For the record - Greenford is actually part of the London Borough of Ealing
I have always been aware that some people have a poor opinion of Greenford, the area I've lived in for over twenty years, but the disdain and snobbery with which it is regarded by certain residents of central Ealing has become painfully clear recently. Over the last few days I have been engaged in a "discussion" on Twitter by someone who responded to a comment I made regarding the potential impact of HS2 on Greenford. I was under the impression that he didn't even live in the country because his knowledge of the area was so vague. He also seemed to think that high speed rail would benefit W7 and W13 postcodes, when it won't stop anywhere in the borough. In fact it affects UB6. When I pointed this out he told me that Greenford was part of Uxbridge!This may seem trivial but it turns out that this person lives in West Ealing, around three miles from Greenford. I have struggled to find much hyperlocal interaction in my area, which is very quiet in this respect compared to central Ealing, and am concerned that those whose comments about Greenford do make it online will dominate the debate. I am also angry that anyone feels qualified to comment on issues that will have a profound effect on an area they've clearly never visited.So, for the benefit of this person (whose ears are surely burning after the discussion I had about them last night):1. Greenford may have a UB6 postcode but it is part of your borough, along with Southall, Acton, Perivale and Northolt.2. You said that you know enough about Greenford to know that it needs improving. I walk past the end of your street to mine most weekday evenings and I only feel at risk from violence, dealers and drunks at your end. 3. Horsenden Hill is at least a quarter of a mile from the HS2 route. Perivale Wood, the second oldest nature reserve in the UK, is not and is at risk from HS2. 4. The neighbouring borough will benefit from employment created by HS2, not Ealing. Our borough will experience traffic congestion, noise and dirt as well as loss of trade and income. Who will want to stay in the hotels at Hanger Lane if the work is carried out 24 hours a day? 5. Crossrail may increase the value of your home because it will stop in West Ealing. Lucky you. HS2 will trash the value of mine. I will gain nothing from it. 6. Greenford may have a lot of warehouses and traffic. It also has Horsenden Hill, an ancient church, eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings and a music heritage worth bragging about.Finally I would ask residents of Greenford to stand up for themselves and our area. Don't let the snobs shout you down.
Albertina McNeill ● 5108d7 Comments