Liberal Democrats would strengthen ward fora

Over the past couple of years Ealing Council have made lots of small changes which have led to ward fora meetings being less effective or relevant to residents.

Liberal Democrats believe that to get more people involved in the Council decision making process, the Council needs to be proactive and make ward forum meetings more likely to encourage residents to attend.

I remember when ward forum meetings hosted some interesting debates about wheelie bins, the possible closure of the 94-bus terminus, whether or not to light Southfield Rec and discussing Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs).

Instead the Labour party have reduced the publicity so fewer people know about the meetings. 

They have reduced the budgets so fewer schemes can be introduced.

In Southfield we are the ONLY ward in the 23 in Ealing borough, who have four ward meetings a year. All but two only have two meetings a year! How last is that?

We also make a great effort to involve residents’ associations, the police and other bodies who attend to speak to residents as well as give some useful ideas for projects that we can fund. 

Over our time these have included:

·         New lights for half of Southfield.

·         Planting of a huge number of trees spread across the area.

·         Improvements to all our parks and playgrounds.

·         Cycle hangers to help residents store their cycles safely to avoid being robbed.

Another perverse change is that minutes will not be taken and instead only action points. This may seem sensible but if there are missing action points, how can they be verified without more detailed minutes!

The Liberal Democrats have a more proactive approach to ward fora meetings. We believe that a much higher share of the environmental budget can be allocated to each ward in Ealing borough. This will mean that Councillors and ward forum meetings can allocate budgets on a combination of demand and the priorities of each ward.

This approach is more devolved and democratic and it would give each councillor a greater responsibility. Residents would see who the hardworking and effective Councillors are.

It is regrettable that Labour-run Ealing Council are allowing many ward fora to rot so they can make their cuts without taking the blame. The Liberal Democrats approach is to keep on fighting and linking in with residents who want to see improvements in Acton and Chiswick.

Southfield Park Triangle Residents' Association AGM

Despite the cold weather this morning I attended the Southfield Park Triangle Residents' Association AGM this morning. Once in the local scout hut there was coffee which was welcomed by the residents who had already arrived.

Their meetings are never boring and procedural. They chat about local matters and often have the police and ward councillors, including myself, in attendance to answer questions about some of the current topics of interest.

One issue that was raised was a social summer party in June. Last year it was great - they have face painting for the children, a BBQ, a Pimms bar, a baking table and refreshments plus music were readily available. It aims to break even or raise a little money. The atmosphere was great and I look forward to this event next month!

I have been asked to do the BBQ so given I like cooking this should be a nice afternoon. Hopefully the weather will be nice. Fingers crossed. I was lucky in last year's raffle so might buy a few tickets this year. Again, fingers crossed. If I lose then any monies raised by the event is ploughed back into the future social events so residents can have more fun.

The serious issue of the proposed Thames Tunnel was then raised. A meeting has been organised with representatives from Ealing Council, Thames Water so that residents can ask questions and see Thames Water's current proposals about the tunnel. A website with more information is here.

If you want to see more about what the Southfield Park Triangle Residents' Association are up to check out their website.