Local Lib Dems seek residents' views on maintenance of park

"Over the past couple of years Ealing Council has allowed Acton Green to be used without the proper maintenance of the Green as well as not controlling the fun fair companies who use the Green," states Lib Dem Councillor Gary Malcolm.

"The overuse without proper control has led to drainage and the extended damage to Acton Green after many events."

After a campaign led by Cllr Malcolm, Ealing Council has now agreed to make improvements however, the extent of the proposals depends on local opinion.

Suggested improvements include:

• Ensure the drainage problems are solved;
• Guarantee that hirers are more fully monitored when arriving and leaving Acton Green to reduce damage to the Green and the trees (like Turnham Green and Chiswick Back Common);
• Ensure that hirers leave quickly after hiring Acton Green so that the community can use the area again;
• Repair any damage caused by hirers quickly;
• Institute a better cleaning regime to reduce litter;
• Clean up the fun-fair advertisements which are left for a long time after fun-fairs have left the area.

According to Council papers, revenue generated by the programme of community events in parks (including funfairs and circuses) is estimated at £75k in 2009-10. This income is used to offset the cost of running Ealing’s Festival and Events programme throughout the borough. The local impact of events such as funfairs and circuses needs to be considered in this light.

A Council committee is currently looking at the issue of parks generally but Southfield Ward Lib Dems want residents to give them their viewpoints of and suggestions for Acton Green so they can approach officers again with a larger group of opinions.

The council report can be read here. Views on the use of Acton Green can be emailed to southfield@ealinglibdems.org.uk

January 29, 2010