Forum Topic

Ealing's Parks- A Scorched Earth Policy

Ealing has some wonderful Parks, why do some people desecrate them by having BBQs on the grass, when they are clearly prohibited?

Walter Wyeth ● 4626d8 Comments

"...a dedicated BBQ areaThose who use it rarely clear up after themselves"There are a few people who clear-up after themselves in parks. It was so hot last week, we sat in the shade in Walpole Park one evening. We watched a large group of youngish people having a picnic together(they were a local church group I think). When they finished their picnic and meeting each one went about picking up their rubbish and left the grass in immaculate condition. Some folk are very thoughtful I think.

Gerry Tan ● 4625d

If you left a can of Lech in a park in it's country of origin, you would be fined and  be searched and if you do not have any ID the fine is doubled.Is it because it is so slack here where the only fines are revenue raising fines but actual enforcement is a joke that so many abuse the freedoms here?

Oliver Gregan ● 4625d

Boston Manor Park has a dedicated BBQ areaThose who use it rarely clear up after themselves I walk my dog in Ealings parks and there's two things that make my blood boil beyond bubbling1. Other dog owners who don't pick up their dogs mess and use bins provided in almost all locations2. The epedemic levels of rubbish increasingly being left in parks from chicken takeaways to empty cans of LechSort it out people!!!

Colin Goodman ● 4625d

Parks are for all, but it seems as if BBQ users leave a disproportionate amount of litter and create a patch of earth upon which nothing grows!

Walter Wyeth ● 4625d

Parks are there for the recreation of all.It's quite true that more and more people are being crammed into flats and smaller and smaller accommodation and with that come lots of restrictions and curtails quality of life for a great many.People have barbeques in their gardens all the time. Some have gas barbeques which minimise smoke ( we now have one because the charcoal one was too smoky for neighbours, even though no-one ever complained, I felt it was not fair on them ).Some now have electric BBQs.Generally in a confined space/ small garden a charcoal BBQ is a bit of a pain for others.But people with their own space can generally do as they please.So why not those who are not fortunate enough to have a garden?In a park, those small charcoal disposable BBQs are not really a problem as long as they are used safely and correctly and people clear up.Parks abroad provide small BBQ areas and a fire post with water buckets and sand. all simple stuff and clear signage.The areas are kept nice so as to entice BBQers to use them. They also enforce the rules for where it is not allowed.What is highlighted is that there are no people enforcing the park by-laws and  looking after both the parks and those who use them.If people leave litter, or create a mess, or cause damage and fail to deal with it, fine them.They can manage it with a car parked in a CPZ for 2 mins or someone getting out of a car in Ealing Broadway, so why can wardens not be deployed to enforce park by laws?Park Keepers did and never had to fine anyone.There is far worse stuff going on in parks than someone whacking a golf ball or having a burnt sausage.Circles of teenagers drinking spirits, smoking dope, drug dealing, importuning and sleeping rough are all going on after dusk in Ealing's parks.So give me an errant golf ball or people enjoying a simple BBQ any day

Oliver Gregan ● 4626d

A few weeks ago, I saw a group of polish men sitting on the grass near the gallery having a barbeque. I contacted the number for parks and spoke to a man there, i think his name was Mark. He didn't seem the slightest interested or bothered. What he said to me was people don't have gardens anymore so they have to come to the parks to enjoy themselves. I then rang Ealing Council directly and spoke to a lady their and she said she would look into it but they no longer have rangers patrolling the parks after 5pm, so they can basically do whatever they like.I also saw a man playing golf in Walpole Park and I did think it was very dangerous especially if children or dogs were nearby, but also when I mentioned it to the rangers on the phone, they were not interested. So I figure, the staff responsible for the parks couldn't care less what happens. At the end of the day, it is only a 9-5 job for them. They probably don't enjoy it but have to work to pay the bills so the less work done, the better for them

Asha Smith ● 4626d

If you see it, report it to the Police. My friend in Wales had his hotel under threat from a grassland fire caused, it is alleged, by someone lighting a barbecue. As it was three hectares of grassland was lost and over thirty firefighters were in attendance.

Nigel Brooks ● 4626d

What annoys me about people having BBQs in the park is when they have finished they walk away and leave all there rubbish behind and refuse to use the bins

Jack Ryan ● 4626d