Forum Topics

FREE Electrical Fixing and Training Workshop - October 2025

Ealing – 9th October 2025Are you ready for a new career? 🛠️ Action West London are offering FREE Electrical Fixing and Training Workshops in West London.Our first workshop will be with our partners at Greener Ealing and is on 9th October in Greenford.At this workshop you will learn:✅How you can get into a career in repairing small electrical items✅Get the chance to watch small electrical repairs take place ✅Find out how we can help you in pursuing a funded electrical fixing qualification, and start a new career path.This opportunity is for you if: ✅ You are unemployed. ✅ You live in one of the following west London boroughs, Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Brent or Richmond. ✅ You're interested in learning how to fix small electrical items.Learn a new skill, get certified, and help the planet! 🌍Find out more and register your interest: https://actionwestlondon.org.uk/projects/repair-learn/

Zahra Shah ● 45d1 Comments ● 42d

Market Research for West London Sauna & Plunge Facility

Dear Neighbours,I am doing some market research for a new Nordic-style, sauna & cold plunge facility in west London. East and south have the wonderful community sauna baths but there's nothing similar in the west. Please can you take 2 mins to answer these short questions and share the survey link with anyone who might be interested in this. All answers are anonymous and you don't need to log into anything to respond. https://forms.gle/uLa8maa2xq1HCKBA7

Clare McKenna ● 44d0 Comments ● 44d

Racket from Gunnersbury Park

I live in the Goldsmith’s Estate area and have been subjected to the appalling noise  (racket)from the ‘festival’ in Gunnersbury Park for 2 days now!! Those living near the park you have my sympathy. You can register your complaint to Hounslow Council on 0208 583 2222. Ealing Council can only pass any complaint to Hounslow.

Louisa Asker ● 46d3 Comments ● 45d

Missing Tabby Cat

Our tabby cat Lola has gone missing. She is part British Shorthair so has a very round flat face and is quite stocky. She is microchipped but does not have a collar.  We live in Chaucer Road and Lola often hangs round in our cul de sac. She can be very friendly. Recently though she has taken to going further afield including propping up the bar in Vindinista.  Last week she appeared with a blue collar on so someone may have taken her in thinking she is a stray. We took the collar off.  We haven’t seen her now for six days. Please let me know if you see her. Thanks Jo

Jo Warren ● 49d0 Comments ● 49d

The Talbot pub tower

I'm still not entirely convinced that this application is real but rather is an elaborate prank. It makes no sense. A pub couldn't survive there without flats above it with residents complaining about the noise so you aren't going to be able to get a tenant to take it on. It might be worth keeping an eye on what Ealing Council can and will do to make sure that an active pub is a condition of permission to build and continued occupancy of the flats. The danger is that the upper floors get build and then a few years later the pub is converted to residential because it is unviable.

Alan Fairchild ● 56d4 Comments ● 51d

Pond in Acton Park

Evening all,Anyone know what has happened to the pond in Acton park (it has looked somewhat sick for a while now ) and if the council has plans to revive ?

Tom James ● 111d8 Comments ● 52d

37 Housing Units in Acton

Whoever gave planning permission for this development - clad in firewood?Who designed it?Why did Ealing Building Control not notice the significant structural defects.Can we have a list of the heads which will be rolling, please?

