Regular update from South Acton
Dear Residents,
The end of July and most of August is always comparatively quiet because the council does not meet and parents and children are on holiday. However, this year we have had two weekend stabbings and a possible shooting in Acton.
The police have taken what steps they can with increased patrols but they depend on the vigilance of the public and information to forestall further knife and gun crime. I am glad the people of Acton are taking matters in their stride and that there is no fear or panic but we have to do our best to remove this cancer.
As deputy mayor, I was able to say farewell to Chief Superintendent Sultan Taylor, who has gone to Bramshill Staff College, and to welcome the return to Ealing of Chief Superintendent Andy Rowell.
South Acton Ward Forum met on 21st July at the Centre for Armenian Information & Advice in Mill Hill Road, where about fifty residents were made very welcome by Misak and Diana Ohanian.
The councillors reported that we hope work will start on the "Tesco crossing" in October, work on security improvements in Woodlands Park is almost complete, the ward will pay for Richard White's commemorative plaque, more trees will be planted, Ealing Common Ward has agreed to co-operate with stop and shop bays at the Common and we will provide signs for the Armenian Centre and South Acton Parish Church, although we hope Southfield Ward will also help with the costs of the latter.
There were discussions about dropping passengers off at Acton Town Station and anti-social behaviour and misuse of parking facilities in Mill Hill Terrace and Crown Street, which we have followed up with council officers and the police. We will set up a separate meeting with residents who live near Twyford Sports Ground and we are still awaiting a report on the fire there.
Yvonne [Johnson] reported on the current position with Acton Town Hall regeneration. We are hoping to set the dates for the next meetings when Yvonne's school duties are known and will make them known via this website as well as in Around Ealing.
The cycle racks which disappeared from the High Street last year are now back on the southside.
I had the honour to lead the procession and open Acton Carnival this year. I attended the London Mela in Gunnersbury Park and was photographed in the pouring rain at Perivale Athletic Track with the mascot of the Para-Olympics.
Yvonne and Cllr Hitesh Tailor, the new cabinet member for Housing, attended Harleyford Manor's barbeque and enjoyed it very much.
I attended the meeting of CASH (The Campaign for Action on Sheltered Housing) with Ealing Homes and council officers and have followed up a number of the points which were raised.
I attended a meeting at Berrymede Junior School with the head, Ms Khan, Bollo United and South Acton football clubs, Extended Schools, L&Q, Housing Regeneration and the Parks Service to see what can be done about more effective use of Berrymede Open Space as a recreation area rather than the current cross between a swimming pool, desert and dogs' lavatory.
Apparently, because it is designated open space, it has to be reclassified with the agreement of the Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government, which means a long wait even if it is possible.
L&Q is the new developer on South Acton Estate and will shortly be producing plans for consultation. An assessment of housing needs for tenants in some of the blocks around Bollo Bridge Road will commence shortly.
Finally, it was my sorrowful privilege to speak at the memorial for Joan Baker, MBE, last Friday at Michael Flanders Centre, with Glen Barnham, one of my predecessors as a South Acton councillor, when it was Heathfield Ward. Joan died and was buried while I was on holiday last month. She and I were both chairmen of Age Concern Acton and Joan was also a member of the Mayor's Charity Committee, organiser of the mayoress's markets and fund raising for the Lifeboats, the Army Benevolent Fund and Victim Support as well as being a magistrate and very active in the Co-op Movement. Her energy and enthusiasm, which she maintained until nearly ninety, will be sorely missed.
August 17, 2010
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