sore thumb over the A40 from the Brunswick, Haymills and Brentham estates as the eyesore that is the north Acton station area moves west. The nearby Hanger Lane station struggles to cope on the Central line as it is, add in the Westgate development and now this monstrosity and it will collapse in the rush hour. There will also be even more cars on the gyratory at peak times which will result in gridlock. Those of us who saw this coming with unchecked immigration are not suprised, stop it now!

peter king ● 1625d3 Comments ● 1577d

Looking for feedback on real estate project - Under Garden apartments built by Robots

Hello everyone,I am currently on an internship for a company that is looking to help solve a number of problems related to housing in London, many of which have been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic:(1) The availability and affordability of property for those looking to relocate closer to loved ones - made all the more pressing where they may have lost a partner as a result of the pandemic.(2) New ways in which people can release value to their homes without having to sell up.(3) Solutions which might work for those living in one of the many conservation areas in Dulwich and other parts of London.(4) Something that will appreciate in value - as opposed to that of garden buildings that will depreciate over timeThe company has come up with a way (excavation robots and a sinking concrete shell) to create living/working space underground allowing the vast majority of the garden to remain in use. They are starting off by building a self-contained under garden apartment with a sunken courtyard garden, providing natural light to the whole apartment. The apartment should work as a home for elderly parents or grown up kids that would be closer to loved ones and significantly less expensive than trying to buy a property off the open market.What do you think of this idea?What problems do you see or concerns do you have?Is it something that you or someone you know might be interested in?Thank you in advance.

Mira Markova ● 1577d0 Comments ● 1577d

Proposed Uxbridge Road Cycling Measures

I don't travel along this stretch of the Uxbridge Road regularly enough to comment on the proposals which are detailed on the front page with any great authority but the thinking behind them appears sound. It is certainly the case that if you are going to be delayed on this road it will be in the town centres and therefore it doesn't seem to be too unbelievable that the dual carriageways represent spare capacity that can be better used and there is a big win if cycling can be made safer and quicker. It was interesting to learn that 80% of trips along this road are made by bus — presumably this is on a per person basis. What that means is that these changes could go badly wrong if they have an undue impact on bus travel times. The council seem to be saying that the changes will be scrapped if bus travel times are affected 'significantly' but this is not defined. My concern is that the more zealous of the pro-cycling brigade have often tended to quote quite misleading data when it comes to bus travel times when it comes to the recent Streetspace measures. We've seen statistics for whole routes for the whole day and then been told that any delays were minimal. The key data is for travel times within the affected sector of the route during the busiest parts of the day. A five minute delay in rush hour might be evened out over the course of the whole route but that is irrelevant to a bus user who has already got off. On a 20 minute trip that's a 25% increase in travel time which will encourage modal shift. As anyone who has ever used a bus can tell you, relatively short delays can lead to buses becoming very overcrowded very quickly. If the changes make travel slower and less comfortable for 80% of the users of the route then they are going to switch to other modes of transport but not all will take up cycling and many will use cars. In this case you risk the situation entering a vicious cycle — pun not intended — in which more traffic leads to fewer people using the bus. To avoid this the council needs to accurately survey the opinions of bus users and drivers and treat the data honestly not cherry picking to present an argument for a pre-determined course of action.

Gordon Southwell ● 1589d56 Comments ● 1578d

It's Plastic Free July and  "Hawaii: Message in the Waves" was made nearly 15 years ago

How far have we got?It is no longer unusual to Take Your Own Bag Shopping.  Some of us no longer forget to do so (or only very very rarely).  It is still a problem though even though single use bags now have to be paid for.The pandemic has meant that even more plastic packaging seems to have arrived around produce.  It makes it quicker to grab and go with our shopping but plastic actually retains the virus longer than other surfaces and we should wash our produce before eating it anyway.Many countries no longer want to take our waste plastic for processing.  Together with the USA we are the worst for plastic packaging/single use plastic. When we discourage it here it seems it just encourages marketers to use it in countries who have worse facilities than we have to deal with it.There has been a lot of lobbying by a pro-plastics lobby.We don't need it on lots of things and should find and use better and less damaging to the environment and to us alternatives.https://topdocumentaryfilms.com/hawaii-message-waves/#comments

Philippa Bond ● 1581d2 Comments ● 1578d

Agatha Christie

I was surprised to learn from a Channel 5 programme tonight that Christie would often come and stay in Ealing with a great-aunt in her youth. Oddly, whoever wrote the script claimed that Ealing was a model for Miss Marple's St Mary Mead. Ealing is many things but it's never been a quaint country village, not even in the 1900s.

Susan Kelly ● 1583d4 Comments ● 1581d

Ascott Allotments win an award at Hampton Court RHS Show

As my firm is at the show, visited yesterday in the rain.Delighted to see a rather nice display garden created by plotholders at Ascott Allotments in South Ealing.Whilst there they were given an award for their efforts. Great to see and well done them!

Raymond Havelock ● 1583d1 Comments ● 1582d

Scam NHS email

A warning to friends and neighbours. A VERY convincing-looking email is circulating this morning plastered with NHS logos and inviting you to apply for a digital passport to prove your inoculation status.  IT IS A SCAM. The web address resolves to a Brazilian website. It is however very convincing in layout and content.  Please delete it and warn less 'tech savvy' friends and family.

N V Brooks ● 1584d0 Comments ● 1584d

Two Million Pensioners Living in Poverty

A lot of people are not claiming the benefits that they are entitled to.  Age UK can do a benefits check for you and help you to fill in the forms necessary to claim.https://www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/articles/2021/number-of-pensioners-living-in-poverty-tops-two-million/

Philippa Bond ● 1601d4 Comments ● 1585d

Center for London is a bit out of touch

The Centre for London think tank wants us to stop converting shops into homes, why? Two many empty shops, not enough homes, SIMPLE. Why deny people decent home on the ground floor?

Ben Stallwitz ● 1614d6 Comments ● 1585d

Covert time lapse cameras being placed in Ealing

I understand that secret covert time lapse cameras have been placed in random street locations ( presumably as part of the 'covert' monitoring of LTN and the intent to reimpose a variant version.This is actually illegal without clear signage about the reason for image gathering in a public place.It has to be clearly notified as it captures images of people as well as vehicles and this a breach of data protection and privacy..

Raymond Havelock ● 1604d1 Comments ● 1585d

Nicely Done Greenford High's Bukayo Saka

Not an Arsenal fan but was pleased to see the performance the other night of Ealing born Bukayo Saka who attended Greenford High. One goal and two assists in a game against Eintracht Frankfurt. He has represented England through the age groups and I very much expect this won't be the last we see of him

Gordon Southwell ● 2239d11 Comments ● 1585d

Anyone see a car hit a shop in Churchfield road acton?

Seemed like a film set

Simon Wycombe ● 1585d0 Comments ● 1585d

Looking for a host family in Ealing for a Swedish 6th form student

The Swedish School at The National Archives in Kew is recruiting host families. In case you have a room available in your home, this is a way for you to get an extra income and a chance to get to know a young person from Sweden. Many of the host families have a long lasting friendship with their students and visit them in Sweden after the exchange year. The host family provides care and a room for the student as well as breakfast and dinner. Host families receive £740 per calendar month throughout the student's stay. Here is their https://swedishschool.org.uk/en/become-a-host-family/ or just send an email to hostfamily@swedishschool.org.uk

Gustav Johansson ● 1587d0 Comments ● 1587d

Ealing LTN Commonplace

Bad news for those out there thinking that adding multiple entries on the council’s Commonplace LTN “consultation” website, either for or against, might sway the result one way or the other. They know who you are. It’s not just ANPR cameras watching you, it’s also their IT systems. Extract from Ealing Council’s Report for Action/Information, Item 14: COVID Emergency Low Traffic Neighbourhoods – Interim Assessment, item 3.1.1 :“.........there is a significant level of duplication, as many individuals have written multiple emails or added multiple entries on Commonplace.........The final reports intend to analyse the entries to account for this.” 

N. Davy ● 1599d12 Comments ● 1590d

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/e10-petrol-explained

It's surprising that this seemed to drop off the news for such a long time.  They started using this in Europe years ago.  Nicholas Beard drew my attention to it first of all some time ago on this website.You need to check the compatibility of your car again - although as I understand it - if it isn't compatible with this new fuel - it just means that petrol will cost you more rather than having to change your car.Another article:https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57585105

Philippa Bond ● 1593d5 Comments ● 1593d

Is this the end of the bowls club in Gunnersbury Park?

Just seen that the council are to start charging for the car park at Gunnersbury. Is this the final straw for the bowls club?

peter king ● 1606d11 Comments ● 1593d

car park charging at Gunnersbury Park

So Hounslow Planning department have reversed another of their own recommendations (along with the one that will probably result in the extinction of bowling at GP), opening the way for car park charging. The CIC will not tolerate any challenge to their wishes.Interesting to note that Gemini Park Solutions will not be paid a management fee. They must be very confident of making a bomb on fines ...

bela cunha ● 1601d5 Comments ● 1596d

London Best Web Design Company

http://services.ealingtoday.co.uk/#Services/List/Category/0/881

bosphorus design ● 1506d1 Comments ● 1598d

Good luck Ealing Trailfinders

First leg of the Championship play-off today at 16:30 against some unknown team called Saracens :-)A result over two legs (second leg is next Sunday) will see Ealing in the Gallagher Premiership next season.Go on Trailfinders, emulate the success down the road at Brentford, get promoted.

N V Brooks ● 1607d7 Comments ● 1599d

e-scooters are coming to Ealing

Whoopy do, can hardly wait. As with gaudy coloured hire bikes that are left anywhere, these little playthings will end up creating an eyesore and another trip hazard for residents. I was walking down Longfield Avenue last week when one of these scooters squeezed past me on a narrow pavement. The female rider couldn't have been any older than 15, no helmet and no prior warning she was coming. I've seen them on pavements, underground station platforms and occasionally on the road. I've seen them with two teenagers on one, parents with small children on them. Without enforcement, it's a no from me

peter king ● 1633d39 Comments ● 1599d

Labour 'death knell' for LTNs?

Originally posted by Russell Pearson on the ChiswickW4 forum:Paul Wheeler is on the ball re the mayor election, congestion, polls, the Labour Party, and the LCC. He’s a cycling campaigner and Labour activist and offers solutions. On the Labour Party he notes:“ A party transport policy dictated by covert groups of aggressive cyclists and well-heeled residents using emergency powers for their own ends is not a good look – and frankly a divisive distraction – for a progressive party motivated by social justice.”https://www.onlondon.co.uk/paul-wheeler-last-rites-for-the-covid-ltns/

N V Brooks ● 1616d32 Comments ● 1600d

Missing cat

Hello everyone. I have a missing cat. She was last seen on the 2nd of June in W73RA.She is very shy and generally scared of people. Bella is semi brown long haired cat and has been trimmed on the day before she went out and didn't return. If you see her around just let me know.God bless you and stay safe

Janna Mhanna ● 1603d0 Comments ● 1603d

Sadiq Khan's million pounds

Apparently the little twerp has increased his own PR budget to over £1m since he was elected in 2016. Whilst I realise there is a lot of work involved in making him look presentable and capable, can an increase of 50% be justified when he's been back cap in hand to the government for even more of our cash?

peter king ● 1604d1 Comments ● 1604d

Are Ealing, Hounslow and TfL conspiring?

Most LTN streets and former streets as well as distributor and main roads have been installed with basic road monitoring cables. installed by A-T-R Ltd of York St W1.However the nature or indeed the instigator of this survey seems to be rather clouded and so far to glean any information requires a Freedom of Information enquiry.  Enquiries to both LBH and LBE have so far resulted in no response whatsoever.All the installations in both Ealing and Brentford were at the same time.  But several streets in remaining LTNs that have had steep increases in local traffic levels just trying to get in and out of their neighbourhoods have been omitted.But it all points to TfL, who also do not wish to discuss " matters of internal confidential and commercial nature". Rather odd.However what kind of survey results will clickers get?South ealing Road still has road works causing disruption, currently additional resurfacing adding to that.Swyncome Avenue remains closed with no sign of the roadworks that would render it impassable in both directions.Windmill Roads 1 week closure now has signs saying 8 weeks at both locations.Several small streets like Trent Ave have had road closed signs with minuscule works which would never require closure. ROAD CLOSED signs all over South Ealing placed where there are no closure and incorrect as it's only from 8pm but causing all manner to traffic to deviate unnecessarily.Areas where road works are causing excessive and extensive delays and exacerbated by LTN blockades not having them temporarily removed to allow even local resident access.Yet the very reason for the removal of LTN 21 was for that very problem.It's either monumental incompetence by Highways executives or is it a deliberate bit of gerrymandering to create a false picture and maximise traffic problems?Either way with all this created disruption, it's simply not going to make any survey have and credibility or valid illustration.So have these authorities, smarting from the backlash now resorting to subversive tactics and collusion?

Raymond Havelock ● 1607d2 Comments ● 1605d

Swyncombe Avenue access to end

From Next Week no access from the Boston Manor Road end.This is cutting off the only shown direct route to Northfield Avenue those west of the "Big Bertha" roadblocks.

Leslie Bailey ● 1634d38 Comments ● 1608d

Under cover of Covid "Biggest Data grab in NHS history" - upload of all GP records to NHS Digital

UNLESS you opt out by deadline 23rd June using this link: https://www.civicmc.nhs.uk/files/2021/05/Opt-out-Form.pdf  all GP medical records in England (?& Wales) will be uploaded on 1st July to NHS Digital's database.https://www.theregister.com/2021/05/13/nhs_data_grab/:" 'Biggest data grab' in NHS history stuffs GP records into a central store for 'research' – and the time to opt out is now.The 55 million citizens of England will need to opt out of the involuntary scheme before it is introduced to prevent the entire history of their GP visits being slurped, campaigners told us. Opt-out forms are here [.docx]. We understand you will need to give this form to your GP practice before 23 June or your data held by your GP joins the central repository."

Una-Jane Winfield ● 1619d2 Comments ● 1611d

Travellers arrive on Ealing Common 21 July

After all the problems associated with the travellers residing on the Warwick Road section of Ealing Common, we now have an even bigger problem.A group of about 25 caravans arrived sometime late on 21 July and have taken up residence on Ealing Common itself. In the space of less than 48 hours, there are now numerous mountains of rubbish on the Common, one of which (from a safe distance) appears to include tree boughs (presumably ripped from trees on the Common). They are also 'understandably' driving across the Common from their caravans to get to the road, with no regard for people sunbathing/playing on the Common.With all the legal hoops the council have to go through to move them on, they will undoubtedly be there for many weeks. Research suggests that these are the same travellers that 'blighted' Norwood Green for many months.

Patricia McCarthy ● 3392d47 Comments ● 1612d

Refuse/Recycling collections

Does anyone know if there is a day’s delay re these collections as it was a Bank Holiday last Monday. Thanks

Bettina Margaret Thwaite ● 1617d6 Comments ● 1615d

Northfield Avenue incident

Incident in/near Northfield Avenue. Altenburg Avenue currently sealed off by police. At least one person sent to hospital by air ambulance.

David Marshall ● 1616d3 Comments ● 1616d

It's No Mow May

What a great idea - a bit too late for the excuse for some unfortunately - but we do need to think about how we look after the bees and other pollinating insects.  Growing plants that don't flower or lawns made out of plastic or concrete don't help much with the crisis faced by insects and wildlife.  Time to sow and grow something that the bees love.There's a lot more info here:https://www.plantlife.org.uk/everyflowercounts/

Philippa Bond ● 1641d21 Comments ● 1616d

Flat owners warning over rooftop developments

This is what will come - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57288485This follows a change in the law which makes it easier for freeholders to build up to two extra storeys on top of their buildings.

Fred Hunt ● 1618d2 Comments ● 1617d

MARKET - VINTAGE & RETRO - Trailfinders 6th June WITH FOOD PLAZA

A new market is in town with lots of stalls and a FOOD plaza.  Lovely atmosphere to roam and gaze at craft stalls and vintage stalls (some antiques too).  Plenty of parking on site.A new Market at Trailfinders Sports Ground.   Sunday 6th 11-4pm.www.trashandtreasuremarkets.comLots of stalls, food trucks, toilets, parking, buses E2/7/9/10 No.297A very pleasant stroll around and interesting stalls. C U THERE

Jools Lewis ● 1617d0 Comments ● 1617d

builder recommendation.

extensions

Jeremy Beckett ● 1617d0 Comments ● 1617d

Mayor Backs Ealing Council's Perceval House Decision

Quelle suprise eh? I bet our local MPs sister isn't too chuffed at him backing what was a Bellend driven project. Let's hope the final approval isn't given, it would be a victory for local democracy thrashed by this council.

peter king ● 1617d0 Comments ● 1617d

Individual skip permit

Hi all, I've ordered a hippo bag - which is basically a huge refuse bag that we'll put garden waste into (it's far more than the council will collect). The company collects the bag from the road. So in effect, it's taking up a space on the road as a skip would. I gather on the council website that skip permits are applied for by businesses who do the skip hire. Can one obtain a skip permit as an individual? Of course I could just put the bag on the road the night before collection - but I'm not sure whether that's 100% right. But maybe there is no option for me to 'book' a space on the road. Thanks.