Robert Shaw ● 83d17 Comments ● 53d

Ealing Council ‘well-led’ according to expert review  😁

Ealing Council ‘well-led’ according to expert reviewNews - 28 August 2025A new report from a team of independent senior local government figures has concluded that Ealing Council is ‘well-led’ and ‘moving in the right direction’. The Local Government Association (LGA) recently sent a delegation of experienced council leaders  and senior council officers to conduct a comprehensive review of Ealing Council’s finance, performance and governance. The team spent 4 days at the council providing ‘robust, strategic and credible’ challenge to the council’s senior management as part of a Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC), providing a ‘critical friend’ assessment.   In their final report, the team notes that: Ealing Council is well-led and demonstrates ‘effective and collaborative political and managerial leadership,’ noting that both council leader Peter Mason and the council’s chief executive, Tony Clements, are ‘widely respected’ the council has ‘achieved much under the current political and managerial leadership’ and is moving forward in the right direction with a ‘strong and purposeful vision for change’ the council is focused on improving outcomes for its residents across the 7 towns, and the peer review team observed clear evidence of a ‘transformative drive within the council’ to establish the foundations to achieve this vision  in particular, it’s been a ‘significant achievement’ to move children’s services in the borough from ‘Requires Improvement’ before May 2024, to ‘Good’ today. The report also highlighted the borough’s success as:one of the top 3 performing councils for recycling in Londonbeing rated among best performing councils in London for dealing with planning applicationsPrioritiesThe council has 9 ‘resident-focussed priorities’ and 3 cross-cutting objectives around climate, equalities, and jobs. The peer team noted there is a ‘robust’ performance management framework in place to help deliver the plan. In addition, the council’s new Connected Communities vision – putting residents lived experiences at the heart of decision-making – has the potential to ‘radically transform outcomes’ for the residents of Ealing and the way the council operates.Council leader Peter Mason said: “When I became leader, we set out to become the kind of open, transparent and inclusive council I knew the residents of Ealing wanted us to be. I’m incredibly proud that the improvements we have secured have been recognised by the LGA in their thorough and independent review. “We continue to be relentlessly focused on getting the basics right, holding ourselves to the standards that our residents expect from us, and being ruthlessly efficient in getting the best value for taxpayers’ money. We know we still have more to do, as we always will.”He added: “This is the heart of our new approach to building stronger communities, full of pride, identity and purpose. Ensuring everyone gets to benefit from the growing prosperity in our seven towns. Delivering on our promise to give people power and control over the future of their neighbourhoods.”Read the full report on the council’s website.https://www.aroundealing.com/news/ealing-council-well-led-according-to-expert-review/Forum Home

Rosco White ● 62d4 Comments ● 55d

Octopus Energy

Hi,Just wondered if anyone is a customer of Octopus Energy and what has been their experiences with them.Considering transferring to them. Thanks,

Ana Strachan ● 78d6 Comments ● 56d

Met ENGAGE

Dear Residents If you would like to be updated with local issues and operations from your local police please e mail me with your name and address and i will add you on to Met Engage so you can keep up to date. You can also contact your local police though this new system. My Email Address is sarah.kearney@met.police.uk

Sarah Kearney ● 56d0 Comments ● 56d

Missing ginger and white cat called Buddy

Birkbeck Rd/Burlington Gardens area. Over a week and much missed by family and their little girl.  Please let me know if any sightings and please check sheds/garage. Many thanks

Mel O'Brien ● 79d5 Comments ● 56d

Opting out of the Winter Fuel Payment

If your income is over 35k and, like me, you don't want HMRC monkeying about with your tax code any more than they do already, then you have until September 14th to opt out online.https://submit.forms.service.gov.uk/form/7964/opt-out-of-winter-fuel-payment/29643

Susan Kelly ● 61d0 Comments ● 61d

Vote for your favourite independent cinema

https://www.bifa.film/coty-vote/I've put my vote in for Act One. Please feel free to join me.

Susan Kelly ● 65d5 Comments ● 63d

Acton Real Ale Festival (29th-31st Aug)

Welcome to the second Acton Real Ale festival.In cooperation with our friends at Portobello Brewery, we have curated a selection of more than 20 cask ales from a wide range of independent, provincial and micro breweries, with styles including mild, best bitter, porter, IPA, stout, real cider and much much more! Our friends at the Pint of Hops beer shop will be complementing these with a choice of international bottled beers.You will be able to vote for your favourite beer and the winner will be announced on Sunday evening. Last year's winner was Brentwood’s Marvellous Maple Mild. Were that not enough, we have arranged a panoply of entertainment, with comedy acts on Friday, live music on Saturday, and a charity raffle and table quiz on Sunday to raise funds for Stonewall Housing. There will also be a barbecue on all three days with V/VG options available. Children and families more than welcome until 1900h all three days.Our core range of rotating cask ales, keg craft lager and cider, Guinness and a rare cherry sour beer, along with fine wines, soft/hot drinks and bar snacks will of course also be on offer.Please join us at the West London Trades Union Club on Friday 29th August, Saturday 30st Aug/Sunday 31st Aug: 12pm - 11pm. You will find us at 33-35 High Street, Acton, W3 6ND (look for the red door) on the Uxbridge Road. All are welcome, entry is free.PUBLIC TRANSPORT:From the West, buses SL8, 207, E3, 218, 266, 70, 440 stop at Acton Old Town Hall.From the East, buses SL8, 207, 70, 440, 218 stop at Acton Central Station.On the Overground, Acton Central Station is approximately a 6 minute walk away. Turn left out of the station and take the first left down Birkbeck Road. On reaching the main road, we are across and to the right.On the Tube, Acton Town is a 15-minute walk away, or take the E3/70 bus; alternatively, go to Turnham Green and take the E3 bus.For accessibility assistance please see our website: https://wltuc.com/accessWe are looking forward to seeing you! If you have any queries, please email Emily at secretary@wltuc.com.

