At a meeting of Ealing Council on Tuesday 19 September Ealing’s Conservative Councillors strongly criticised Labour’s Council Plan for its imprecision and lack of practical objectives. Cllr Julian Gallant asked why the Labour administration had still not fixed the format and composition of its much-trumpeted town forums, designed to replace the former ward forums. There had been no communication about the role of Ealing’s elected councillors. The first town forum, which may control a substantial budget, is due to take place in December 2023. Cllr Fabio Conti examined Labour’s housing plans, criticising the administration for housing residents in sub-standard emergency accommodation built from shipping containers. Some of this accommodation lacks basic amenities like hot water and drainage. Cllr Anthony Young drew Council’s attention to the lack of progress at the Gurnell Leisure Centre, which is costing the Council over £300,000 p.a. to keep closed. Cllr Young added that Perceval House, the Council’s headquarters, is now largely empty, with “more people in attendance tonight than during a normal working day.” Cllr Seema Kumar commented: “The Council Plan touches every aspect of daily life for residents across Ealing. Crime and disorder have major consequences and affect our wellbeing. Dealing with crime requires some difficult decisions. The Delivery Plan does not convince me that the Labour administration is going to grip these problems.” In answer to a Conservative question on the proposed Ealing Lido, cabinet portfolio holder Cllr Polly Knewstub confirmed that the Council was seriously considering siting the proposed Lido on Ealing Common, which is both Metropolitan Open Land and Common Land. Conservatives will continue to scrutinise Labour’s muddled and unachievable plans.
Promoted by Janet Young on behalf of Ealing Conservatives of 39 Broughton Road, London W13 8QW