Kevin Wilson ● 1622d9 Comments ● 1618d

Mass vaccination at Twickenham Stadium tomorrow

On Bank Holiday Monday, Twickenham Rugby Stadium will be turned into the biggest vaccination venue so far in North West London, covering residents of Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hammersmith & Fulham, Hounslow, Kensington & Chelsea and WestminsterUp to 15,000 vaccinations ready to be administered on the day both appointments and walk ins availableThis vaccination event, Let’s Tackle Covid, will give eligible residents (age 30+) the opportunity to have their first dose of the vaccination without delay. This is in response to an increase in the number of cases of coronavirus in the areaThe event will take place from 10am to 8pm on Monday 31 May at Twickenham StadiumAccording to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital who are organising the event the Pfizer vaccine will be used. For first dose only. It will take place in the open air but under coverIf you have one, remember to bring your NHS number with you. This makes registration faster if you have itSome car parking spaces are available at Rosebine Car Park (entry via A316/Chertsey Road).Disabled parking bays and pickup/drop-off points are located at Twickenham Stadium (entry via Rugby Road)Register for an appointment here:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lets-tackle-covid-surge-vaccination-event-registration-156925312835The full story:https://www.chelwest.nhs.uk/about-us/news/massive-vaccination-twickenham-stadium-bank-holiday-monday

Angie Gray ● 1620d2 Comments ● 1619d

LTN21 to be removed today

Confirmed a little over an hour ago that LTN21 will be removed for the duration of the works on Swyncombe Avenue and only re implemented after a FULL consultation with affected residents. New leader of Ealing Council Peter Mason has said that he is neither a fan of Experimental Traffic Orders nor of implementing closures without consultation.Only LTN21 is currently affected all others LTNs are under review.

N V Brooks ● 1630d47 Comments ● 1620d

Ealing Crossrail Stations Close To Completion

I wonder if Mr Khan has been told yet as he was behind a past delay in Crossrail despite being on its board! Sometime ago I was contacted by one of my councilors who had just received a proposal from Ealing council to restrict the roadway outside the new station when it is fully operational. They wanted replies from the public but had seemingly held back the consultation so they would receive hardly any! If it seems a bit cramped out on the road now then what they have in mind will surprise a lot of people.

peter king ● 1728d20 Comments ● 1622d

Ealing Council's negligence on Planning matters

Our little cull de sac Community was a happy and friendly place to live ,noticed by many and treasured by the local residents. It now lies in tatters by unable to follow planning rules to be followed even making promises to obey the agreed rules and conditions the developers signed for and documented by solicitors.Shame be upon EALING gov for turning a blind eye to such developers .Is this just negligence ? or shall we call  a Spade a Spade..

Oswald Whittle ● 1634d5 Comments ● 1625d

Kitchen repair recommendation please.

One my my kitchen floor units (typical, the one under the sink) has 'bowed' meaning that the door has dropped. Before my spinal injury I would probably have fixed it myself but, alas, no more.Names of a handyman that you have used would really be appreciated.Many thanks.

N V Brooks ● 1627d0 Comments ● 1627d

E-Scooter survey

FYI for all Ealing and Hounslow residentsIf only my aged computer would update this site, I could post a scan of it.Unfortunately after several attempts I've had to stick with this version of W5It is as follows:E-Scooter surveyThe London Boroughs of Hounslow and Ealing would like to hear your views on rental scooters where you live.As a thank you, you will receive a £5 voucher if you complete the survey by Wednesday 26th May 2021.To check if you are in scope please type https://acsvy.com/ebike  into you internet browser or scan the QR code.Please enter the unique code printed below when prompted:Mine was HCL324. No idea how one gets a code if not online.If you require any other information, please email ebike@accent-mr.com.As is obvious this excludes a large part of society which are most likely to be affected.This is not acceptable. As for the wording " To check if you are in scope" As I've asked before, who checks and signs this off for basic parameters of clarity and accessibility?  Never get an answer.It does make clear in the questions that ALL the current e-scooter use on public roads and footways is illegal.So why no enforcement whatsoever ? The amount of people transporting children and riding with no road etiquette locally beggars belief.Makes the whole point of the rental scheme a complete joke and waste of taxpayers money.

Raymond Havelock ● 1632d9 Comments ● 1629d

Public Realm West Ealing Station

I see the station is completed..looks like a wow to me except I had to kneel at the ticket machine to read the instructions to collect my tickets. Now we see the public realm progressing with thousands of GBSterling wasted repaving a newly paved area. However 2 years ago I participated in a public realm consultation . No one from LBE has contacted me to show how this area of public realm is being sorted now.Their last efforts ignored the duty under a British Standard to place a disabled bay right bang next to the station entrance. Anyone with more info.

Arthur Breens ● 1648d12 Comments ● 1630d

Local Elections - "Anti" LTN Campaigners

Who is up for election and stating a firm manifesto of removing the plant pot hell?Geniune question.I care not what their overall politics are, they get my vote if this is one of their top priorities.Another nightmare on Boston Manor Road today.THIS MADNESS MUST END

Colin Goodman ● 1647d92 Comments ● 1630d

Ealing Labour group imploding?

I’ve heard that a Labour Councillor, Lewis Cox, Hobbayne, resigned last night & his resignation statement doesnt make good reading, this was from another page: It’s now just over three years since I was elected a Labour councillor by the residents of Hobbayne ward. I remember that election night well. It was a huge moment of personal pride for me that the people of the community where I live would put their trust in me to look after their interests. It was also a surprise. There’s still a very real sense that people like me don’t get elected as councillors – that they don’t get elected to very much, really. But back in 2017, when I was first selected as a candidate, there was a real sense of change in the Labour Party. A sense of hope. It became possible to believe that a working-class lad from Yorkshire, working shifts as cabin crew for an airline at Heathrow might not only be able to get elected but might have a voice and something to add within the Ealing Labour Group and Council, which would make a difference and help improve people’s lives.Of course, it wasn’t all plain sailing. The establishment of the Labour Party locally (people who were leaders then and are leaders now) threw every possible obstacle they could find in the way to prevent me – and members like me – from becoming candidates, let alone councillors. I will admit, it made my victory twice as sweet when I managed to dodge those obstacles and, despite not being wanted, getting myself elected as a Labour councillor in Ealing.The only benefit to that, as far as I can tell was that it allowed me to join Labour Group with eyes wide open – to know that I’d be met with disinterest, if not open hostility, and that I’d be forever consigned to the back benches, at least until the time that I promised my vote to a candidate for Labour Group leader who did not deserve it. For ours is not a system of meritocracy, where the most qualified or most experienced are put in the Cabinet or gifted roles with responsibility-so that we might best serve the interests of residents. No – it was when I joined, and remains tonight, a system very much based on patronage, back-room deals and cronyism.I’m afraid that has very much been my experience of these past three years. Nonetheless, for much of it I have got my head down and done the work required of a ward councillor – looking after the needs of Hobbayne residents. I have tried, when I can, to challenge decisions I think are wrong and to hold the Labour Group leadership and its appointees to account. I have hoped for a time when the situation might change, when we could have a fresh leadership and be better – and do better- than we have for years. Ealing Labour is increasingly a toxic brand. Something had to change. However, not all change is good. That is a realisation that I have come to. And one which I fear the residents of Ealing are about to realise.A week ago, at Labour Group AGM, I was faced with a choice that was really no choice at all. To vote as our leader a person that had done untold damage to the reputation of Ealing Labour for year after year, or to vote for his apprentice – effectively for a person who was no less implicated in many of the bad decisions that have turned residents against us and, worse still, who played a key role in widening the divisions in the Labour Party for factional ends. Members will understand why, in the end, I voted for neither.I’ve spent a lot of time thinking this past week – about my decision but also about the outcome of that vote and what it will mean for Ealing Labour and Ealing Council – none of it good. I’ve reflected too on the bitter disappointment I feel with regard to my fellow councillors – those who didn’t take a principled stand, look at what we were being offered as a choice for Labour Group leader, and see and say ‘No, it’s simply not good enough’. Instead, I see many of those councillors tonight getting rewarded with positions and special responsibility allowances having gifted their vote. Different faces, for sure, but the same old cynical and self-serving practices as before.The easy option for me now, of course, would be to spend the next 12 months sitting quietly on the back benches while continuing to claim my councillors allowance - but for those of you who know me, know that sitting quietly isn’t one of my strengths. I also think it’s about time that one of us was honest with the people we were elected to represent. By continuing to serve under Cllr Mason- I would effectively be endorsing him and his toxic brand of politics and that is not something I am willing to do - so tonight I am informing you that I no longer feel able to serve as a Ealing Labour councillor and will be resigning as a councillor with immediate effect.I don’t regret the decision I am making, but I do regret the causes of it – that when we were presented with the opportunity to pick a new and better leader for Ealing Labour, to improve our performance and our electoral prospects, that we were unable as individuals or as a group to replace the bad with anything better.--ends--

N V Brooks ● 1632d17 Comments ● 1631d

Dangerous Cladding Debate

https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/a6ac5191-f789-42ba-a63f-71e9c65ffbb6?in=15:38:38

Philippa Bond ● 1718d44 Comments ● 1632d

Heads Up Brentford FC Documentary this Sat 3rd 10.00pm

As per the headline. The programme is called "Push Up Brentford"and is on Together TV which is channel 87 on Freeview.The listing states "After 116 years at their much loved Griffin Park Brentford FC moved to a new stadium. This filmlooks back at this history with views from fans, to the players.It was on last week, same channel same time but I only caught the end of it, by accident. It may be on again next week as well.michael adams

Michael Adams ● 1680d12 Comments ● 1633d

Urgent Rethink Needed onEaling's Neighbourhood Recycling Bins To Be Removed

Big story that will sort out the pseuds among the local councilors. I think it does not come out much more hyper local than this and our green councillors should be jumping up and down to protect their local ahre of the recycling bins in their wards. No action to save them should be seem to translate into no vote in ward elections.Rather than eradicating these bins due to perceived deficiencies in dumping perhpas a consultation period with an independent consultancy to see how the recycling could be got to work.The first of the problems is that of litter bins. Take the Maytrees Rest Garden in South Ealing opposite the tube station, the bins were ALL taken away with the rational (much supported, and endorsed by Philippa Bond) of providing mixed use single bin recycling units which she advocated for the litter instead. Sadly, the point she missed was that most of what the litter bins in the parked received would get you a fine as the recycling bins only deal with specific categories of recyclable waste. So while the cardboard of a Costa Cup is recyclable, the lid is not IN EALING as it is not the right sort of plastic. The same with other LDPE plastic like plastic bags, food wrappers, and even ice lolly sticks. This results in polluted recycling which costs extra to sort and where the lollipop stick is dumping and a fineable offence. Ealing does not recycle LDPE plastic, hard plastic like PVC, polystyrene, plastic bags, and anything black and made out of plastic because the sorting machines cannot identify black plastic objects and process them.The answer to me seems to be to put more bins out there in bigger groups, however, with greater focus , e.g. carpet, mattresses, metal, wood, glass, cardbard, LDPE, HDPE, hard plastic, paper, electricals, engine oil, cooking oil, clothes, shoes and the like. Have something that produces some practical results and also deploy litter bins in parks like the Maytrees Rest Garden - the litter has to go SOMEWHERE after all!

Victor Helm ● 1634d1 Comments ● 1634d

1 of the biggest mistakes London’s ever made, re-electing Sadiq Khan

Knife crimes will continue to soarHe & TFL will keep asking for shedloads of money yet again, to keep transport running, which he has run into the ground whilst paying his cronies excessive salaries.Supports anarchist groups - extinction rebellion, & others.Penalise motorists by raising existing taxes or introducing new ones

Peter Yale ● 1642d55 Comments ● 1634d

Climate Emergency Centres

A great new use for some of those empty buildings on the high street.https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/may/03/high-street-shops-in-england-and-wales-repurposed-as-climate-emergency-centres?

Philippa Bond ● 1645d10 Comments ● 1634d

Ealing recycling rates down.

Must be up for the 'No Sh*t Sherlock' awards.Sterling Road closedPunitive charges to dispose of bulky furniture that cannot be recycledAn unnecessary booking system at Greenford, there's not much risk sitting in your car while it queues.And, there's surprise that recycling rates are down - really?

N V Brooks ● 1672d23 Comments ● 1637d

Broadband and Landline Prices

Virgin Media have increased my tariff costs by 15% for broadband, landline and basic TiVo services. £41.25 for 100mb broadband speed and anytime 60 calls, which I sadly need because my home mobile reception is rubbish.Has anyone got a better current deal and / or suggestions for an alternative provider?  I've never used their email address, so I won't miss that but the TiVo is impressive.Thanks!

Phil Kay ● 1637d0 Comments ● 1637d

Warning for anyone parking in Mattock Lane

Hi All.I parked in Mattock Lane last week, whilst going to get my Covid-19 vaccine.Despite paying for parking using the "PayByPhone" app, I still received a parking ticket - nice!It seems that the Mattock Lane parking location hasn't been setup correctly in the app, as the location ID doesn't match what is printed on the signposts at the side of the parking bays.If you park in Mattock Lane and use the app regularly to pay, be sure to type in the location code 37060, don't use the map view to select the parking zone.I've appealed the ticket, but this has been rejected, with the council saying it is my fault.Hope this helps anyone else out that uses the PayByPhone app.. Whatever you do - always type in the location code shown by the parking bays, it seems their "map view" is unreliable!

Dan Bevington ● 1650d8 Comments ● 1637d

Under Siege 3 - Michael Milne vs Ealing Council

Despite starring the very wooden Steven Seagal, Under Siege is one of the greatest action films of all time. In hijacking a US Navy battleship with nuclear weapons, the terrorists discount him as 'only a cook'. It looks like Ealing Council did something similar with the real hero that is Michael Milne who campaigned to have his fellow catering staff given the London Living Wage. After eight years of refusing they now are going to pay the higher rate in August. Seagal is probably too old to play Mr Milne in Under Siege 3 but perhaps Brad Pitt will be available. Credit here must also go to EalingToday who published an article on this last month which appears to have shamed the council into acting. If Labour want to understand why they are losing in places like Hartlepool they should reflect why a party of their name and tradition did not see it as a priority to make sure that people in the employ of councils were paid enough to live with some dignity.  Although this is undoubtedly an example of patrician hypocrisy on behalf of the Labour Party, before anyone jumps on the bandwagon to give them a bashing, bear in mind that most Conservative councils do not pay the LLW and the party has been an enthusiastic advocate of contracting out to save the taxpayer money.

Gordon Southwell ● 1638d3 Comments ● 1638d

Bell falls

Julian Bell has been deposed as council leader after a vote of no confidence this evening. New leader is Peter Mason. Tatted with the same brush of cronyism and dodgy practices.

Simon Hayes ● 1640d24 Comments ● 1638d

What Happens if Trailfinders are promoted to the top division?

The new sports centre at Trailfinders looks fantastic and will be a great addition to the area. What the article about it doesn't really address is where the team would play if they were promoted to the top division. I have got stuck in traffic jams while dropping off at mini-Rugby fixtures and Vallis Way is hardly Wembley stadium at the moment. Presumably a ground with a single access point like that can't be upgraded although I do remember going along to the Causeway Stadium when Wasps played there which had a single entry point. With the Brentford Community Stadium already nabbed — where else is there for them to play? If they went to the Reading stadium that London Irish used to be at they'd no longer really be an Ealing club.

Gordon Southwell ● 1643d4 Comments ● 1639d

CAMTAG's LTN Survey

Looking at the excellently produced report on the survey carried out by CAMTAG it occurs to me that all it has really done is quantified the level of opposition that was already clear from the council's own Commonplace survey. There consequently is little scope for proponents of the scheme to argue that the results are in someway distorted or there is a silent majority in favour of the scheme. If anything you could accuse CAMTAG of being biased in favour of LTNs because they confined their leaflet distribution to households within the scheme boundaries. These are supposed to be the main beneficiaries of the scheme. They have not consulted people living in homes just outside among whom I would assume opposition is universal. The council are going to be well aware of this and cannot pretend they are carrying out the wishes of residents. The only explanation for their persistence is that the financial position is so bad the associated PCN revenue is vital to stave off a budget crisis.

Gordon Southwell ● 1659d21 Comments ● 1640d

VINTAGE & ARTISAN FAIR TRAILFINDERS SUN 9TH

A new Market at Trailfinders Sports Ground.   Sunday 9th 11-4pm.www.trashandtreasuremarkets.comLots of stalls, food trucks, toilets, parking, buses E2/7/9/10 No.297

Jools Lewis ● 1643d0 Comments ● 1643d

Hairdresser recommendations

Could anyone recommend a ladies hairdresser in the Ealing/Northfields area. I'm looking for a good stylist who can also do high/lowlights.  Thanks in advance.

