Forum Topic

Angry

Damn I’m so angry.Just had the Northfields Ward ‘Vote Labour’ leaflet through my letterbox.The claims of their ‘successes’ are scandalous!“Labour kept Northfield Library open and provided better facilities”.Only after a concerted campaign by, inter alia, Eric Leach and West Ealing Neighbours who fought this same Labour council’s plans to close it or, at best, man it with ‘volunteers’. This ‘battle’ was won despite the loaded ‘consultation’ exercise from this Labour council.“Labour built the Log Cabin Children’s Centre.”What a dreadful sleight on the tireless work for over 30 years by the dedicated leaders and volunteers along with the countless number who raised, and continue to raise funds to support this vital service. The council provided funds to restore a neglected resources which provides, through a charity, a vital service at far lower cost than the council could.“Labour increased primary school places and plans more at Elthorne Park High School”Is meeting a statutory obligation to provide primary school places an achievement? Any council would have to do the same. This is the same ‘colour’ of council that shamelessly embarked on school rebuilding programmes via PFI which will see us all paying for the new buildings long after they have reached the end of their viable life.Then, to add insult to injury, I notice that one of the  Labour candidates is Cllr. Varma. Is this the same Cllr. Varma who was  deselected by his own ward party? . If so, if he was not good enough for Southall Broadway what Damascene conversion now makes him good enough for Northfields?Anyone who values this borough should cast their vote for any party other than labour.

Nigel Brooks ● 4370d2 Comments

Thank you Mr Taylor for all your work and to your fellow Cllrs. in Northfields - we've been residents in Ealing(Walpole Ward) for over 50 years and we've seen good improvements to services and the environment - we appreciate the work others do. Good luck in your future ventures.

Gerry Tan ● 4370d

Nigel,Labour must think we are stupid to talk about the library like that.  Sue New stood outside the library and collected a petition of over 1,000 names pretty much single-handedly when Labour "consulted" on closing it.I presented a petition of over 1,000 names on behalf of residents of Northfield and Walpole wards who use Northfield library. Much of the work collecting signatures was done by the Northfield councillors but we got a lot of help from traders on Northfield Avenue who gave up selling space to make room for the petition on their counters. The Bramley Gardens development and the new Log Cabin was a huge joint effort.  To give credit where it is due it was a Labour council that signed off the capital investment - just like we did for a large number of childrens' centres when we were in power.  The Northfield councillors supplied the vision of joining up all the services on the site and redeveloping Bramley Gardens - assisted by the ward forum that cheerfully agreed to provide funds.  We insisted that we got private vehicles off the site and that there was internal bin storage so the whole site is dedicated to public use and looks great.  We suggested the side gate to increase footfall and insisted on retaining the handsome railings.  The site users worked well together and allowed us to get the site more densely used for public benefit.  The Conservatives started the primary building programme and insisted that we build high quality buildings and not put Portakabins in play grounds.  You are right that it is a statutory duty but both administrations have treated this seriously and acted promptly to ensure people get places for their children in Ealing.  I won't get into the Varma issue beyond saying that he is a nice man.  I am leaving Northfield after a very happy 8 years representing it.  My colleagues David and Mark are excellent councillors and Theresa will be great.  I do hope Northfield residents vote for them - I know they are all keen to do a cracking job for you.

Phil Taylor ● 4370d

well, they are desperate!

Jane Kelly ● 4370d