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A Third rate Borough in a Third rate Country

I'd give Tony a standing ovation for his comments . Ealing once described as The Garden Suburb has been so neglected that it will take a great deal of courage to turn the corner. Yes John Stacey did show some gumtion to bring about an up-lift to this Now dreary Borough. There are now so many issues that it would take a special kind of politician to make a difference. I cannot believe there is even one Labour Politician with the Courage to even try.

Os. A. Whittle ● 5613d14 Comments

He has a reputation as a fine Arts film maker - he upset the Menuhin family mightily with his portrayal of Yehudi - though some would say it was fair enough. He has also done many other artists such as Vaughan-Williams. Is often acclaimed.He was also chair of CARA - residents'association on Ealing/Acton borders campaigning for a better built environment mostly.Not sure of the rights and wrongs of what he actually said - but he has achieved in his own field...even if some posters hadn't heard of him.

Sara Nathan ● 5608d

The main concern is the lack of vision and creativity within the council. i agree with the article even if some words are unfortunate

Peter Chadburn ● 5608d

I would agree - as a 72 year old who knew Ealing with a thriving town centre:  3 department stores (Bentalls, Sanders and Rouses), and no less than 4 cinemas:Walpole (Bond St);  Palladium (New Broadway)Forum (Broadway)    Lido (West Ealing Broadway)Help!  Moving out is the answer if nothing is done

Mary Scanlan ● 5608d

Most unfortunate to talk about a third rate country. Yes the sun went down over the empire at Suez and the blimps cant't quite geddit. Actually we are economically still one of the great trading nations in the world. Ealing and the UK is not exactly the Sahara desert let alone a third world country.However this unfortunate expression has diverted people from the main thrust of what he is saying.What he is saying is that conduct in the Council meeting was third rate. If you have not been to a meeting you will not know. However the standards of professionalism and conduct in some Council meetings are third rate. What is badly needed is a recording of what goes on so the public can experience proceedings on the internet. As some Councillors are probably aware that proceedings need improvement they are perhaps too ashamed to allow us to see how democracy does or does not work.Palmer's message in the third last paragraph of his article needs to be thought about as a priority. Ealing is in decline compared to some of its neighbours and the Council does not have the vision to change it. That is shameful unless you don't care.Stick to the point.

George Knox ● 5612d

Mr Palmer's totally unrealistic expectations for central Ealing betray a lack of understanding of the financial realities facing local councils in London boroughs. Even Boris would struggle to muster the necessary planning powers to address Mr Palmer's demands.As to the financing of the project, the costs of installing a new road system, on their own, would outweigh the sources of income he suggests might pay for his blueprint.I had not heard of Mr Palmer before today, and therefore cannot pass judgement on whether or not he is a third rate film maker. However, I suggest he sticks to this field where government subsidies and tax breaks enable things to be done that are not achievable in the commercial world.

Kevin Hone ● 5612d

Thank you for your response, you are correct in as much as volunteers are not protected by employment law. To mitigate the risks and to guard against exploitation at Volunteer Centre Ealing we have procedures and policies which safeguard volunteers. These include  including minimum registration requirements for volunteer involving organizations, the Ealing Volunteers Charter which was signed at the Local Strategic Partnership and have also signed up to the London Volunteers Charter. Please let me know if you are aware of exploitative or unsafe volunteering practices in the borough by telephone or email and we will intervene.Lizzie SaundersVolunteer Centre ManagerEaling CVS 020 8280 2241

Lizzie Saunders, Volunteer Centre Manager ● 5613d

Message removed

Robin Taylor ● 5613d

Ealing, like the rest of London is generally a place of diversity and tolerance.Voluneering however, seems a great idea, but what protection is given to volunteers?  Employees have rights, volunteers seem to have little or no legal protection, is this correct?

G Lord ● 5613d

I beg to differ - Ealing Borough is a great place of enormous diversity and tolerance, many thousands of people help each other and volunteer for the benefit of others.As Volunteer Centre Manager I see the very best of the people who offer their services for free and some brilliant projects which support people in need and the local environment.  We award volunteers who achieve 100 hours of voluntary service undertaken within a 12 month period. I do agree with Tony that regeneration through shopping is not a sustainable way forward.  I suggest regeneration through consultation is likely to be more successful and sustained.

Lizzie Saunders, Volunteer Centre Manager ● 5613d

I agree with the words but why do the pictures of Tony's own vision appear to have an X Box 360 plonked at the back.  Can we have an architect competition for building designs instead of developer lead constructions as in the Arcadia plan?

Beth Hales ● 5613d

Which did Tony Palmer say - third Rate or third World country? Both seem to be swapped about willy-nilly. For me he could only have said Third Rate. The state of Ealing is bad enough without others diverting it into racialism. His description of the council meeting he attended made me sick to the stomach. Who are these braying nonentity councillors that determine our future?  How did we all come to elect them? When I look at the plaque commemorating Councillor Jones in the late 19th Century and all that he achieved, let's just mention the enclosure of Walpole Park, his late 20th Century successors have left only rubbish to show.

Tony Williams ● 5613d

What do you mean by "indigenous Brits", and what exactly are you implying about "non-indigenous" ones?Forum code of conduct:"Respect Others This site encourages everyone to treat each other with mutual respect. Do not use the Forum to threaten, harass, stalk, or abuse others participating in the Forum. Refrain from all expressions of bigotry, racism, hatred, or obscenity."

Gerald Cabb ● 5613d

RE " the 'Queen of boroughs'? "        xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx    Queen of the Suburbs I think you will find it was Keith, and then and for many years after I was pleased and proud to be a resident of Ealing, now I am ashamed. Too much akin to a third world place and which will get worse and worse as the number of indigenous Brits declines.

Tony Price ● 5613d

When I first moved to London in 1977 wasn't Ealing referred to as the 'Queen of boroughs'?

Keith Iddon ● 5613d