Pat Kingham ● 1645d4 Comments ● 1643d

The old folk of our country

The Old folk have been left neglected and vulnerable to such an extent that they are the Targeted by most of those looking for easy people to loot or mislead into parting with their savings . I have photographs , Written documents of of promises made and before lawyers, and then ignored by fraudsters .Old folk have become easy pickings.  The laws of justice are beyond their reach. Some day a story of this era will be written to the eternal shame of our rulingclass.

Oswald Whittle ● 1643d0 Comments ● 1643d

Buying fresh oregano in centre of Ealing

Does anybody know of a place where you can get fresh oregano in Ealing town centre?

Tricia Arbuthnot ● 1648d7 Comments ● 1645d

2nd Pfizer Jab

Eric Leach tells us that he had his 2nd Pfizer Jab yesterday at Ealing Town Hall. Good for him. My husband at 82  will mark 12 weeks tomorrow for his 2nd Pfizer. Our surgery, when we chased them up thought maybe in a couple of weeks time.,

Bettina Margaret Thwaite ● 1673d27 Comments ● 1648d

How to get your road swept in Ealing

As I drove past the cricket club in Corfton Road this morning I saw a strange and very rare (Hayley's Comet anyone)sight. Four road sweepers at work making the pavements and kerbs look good at last. The reason was a film shoot in a house with the usual vans parked everywhere. I'm thinking of putting my road on the Brentham Estate forward so we can move forward our annual sweep that occurs around September. I know the council charges (quite rightly) for filming but this seemed overkill.

peter king ● 1658d16 Comments ● 1648d

Extremely Misleading News Headline on EalingToday

"Over three quarters LTN21 residents want changes removed"This is just nonsense, who wrote this?http://www.ealingtoday.co.uk/default.asp?section=info&page=conroad038.htm

Paul James ● 1659d133 Comments ● 1649d

Church Building Collapse on Junction Road

I was told that an application to list the building was on the point of being submitted. Can anyone substantiate this?

Tricia Arbuthnot ● 1653d17 Comments ● 1649d

Lost kitten from Grange Park/Grange Road area

A black/white kitten (6 months old) went missing. There are posters in the area with pictures.. Please do let me know if you see him or hear him meowing in your gardens/sheds.

Raffaella Mariani ● 1654d4 Comments ● 1650d

LTN March Saturday 24 April

Good to see this on the front page of Ealing TodayI hadn't seen much promotion of it.It's a difficult one due to the current times but I hope this is well attended.BLONDIN PARK 3:00pmI'd be amazed if over 2,500 turn out as did last year due to the world being a little bit different now. I'll be there myself.No matter if you cannot make it - opposition to these stupid pot plants can be expressed in many ways. Keep fighting.VOTE THEM OUT

Colin Goodman ● 1658d55 Comments ● 1650d

Former Ealing housing boss admits he made 'mistake' by accepting £3,000 from developers to fly to Ca

Given Bellend's ties with developers, are we at all surprised - https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/former-ealing-housing-boss-admits-20455460

peter king ● 1657d19 Comments ● 1654d

What a delight is Pitshanger Lane in sunshine!

My afternoon trip today from Heston to Temples Pharmacy to have my 2nd jab (AstraZ) was a delight.Firstly coming up Northfield Avenue and seeing the large allotment site busy with gardeners tending there plots with an array of decorated sheds (men's sheds?) scattered around.The busy open air market at Ealing Broadway made me want to get off the bus...but I had to press on for my 4pm appointment.Charming volunteers at Temples put me in extra good spirits.What a selection of pavement coffee bars to choose from.Sitting outside Cinnamons and watching the Ealing world go by. Lots of big cars! Scooters and families enjoying sunshine and the wide pavement.After the coffee and snack it was time to try out the long line of wooden benches (we don't have them in enough places) and admire the shop fronts. Some displays were corkers.Blimey Ealing there were attractive litter bins every 40 yards or so as well..no wonder pride oused. I actually caught a tan sitting on those benches. .so my apartment mates said. I couldn't tell them that I've been for a jab as they are all anti the pandemic and refuse the jabs!So thank you Ealing for the outdoor treat today.

Jim Lawes ● 1662d17 Comments ● 1657d

Harrow To Disband LTNs

So, hope for Ealing perhaps.Harrow Council listened to residents & used real statistics, not manipulated figures.Ealing & Hounslow Councils take note

Peter Yale ● 1662d25 Comments ● 1658d

London Assembly elections - ask the candidates about their views on climate change

On 6 May 2021, we will vote for both the next Mayor of London and future London Assembly Members – including our representative for Ealing and Hillingdon.Ealing and Hillingdon Friends of the Earth groups are hosting an online hustings with the London Assembly candidates at 7 pm on Wednesday 28 April. Join us remotely via Zoom to find out where candidates stand on urgent issues. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions.https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ealing-and-hillingdon-london-assembly-climate-hustings-tickets-148908363925 The London Assembly holds the Mayor to account on decisions that directly impact our everyday lives, from tackling air pollution, to improving public transport and creating more green space. In fact, in 2019, members of the London Assembly successfully pushed the Mayor to bring his net zero target forward from 2050 to 2030.Our representative will also have influence on the Mayor to push for a clean, green and fair future – locally in Ealing and Hillingdon and at a national level too. So, we need to make sure that our constituency’s candidates have the climate and environmental emergency on their agenda.

Caroline Evans ● 1658d0 Comments ● 1658d

Gunnersbury Park Car Park Access and the Sports Hub

While I'm pleased that the sports hub at Gunnersbury Park is finally going to open has anyone considered the impact on access to the car park. If there are ten pitches, a large gym and a number of other outdoor facilities then there is going to be a large increase in the number of people turning up particularly at the weekend.The access to the park is essentially one way and generally good will between drivers avoids it getting blocked but if there is a stand off the road could get blocked. The plan is to start charging for the car park and people exiting will be anxious to get out in time to avoid a hefty fine. People entering the car park might not understand this and therefore there is scope for conflict. As far as I can tell this looks set to get very messy.

Mark Evans ● 1667d37 Comments ● 1659d

Any LTNs in Hobbayne ward?

Does anyone who lives in this ward, which I think covers part of Hanwell, know whether or not there are many LTNs in it? Would be interested to learn if this was to be a factor in the by election.

Mark Evans ● 1661d1 Comments ● 1661d

Nationwide West Ealing closing

I see that a poster in their window advises they are closing on 29 April. Merging with the Ealing Broadway branch. I suspect the word merging is being misused.

Andy Hamm ● 1664d4 Comments ● 1662d

Swyncombe Avenue Stand Off

It always was a basic flaw in the concept of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods that necessarily they mean somewhere else has to become a higher traffic neighbourhood. When this is in someone else's jurisdiction problems are bound to arise. Hounslow are obliged to protect the interests of their residents but the notion of lots of ANPR cameras appearing on borough boundaries to keep non-residents out is a nightmare. The hope is that, once the Mayoral elections are over, the Department of Transport will relax the rules around funding to allow councils to ditch unworkable schemes without having to pay for unwinding them themselves.

Gordon Southwell ● 1673d52 Comments ● 1664d

Gunnersbury Park Bowls Club and the Sports Hub

We are delighted to see that the Sports Hub is now open. The Bowls Club wishes every success for this enterprise.For the Bowls Club, the photograph in the article is particularly poignant in that it features the bowls pavilion and bowls green. The statements from officers of LB Hounslow and LB Ealing talk of delivering "important community, sports and leisure facilities for residents in the local area" and a vision for Gunnersbury Park "where local people can enjoy sport, beautiful green spaces and a rich local history long into the future.."Meanwhile, bowling in Gunnersbury Park is facing extinction after a history of 90 years. The Community Interest Company is bent on ensuring this fate through a policy of intentional neglect.Members and supporters of the Bowls Club have repeatedly been refused access to the site to carry out extremely urgent maintenance to the green. We learned yesterday that an expert and fully accredited third party has also been refused access by the CIC. This party had very kindly offered to carry out maintenance on behalf of the Bowls Club.The planning application from Putt in the Park has yet to be determined by Hounslow Planning Committee. We believe that by the time this decision is made, whether it is to refuse or to permit, the bowls green will be beyond repair.You may, as does the Bowls Club, wonder how it has been possible to arrive at this situation in what is, after all, a public park which was conceived to be for the benefit of the entire community.

Jim Storrar ● 1666d3 Comments ● 1665d

Sadiq Khan set for a landslide and may be re-elected mayor in first round of voting, says Evening St

Seems as if the 'Sub' Standard thinks it's a done deal for mayor of London, heavens help us all if they are true. “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.” Khan is obviously able to despite his appalling record of having done virtually nothing since he was elected bar the War on the Motorist. Heaven help us next year as well if the current two sets of clowns get re-elected in Hounslow and Ealing.

peter king ● 1689d47 Comments ● 1668d

Partying in Lammas park leaves it strewn with litter

Large groups of mainly children were making noise in Lammas park till well after midnight last night.Pretty harmless in this unless distancing was being completely ignored but the park is strewn with litter.Maybe they and their parents ( and I hope there were at least some present) would like to come and clear up the mess.Only knew about this as an elderly relative was ill yesterday and we stayed late with her.We could hear the noise from Windermere Road.  Disappointed to see the aftermath on this mornings visit.

Raymond Havelock ● 1680d22 Comments ● 1670d

Dr Bike Free Cycle Maintenance: Sat 10 April Haven Green

Check this out, Cycle Training and more on the Council's website:https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201173/transport_and_parking/150/cycling/4

Philippa Bond ● 1671d0 Comments ● 1671d

Ealing has ranked the biggest hotspot for potholes in the capital with more than 8,000 recorded in t

At last something for Bellend to feel proud of

peter king ● 1680d22 Comments ● 1672d

Anyone know our rights regards Council house Central Heating repairs

Our Central Heating has has stopped working, and this is affecting the way the hot water works too. T Brown stated a motor needed replacing as an emergency, as it was incorrectly repaired by them previously in February when the repair people did not have the correct lubricant so poured Cooking oil over the motor spindle. It then worked for a few weeks and now makes all sorts of clicking and banging noises but has stopped. working.Mum is 88 and should not have to live like this in the freezing cold.Whenever the hot water is used the radiators now go in, regardless of the Central Heating thermostat settings, until the water reaches the required Hot water temperature.T. Brown made it an emergency and promised it would be repaired today Wednesday 10th March.Now T. Brown want to put if off until next week.Does anyone know if I Can demand Ealing council use it's legal powers to make T. Brown carry out it's own promise to replace the motor they themselves damaged? It must be T. Brown's legal responsibility to do so, as it was their own repair people who produced the fault.

Leslie Bailey ● 1701d19 Comments ● 1675d

Dumping Virgin Media and Tivo

I was planning to get rid of Virgin media as their internet service has become increasingly unreliable. One thing stopping me is that I have got used to my Tivo box and am unsure if buying a DVR as a replacement will be as good. Has anyone been down the same road?

Mark Evans ● 1709d4 Comments ● 1678d

Greenest ever' skyscrapers to be built entirely from recycled materials

Our beloved leader gets to build his Gotham City lookalike on the site of the Stirling Road dump. Don't get too excited if you're on the council housing list, you won't be able to afford one.

peter king ● 1680d10 Comments ● 1679d

Graffiti at Gunnersbury Park

The members of the Bowls Club campaign have read, with great horror, about the recent graffiti at Gunnersbury Park.We condemn, without reservation, this utterly intolerable action. We had no prior knowledge of, nor took any part in, these despicable actions. These events will do nothing but harm to our desire to see a bright future for bowls at Gunnersbury Park.We have our differences with the CIC but we will always seek a resolution through civilised discussion and debate, and never through actions such as these.

Jim Storrar ● 1686d4 Comments ● 1679d

Post in area served by Northolt Sorting Office

There has, at Thursday lunchtime, been no post in the area near the old White Hart pub since Saturday (and that was a late delivery combining the previous couple of days). I understood the problems when the pandemic was at its peak but not now. What is going on, Royal Mail?

Ian Fergus ● 1687d4 Comments ● 1680d

My Heroes Seema Misra and Jo Hamilton

Readers may be able to help. The ladies above were caught-up in the Sub-postmasters scandal in which the accounting computer system and the management failed. This caused Seema to be imprisoned and Jo to have to choose by pleading guilty to false accounting in order to escape the more serious charge of theft. There had been redacting and shredding of data to hide the innocence of these ladies. Those who had done this should go to prison. Why were the police not immediately involved? The possible charge was theft after all and so the police could have taken individuals in the post office management for interfering with the evidence. The police are the gatekeepers of part of the legal system and appear reluctant to become involved in rip-offs by authority. Something similar happened in Ealing when some motorists were not electronically reminded that their CPZ resident parking permit was due for renewal. Some residents were reimbursed but how many were not? And now we have the council charging otherwise law abiding motorists for passing through very unusual LTN barriers. The LBE officers who I spoke to last week at the Culmington Road barrier said that all the signage was in order under the signage legislation (when it wasn't) and I said the message wasn't getting through evidenced by the enormous numbers of motorists being charged. The evidence told the story and one of the officers flounced off. End of meeting. This fraudulent abuse of power and entrapment must stop. The police have to act as it brings all authority into disrepute. Gatekeepers in the police heirarcy and there are many are rejecting this in that it has nothing to do with them. That's not right.

Arthur Breens ● 1688d2 Comments ● 1680d

Ealing Parking Services / Tarranto

Has anyone else had this issue?Previously I paid on line but got a message that there hd been an issue with taking the fee. So I tried again - same message.Tried again - once more same message.Then checked my bank account and three lots of payment had been taken.Nightmare starts - can't get hold of anyone, nobody calls back, emails unresponded to.PCN's start arriving.Had to go to the Civic Centre and got my overcharges back with reason "car Reg is quite new and not on system yet".Despite appeal the PCN's not revoked - furious!!Fast forward a year. Renewal time for car.Guess what? Yep £100.00 renewal taken but "problem with payment" message and I cannot get hold of anyone.Last thing I want to do is attempt to visit civic centre - is it even open???Such a poor Council we have.No parties in a brewery for them

Colin Goodman ● 1695d9 Comments ● 1680d

What flag is flying over the Town Hall?

Is Bell(end) still flying the EU flag over our town hall or has he finally seen sense? We should ideally have the Union Jack and the flag of England if there are two flag poles

peter king ● 1687d8 Comments ● 1681d

When is Purdah not Purdah

On the TW8 sister site a local councillors blog states that due to the election run up he could not even chair or filed questions at a meeting over Boston Manor Park.The issues there are those of operations ongoing and the planning of such.But party political it is not.So if that's the parameter Hounslow Councillors are having to comply with, surely the same parameters apply to Perceval House?Except it is Highly Political in any case.

Raymond Havelock ● 1686d3 Comments ● 1685d

Gunnersbury Park Bowls Club - Petition

The Gunnersbury Park Community Interest Company has refused to grant access by the Bowls Club to the bowls green to carry out urgent maintenance work.Some readers may wish to sign this petition:https://petitions.hounslow.gov.uk/GPBowlsClub/Our request is that all councillors, whether members of the Planning Committee or not, should seek to use their good offices to persuade the CIC to allow the Bowls Club access to the bowls green.Gunnersbury Estate (2026) Community Interest Company (the CIC) is responsible for the management of Gunnersbury Park on behalf of the joint owners, the London Boroughs of Hounslow and Ealing.In April 2020 a planning application was refused for the conversion of the bowls clubhouse to a cafe/restaurant. In January 2021, a decision on a further, almost identical, planning application was deferred by Hounslow Planning Committee. This proposal would lead to the re-purposing of the bowls green as a mini-golf facility which would mean the end of bowls in Gunnersbury Park after 90 years.In deferring their decision, the Planning Committee wished to have more time to consider all of the relevant facts, including the consideration of alternative sites for the mini-golf facility.The Bowls Club and volunteers from the wider community have been refused access by the CIC to carry out urgent maintenance work. Without this work the bowls green will rapidly deteriorate to a condition beyond repair and this will mean that the Planning Committee will be faced with a situation where bowls is no longer a viable use for the site of the bowls green.The Bowls Club is not opposed to the establishment of a mini-golf facility in the Park. Indeed, it supports the principle of this important source of revenue for the CIC but not at the expense of the bowls green and the Bowls Club itself.

Jim Storrar ● 1707d14 Comments ● 1687d

The Safety of Women at Night and LTNs

A female neighbour told me she was returning from work late at night in an Uber provided by her employer recently. The driver stopped about 200 yards away from her home by an LTN barrier and said he would go no further. She said he could drive round but he told her he had already been fined several times in LTNs and could only make a living by completely avoiding them. She said she understood and that she would still give him a five star rating if he waited at the drop off for five minutes to give her time to get to her front door as she was terrified by the isolated walk in the deserted badly lit street. He did so with his headlights on and engine running.I can understand the advantage of having fewer vehicles going down a road during the day but at night time few of the reasons for LTNs apply. On the contrary, as any female who gets back late in the evening will tell you, the last thing you want is a complete absence of traffic.