Patrick Green ● 67d2 Comments ● 63d

North China Restaurant

We moved out of Acton to North Devon a few years ago and this evening over a Chinese meal, we were discussing the times when we used to eat at or order from the North China in Acton.Imagine our shock to discover, according to a TripAdvisor review, that the owner, Lawrence, sadly died in 2023 (the review from 2024 just quotes "last year"). Lawrence was a friend to our family for many years. It's good to see that this Acton staple is still going as reviews are still being posted, so it is obviously in safe hands.

James Vertigan ● 104d1 Comments ● 65d

CV update required

My laptop has packed up and I need to add my current job to my CV asap.  If anyone knows a CV service or can do this, I will pay for their time!

Danielle Fox ● 67d0 Comments ● 67d

Microsoft experts

Are there any microsoft experts in the Acton W3 area that csn come and sort out a virus problem? We are happy to pay for your time.  Please call or text on 07904 631 038

Danielle Fox ● 67d0 Comments ● 67d

Fire in Park Royal Monday Evening 18 August 2025

Did any reader see what looked like smoke billowing from Park Royal around 6 - 7pm last night, Monday, 18th? I have checked the BBC website and local media but nothing seems to have been reported. I could not tell exactly where it was but it looked north of Western Avenue but not as far as Wembley.

John Stuart Gallagher ● 72d0 Comments ● 72d

Barclays Bank, Acton

Hi,Does anyone know who is moving into Barclays Bank?Work is taken place inside currently.

Ana Strachan ● 76d0 Comments ● 76d

restore Victorian tiled path

Anyone here recently restored their garden bath and can recommend a tiler. The path is Victorian and Id be glad of a recommendation .

Maire Lowe ● 81d2 Comments ● 80d

Six Bells renovation

While the Belvedere site looks like it will not be re-opening as a pub given the planned tuition centre as per W3 headlines, the Six Bells further up the High Street opposite the Market Square area and closed since Covid I believe, has been undergoing a major outside painting refurbishment.Does anybody have any news and details on the planned re-opening? Hopefully they will also have done a major improvement of the inside of the pub which always seemed in dire need of extensive TLC despite serving a good standard of beers, especially Guinness.

Joe Conneely ● 84d2 Comments ● 82d

Can Crushing Cycle @ Stirling Road

I didn't see this or go to Stirling Road but having been to the Blues & Jazz Festivals and a Comedy Night in Ealing this particular year there was definitely a place for this bike.Now that the food stalls all seem to be able to use compostable paper and wood plates and utensils and the drinks are served in reusable plastic cups and aluminium cans we have moved a long way forward towards sustainability.  However the separation of waste leaves a lot to be desired.  Being able to see aluminium cans crushed and reduced in volume and learning more about this endlessly reusable packaging might have encouraged festival goers to not mix and then put everything into the same unmarked bin.  What we saw was everything including food waste all mixed together.  Bins need to be very clearly marked on all sides to make it extremely obvious what was to go in them from a distance before trying to make your way towards a bin!  Food waste mixed with everything in an open bin is not at all pleasant.

Philippa Bond ● 86d1 Comments ● 86d

Oaks stakeholder meeting 6th August.

