Ealing Council’s highways team has been shortlisted for a national award for its work on improving local shopping parades.

The London Transport Awards 2013 recognised the council’s work after £1.5million was spent sprucing up 10 tired-looking shopping parades between winter 2010 and summer 2011.

They were The Avenue (West Ealing), Lady Margaret Road (Greenford), Oldfield Circus (Northolt), Queens Parade (North Ealing), Greenford Avenue (Hanwell), The Vale (East Acton), The Vale (East Acton Park), Horn Lane (Acton main line), Ruislip Road (Greenford), Beaconsfield Road (Southall).

Under the programme roads and pavements were resurfaced, park benches, rubbish bins and signs were installed, new trees planted and the areas were made safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

New disabled parking bays were also installed near to health centres and chemists shops. And parking and loading restrictions were simplified to make it easier for people to visit their local shops. More parking and loading spaces were also introduced where possible.

Before the works took place, local residents and traders were asked what improvements they wanted and had input into the design.

Following on from the success of these 10 local schemes, the council has decided to fund £500,000 of improvements to a further five shopping parades. The next areas to receive a face lift are:

* Dudley Road, Southall
* Greenford Road, near the junction with Kings Avenue
* Ruislip Road, near the junction with Ferrymead Gardens
* Oldfield Lane North, near Greenford station
* Southfield Road, Acton.

Work has already started on the Dudley Road site and the rest will be started in early 2013.

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport and the environment, said: “I’m delighted that the highways team’s work has been highlighted in this way. Local schemes like this make a big difference to people and businesses and go a long way towards helping to make Ealing a better place to live.

“The first 10 schemes were successful and well supported by residents and local traders which is why we are investing £500,000 in another five areas.”

 

 

12 December 2012