Tricia Arbuthnot ● 1694d56 Comments ● 1687d

Lammas Park Pavilion Project

Pledge to refurbish this much loved building:https://www.spacehive.com/lammas-park-pavilion-project#/idea

Philippa Bond ● 1693d1 Comments ● 1692d

This years Council Tax  figures and charges

Who publisde the figures without checking its accracy.?          Adult care chares are shown as a percentage increase which si way dearer than it shoulbe. similarly

Oswald Whittle ● 1692d0 Comments ● 1692d

Gurnell planning application refused

Big blow for Bell. Planning committee refused the redevelopment tonight with 10 against, 1 for and 2 abstentions.It seems the main concern is the cost to Ealing taxpayers.

Simon Hayes ● 1694d7 Comments ● 1693d

More Councils are building Eco Homes

As we continue to try to make our way towards a cleaner greener low carbon country, here is an interesting article on how some more Councils have managed/are managing to build low energy homes.  I also found the Comments that follow the article interesting as there have been problems with the use of wood burners here and I believe there are new regulations for them and re the wood being sold for burning.  Remember that the virus giving us the disease Covid 19 is named: SARS - Cov 2  ie:  severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.  A reason why we were asked not to have bonfires.  https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2021/mar/06/eco-homes-become-hot-property-in-uks-zero-carbon-paradigm-shift#comment-147889182Very disappointing to see that one of the biggest housebuilders was lobbying Govt to stop their Eco Home Building programme but pleasing to see that they appear to have changed tack now and will be building them.

Philippa Bond ● 1701d3 Comments ● 1693d

Up to date Carpenter/Handyman Recommendation

Can anyone recommend a local carpenter or handyman in the west Ealing area? I need someone to hang two internal bathroom doors, which is not much more than a days work, and I'm struggling to find someone who wants to take on such a small job.A search on the Forum doesn't offer much help as most of the recommendations there are quite old now. Any and all suggestions welcome!

Dominic Moore ● 1707d1 Comments ● 1694d

New Road Layout Uxbridge Road - Hanwell to Southall

I'm told that the council are planning new road layouts on the Uxbridge Road including cycle lanes with wands and removing of lay bys for buses so they stop in the main traffic lane. I was unable to find any details about them so I'd be grateful if someone could confirm this is what is planned and point me in the direction of where I could find the plans. Also, if there is anyone who thinks this is a good idea could they explain to me how this is consistent with the concept of LTNs. I thought that the policy was to redirect traffic onto 'distributor roads' of which the Uxbridge Road is clearly one. If you restrict traffic flow on distributor roads aren't you just going to get wash back into LTNs which will be worse as the increased traffic will have to circle around barriers? 

Gordon Southwell ● 1702d9 Comments ● 1695d

DISHONEST TRADING.

Misleading information provided by energy switching company Look After My Bills to the public has been addressed by the Advertising Standards Authority. Below is a post shared by Nick Blagg, a member of:                                                                                                                                                                        "Look After My Bills Problem Reporting Page."                                                                                                                                                     Nick Blagg shared a link.The complaint made to the advertising standards agency against LAMB has been upheld !! It feels like a partial victory to me based on what the ruling is (see below) but it’s still a win and the more of us that continue to complain the more pressure is applied.  Keep it up guys. 👍🏻Dear Mr Blagg,Thank you for your continued patience.  Further to the below, we received another complaint which raised issues similar to those highlighted in your complaint.  Based on the information you and the other complainant provided, we considered that advertising content from Look After My Bills was likely to break the advertising rules we apply.  Therefore, we contacted the advertiser to ask for their assurance that future ads do not misleadingly imply that users of the service will have access to every single energy company and every single energy deal on the market.  They have provided this assurance.This now resolves your complaint, and the case will be closed.  Basic information including the advertiser’s name and where the ad appeared will be published on www.asa.org.ukThank you for bringing this matter to our attention.Kind regards,JamesJames JonesComplaints ExecutiveDirect Line 020 7492 2214Please note, I do not work on FridaysAdvertising Standards AuthorityCastle House, 37-45 Paul StreetLondon EC2A 4LSTelephone 020 7492 2222

Neil Milkins ● 1696d0 Comments ● 1696d

Murray. Walker

Sad news. Murray Walker,absolute legend, has  passed away at the age of 97. May he Rest In Peace

N V Brooks ● 1698d2 Comments ● 1698d

Amazon GO

I’m a little surprised that there has been no mention of an Amazon GO - the first outside the US- due to open in Ealing Broadway some time next week. Looks to be next to Holland & Barrett but I may be wrong.,No cash or cheques or cc, get the Amazon app on your smart phone, walk in, shop & walk out. No checkouts. Given that Amazon, amongst others is rapidly taking over the world, with issues such as taxation being raised, why the local silence re this.

Bettina Margaret Thwaite ● 1711d17 Comments ● 1698d

At last!!!  https://ealingindependents.com/

I have nothing to do with this btw, I have only just today learned of their existence.Maybe they took note of my suggestions from years ago?Anyways, seems they just might be a Force For Good?!!!!              👍

Rosco White ● 1700d0 Comments ● 1700d

The latest version of the Perceval House scheme is joke

The developers of the Perceval House scheme (essentially the council itself led by Julian Bell's Labour group) have tweaked its terrible scheme slightly.  The scheme is not improved at all by taking out 42 two bed flats and putting back 21 three beds and 21 one beds.  This really is an insulting rearrangement of the deckchairs (internal walls).  Nothing else has changed and the stage has been set for the scheme to be nodded through by the whipped Labour group councillors on the planning committee.  The scheme remains otherwise tall, ugly, cramped and intrusive.  The scheme is grotesque over development. The planners would not let any other developer, other than council itself, pursue such a nakedly rapacious scheme. The council is essentially selling the looks and height limit in the town centre for a free, new building for itself.The scheme replaces an ugly building that only a council could build with a larger, uglier one. The old building was out of keeping and the new one will be worse.Of course the scheme is way too high and sets a precedent.Only the council could be this venal.Do not be confused.  This is not "developers" stuffing us.  It is Ealing Labour group.

Phil Taylor ● 1711d17 Comments ● 1700d

Equal under God and the Law but not in Ealing

I quote from Around Ealing recently arrived Mar 2021....."Recent data shows that just 1% of LTN penalty charge notices(PCNs) were issued to drivers who live inside of that PCN,with 60% of the fined drivers not living in the borough. The council wants to ensure drivers avoid a PCN and there is full information and detailed maps of every LTN in the borough available at...    ealingltn.commonplace.is"What is the council suggesting?That you drive with a laptop checking every road for council numpties?Is this the thin edge of rascism?Are those from Hounslow, Europe and the Caribbean banned/fined because the numpties can't produce clear signs to get their silly message across.I thought we were equal under God and the Law not in Ealing it seems.

Arthur Breens ● 1705d44 Comments ● 1701d

Where would you rather live - East Acton or Manhattan?

Ref front page news story "Stop the Towers Set to Continue Fight Against Over Development".Although I am against these dreadful towers this extract from the article amused me:-"I feel really sorry for people in East Acton as they have ended up in Manhattan on their doorstep."If only..

Philip Coe ● 1703d3 Comments ● 1701d

New threats against the Ealing we love from Bellend and crew

Save Ealing's Centre - saveealingscentre.com

peter king ● 1703d2 Comments ● 1702d

Is this the end for the Perceval House mega project?

I was surprised and pleased to read the news about the deferral of he massive town centre development scheme. Presumably some Labour councillors voted against the scheme — good for them. Anybody know who they were? The thought struck me that, despite what Stop The Towers say about there being a conflict of interest in the council having to consider its own application, it is probably more difficult to get them through. This is because councillors have often in the past felt obliged to vote in favour of a bad scheme because they know refusal would only result in a lengthy and expensive legal battle which the developer would win. As there is presumably no chance of the council taking itself to court the councillors on the planning committee have more leeway to vote in the broader public interest. If this proves to be true it might just be the last we see of this particular scheme but only time will tell.

Gordon Southwell ● 1722d39 Comments ● 1705d

Chris Barber RIP

A wonderful trombone player, former member of John Miles' Bluesbreakers and a stalwart of the Ealing Jazz Festival; Chris Barber passed away early today the fine age of 90.RIP and condolences to his family and friends.

N V Brooks ● 1709d7 Comments ● 1706d

Which pubs and restaurants have we lost in Ealing?

Much as I am looking forward to lockdown ending I'm slightly dreading the number of favourite venues that might no longer be with us. Who knows which pubs and restaurants aren't going to be reopening in the Ealing area?

Tricia Arbuthnot ● 1722d14 Comments ● 1708d

Glenn Roeder RIP

Very sad news regarding the death of Glenn Roeder at the age of 65. Rangers supporters of a certain vintage will remember him as a cultured centre half bringing the ball out of defence and doing the "Roeder Shuffle" as he did so.He played in the '82 cup final against Spurs but missed the replay owing to suspension . Otherwise the result may have been different .RIP.

David Burke ● 1711d3 Comments ● 1709d

SA variant in Ealing

Apparently the variant has been discovered all over Ealing - Acton, Greenford, Southall and West Ealing.What on earth is going on in Ealing - why is the covid situation so dire in this borough.Just when things seems to be improving in other areas Ealing is failing AGAIN.What is Anna Bryden doing to justify her substantial salary?

M Powes ● 1714d25 Comments ● 1712d

Trees to be removed for more LTN cameras

I understand that Trees are to be heavily pruned or removed to allow for widespread use of Cameras for LTNs and other enforcements by Ealing and it's contractors.Some works are already being carried out and others areas being assessed.This does seem to rather contradict the argument for air quality and exposes the real issue about how much revenue streams can be created.Is there more on this somewhere as it was apparently discussed with senior council directors so presumably minuted somewhere.?

Raymond Havelock ● 1715d19 Comments ● 1713d

Recommendations for brickwork

I wonder if anyone can recommend a builder to fix my front garden wall? Parts of it need re-laying and general maintenance. I also would like to sort out the front patio, it is currently concrete and fake grass (lovely...) but would probably be better off paved. Thanks in advance!

Anna Henderson ● 1713d0 Comments ● 1713d

LTN's not found to cause emergency delays

Not only were LTN's cleared of any disruption to emergency services , most NHS Trusts actually supported their use.https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/feb/13/covid-bike-and-walking-schemes-do-not-delay-ambulances-trusts-say

Kenneth Day ● 1727d32 Comments ● 1714d

Brentford beat QPR yet AGAIN

Congratulations to Brentford supporters offshoot SWF on their victory QPR’s inept owners screwed this up from the startGood luck in your next battle against slicker operators who will follow

Colin Goodman ● 2009d18 Comments ● 1715d

Gas and electric suppliers.

ENERGY SUPPLIERS.Because I haven't got a head for figures I have stuck with SSE Swalek for 47 years. But owing to Look After My Bills without my permission signing me up to Utility Point in October 2021, I have had the opportunity to try and figure out which energy provider gives the best deal. I have learned that using switching companies provides the worst deals and leave behind a trail of stress. For instance Look  After My Bills and Utility Point for 4 months have both blamed each other and both have launched an investigation into the mess they have dropped me in. And the situation has not been resolved with 2 BBC consumer programmes investigating hundreds if not thousands of complaints against these 2 companies.My energy provider for 47 years, SSE had suggested that I start off with them as a new customer and on 12-1-21 a contract was agreed with a customer service agent emailing me the following details."Good day Mr Milkins,This is to confirm the effective start date with Swalec-SSE is the 29 January 2021 to take over the gas and electricity supply.This means that you will only be charged from the date mentioned above going forward. All other charges will be applied by your current supplier until the date your supply starts with Swalec-SSE.Thank you.Regards,Yolanda."Hooray. Then I get the following  email from Jolene from SSE on 20-1-20."I understand that you have been sent an email regarding the dates the supply has come back to us and you were advised that you would not have a bill until SSE started [29-1-21], feedback is being provided to that adviser so this incorrect information is not given in the future, for this I can offer a goodwill payment of £30.00 for incorrect information given. SSE can keep their £30 !!!!!!!!!!I have now learned how easy it is to find the cheapest deal for gas and electric. Find a company offering a 2 year fixed tariff which I have done. To date, the best deal offers a 2 year fixed tariff.                                 For gas, the daily standing charge is 27 pence per day. The charge for gas is 2.952 pence per kw hour.For electric, the standing charge is 24.02 pence per day. The charge for electric is 17.42 per kw hour.These prices are considerably cheaper than my former supplier. If anyone can direct me to a better deal, please let me know as haven't signed up to EDF yet.

Neil Milkins ● 1749d5 Comments ● 1716d

Gunnersbury Park Bowls Club

The public are losing their parks, they are being given to private entities by our corrupt political system. Wads of money are being flashed and the Council just gives in and hands over the park. The same thing has happened in Boston Manor Park, all the Councils seem to be interested in is the revenue from FILMING and MUSIC FESTIVALS. Gunnersbury Park had about 9 free to use tennis courts, instead of refurbishing them the council has done away with them and allowed a colossal private sports centre to be built. It will now be necessary to join or pay loads to use it. This is a public owned park that is being given away - again. Why do our Council Taxes no longer cover the cost of parks? Who are these mysterious "Friends" of our parks?

Roy Baker ● 1742d21 Comments ● 1716d

local store/handyman that will do the base and install garden shed

Hi,Can someone please recommend us a reliable store or a handyman that will do a concrete base for a shed.We would like to have garden shed or a summerhouse.Many Thanks.Caroline

Caroline Frederick ● 1717d2 Comments ● 1717d

FINAL WARNING

FINAL WARNING.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     If anyone is thinking of joining energy switching company Look After My Bills or energy supply company, Utility Point, please look at their reviews on Look After My Bills Problem Reporting Page and Utility Point Owes Me a Refund on Facebook Groups page. There are thousands of people nationwide that have had nightmare experiences with these companies. Both companies will sign you up within seconds on dedicated signing up landlines but when problems arise it is virtually impossible to contact them. Telephone calls are not connected and emails to them don't get answered. There are many warnings on Trustpilot about these two companies as well. Shockingly Utility Point are under investigation by Trustpilot for offering incentives to people to post positive reviews. Look After My Bills are now also under investigation for doing the same.

Neil Milkins ● 1720d0 Comments ● 1720d

Watch this video and be afraid, very afraid...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR3J2GPvI5vny2ME8c3b3ld2XNtiHJ4NtBSBiB3NFk8VFltWtqVLyeB33Vs&v=w9O8RBgfXnM&feature=youtu.be

Simon Hayes ● 1722d9 Comments ● 1720d

Shameful Gunnersbury Park CIC

Surely Ealing and Hounslow Councils need to call an enquiry into just how Gunnersbury Park is being run.Clearly, it is far from interested in being a community organisation but obsessed with their own agenda and rather deluded.The way in which the Bowls club, a long established club accessible for all, at costs that local people can afford, self financing, run and maintained fully by members for the past 25 years as a result of the complete failure of Ealing and Hounslow to maintain this parks facilities for near 50 years is nasty, ageist and wholly conceited.The silence from Ealing Councillors is yet again, underlining how ageist and removed they are from local community.  Hounslow councillors fare little better but at least have become aware that something fishy is going on with this Organisation.Far too many cosy arrangements to be healthy.I understand that somehow, this Organisation is exempt from any form of open access from Freedom of Information to public accountability. And yet they are funded by grants, awards and ultimately source from taxpayers and public money. None of which has found it's way to the Bowls club or other basic aspects of this park.  But above average salaries for those within the CiC and it's associates remain.Truly appalling. Local people, whether they be interested in Bowls or not, or how a public park with public amenities is being turned into a commercialised profit centre at the expense of basic amenities affordable and accessible for all ought to be asking their elected representatives to ask questions.Bowls is a multicultural genteel sport played all over the world. It is reviving and can be played from a young age right through to old age. Not many Sports than can accommodate that.When it's gone it's gone. A proper sports facility, a public amenity replaced by a Fast food outlet and a sideshow crazy golf. That's not a sport or a public amenity. It is a profit business.Did this not happen with Walpole Park and a Coffee Hut? That was another case of bullying and closed door dealing. And it went wrong. Very Wrong.Especially now that we are being told by authorities to walk, cycle and stay local.

Raymond Havelock ● 1725d8 Comments ● 1722d

I DONT THINK SO>

A HOUSE RENTED TO A TENANT BUT THE BACK GARDEN TO ANOTHE AND THE FRONT GARDEN TO YET ANOTHER. THE TENANCY IS IN FULL ISNT IT?

Oswald Whittle ● 1742d20 Comments ● 1727d

High Court Rules Against Mayor's Bishopsgate Streetspace scheme

The taxi drivers union have been successful in their High Court bid to have the mayor's Streetspace restrictions in the City scrapped. The judge ruled that they weren't very well thought out. If that is now the legal test for the validity of these schemes then some may need to be reconsidered.

Gordon Southwell ● 1750d43 Comments ● 1727d

Ealing Council shamed in the Telegraph

Yesterday our Council featured in the Telegraph, accused of "cultural appropriation" by renaming Havelock Road.  Imagine the distress and embarassment this must cause Julian Bell, the capitalist multi-propery owning Leader of the Council. Criticised in the Telegraph.  What will his big business friends think!Members of the Sikh community were criticising the renaming of the road for religious reasons in responses to the flawed "consultation" that took place. Their complaints  were supressed in the Council's report on the consultation.  What the Telegraph is not aware of is the devious means by which the Council foisted the expense of the change onto the council-tax payers,  our money used as a bribe to keep Sothhall members onside.    

