Not all journalists have written off W3
Hot on the heels of the controversial Telegraph article by local resident, Jane Kelly, comes a much brighter picture of Acton.
The Times 'Bricks and Mortar' section (Feb 8th) reviews this 'overlooked' area, which it says is now catching up with its 'chic neighbours'.
Focussing on property and prices, the article shows that Acton is very good value for money - with an average house price of £583,680 compared to Chiswick's £970,580. However one estate agent reckons you still have to go to Chiswick for a decent cappucchino (do you really?) 'but' he says, 'things are definitely changing.'
Acton's great transport links are one of the major draws and Crossrail, when complete by 2018, is expected to pull even more people to the area.
Churchfield Road gets a good review with mentions of the independent shops and bars, specifically;The Station House Pub; L'Oriental and Laura Forsyth's The Village Trading Store.
Primary schools have had to expand in the area to accommodate the growing population and the Holy Family RC school opened last year, and ARK is due to open next September. The high ranking Twyford Church of England school gets a plug as does Acton's Toby Young and his West London Free School.
Ending with details about the £17m regeneration of Acton Town Hall with its improved leisure facilities and swimming baths, the article reflects the area in a much more positive and appealing fashion than portrayed in the Telegaph. Rather than leaving W3, like the author Jane Reed said she would, it seems there are plenty of others moving in.
Winkworths estate agent, Narendri Gandhi, says the market has changed dramatically and there are now more families moving - and staying in Acton:
'' We see more buyers seeking to trade up locally, whereas previously sellers would look to move out of the area.''
What do you think? is Acton in decline (as per Telegraph article) or on the up (as per The Times)? Where do you get your cappuchino in W3? Discuss on the forum.
8th February 2013