I think that, in the short term, South Ealing will be the first choice followed by Hanwell (as more Crossrail trains will stop there than at Hanwell station (only 2 per hour). However in the long term the area that will benefit most could/will be Southall, especially when (rather than if) the Gaswork site will be redeveloped. Unfortunately, at the moment, our local leading politicians do not seem to be able to think outside their narrow minded box.They are pledging to spend millions trying to regenerate the centre of Southall. However with the threatened future of Heathrow, the beneficial effect will be on a short term basis only and a limited one if of no value at all in the long term.First of all they have promised to build around 3,000 new homes to accommodate the present demand for homes in the borough. Crossrail is going to add to this demand. Whenever they will get their act together on the Arcadia site in Ealing, this may provide around 500 homes, the redevelopment of the major council estates may add another few hundred and few more in the Greenford Green redevelopment but the only site In Ealing that can deliver most of these homes is the Gas work – which for political reason they are opposing. They are also opposing any expansion at Heathrow airport. I wonder if they have asked themselves the question of what is going to happen to all those residents that rely on Heathrow for jobs. During and after construction, the redevelopment of the Gas work will create jobs and business opportunity for many. It will also have a beneficial ripple effect on the rest of Southall.
Rosa Popham ● 4776d