Andrew Farmer ● 1740d5 Comments ● 1728d

Yellow Amazombie Locker Landed on our Pavement Outside Co-Op

Outside our Co-Op on Greenford Avenue, a huge yellow monolith has appeared. I wonder if they had permission?It's big, and it's ugly, and it reminds me that we are allowing billionaires to destroy our businesses and avoid any social responsibilities.I recently discovered World of Books. They buy unsold inventory of used books from UK charity shops. So far they've had every book I've wanted. I deleted my Amazombie account.

Alan Anderson ● 1734d11 Comments ● 1728d

A lot of sirens

There seem a lot more sirens than usual - or maybe I'm just noticing it more?

M Powes ● 1734d1 Comments ● 1729d

Starved dogs

Is anyone else unhappy about the graphic photos pertaining to the above?

Simon Wycombe ● 1733d8 Comments ● 1730d

Look After My Bills Nightmare.

This is a post from today (Monday 8 February) put on the Facebook page, Look After My Bills Problem Reporting Page by B**** Orm***"After initially being attracted by the promise of finding consumers the best market deal and starting the registration process, I read some worrying reviews and immediately cancelled - told LAMB that I had changed my mind and did not want them to look after my bills. Subsequently I continued to receive emails saying I had been transferred, causing me grief and frustration. I again informed them that I did not want LAMB to look after my bills and also emailed my current supplier to tell them I did not want LAMB to transfer me and that I wished to remain with Coop Energy. LAMB continued to email me about my transfer. What a nightmare! Fortunately Coop Energy stepped in on my behalf. This was quite some time ago and I continued to receive email from them but I have blocked them. Neil I wish you luck. Once they get their claws in you they fill your life with worry and anxiety. Relentless!"                                                                                                                                                                     For some reason, Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis on Saturday 6 February urged energy users to use switching companies such as Look After My Bills to try to get cheaper energy.                               All I can say is, before you consider doing this look at the Facebook groups page Look after My Bills Problem Reporting Page and Trustpilot, Look After My Bills reviews before making a decision you may regret for months to come.

Neil Milkins ● 1731d2 Comments ● 1731d

SA variant in Ealing since December

So the latest bit of bad news to add to the stubbornly high cases and slow vaccine roll out as well as the low uptake.Never mind though it has only been here for a month so it is unlikely to have spread.

M Powes ● 1738d20 Comments ● 1735d

More ANPR cameras to be installed LTN 30 is a problem

Thank you Ealingtoday for reporting this. I am not a road traffic professional but I worked in the safety industry and carried a Home Office warrant for some time and took courses at university in the psychology of perception. I've held a clean licence for 55years.I would strongly recommend the council review this ANPR camera at least before rushing to put in more. 1)There are 4 routes to the barrier in Culmington Road yet only one speed camera warning sign. That one is positioned after the camera at the barrier. In normal life warnings are given BEFORE the danger i.e. before the camera that allows the message to sink-in and appropriate action be taken.  The camera sign is often linked to speed cameras and many motorists probably check their speedometer when they see one; a dangerous detraction. 2)There are warning signs "No access to Culmington Road ahead except cycles". For strangers that means nothing. One sign is even sited IN Culmington Road. Strangers won't know what it means and even the Council have made 3 road name mistakes in public notices. These are "unique signs" and have to be interpreted by the motorist. Standard signs showing road closed ahead would have been cheaper and carried more information at a glance. Motorists absorb standard signs without thinking; subliminally. There should have been standard signs on each of the 4 limbs approaching this junction. To be continued

Arthur Breens ● 1756d36 Comments ● 1736d

Just why are so very few over 85s getting vaccinated?

In Ealing it is dire.Not even a date for those over 85s and reports of very selective invites.GPs with just a handful of vaccines and it's now a third week.Yet other boroughs are now moving to the 70-79 group.Not a word on Ealing's website. Not a word on how an 85 yr old with must attend Hospital appointments is supposed to be vaccinated prior? As per the NHS and Gov website advice.Nothing from Ealing Council or NHS CCG.Theres a deserted football stadium at the border of Ealing. Sitting there ready. Still serviceable It can be used for parking residents cars for a film shoot next week so why not as a mass vaccination centre for Brentford and South Ealing , Boston Manor and Northfields?The silence and lack of any information being supplied to GPs and elderly over 80s is really poor.Why?

Raymond Havelock ● 1764d27 Comments ● 1736d

Covid-19 Rates on the up in Ealing

For the first time, the rate per 100,000 in Ealing (258.3) is now above the national average (257.3),

Ian Fergus ● 1813d87 Comments ● 1736d

TfL and covid-19

Never thought I would side with the transport unions but the TfL demand that workers within in the identified high-risk covid-19 variant zones continue to go to work is nonsensical.Our hapless mayor constantly bemoans the plight of TfL workers and yet as head of TfL allows this demand to be made. Incompetence at its purest and I do hope the TfL workers simply ignore their bosses in this instance

N V Brooks ● 1737d0 Comments ● 1737d

Best Chinese food delivery in Ealing

Does anyone have favourite Chinese food delivery service that caters for the Ealing area? It doesn't necessarily have to be on Deliveroo, Just Eat  or Uber Eats.

Tricia Arbuthnot ● 1764d5 Comments ● 1738d

Ealing's reliance on parking fine income betrays Labour party principles

Probably not a surprise that Ealing is one of the highest issuer of parking fines in the country according to a report on currently on this site. Judging by a ticket place on a car parked near my home, enforcement continues unabated despite the supposed lockdown.It is no longer worth pretending these fines don't act as a local tax with the revenue being used to cover the shortfall in Council Tax and government grant funding.PCNs are not adjusted for income so you get the same for parking in the wrong place at the wrong time if you have a Fiat Uno or a Ferrari. It will be argued that as the very poorest in society don't tend to own cars then as a tax this is a reasonably point. However, people who need to use cars for their work will tend to be on below or around average income with a large proportion of fines going to those in the building trade, carers, minicab or delivery drivers.Better off drivers probably make up the bulk of people who successfully appear these fines.Some will say that it is a voluntary tax and if you can't afford to pay it obey the rules. Our family have received two parking fines over the last decade in Ealing - in both cases we had thought we had parked correctly in areas we were familiar with but the signs were misleading. Appeals were dismissed out of hand and no attempt was made to improve the signage. Very few people parking in Ealing will do so on the basis they hope to get away with it because by now most are aware how intensive enforcement is so most fines are issued to people who have made a genuine mistake.This effectively means that the parking fines operate as a highly regressive tax something that is directly opposed to the founding principles of the Labour party. Yet it seems to be Labour authorities, like Ealing that use this most as a method of raising finance. I appreciate that this is a challenging time for council finances but the over dependence of this borough on this form of income is not healthy or fair on residents.

Mark Evans ● 1750d8 Comments ● 1743d

Getting Back on Your Bike/Cycle

Here are some tips put together by cyclists:https://www.lcc.org.uk/pages/cycling-advice-2020There is also lots of info about cycling here including courses and the popular free Dr Bike maintenance and about different cycles and deals for trying out cycles:https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201173/transport_and_parking/150/cycling/1

Philippa Bond ● 1777d51 Comments ● 1743d

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS.For some people it is not bearable to think about, or to plan for their own funeral or for that of their spouse. However in these uncertain times I believe it is a responsible thing to do to take some of the pressure and grief off family members by not leaving things to late. Myself and my wife have taken steps to leave very little for our family members to worry about regarding these arrangementsWe have taken steps to arrange Pure Cremation funerals which was catapulted into the news a few years ago by singer David Bowie. For instance, if I die first, my wife will contact a funeral director in Hampshire. They will take care of all the arrangements needed. I would be collected from my home or from anywhere else and taken to Hampshire to to the funeral director's own private crematorium for disposal. No flowers, no family present and no funeral service. Arrangements have already been made for a memorial service shortly after my death.The benefits of doing things this way is that the cost to my wife and family is minimal. If I die at home the cost of the complete funeral arrangement is £1195.00 or £1.445 if I die in hospital or nursing home. The average cost of a cremation funeral in the UK is £3,986, sometimes thousands more.Being a very competitive business I am sure that some funeral directors would charge less than £1195.00.Nobody wants to die, but time and unforeseen events befall us all. In the mean time wash your hands and socially distance.

Neil Milkins ● 1745d0 Comments ● 1745d

Are LBe using LTN cameras to see other image data?

Can anyone throw light on the revelation that Ealing Council are selling image data gathered from LTN and other similar cameras to third party Data  companies, Thus using images of not just cars but cyclists and people without their knowledge or permission?This sounds truly disgusting.  How can this be checked?

Raymond Havelock ● 1747d5 Comments ● 1746d

Housing Repairs, advice needed.

Can I ask for advice?I consider it urgent.Ealing London Borough Council Housing repairs will not fix it.It is the light in the Bathroom. It is not the bulb, it is the switch at the top of the pull-cord. It no longer clicks on or off, currently stuck on off.It is way beyond myself in my 60s and mum who is 89 to climb ladders to fix.It is too dark to use a lot of the time without the light on, especially for mum.We cannot afford to have it repaired privately as the council have told us to do.The Council insist it is not their job, it is their house, their freehold, we've lived here since 1966.As it is the bathroom, we were not even allowed to change the bulb last time. And are banned from any electrical devices including extension leads etc..Does anyone know any other avenue we can turn too, legal if need be? We need to have full use of the bathroom/toilet.t must be a health issue?

Leslie Bailey ● 1752d18 Comments ● 1747d

Gunnersbury Park Bowls Club

Some may have noticed the item on the front page of TW8 regarding the meeting of Hounslow Planning Committee on 20 January. One item on the agenda that is of particular local interest is the planning application for the change of use and extension of the Bowls Pavilion at Gunnersbury Park to create a cafe/restaurant.The change of use of the bowling green itself to a mini golf facility would not need planning permission but approval of the application for the Bowls Pavilion would almost certainly see an end to bowling in Gunnersbury Park, a sport that has been played there since 1931.It would be good if you could write a short email to the members of the Planning Committee listed in the item on the front page of TW8. Please respond, irrespective of whether you are for or against this proposal.

Jim Storrar ● 1756d8 Comments ● 1748d

Government says public should have right to ask councils to release land for redevelopment.

The government has published for consultation proposals that would enable the public to challenge councils and other public bodies to release underused land for redevelopment.The ‘right to regenerate’ proposals mean that underused public land could be sold to individuals or communities by default – unless there is a “compelling reason” for the owner to keep itPublic bodies would need to demonstrate clear plans for the land in the near future – even if it is a temporary use before later development. If it were kept for long without being used, it would have to be sold.The rights would also apply to unused publicly owned social housing and garages. The government notes that the latest figures show there were more than 25,000 vacant council-owned homes and recent Freedom of Information data shows there were more 100,000 empty council-owned garages last year.The government says it wishes to provide local communities with an opportunity to “transform eyesores” into something they want in their area. It builds on government work to encourage development on brownfield land.Jenrick said: “Right to regenerate is the simple way to turn public land into public good, with land sold by default unless there is a very compelling reason not to do so.“We are cutting through red tape so that communities can make better use of available land and derelict buildings, which means more new homes, businesses and community assets.“Millions of people will now be able to buy that empty property, unused garage or parcel of land and turn it into something good for them and their community.”Tom Chance, chief executive of the National Community Land Trust Network, welcomed the idea.“There are hundreds of community land trusts across the country wanting to build much-needed affordable housing, but getting hold of land at an affordable price is a huge barrier.“The potential for communities to be given first right of refusal could be a game changer. We encourage everyone to read through the proposals and respond to the consultation.”Ian Harvey, executive director of Civic Voice, added: “Across the country, communities see land that remains empty and wonder why. They imagine how it could be used for communities – from green space, to housing – but when they enquire about enhancing the space it’s never clear who owns it.“If a community has a viable use for this land, they must be given the opportunity to take these ideas forward.“The ‘right to regenerate’ is a great step forward to build on previous attempts at doing this and we believe it will increase the chance for communities to come together to bring vacant land into the heart of the community. We look forward to working with communities on this latest community right.”The consultation, which closes on 13 March, can be found here on the UK Government website.18 January 2021Laura Edgar, The Plannerhttps://www.planningportal.co.uk/news/article/750/planning_news_-_21_january_2021?utm_source=PPQ+Newsletter&utm_campaign=efc81fca0a-Newsletter_11072019_HTML_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_734e0b63a9-efc81fca0a-7282665#two

Rosco White ● 1749d0 Comments ● 1749d

Burns Night

Anybody know of anywhere in the Ealing/Brentford area doing a takeaway Burn's Night Supper - haggis, neeps & tatties, etc?

Thelma Leach ● 1750d1 Comments ● 1750d

Monster 5G mast in Boston Manor Playing Fields

So having been kicked out of Blondin Park, Three Mobile and EE are now hoping to put up a 60-foot high monster mast in Boston Manor Playing Fields instead.http://www.brentfordtw8.com/default.asp?section=info&page=plfivegmast001.htmIt’s interesting to see that the proposed mast relies very heavily on Huawei technology. One of the drawings submitted to Hounslow Council specifies the deployment of a Huawei BTS3900A cabinet.http://planning2.hounslow.gov.uk/NPSPublicDocs/00688507.pdfIn case you’re not familiar with it, the Huawei BTS3900A cabinet is the part of the system that deals with your calls, texts, emails and web searches. The technology in the Huawei BTS3900A also makes it possible to send all of this to Beijing so the Chinese government can see exactly what you’re up to. You can object here (link below) but only mention planning-related concerns, like height, overshadowing and loss of amenity. Spying by foreign powers does not count as a “material” concern.https://eforms.hounslow.gov.uk/ufs/ufsmain?formid=A086_PLANNING_COMMENTS&ALT_REF=00132%2FA%2FCOM1&CASE_NO=PA%2F2020%2F2091&ebz=1_1594408177409&ebd=0&ebz=1_1594408177409

David Marshall ● 1944d17 Comments ● 1750d

Black and White cat found on Windsor Road

Report made on Pets Reunited https://www.petsreunited.com/ealing/ealing/found/cats/found-black-and-whitecat/fxzjy8xs

Christine Mulligan ● 1753d1 Comments ● 1751d

Selling a Car Privately

We need to sell our car because it won't be compliant with the new ULEZ regulations. Before we bought this car we always used to lease vehicles so don't have much experience. Are services like webuyanycar likely to offer a decent price or is it worth the time and effort of selling privately and, if so, where is the best place to do this?

Christine Mulligan ● 1760d9 Comments ● 1752d

Bowie in Ealing & Acton

There is an interesting article in the online Ealing News Extra:https://ealingnewsextra.co.uk/history/bowie/

Philippa Bond ● 1756d0 Comments ● 1756d

Look After My Bills Nightmare.

To save people the agony of having to deal with a future nightmare  with Look After My Bills and Utility Point please read their horrendous reviews on Trustpilot.                                  This is an email I received from Trustpilot this week.                                                People are reading your review!Hi Neil Milkins,You recently wrote a review on Trustpilot and it looks like people find it helpful.117 people have already read your review.                                                                                                       LOOK AFTER MY BILLS SHAMBLES.It is now 12 weeks since Look After My Bills without my knowledge or permission changed my energy provider from S.S.E. to Utility Point. Jacqueline Loughman promised me 9 weeks ago that they would resolve the matter within 14 days. A week ago their senior complaints manager Daniel promised me he would phone me on (29-12-20) and have the matter resolved. No phone call and no answer to my emails to him. In the meantime I am going to have a sky high electric and gas bill when this matter is resolved. It is near impossible to get a reply from them once you have emailed and phoned them and it is totally impossible to phone Utility Point as ALL their phone lines have been cut off. I have been on the phone and emailing 19 hours in total trying to sort this mess out. Anyone thinking of going with Look After My Bills or Utility Point please check their horrendous reviews on Trustpilot.

Neil Milkins ● 1769d14 Comments ● 1758d

1.3 million children without a laptop

This will surely have an effect on learning. I read that children in private schools are less likely to have their education interrupted than children in state schools.

