Buddhist Vihara parking permit petition cancelled by Council

Ealing Council made a decision at the end of last year to reduce the number of groups who were eligible for parking permits. This included the organisers of the Buddhist Vihara on The Avenue, many of whom do not live in the area.

Sadly they were not consulted and their initial requests for information were ignored until local Southfield Liberal Democrat Councillors got involved.

Receiving the petition in the Vihara

I was asked by one of Vihara’s management to visit them and to be presented with a petition. I handed in the petition and since then they have collected more signatures – about 500 so far with more being collected!

Many people have been annoyed that the large increases in the annual cost of the parking permits as well as the huge increase in visitor’s vouchers. It is sad that Ealing Council did not think to consult users of the permits to listen to their views.

It is no wonder many people think the Labour-run Council does not want to listen to people’s views. If you have any issue or grievance with Ealing Council or would like a petition handed in for you please let me know at gary.malcolm@ealing.gov.uk

Lib Dem Councillors Celebrate 30 years of the Gunnersbury Triangle

I was lucky enough to attend the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve on Bollo Lane recently.

Fellow local Southfield Councillor Andrew Steed was also present. Despite there being a large set of flats next door the wildlife reserve gives a great chance for kids to learn about nature in this hidden beauty off Bollo Lane.

The two mayors cutting the special cake

We were lucky to have the Mayors of both Hounslow and Ealing to cut the cake which was baked by a volunteer of the Triangle.

I still regret the time when the flats which now overlook the reserve, was approved after a Conservative Councillor in Ealing voted for the development.

Wildlife experts were against the building of those flats including David Bellamy.


A fun afternoon was had, despite the rain!

Councillor Andrew Steed and I with the two local mayors