There will be a meeting of this stakeholder group next week If anyone has any comments, or suggestions, the members of the group are as follows.South Acton ward Councillors (The High Street is now part of South Acton Ward.) Gary Malcolm, (Lib Dem) Julian Gallant (Con) David Wooten & Maureen Colledge (CCA) Natasha Patel (Your Acton BiD) Jackie Ross (Pop up shops)  Serena McBeth & Maire Lowe (residents) Plus of course. Council officers. representatives of L&Q leaseholders NFU Leaseholders and CBRE who manage the Oaks on behalf of the Leaseholders and chair the meeting. Lots of people you might say.

Maire Lowe ● 90d3 Comments ● 89d

Coffee shop closures

Yes, there probably were too many coffee shops on Churchfield rd but we’ve now lost Zola, chimney cake and mill deli, and aquired 2 vape shops. Be careful what you wish for…

Lee Harding ● 133d7 Comments ● 93d

Dan Crawford , North Acton Ward Councillor apparently removed as LAB candidate for the 2026 Election

If this doesn't tell you ALL you need to know about how Ealing Council Labour operates, then you need your head read.Dan has integrity, is always available & works very hard for his Ward constituents, and asks questions of his Liebore Party.It is so obviously the latter that has seen him sacked.We have a lovely Council.    🤣

Rosco White ● 111d14 Comments ● 101d

Spare packing boxes?

Hi does anyone have any unwanted packing boxes please?

Yasmeen Alzubaydi ● 106d0 Comments ● 106d

Acton Market's mini Food Festival on Saturday 19th July 2025

This weekend, Acton Market's mini Food Festival on Saturday 19th July 2025, is a culinary adventure you shouldn't miss!Dive into delicious dishes from Ghana, Jamaica, Morocco, the Middle East and much more.We are also going to have a FREE face painter for the kids from 11.30am to 3.30pm , operating on a first come first served basis. Join us at Acton Market, The Mount, W3 9NW, from 11am to 3:30pm on Saturday 19th July.We will be joined by@buns.n.boba - Smashed burgers and bubble teas@smokybites.uk - South Asian BBQ@auntiebonnies - Jamaican @comfortkitchenldn - Ghanaian @chunkysstroopwafels - Stroopwafel and Barista CoffeeSerenity Kitchen - Jamaican and TunisianActon Market Falafel - Middle EasternActon Market Juice Bar - Fresh Pressed Juiceshttps://www.actonmarket.co.uk/acton-market-mini-food... #ActonFood #FestivalVibes #LondonMarkets #WhatOnInLondon #Ealing #FoodLovers #MulticulturalFood #SummerEvents #FreeEvent #SupportLocal

Zahra Shah ● 108d1 Comments ● 107d

Event in Acton Park

I understand that the Carnival has been cancelled due to lack of funds. However,an application from an organisation called Kenya and Friends in the Park has been made for an event to be held 26/27 July. This is to include music from 11.00-22.00, supply of alcohol 11.00-21.30 Saturday, 11.00-21.00 Sunday.If the licence is granted by Ealing Council this will cause a huge amount of inconvenience to those of us living in the immediate vicinity of the Park in terms of noise, parking and general disturbance.If you would like to object to this, please do so in writing to the Licensing team at Percival House by 7 July. The application can be seen at www.ealing.gov.uk/info/200063/licences_and_street_trading.

Nina Battleday ● 135d8 Comments ● 108d

Java Fusion

Think I might be a bit late to the party on this one but how good is Java Fusion? Particularly nice in this weather with the small courtyard at the back and very affordable particularly as you can pick up your drink at local supermarkets it being a BYO.

Alan Fairchild ● 128d5 Comments ● 108d

Grooming Gangs decades long cover up - Lefties on here got anything to say?

All rather embarrasing for you innit?Of course your ideology was never at fault. It never is.

Rosco White ● 134d8 Comments ● 111d

The roadworks nightmare continues

This is possibly the best yet. People digging up half the big roundabout causing tailbacks in all directions.When will it ever end?

Susan Kelly ● 124d3 Comments ● 112d

Shower fitter / plumber

Hi, can anyone recommend a shower fitter / plumber locally?Thanks

David Powers ● 123d1 Comments ● 113d

What’s the racket?