Nicholas Beard ● 1762d6 Comments ● 1758d

Hanwell couple accused of murder remain free

Don't normally like posting links to Daily Mail articles but this one shocked me. The pair may of course be innocent but the bigger issue this raises is that if extradition to India is seen as automatically being a breach of a person's human rights, this country has become a sanctuary for people from there who have committed serious crimes including alleged child murderers. There may be a good reason why Scotland Yard are not investigating but the government should be asking the Indian government for assurances about the protection of the accuseds' human right which they probably would have provided as a matter of course anyway. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9103123/Couple-adopted-son-11-killed-150-000-insurance-payout-stroll-home-shopping.html

Gordon Southwell ● 1764d1 Comments ● 1760d

Renaming Havelock Road Council corruption

Renaming Havelock Road may be a trivial issue. The way it was achieved is an illustration of how Ealing Council at its highest level goes about its business: dishonestly. The decision to rename the road Havelock Road was made by “two pillars of the community”, Julian Bell, Council Leader, and Paul Najserak, CEO.   Bell suggested the idea (10.6.20.)  Why?  He doesn’t live on the road or in Southall.   ANSWER:  he depends on Southall councillors for support and is in the pay of the local MP.    Self-interest. On 14.7.20 the matter appeared on the agenda of the Cabinet, never having been discussed by them before.  The Cabinet had it all done and dusted there and then.   They decided a council officer could make the decision. Democracy?  No. Decisions should be made by our elected representatives, not by council employees.  Paul Najserak made the decision.  Between Bell making the suggestion and Najserak making the decision what occurred appears to be a conspiracy to subvert due process so that Southall could be given what Southall wanted -  FREE.FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST I have been trying to get straight answers about what occurred for weeks.  I am still trying. A Freedom of information Request is needed to secure the minutes of meetings and internal memoranda. I believe someone has already made one.  If that person is reading this, would they please let us know the result - if there was one.Meanwhile: LETTER SENT TO BELL “Dear Julian Bell, Why did the Cabinet deal with renaming Havelock Road rather than leaving it to a resident to make an application?   There was no reason a resident could not do so and it is the routine way for such applications to happen?  Your sincerely, Andrew Farmer”

Andrew Farmer ● 1794d10 Comments ● 1761d

AN HONEST  ANSWER  REQUIRED TO A SIMPLE QUESTION

The following is an email sent to Council Leader Bell:Dear Julian Bell,In the matter of Mr NajserakLast year, I asked you a simple question.  It concerned the circumstances in which Mr Najsarek gained employment with Ealing Council.  It was: “Did you already know anything of what appeared in the press on June 30 2016 in respect of Mr Najsarek’s behaviour in Bolton when he was appointed as Ealing's CEO?". I am asking you again.  You must know the answer.  All that is needed is yes or no.To fail to respond is a LIE BY OMISSION.  I refer you to the Epistle of St James, the origin of this concept.  I know it’s difficult.   A dilemma.  If you say “yes”, you will reveal that you were DISHONEST with the people of Ealing when, at the time he was appointed, you praised Najserak’s wonderful record of public service.  If you say “no”, you will confirm that Mr Najserak successfully DECEIVED his way into Ealing Council. Andrew Farmer 

Andrew Farmer ● 1765d1 Comments ● 1761d

EalingToday Forum - Dying?

And reading some of the recent posts not hard to see why.  Shame really - a regional forum should be for sharing tips, information, gossip and local news but not for advocating one's personal political dogma - do that with your own account on Twitter please.

Philip Coe ● 1765d7 Comments ● 1763d

Coronavirus cases in Ealing

A front page article"Some areas of Ealing have seen cases double again in a week" .....is described as attributed as follows, "Written with contributions from Anahita Hossein-Pour - Local Democracy Reporter"Would anyone know why the "areas" featured have no municipal reference such as ward boundaries and in some cases refer to either a road or an imprecise area. Maybe it's helpful to know if a road suffers more cases than others but then what about very nearby neighbouring roads for example."Bedford Park", for example is an area with a variety of definitions other than with the architectural filter.I think my question is where does the data come from?

Don Tanswell ● 1764d4 Comments ● 1764d

Missing Dog!! Lost seen Gunnersbury park 2pm 06/01/20

My friends dog has gone missing when out on a walk in Gunnersbury park.It’s a black and brown Dachshunds called Evie.Please keep an eye out for her! Thanks Nick

Nick Williams ● 1764d1 Comments ● 1764d

Ealing Schools Closed

Ealing primary schools to remain closed until at least 18th January Source: Little Ealing Primary School website

Martin Williams-Neale ● 1771d1 Comments ● 1765d

More half truths from Ealing's leader

So this time he is making g out that his administration is somehow doing a wonderful job with distributing vaccines.Just how many 80 plus year olds have bee vaccinated by this distributor since it commenced?Well some surgeries have reviewed less than a dozen vaccination filesDistrict Nurses and other direct line operatives have still not even had a long shot date.Distribution is selective and tickets issued to 90 years olds being dropped off and waited for at Vaccination centres.Several 90+ residents being invited for their vaccination but advised to Walk or Cycle.Access to many surgeries in LTNs remains difficult almost impossible and no help provided by LBE for drop of and collect points for the very elderly and those transporting them.I hope Mr Bell and co can sleep at night. Because their half lies are keeping others from being at peace.Why can this man and his cowardly crew simply not tell things straight rather than yet again play politics with people?

Raymond Havelock ● 1778d4 Comments ● 1775d

OLIO App

I've had my attention drawn to an app called OLIO which allows people with surplus food (as, for example, when your Christmas visitors have now cancelled) to offer it to someone who needs it (because, for example, their visits to family have been cancelled).Thought I'd mention it.

Susan Kelly ● 1782d1 Comments ● 1778d

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 ● 1785d19 Comments ● 1778d

Shoe repairers

Is the shoe repairers on Northfields Avenue open?  Someone told me it had closed. I'll be very sorry if it has, they always did such a good with shoes and various other things.

Pat Kingham ● 1789d7 Comments ● 1778d

Crossrail and Ealing Broadway's lack of an escalator

As a regular user of Ealing Broadway, I'm really cheesed off that we haven't got an escalator to come when the patching up of the station is finally complete. There will be a small number of lifts so our dreadful mayor can 'tick the access boxes' but that's it. Maybe a little more foresight from tfl, Ealing Council and the local MPs, all Labour, might have got an escalator. If Greenford can get one, then why not a station that handles many times the number of passengers?

peter king ● 1799d10 Comments ● 1778d

Ealing Christmas & New Year Waste & Recycling  Changes

https://www.ealing.gov.uk/news/article/2052/changes_to_rubbish_and_recycling_collections_this_christmas

Philippa Bond ● 1780d0 Comments ● 1780d

glaziers

Can anyone recommend a good glazier who could replace a piece of glass 26x22 cms? I have had a quote of £127 which is a lot to pay for someone to get up a ladder and do the job

peter king ● 1781d1 Comments ● 1780d

Christmas Day Lunch in Ealing

We are just trying to work out the logistics of our government mandated family Christmas get together. It may be that the best option is to eat out but will any Ealing restaurants be open on Christmas Day that will be doing a roast?

Christine Mulligan ● 1792d3 Comments ● 1784d

90,000 Homeless Children in London This Christmas.

All V V sad, however I would dearly like to know what percentage have been "imported"?Not a statement, a question. I, and I'm sure many others on here, would simply be interested to know.And I'm also sure someone will be on here like a shot with the answers! But please quote your sources.    😁

Rosco White ● 1794d29 Comments ● 1784d

Ealing Planning! Object extension of further storey in the modern house in quiet Oxford Road

IMPORTANT!Dear Neighbours, it's Yulia from the Grove.As you may know, the modern house on 69 Oxford Rd has submitted a planning application to Ealing Council to build a further storey on top of their existing building, despite the original planning application being for a single storey onlyThe application is very professional and has gone through pre-consultation with the Council. So it will be hard to stop. The Plannint Case Officer (Smruti Patel) has confirmed that the number of objections will make a big difference to the case for blocking planning permission. So far only 10 objections have been received - we ideally need 50-60Possible grounds for objection:- overdevelopment - out of character with surrounding conservation area - potential for reduced parking- reduced light for gardens close to the property- sets a precedent for other modern developments in the conservation arePLEASE SUBMIT AN OBJECTION - it only takes 2 mins to write 1-2 lines in your own words referring to the grounds of objection abovehttps://pam.ealing.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=QHS9ZZJMFX500The link above is where you submit your objection. You need to fill in your personal details. Select 'neighbour' for 'commenter type', select 'object' for 'stance' and then tick the following boxes under 'reason for comment': close to adjoining properties // development too high // inadequate parking provision

Yulia Chaplina ● 1800d6 Comments ● 1785d

A moste interestinge article with which I (of course!) heartily agree:-

However, we do live, currently, and despite the concerted efforts of many, in a free speaking society, and this is a Forum, so all opinions and comments are welcome to debate!https://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-9057393/CALVIN-ROBINSON-Good-riddance-bunkum-unconscious-race-bias-classes.htmlDaily Mail / Calvin RobinsonPUBLISHED: 23:19, 15 December 2020 | UPDATED: 23:21, 15 December 2020As diversity lessons for the civil service are scrapped, it's good riddance to the bunkum of 'unconscious race-bias' classes.Despite huge demographic changes in recent decades, our political system has not been scarred by extremism, nor has our society been gripped by racial discord.Britain is a remarkably tolerant country with an impressive record on integration.Despite huge demographic changes in recent decades, our political system has not been scarred by extremism, nor has our society been gripped by racial discord.Our national spirit of openness is precisely why so many migrants wish to settle here.It is therefore a bitter paradox that this success story is being undermined by a small minority who pose as the champions of anti-racism but who only promote friction as they seek to paint Britain as a land wracked by bigotry.The great American civil rights leader Dr Martin Luther King urged that, in the fight for equality, people should ‘not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character’.TwistedBut today’s self-styled ‘anti-racists’ have turned that ideal on its head, holding that we should all be defined by our ethnicity. In their twisted narrative, colour blindness is not a virtue but a vice.This divisive outlook is reflected in the fashion for ‘unconscious bias training’, now common in British workplaces, especially in the public sector.Such training — which can range from lectures to online tests — aims to root out any hidden prejudices that may inadvertently influence staff behaviour or decisions.That may sound like politically correct nonsense. But, in recent years, even our political class has succumbed to it.Since 2014, when completing four ‘modules’ in diversity and inclusion training became a requirement for all Whitehall staff, 170,000 civil servants have undergone it.And in the summer, at the height of the Black Lives Matter protests, Sir Keir Starmer decided all Labour Party employees should undergo such instruction.But now a welcome stand has been made by the Government against this fad.Yesterday, the Cabinet Office announced that ‘unconscious- bias training’ will be scrapped for the civil service, after an internal review found the courses did nothing for equality and, in some cases, were even counter-productive as they fuelled resentment.In the present institutionalised fervour about race, the decision is a bold one.But it is absolutely correct. For the review is only the latest in a string of reports that confirm that bias training is, put simply, a load of bunkum.In 2018, the Equality and Human Rights Commission found the evidence for the ‘ability [of unconscious bias training] to change behaviour is limited’.A year later, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development declared that the courses in bias ‘had no sustained impact on behaviour’.This is hardly surprising given that the whole method is profoundly flawed and riddled with contradictions.It supposedly celebrates diversity, but demands rigid conformity with its dogma. Its ostensible purpose is to build harmony, but its bullying, hectoring tone causes hostility and defensiveness.Stereotypes are denounced under the doctrine, yet sweeping generalisations are made about white people. It preaches responsibility for personal actions, yet infantilises and patronises users.This was highlighted by a recent such course in Parliament, where MPs were lectured by a diversity consultant using a glove puppet.More importantly, it has no intellectual basis of any substance.Calvin Robinson: The great American civil rights leader Dr Martin Luther King urged that, in the fight for equality, people should ‘not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character’ +3Calvin Robinson: The great American civil rights leader Dr Martin Luther King urged that, in the fight for equality, people should ‘not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character’First developed in the 1990s from the Implicit Association Test, a tool for ‘psychological diagnosis’ developed by American social psychologists, it is a hopelessly unreliable pseudo-science, like astrology or phrenology (the belief that character can be assessed from the shape of the head).That lack of credibility stems from the fact that its primary purpose is not scientific at all, but political: namely, to be used by cultural warriors to ensure that everyone conforms to their world view.Queen Elizabeth I famously declared that she had ‘no desire to make windows into men’s souls’. For her, as long as her subjects obeyed the law, she did not care what they thought privately.That has been the British tradition for centuries.But bias trainers have a very different approach.Like the Thought Police of George Orwell’s novel 1984, they want to control minds by delving into the unconscious, where they would like to eradicate unpalatable ideas and impose compliance.And as with any attempt to change people’s thinking, the premise behind unconscious-bias training only operates in one direction, where white people are the eternal oppressors and ethnic minorities the permanent victims.It is inconceivable that on any course a black or Asian client would be berated by a trainer for showing prejudice against a white colleague.This one-sided attitude also gives rise to the racially charged concept of ‘white privilege’, which is not only nasty but absurd.A white supermarket shelf stacker has far less wealth and power than a successful black barrister or an Asian medical consultant.GuiltBut the bias trainers set a trap for anyone who dares to challenge them.They refer to ‘white fragility’ to describe any negative reaction to any accusations of racial prejudice.Surprise, surprise — their white clients can never win.If they submit, they are admitting to their guilt as unconscious racists. If they refuse, they are attacked for being in denial, too ‘fragile’ to handle the truth.Either way, the bias trainers — who charge a minimum of £300-an-hour for the opportunity to hector their customers — end up laughing all the way to the bank.One consultancy I came across yesterday charges a £1,750 fee for a day’s course in ‘unconscious bias and cross-cultural training’. But this mix of indoctrination and cash-grabbing has to end.Pictured: Femi Otitoju with ‘UB’ puppet, that is said to be used in the 'unconscious bias' training given to MPs in a course designed by Challenge Consultancy +3Pictured: Femi Otitoju with ‘UB’ puppet, that is said to be used in the 'unconscious bias' training given to MPs in a course designed by Challenge ConsultancyThat is why the Government’s decision yesterday was so welcome and could mark a turning point in the fight back against the spread of the pernicious woke agenda.The Tories have been in power for ten successive years and, after the last election triumph, enjoy an 80-seat majority in the Commons.Yet they have been astonishingly timid about defending liberalism and British values against the race-obsessed minority who have held sway for far too long.While, of course, there remain inequalities that need addressing, this cause has come to predominate in civic life.Museums are browbeaten into removing statues, schools into ‘decolonising’ their lessons.The National Trust, which has entirely succumbed to the PC onslaught, recently drew up a list of shame, featuring historic properties that have links to British imperialism or the slave trade.LaughableSome of the grievances would be laughable were they not so offensive.Only last month, the late Poet Laureate Ted Hughes was denounced because one of his distant ancestors had a connection to slavery.Meanwhile, without any sense of irony at all, Prince Harry, a self-appointed high priest of the diversity cult, has the nerve to lecture us about white privilege.Even the much-cherished British pastime of horticulture is in the dock, with BBC Countryfile presenter James Wong declaring last week that ‘UK gardening culture has racism baked into its DNA’.Welcome to the mad world of contemporary ‘anti-racism’, where even pruning the roses may be a thought crime.The Government’s decision is a much-needed blow for sanity against such lunacy.Britain is a great country with so much that people of all races can celebrate.We cannot allow its appeal to be destroyed by fanatics bent on whipping up racial disunity for their own self-serving ends.Calvin Robinson is a former teacher and now governor at a London state school.

Rosco White ● 1786d0 Comments ● 1786d

JOSEPHINE CARTER

I have an Zip, Oyster card of yours.Found in Elers Rd Ealing.If anyone can provide info I will return it ASAP. Thanks

Peter Yale ● 1792d3 Comments ● 1791d

Pitshanger Park Crime - Is it displacement?

One thing that struck me when reading about the issues that Pitshanger Park is currently having with crime is that it was only a few months ago that Walpole Park had the same problems. It seems possible that the police are now in a game of wack-a-mole with the local criminal element and that all they can hope to do is get them to relocate when they launch a crackdown. Pitshanger Park will get the extra attention now but the problem will displace to another park and another neighbourhood will be blighted. The service doesn't have the numbers for a comprehensive lasting solution.

Gordon Southwell ● 1806d6 Comments ● 1791d

Rupa Huq's Eminently Sensible Approach to LTNs

What she has said seems to strike exactly the right balance. LTNs aren't a bad thing but badly conceived ones are. If they are meant to benefit local people let local people determine if they benefit. How is it possible to argue with that?

Andy Jones ● 1820d44 Comments ● 1792d

Renaming of Havelock Road

Havelock Road is a continuation of Western Road, so if "Havelock" for reasons long ago and far-away is disliked as a name why not Extend the name "Western Road" to include the Temple. This would minimise confusion as few actual addresses are on this section of road, providing they do agree. Changing names of roads is an unnecessary diversion from the huge issues facing the UK, and Ealing (Loss of airport related jobs) 

Colin Prior ● 1805d15 Comments ● 1794d

Gutter/Roof repair recommendations?

Thanks to our lovely weather the past couple of months, what was once a drip is now a downpour (slight exageration). Does anyone know of a good roofer who can reach the top floor of a four storey Victorian house?TIA

Terry Freestone ● 1840d4 Comments ● 1795d

No 15 Blakesley Avenue W5 - Planning enforcement

No 15 Blakesley Avenue has appealed to the Sec of State against the enforcement notice issued by Ealing Council. This is the property that has breached planning regs and built a single storey rear extension and an unauthorised enlargement of a basement extension. They are continuing to build and no doubt the plan is to use the property as self contained flats without permission. This is similar to no 59 Eaton Rise where the application was to convert a family home into 7 self contained flats. Don't let this one set the precedent for the others and whilst it may not be happening on your doorstep today, large family homes are being lost more and more to scrupulous property developers who think they have found a way to make money by overdeveloping into these spaces, with or without permission.If you can help preserve our conservation area please forward to neighbours and friends in the Ealing area and if they wish to comment on the appeal, please can you do so online at https://www.gov.uk/appeal-enforcement-notice/comment-on-an-appeal or you can email your comments to teame1@planninginspectorate.gov.uk or a letter can be sent to The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/23A, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol BS1 6PN. The appeal ref to quote is APP/A5270/C/20/3258722. LAST DATE TO RESPOND 5 JANUARY 2021.An application for planning has just been made by no 13 Blakesley Avenue (neighbours of the above and we suspect related parties) to convert a same double fronted home into 8 self contained flats. Again if you can please ask friends and family, neighbours to lodge their comments at https://pam.ealing.gov.uk/online-applications/PLAN/204232FULThanks for all your help neighbours! Please forward and share on all social media sites.

Rukhi Sohi ● 1799d2 Comments ● 1799d

Central car park in Ealing

Does anyone know why large areas of this are closed off? It fills up very quickly in the run-up to Christmas and I don't see how it's going to cope with half its spaces unusable.

Susan Kelly ● 1804d5 Comments ● 1801d

Car wash - is there a good one?

Have you used one and liked it? Hoping to find a full polish/wax to keep the car weather-proof for winter.

Mark Vale ● 1802d1 Comments ● 1802d

Law student seeks room to rent between Acton and Hayes

R is a refugee from Pakistan, studying law at University of west London. He is 32, speaks good English and is a serious, quiet and tidy chap. He's lived in my house for over a month and I can vouch for him.He needs somewhere to rent - would like it to be a room in a family home rather than a student flat share - somewhere between Acton and Hayes.He has a student loan and can afford up to about £400/450 a month. Can you help or know anyone who might have a vacancy?Many thanks

Sara Nathan ● 1808d4 Comments ● 1803d

Pile driving near Vanguard alongside the A40

I wonder if anyone out there in 'EalingToday land' knows anything about the pile driving works that have recently started up between the A40 and Perivale East Bus Garage (the garage adjoining Vanguard's site)?There's a yellow jib crane lifting whacking great long steel sheet piling, which is then being driven into the ground. I've trawled around the web but can't find anything about it on Ealing Council's planning website and can't readily see where to look on the Highways Agency, if it's something to do with the A40, or the Environment Agency, if it's to do with the River Brent.Also recently, what appears to be a safety guardrail has been installed on the roof of the existing bus garage building - does anyone know if any building development is going on there?Hoping you can help.Best regardsRICHARD BRITTLEBANK - resident in Brunswick Road

Richard Brittlebank ● 1814d2 Comments ● 1804d

How other boroughs do it better

The Future of the Great British Town Hall – everywhere but Ealing “There is no alternative but to talk to the representatives of the community who are actively going to participate in this [civic building] long after we as architectural practitioners have moved on to other things. The term I use? ‘Ruthlessly inclusive’” – Ivan Harbour, Senior Partner, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners Town Halls are architectural icons from an era of optimism and utopia, which aimed to give power back to local communities. Whilst the buildings still carry those founding principles, there is a perception that they have lost their connection to the community and many have fallen into disrepair.Local Authorities, but not Ealing, are increasingly finding inventive ways to reverse this decline by re-imagining town halls, re-establishing them as public assets, and often successfully placing them at the centre of local regeneration and industrial growth strategies.Ealing council have closed the local town halls in the borough leaving only Ealing. Ealing borough residents were not consulted about the future of the old Town Tall and had only a brief chance to view some boards in the Broadway Centre, the done deal for Perceval House. Unlike the boroughs in this webinar our Illustrious Leader and his cabal of nodding donkeys have no vision.  Senior council officers share responsibility, they are employed to adviseThis webinar shows what can be done. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdMYHiW-Ev4&feature=emb_logo

Libby Kemp ● 1810d2 Comments ● 1806d

Greenford Dump Online Booking System Problems

Is it just us or is anyone else having problems with the online booking system for the Greenford recycling centre?

Christine Mulligan ● 1806d0 Comments ● 1806d

Dangerous crossing Council to Blame

Many pedestrians cross Culmington Road between the two parks. There used to be dropped curbs a middle reservation and two illuminated bollards on the middle reservation islands. Result motorists driving up and down Culmington Road had a clear view of pedestrians crossing and vice versa. Safe? probably could have had a proper pedestrian crossing as at the other end of Lammas Park/Northfield Ave.Now we have planters distributed to block drivers clear view of pedestrians especially children (they tend to be shorter) and a great big gap an open invitation for drivers to pass through and they do especially when the white car with the camera in the roof ain't there.Not to be out-done there is a water jump 50mm deep for pedestrians to negotiate.This is a formula for an accident as they say waiting to happen.I have sent a number of emails over two weeks to the council and have had one unsatisfactory reply. What I call a Titanic reply along the lines that the iceberg shouldn't be there. No one cares and no one dares do anything because these LTN modifications are designed in Heaven and heaven forbid you should comment on them adversely.

Arthur Breens ● 1817d13 Comments ● 1809d

Warning for Culmington Road Residents

I spotted this alert on the roadworks update on this site. It looks like the council is set to try and install the modal filters for Culmington Road and the other nearby streets tomorrow morning. If those who believe these schemes are illegal want to stop it — they might be advised to be up early. 

Gordon Southwell ● 1836d38 Comments ● 1809d

Something Fishy About The Brexit Negotiations

The PM is disappearing off into the attic room in 10 Downing Street just as the Brexit policy he has championed is reaching a crisis point. He is now insisting on a rigorous interpretation of the rules having been exposed to Covid-19 because he had previously been totally unbothered about adhering to them. Whether this is because he wanted sometime away from Princess Nut Nuts or was hoping to catch up with The Crown and Breaking Bad we won't find out until he publishes his memoirs but whatever the reason his competence has once again been proven sorely wanting. Bad as the pandemic is, there is good reason to believe that a no deal Brexit would have more dire consequences for this country in the longer term. By Spring we hopefully will have a vaccine but the deleterious consequences of having no proper trading agreement with our neighbours will last for decades. The two things that seem to be driving us to no deal are the UK's government insistence on state aid and the issue of fishing. I can't begin to understand why a Conservative government would deem state aid to be so important — what on earth would Mrs Thatcher think? It was her driving forward the single market that significantly reduced government support across Europe for ailing industries and made the EU much more internationally competitive. I originally thought fishing was more straightforward. Although it is a tiny industry, fair enough that this country should be able to control its own waters. However, I now learn that most fishermen or fisherpeople as we now apparently must call them, don't want to leave the EU. This is because it has started to become clear that although British trawlers will be able to catch more fish, there will be nobody to buy it. We eat a relatively small proportion of the fish caught in domestic waters and the EU bought a large amount. These exports would now be subject to tariffs. Worse still more people are employed in processing fish than there are catching them and when a non-British ship currently brings in a haul from British waters it will go to our fish processing plants which are the largest in Europe. These ships will no longer bring their catch onshore because they would then be subject to tariffs so they will be processed in facilities in the EU. Because the catch of British ships alone will not be sufficient to make up the difference, so some of the processing facilities will inevitably close leading to large scale job losses in the industry. Is there anybody who still supports Brexit who can explain to me why if, even if the only industry supposedly benefiting from all this is being harmed, why we are going down this road other than the man supposed to be at the wheel has bu**ered off just when he is needed.

Gordon Southwell ● 1815d5 Comments ● 1809d

Morrisons Discount

If you're NHS, emergency services or military, Morrisons are giving you a 10% discount until Christmas. Just flash your card.

Susan Kelly ● 1811d0 Comments ● 1811d

Fireworks exploding till 3am on Sunday morning

Why is this illegal practice able to. Continue beyond 1100pm.Residents and animals suffer from lack of sleep and anxiety in the latter case.What happens now is a continuous barrage beyond Guy Fawkes and Diwali for the whole of November,irresponsible!Imagine the enormous cost involved at a time when the NHS is calling for funds.Beyond angry.      AR

Anthony Roden ● 1817d12 Comments ● 1812d

Lost Money Clip W13

Late afternoon walk along and around the Broadway today and when I arrived back home lost my money clip.Although silver mainly sentimental value and its return, if found, would be greatly appreciated. Finder can keep the money as a thank you.Will describe the item and contents in more detail to prove ownership. Any help would be a life saver. Please PM me if you can help

Philip Coe ● 1813d0 Comments ● 1813d

The War for Johnson's Ear

For anyone who has had the misfortune to study Tudor court politics what is happening in Number 10 seems depressingly familiar. Weak and incapacitated leadership from the top is leading to factions vying for power. It hasn't been stated explicitly in any of the news reports I have seen on this so far but it is difficult not to conclude that the Biden election victory has set this all off. Channel 4 did some proper investigative journalism to show the extent to which former members of the very small Vote Leave team now dominate at the Cabinet Office and Number 10.  This country has already had its reputation sullied by the current government but appointing someone who is best known for dressing up as a chicken as Chief of Staff would clearly have been a step too far. Channel 4 highlighted how the current cabinet has effectively been rendered powerless by the Cummings cliques grip on power so it has been left to the only apparent adult left in the room, Carrie Symonds, to act. The only possible argument for a no deal Brexit was that it would allow a transformative deal with the US which would partially compensate for the economic damage done. Biden may have called Johnson before other European leaders but it wasn't a sign of favour but to issue a warning about the Internal Market Bill and the Good Friday Agreement. Johnson has been told that if he continues on this path he will be very much on his on and it will be no deal with the US as well as with Europe which would be an economic disaster several levels up from what would have happened if we left without a deal under Trump. Today it looks alarmingly like a hostage situation is developing in Downing Street with Cummings and David Frost threatening to resign if Johnson doesn't stick to their programme. He may be tempted to give into their demands because a u-turn now would mean he would have to go back on all the pledges he made  after being elected.  However, there is some cause for optimism because it is hard to thing of a pledge that Johnson hasn't gone back on and there are signs that even a cabinet handpicked for their loyalty to Brexit are increasingly realising the current path is the one to national ruination. That said, if Cummings isn't out by the end of today I think it will be a very bad sign.

Gordon Southwell ● 1820d2 Comments ● 1815d

Test and Trace

Needed to allow easing of lockdown! Four months delay now for test and trace but lockdown easing going ahead. World class! Well South Korea are now starting to contact people within one hour. Strange language alleged from Serco who are involved in the running of it, they hope it will help to cement the private sector into the NHS supplu chain. Also is it correct a banker has been brought in to run it. See Guardian today?

Nicholas Beard ● 1980d22 Comments ● 1815d

Mik Sabiers - Promoted to his level of incompetence?

For all the stick Mik Sabiers gets it has to be said that he is a diligent hard working councillor. Whether his move in the cabinet shuffle is a sacking or promotion is hard to tell for sure but, God bless him, it is hard to see him not struggling with the housing brief. He was very into transport issues and therefore at least had a grasp of some of the key issues but, unlike Peter Mason, it is hard to see him developing a deep understanding of the challenges the borough currently faces. It looks very much like this is an appointment made on the basis of loyalty rather than talent.

Mark Evans ● 1819d5 Comments ● 1816d

Shared Bay Parking in Ealing - Not a Disaster After All?

I was very much against shared bay parking introduced earlier this year in Ealing. I thought it would encourage traffic in the area and make it much more difficult for residents to find parking near their homes.As far as I can see we have not been inundated with commuter parking although I don't live that near a tube station. The bays primarily seem to be used during the day by builders' vans and other vehicles providing services to local residents.One unanticipated side benefit is that previously when someone visited you had to pay for their parking with a voucher or through the app but now you can just direct them to the shared bay.Quite happy to admit to being wrong about this originally if other people can confirm they are see the same impact. This doesn't mean necessarily that it was a good policy - if the bays aren't being heavily used then they won't be generating the promised revenues and implementation was inept with signs having to be replaced almost immediately when the switch was made from Ringgo to PayByPhone. However, dire predictions made by me and others seem not to have come to pass.

Andy Jones ● 2354d2 Comments ● 1816d

Dangerous Hole

Dear Ealing council O/s 61 Highview Rd W13 0HA, there is a manhole cover broken on the footway.This is quite obviously dangerous & an accident waiting to happen.Most likely caused by a skip Lorry offloading.It is very difficult to try & report online without registering, downloading an app etc.I have made it public knowledge on here, so should you take no action & in case of legal proceedings, you are aware

Peter Yale ● 1817d2 Comments ● 1816d

Service Charge Survey - on behalf of SHAC

On behalf of the Social Housing Action Campaign Service Charge Survey for Housing Association and Cooperative housing tenants – November 2020Since our launch, we have received frequent and sometimes shocking reports about problems with service charges.Often, service charge bills are not itemised. When they are, sometimes after insistence by tenants, we find overcharging, charges for services that have never been delivered, duplicated invoices for the same service, and almost always they involve tenants paying more to the landlord than they should. It is often difficult to get problems addressed or overcharges reimbursed.We want to build a picture of the problem so that we can do something about it. Please help us by sharing your experiences.https://shachome.wordpress.com/service-charge-survey/

Libby Kemp ● 1816d1 Comments ● 1816d

Warren Farm

The Warren Farm proposals by BRCS sound good but will Ealing Council agree with them? For some reason all our local councils seem hell bent on developing every bit of our lovely boroughs, why do we bother to vote for them, they completely disregard our opinions once they have the power.

Roy Baker ● 1839d3 Comments ● 1819d

Transport Secretary admits new cycle lanes are leaving roads backed up.

Transport Secretary admits new cycle lanes are leaving roads 'backed up' with trafficGrant Shapps warns he is 'not prepared to tolerate' badly designed closures and cycle lanes, imposing 'sweeping changes' to communities. The Transport Secretary has admitted too many cycle lanes are being left “unused” with traffic “backed up” as a result of his green transport revolution, The Telegraph can reveal.In a strongly worded letter sent to councils, Grant Shapps has warned he is “not prepared to tolerate” badly designed road closures and new cycle lanes which are imposing “sweeping changes” to entire communities.And in a move that will infuriate cycling and green campaigners, he has declared the Government is not anti-car, explaining: “No one should be in doubt about our support for motorists.”Mr Shapps announced a £250 million Emergency Active Travel Fund in May intended to promote walking and cycling as the country emerged from lockdown. Councils were invited to apply for the cash by drawing up projects intended to entice people away from their cars and take more active forms of travel.However, critics have complained that badly designed road closures and new cycle lanes have in fact increased traffic and pollution on main roads, as well as reduced the number of people visiting high streets at a time when small businesses are desperate to recover from lockdown.Private residents have even launched legal action, claiming that because the schemes were introduced under emergency Covid powers, disability groups, local residents and businesses were not consulted, and consequently, normal local democratic procedures have been ignored.Meanwhile, so-called ‘Low Traffic Neighbourhoods’, where bollards and planters close off residential streets to traffic, have resulted in delays to 999 emergency response times as police, paramedics and fire crews encounter newly shut roads.The letter, sent on Friday to local authority transport bosses and local highways authorities and seen by The Telegraph, warns how a “notable number of councils used their funding poorly and were simply out of step with the needs of the local communities.”Mr Shapps continues: “I saw or heard from the public and parliamentary colleagues about far too many instances where temporary cycles lanes were unused due to their location and design, while their creation left motor traffic backed up alongside them; of wide pavements causing unnecessary congestion in town centres; and other issues that many have, rightly, reacted angrily to.”He explains how he had ordered his staff to “engage” with those councils where he had “concerns”, because badly thought out road closures and cycle lanes had been introduced.“Since then, numerous schemes have been scaled back and revised,” he wrote. “I am pleased with this, but the work will continue where local residents continue to have concerns.”He warns the second round of funding in the scheme could see some town halls receiving “considerably less” money if they fail to “embrace good design” or “consult their local communities”.He adds: “We all want to see the benefits that active travel brings to be realised, but poorly implemented schemes will make no friends for the policy or more broadly for active travel…“The crucial test is, does it deliver for the community it serves, and has it been done with their consultation.“Schemes must balance the needs of cyclists and pedestrians with the needs of other road users, including motorists and local businesses.“Only authorities which have passed these key tests will receive the funding they have asked for.“I want to be absolutely clear: we are not prepared to tolerate hastily introduced schemes which will create sweeping changes to communities without consultation, and ones where the benefits to cycling and walking do not outweigh the dis-benefits for other road users.”With The letter comes after thousands of people have held demonstrations and signed petitions forcing some town hall bosses into a series of humiliating U-turns after they introduced schemes with little or no public consultation.Last week, the Telegraph revealed how some councils were making hundreds of thousands of pounds in fines from motorists driving on newly closed roads.Projects in some parts of London have proven so divisive that planters have been daubed with graffiti and bollards ripped from the concrete. In one West London borough, opposition has been so vehement that police have had to attend to support council workers as they installed planters and bollards to close roads.So far, a total of £42,102,454 has been secured by 111 councils in England, including many London boroughs where opposition has been most vocal.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2020/10/17/transport-secretary-admits-new-cycle-lanes-leaving-roads-backed/

Bernard Allen ● 1844d19 Comments ● 1820d

Climate Emergency

Hotter  Colder  Wetter  Dryer.  Countries all over the world are suffering extreme weather change.Scientists have been warning us for over 30 years but little has happened. We need to move faster to reduce the rise in CO2.  Our homes need insulating against the cold and shading against the sun.  We'll need clean green energy for heating AND cooling.Have a look at the initiatives that are being taken all over the world to take greater care of our planet. https://ashden.org/climate-champions/#2

Philippa Bond ● 1851d15 Comments ● 1821d

Anyone Know?