It’s usually so quiet - putting aside the parakeets who are all tucked up safely.But tonight there’s fireworks, loud music and a sound system.Surely not Gunnersbury?But can’t think what would be audible in Acton Central

Sara Nathan ● 118d2 Comments ● 118d

Ealing Beer Festival 2025-Wapole Park Next Week

Hi folks, Just a reminder that the Camra Ealing Beer Festival 2025 is on next week in Walpole Park, Mattock Lane from the 9th to 12th July, with Real Ales, Craft Beers, Ciders, Perries, Wines and Imported Beers including Live Music and Food Stalls

Simon Lee Swinn ● 121d0 Comments ● 121d

Obnoxiously loud music at The Rocket

It's Saturday 11:34pm and the absolute cretins are having an outdoor party with bass reverberating across the road. I'm hearing people whistling and raving. How is this allowed? We're trying to sleep, I have a young kid that keeps waking up from the noise. We're a few numbers down from The Rocket and have our windows open because it's hot. Ridiculous behaviour from everyone involved. Council out of hours don't pick up due to limited staff

Peter Jeong ● 123d0 Comments ● 123d

Halford's site on Acton Hill

Just wondering if anyone knew what is planned for this site which turns out to be a lot larger than it looked when Halford's were there.Might be something exciting!

Susan Kelly ● 163d5 Comments ● 126d

Morrison's Inconvenience Store Acton

I went in today and both lifts are still out-of-order but today the staff had also switched off both escalators and only switched the "down" one back on when customers made a fuss. I daresay that I am not the only customer with multiple disabilities who is expected to take a trolley through the carpark, along Acton High Street, up Kings Street and back in to the store. I have complained to Head Office before but the usual response is "Take it up with the local manager", who usually says "Try Head office". I did once but the manager just blamed the member of staff who was nearest.I see that they charge for trolleys in Acton but not in Ealing. Is that a reflection on the memories or honesty of the people of Acton?

John Stuart Gallagher ● 160d6 Comments ● 128d

Acton's new post office will be wild

This promises to be one of the most interesting post offices in the country. I can't wait to see how the social media influencers posting on Instagram about the latest oversugared drink interact with the technophobe elders popping in to pay their bills.

Mark Evans ● 140d3 Comments ● 132d

NAO says developers can ‘manipulate’ planning system to reduce infrastructure contributions.

Wottasurprise!NOTE: "...a lack of up-to-date government data to assess whether the current system is delivering its intended benefits."AND: "...examining potential conflicts of interest involving consultants representing both developers and councils."   National Audit Office says developers can ‘manipulate’ planning system to reduce infrastructure contributionsA report by the National Audit Office (NAO) has highlighted challenges within England’s planning system that may allow developers to negotiate lower financial contributions toward local infrastructure. The watchdog noted that differences in capacity and expertise between public and private sectors can make it difficult to fully scrutinize viability assessments - important tools used to establish contributions under Section 106 agreements.The report highlights a notable skills shortage in local authority planning departments, with the number of public sector chartered town planners declining by 25% between 2013 and 2020, while the private sector grew by two-thirds during the same period. This imbalance has impacted councils’ ability to effectively challenge viability assessments, especially against developers who have access to specialist consultants and legal expertise.Other findings include unspent developer contributions, a reduction in housing association demand for affordable housing, and a lack of up-to-date government data to assess whether the current system is delivering its intended benefits.To address these issues, the NAO recommends introducing standardised Section 106 templates, reviewing the use and transparency of viability assessments, and examining potential conflicts of interest involving consultants representing both developers and councils. The report also calls on the government to evaluate and strengthen planning capacity.The government is expected to publish updated viability guidance later this year.Our planning news is published in association with ThePlanner, the official magazine of the Royal Town Planning Institute.RTPI logoThe Planner logoPlanning news - 13 June 2025Pennycook to ‘consider’ strengthening nature restoration fundFuture Homes Standard to include rooftop solar as standardNational Audit Office says developers can ‘manipulate’ planning system to reduce infrastructure contributionsSOURCE:   https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/weekly-planning-news/planning-news-13-june-2025?msdynmkt_trackingcontext=aa13ae8a-1d03-40ba-9ced-d225985c0200#national-audit-office-says-developers-can-'manipulate'-planning-system-to-reduce-infrastructure-contributions

Rosco White ● 138d0 Comments ● 138d