If or how to upload/download a photo on here?Doesn’t seem to be an option. Thanks

Peter Yale ● 1823d11 Comments ● 1821d

Just testin'

Tony Wood ● 3804d30 Comments ● 1822d

Percival House skyscrapers

I've just received a leaflet showing that the Council are planning to replace the current Percival House with a series of skyscrapers, including one 26 storey high! This is right next to the Town Hall in the centre of Ealing.More information is on www.saveealingcentre.comand a shocking video, showing what this will look like is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcybRWxvVH0&feature=youtu.beWe have only a few days to comment on the application!

John Blue ● 1848d21 Comments ● 1823d

One bed rental Greater London

Hi,Does anyone know of any estate agents or landlords in Greater London that will accept tenants on a part Universal Credit rental asap.  They will have excellent refs.  If anyone has any ideas, I would be really grateful.  Email address: daniellefox80@hotmail.comThank you

Danielle Fox ● 1824d0 Comments ● 1824d

Join 3100 Hounslow residents in supporting a Vote of No Confidence in Hounslow Council

Join nearly 3100 fellow Hounslow residents that have signed this straightforward petition.It is a petition to support the Vote of No Confidence in Steve Curran and his Council Leaders on the 10 November.  It was started by a fellow Hounslow resident in Chiswick who like many residents across W4 and surrounds is fed up with the chaos and misery brought by Hounslow Council. Its pretty simple, put a name in, address and email link, submit and then make sure you click on the link in the verification email sent to you.  All the family can do it.  Pass on to your friends.https://petitions.hounslow.gov.uk/REVERSECHANGES/I received a link to this petition on Thursday whilst walking back on Chiswick High Road, having got off a bus at Goldhawk Road.  The air pollution was really bad that night as it was getting colder, chocked up with buses and cars.  From cycling and walking around the area and using public transport the issues are equally as bad all over the area of W4 and W3.  From comments on social media it appears that there is increasing evidence that the Council has real problems with its lack of consultation with the Emergency Services and potential conflicts of interest with at least 3 councillors now being investigated.   

David Riley ● 1824d0 Comments ● 1824d

Black Lives Matter peaceful socially distanced protest.

Tonight. 6.30pm-7pm. Outside St Marys Church, Acton High Street.A Peaceful Dignified Anti-Racist Protest Highlighting the Police Brutality on all the community and it's disproportionate effect on the Black Community.Bring a Candle, Flowers and Name to Remember to a life lost to police brutality.Love and Light to All

Anil Patel ● 1854d25 Comments ● 1827d

What Do Rising Levels of Covid-19 Infections Really Mean?

I was talking to someone whose opinion I respect the other day and he said that Covid-19 were only going up because more people were being tested. He said that if we had this level of testing back in March and April we would have seen much higher numbers than we did.It seems that this has to be wrong because otherwise senior government scientists wouldn't be telling us that there was a problem but I couldn't think of a reason why this might be. Can someone explain why the current rise isn't mainly to do with more tests?

Christine Mulligan ● 1869d11 Comments ● 1830d

Ealing Council Extraordinary Meeting Anti-climax

Perhaps not a surprise but it is disappointing nevertheless that no Labour councillors were willing to take a stand on the two main votes at the council meeting last night. I thought some of those in wards made most vulnerable by having LTNs imposed on them would have made some sort of gesture at least. The position of a large number of Labour councillors at the moment is effectively that they don't have confidence in Julian Bell's leadership of the party but do have confidence in him being in charge of the borough.

Gordon Southwell ● 1842d18 Comments ● 1832d

Jack Reacher comes to Ealing

Just in the process of reading one of Lee Child's most recent Jack Reacher novels. It is largely based in London. In it he comes to Ealing visiting a pawnbroker owned by a Serbian organised crime group which apparently somewhere where you would go if you want to buy a gun. The local gangsters also control the local mini-cab firm who take him to a car repair workshop near Wormwood Scrubs. It doesn't end well for the mobsters.

Andy Jones ● 1834d3 Comments ● 1833d

BLM protests completely ignore the daily black on black youth killings  ! Why is not mentioned ?

Black youths fill the total of MetPolice top 500 dangerous gang members and  are responsible for the vast majority of killings in London . Asian , Irish youths etc have family histories of oppressiion and killings by the British , yet do not behave liike this ? This behaviour in London has nothing to do with slavery or statues ! I have never seen the racial divide so bad in London . In the 70s in Notting Hill , Black , white , Moroccans lived as a community and we all lived together as friends and protected our community ! IBlack lives , all lives matter , so we need to debate and deal with these issues , and cure this increasingly bad racial divide !

Dennis Brogan ● 1834d0 Comments ● 1834d

Green Homes Grant: Make Energy Improvements to Your Home

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-green-homes-grant-schemeMany of our homes could do with double glazing or extra insulation.  There are some grants available but not for long.  Have a look to see whether you could make use of them to reduce your energy use and make your home more comfortable this winter.https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/green-homes-grant/

Philippa Bond ● 1849d21 Comments ● 1835d

sadiq khan and beheading

Did anyone catch Khan's comment on the Paris beheading? He's so fond of commenting on international affairs.  I can't find a word, nor from Ealing Council. It also comments on international atrocities when it suits  it.  Culturally sensitive perhaps?  

Andrew Farmer ● 1841d10 Comments ● 1840d

Is it any wonder Ealing is the worst affected?

...when this gets reported?https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-54564448

Raymond Havelock ● 1847d14 Comments ● 1840d

Black History Matters - Community Circle

Join us on Sunday 18th October at Ravenor Park at 10.30am as we hold a Safe Space to Share. This is a family-friendly Community Circle with a welcoming atmosphere and music. Meet your neighbours, exchange ideas and create social change. Creating a Open Community in Ealing to overcome racism together.Please Remember Distancing Guidelines.Supported By BLMWestLondonhttp://www.blmwestlondon.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/blmwestlondon/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuS23lZplfKqRZtXHMVTwEw/about?view_as=subscriberhttps://mobile.twitter.com/blmwestlondonInviting all individuals interested in overcoming racism locally to this safe space. We would love to hear from people who would love to offer their skills to the community. Come along, lets talk and introduce our beautiful selves to each other.Rough Schedule:10 am - 10.30 am : Meet and Greet - Introduction of Safe Space. @45 Ruislip Rd, Greenford UB6 9QD, Entrance to Ravenor Park from Ruislip Road.10.30 am : Opening Drumming, Chanting and Clapping Circle10.35 am: Open Mic - History10.55 am: Open Mic - Poetry11.30 am: Taking the Knee followed by Poetry and Yoga11.45 am: Open Mic - Black Business Shout Out12.15 pm: Open Mic - Community Circle12.45 pm: Well Being and Grounding12.55 pm Music Jam ( Bring your Instruments, Pots, Pans and wooden Sticks)1.15pm Anyone who would like to come and support All Black Lives UK March in the Central London. Marble Arch to Parliament Square 2pm-6pm Feel free to come with your spirit and energy to hear the speeches and raise the vibrations with your voices.https://www.instagram.com/allblacklivesuk/Aim-Bring the community together in a safe and healing space.Learn and share our History, Culture and Experiences with each other.Remembering the Traumas of the past and current. Healing with our SharingEmpower the Voices of Ealing and Wider Area. Coming up with local projects and ideas.A Litterpick if any rubbish is made of the area to ensure a clean and peaceful community action. Please bring a bag to put rubbish in.Let us know if you want to Help: Organise, Promote(social media), want help setting up Community Building like this in your local area.Looking for individuals connected to:Black BusinessesTherapistsYoga Instructors - Guided meditationsMusiciansPerformersPoetsIdeas on how to make it better for everyoneContact: blmwestlondon@protonmail.comIF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND

Anil Patel ● 1846d0 Comments ● 1846d

E2/E8 bus routes

On an E2 yesterday when an announcement was displayed about a diversion, followed by the driver making a further announcement which it was impossible to understand, then it took a diversion around Gordon Rd (I think) and ended up going round Haven Green. On my return waiting opposite the Town Hall an E8 appeared from Bond Street, not having shown up on the display. What is going on with these routes?

Pat Kingham ● 1853d6 Comments ● 1846d

A Local Coalition - CON / LIBDEM / Others to Oust Bell & Co.

How hard would that be?Get together NOW, hammer out a Joint Mainfesto (which hopefully will basically be "No politics, just run the Council, and provide Good Services") and work out a formula for the Ward Seat Allocation.They'd landslide it I'd have thought?

Rosco White ● 1859d24 Comments ● 1848d

Picturehouse cinema

With today's announcement of the indefinite closure of Cineworld cinemas, I wonder what effect this will have on the Ealing cinema project in Filmworks. Picturehouse are the company who I believe are going to be running the new cinema and they are owned by Cineworld...I had noticed a few 'brand' names disappearing off of the adverts for Filmworks, like restaurant chain Vapianos. With the empty retail space in Dickens yard and so many empty shops on the high street, I'm really not sure what they plan to do with Filmworks.

Anna Henderson ● 1858d11 Comments ● 1848d

Is this website a council mouthpiece?

Just wondered with the fluff article on how much safer London's roads are becoming with an oh so timely coincidence on the LTN scandals?VOTE THEM OUT

Colin Goodman ● 1856d6 Comments ● 1848d

DON'T SHOP AT SAINSBURY'S

DON’T SHOP AT SAINSBURY’SThey have set up “safe spaces” for black staff.  “These safe spaces”, they state,“helped our black colleagues come together, share their experiences and support one another.”Doing what? Stacking the shelves!This seems to me like an introduction of apartheid into the shopping experience. The revelatory word is “safe”.   Why are they not safe elsewhere in the shop?   It must be because there might be some of those “white-privileged” people about.  (I thought they all went to Waitrose.)This idea is ridiculous, an insult to their customers and RACIST.

Andrew Farmer ● 1855d44 Comments ● 1848d

LTN and ambulances

This afternoon  a man was found unconscious in the alleyway beside 13 and 15 Leighton Road. An ambulance was called. However, the paramedics spent 25 minutes trying to gain access to Leighton Road. They had no key for the bollard and so no way to unlock it and quickly access the man in need of medical attention.Eventually they had to park at the end of the road and walk to the site of the collapsed man.They said if it had been a more serious incident then that delay would have been life threatening.While the gap between the raised beds is big enough for the fire brigade and ambulance vehicles. That is of no consequence if the ambulance staff do not have a key.I have emailed Julian Bell and the councillors for Walpole and Northfields wards.  I want to be assured that all ambulance crews have a key to ensure quick access.

Christina Fox ● 1893d60 Comments ● 1851d

Napier Aero Engines, Heron Trading Estate, Acton.

If you Google Napier Aero Engines Roll of Honour, you will find an A-Z of former employees of the company. Do you have a relative living or now deceased that worked for Napier? Does anyone know if a company based next door to Napier's by the name of Shaw and Kilburn (engineers and coachbuilders) also have a Roll of Honour of former employees? There is no such list on the Internet. I can be contacted via this forum or at n.milkin@sky.com

Neil Milkins ● 1906d6 Comments ● 1851d

It’s started LTN

And so chaos starts. So far NO signs at start of Eccleston road to warn people and so they allow them to travel 99% of the way around the one way system to sudden reach a dead end at start of Felix Road. Tiny space and constant  stream of cars doing 3 point turns up on pavements while parents and children queue from the gate of St. John’s school. It’s bearly lite at night so expecting least one near miss or worse later. Now I have double the amount of traffic as they are have to double back and risk being run over outside my flat while they all trying get around each other. Two motor bikes and one bike already had close call with 3 cars trying reverse and then trying to swerve around. Low traffic neighbours ha. More traffic jams and more accidents. Hope it’s not anyone kids.

Erika Griffiths ● 1863d6 Comments ● 1853d

Plastics Recycling Ealing Borough

When green boxes were first introduced I happily threw everything plastic into them. Later I was told that plastic bags weren't allowed and so I stopped putting them into the boxes and the mixed recycling when it was introduced. Now someone has told me that only a small proportion of plastic is recyclable and I should put it in the general waste unless it is explicitly stated that it can be recycled. However, another person says that I should continue to put anything that might be recyclable in the recycling bin as it is sorted later so it is no problem to put something unsuitable in.Does anyone know definitively what the right thing to do is?

Tricia Arbuthnot ● 1872d14 Comments ● 1854d

Local Labour pays to cover up Bell's behaviour

Report on SKWAWKBOX (SW) 30/09/2020Exclusive: Labour pays out thousands to settle action brought personally against right-wing MP and council leader over unpaid bill.   Cannot copy full article for copyright reason.  Read it at: https://skwawkbox.org/2020/09/30/exclusive-labour-pays-out-thousands-to-settle-action-brought-personally-against-right-wing-mp-and-council-leader-over-unpaid-bill/I wonder what the hardworking people who pay to support local Labour think of this.  My opinion: morally disgusting. Questions need to be asked: who authorised the payment? etc..  They won't be answered but at least that will reveal the depth of unaccountable dishonesty that characterises Ealing's Labour Party.

Andrew Farmer ● 1862d10 Comments ● 1856d

Rats in Local parks

Went on an early cycle ride today not long after first light.Amazed at how many Rats I saw in Gunnersbury Park near the former Golf Course and Kid Playground and along the houses backing on from Popes lane and Lionel Road. Saw quite a few in Walpole and Lammas Parks as well, Quite brazen when approached.I don't usually cycle about this early or through parks early in the day so is this the norm?Whom does one report this to?

Raymond Havelock ● 1865d11 Comments ● 1856d

Recycling (or lack of)

Does anyone else in block of flats have no access to any recycling?? We used have many years ago but council “banned” us as some people would throw rubbish in. This was over 10y ago. . I Used to drag stuff around to Waitrose but now even they have gone so everything has to go in the bin. Wondered if anyone else in same boat? It’s 30 flats mostly families so a lot of stuff just going in the bin.

Erika Griffiths ● 1863d16 Comments ● 1861d

Bell on the brink

Vote of no confidence from fellow Labour councillors underway now!https://skwawkbox.org/2020/09/28/exclusive-councillors-to-spring-emergency-motion-of-no-confidence-against-ealing-council-leader-bell-at-any-moment-and-expected-to-succeed/

Simon Hayes ● 1864d15 Comments ● 1862d

TSB Closures

I wonder if Ealings will survive.They are shutting “as more people choose to bank online”CHOOSE???? What a load of cobblers.Banks helped ruin society.Back to basics (when you could freely walk in branches), only ever half the windows open with cashiers.Fat cats & obscene bonuses.ATM machines disappearing Pushing all of us to do it onlineCashless societyUsing Covid as an excuse to not handle money.The queues every day outside branches. Yet opening less hours & behind a solid screen, most protected workers anywhere

Peter Yale ● 1862d2 Comments ● 1862d

Is the nurse innocent or will she be fined or warned.?

Taking the advice of those who blame me for driving in the area, I loaded my rucksack with  3 kg of shopping from the supermarket and walked home to the Elthorne area.  I crossed the road by the Grosvenor only to see a car go through the barrier (tdhe central post is down). I pointed, with my walking stick, at the camera succinctly placed by above the visibility of a driver. The driver stopped. A nurse in uniform got out. “I am a nurse on duty”.  “OK”, I said “I hope you are exempt”. But is she? Anyway, to get around I think I will take more advice from a pro-LTN tweeter, and learn to use a motorised skateboard or electic scooter. It is the way to go for all 74 year olds.

Robert Worley ● 1866d3 Comments ● 1862d

RE: Bell on the brink.

Am I the only one that has commented but our replies/comments aren't showing when you open the Topic?

Rosco White ● 1863d1 Comments ● 1863d

Anti-LTN march in Ealing - should it go ahead?

Sympathetic as I am to the aims of the people marching, is it really a good idea at the moment to gather together in a group to protest against anything?

Tricia Arbuthnot ● 1883d38 Comments ● 1864d

Kim Jong Bell in the DM again.

For a minute, I thought the article said he had a hernia.  >>> https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8780309/Labour-council-leader-admits-plan-advantage-Covid.html

Tony Heath ● 1865d0 Comments ● 1865d

Kim Jong Gurn.

Kim Jong the Gurner.  Go straight to 0.51  >>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbFYNAJgEhc

Tony Heath ● 1866d4 Comments ● 1865d

Equality

Any one on here know how to contactCouncillor Joanna Camadoo-Rot