Council tax still frozen - Ealing News Extra
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SPRING INSIDE:
Spring 2015
Solar Energy 15 Sports Boost 16
Animal Centre 19 Crossrail 28
Shopping Parades 32 West Ealing
Work 34 Hanwell Project 37
ACTON EALING GREENFORD HANWELL NORTHOLT PERIVALE SOUTHALL
Apprentices 38 Gardening 40
Council
tax still
frozen
Page 6
WIsNfun
Sport
tickets
p51
Leading Ealing Catholic Independent Day School
for girls aged 3-18 set in 13 acres of stunning grounds
Nursery and Reception rated
“Outstanding”
by ISI Inspection Report November 2012
Outstanding GCSE Results:
No 2 in Ealing
The Times and Evening Standard League Tables January 2014
“We love the atmosphere. The teaching and pastoral
care are extremely good. Our daughters are happy
and academically stretched.” Parent 2014
Open Days
Saturday 9th May 2015 Saturday 10th October 2015
Sessions 10am-12pm or 1pm-3pm Sessions 10am-12pm or 1pm-3pm
Main entry points at Reception, 11 plus and Sixth Form with entry considered in other years,
subject to availability. School mini-bus from and to Chiswick from September 2015.
To book an open event place or a personal tour please visit
www.saintaugustinespriory.org.uk/visit.
Alternatively please contact the Admissions team for more information.
St Augustine’s Priory, Hillcrest Road, Ealing, London W5 2JL
Email: admissions@saintaugustinespriory.org Tel: 0208 997 2022 www.saintaugustinespriory.org.uk
SPRING15
EDITORIAL
W
ith the blue skies
and sunshine of the
19 32 spring hopefully
pushing through we have an
edition packed with fresh starts:
from apprenticeships to town
centre renewal plans. We also venture outdoors
with tips on composting in your garden (p40)
and first hand animal encounters (p19).
To vote on 7 May in the general election, you
need to be registered. Electoral registration
changed last year and while most of you will be
22 34 automatically switched on to the new Individual
Electoral Register – it is still a good idea to
check - see page 26 to find out how.
If you have not already registered to receive
Contents monthly Around Ealing Extra emails, which point
you to stories, videos and additional photos
online, you can do so easily on the council
4 UP FRONT: Round-up, 26 ELECTIONS COMING: website at www.ealing.gov.uk/register – simply
including new school places Are you registered? tick the Around Ealing Extra box as you do so.
6 UP FRONT: 28 TRACKING CHANGE: Richard Nadal
Budget and council tax Station areas’ boosts EDITOR
9 UP FRONT: 32 ON PARADE:
Including drugs bust Street improvements
FRONT COVER: Council tax will have been frozen for seven years, starting in 2009.
11 UP FRONT: Including music 34 GOING WEST: Register online for Around Ealing Extra
with a message Changes in West Ealing updates at www.ealing.gov.uk/register
Visit www.ealing.gov.uk/aroundealing for more
12 EASTER RECYCLING: 37 TOWN TEAM:
Wrappers and food Way forward for Hanwell PUBLISHER
Ealing Council, Marketing and Communications,
15 CATCHING RAYS: 38 APPRENTICES: Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, Ealing W5 2HL,
Using solar power It could be you Tel: 020 8825 5000
EDITOR
16 SPORTS PARK: 40 GREAT GARDENS:
Richard Nadal, nadalr@ealing.gov.uk
Gunnersbury’s future Experts, compost and waste
Distribution: 137,500 copies.
19 ANIMAL MAGIC: 42 COLLECTION DATES: Ealing Council does not accept responsibility for goods or
Zoo welcomes you Changes over Easter services offered by advertisers. Opinion expressed in this
magazine is not necessarily that of the council.
21 HOME COMFORTS: 43 COUNCILLORS AND Please use your green box
Social care plans WARD FORUMS when you dispose of this and
other magazines. Spring 2015 SPRING INSIDE:
Solar Energy
Animal Centre
15 Sports Boost
16
LL
19 Crossrail
Shopping Parades 28
22 BEATING ADDICTION: 48 LOCAL HISTORY:
PERIVALE SOUTHA
32 West Ealing
Work 34 Hanwell
Project 37
Apprentices
38 Gardenin
g 40
Getting hold of habits American president in Ealing Council
NORTHOLT
tax still
HANWELL
25 MENTAL WELLBEING: 50 WHAT’S ON: Council-run frozen
Page 6
GREENFORD
Steps to take activities and events WIN
Sports fun
ACTON EALING
tickets
p51
around ealing Spring 2015 3
UP FRONT
AROUND
DID EALING
YOU MISS EXTRA
THESE STORIES?
All available through Around Ealing Extra, online and by email
FOOD ALLERGIES WEST LONDON FILM OFFICE
Showing up Reel Life #1
ingredients This innocuous-looking
Creating space
kitchen saw some ghostly
New rules for businesses to TV action. What other Hundreds of new school places will be created in Northolt
highlight potential allergens filming has gone on locally? and Hanwell thanks to investment from Ealing Council.
to customers.
Elthorne Park High School will undergo a £12million
expansion to enable it to gain two new classes at year 6,
giving it an extra 60 places. This will mean it can enrol 240
new pupils every year, instead of 180. Other building work
at Greenwood Primary will increase its annual intake from
60 reception pupils to 90, eventually creating an extra 210
places across the school.
The council is considering plans to expand, or build, other
APPRENTICESHIPS SUSTAINABILITY HISTORY high schools in the borough to meet the need for the
equivalent of 3,150 high school places by 2021.
VIDEO: VIDEO: We never
Career Solar saw our
building panels parents
How apprentice How a church again
scheme helps
get you started.
charity has
benefited. Local man’s
war story.
Looking east
Businesses and community groups in East Acton
www.ealing.gov.uk/aroundealingextra have been working together to produce a ‘charter’
Register for monthly emails at which will set out a vision for the future of the area
www.ealing.gov.uk/register – and plans for how to start making it a reality.
Last year the recently-formed East Acton
Partnership commissioned Acton Community Forum
to carry out a public consultation exercise. Between
Do something good July and December it involved more than 1,200
people, including three schools and members of
Ealing Council has launched a new initiative, Bubble to eight residents’ associations.
help people make a difference to where they live. A new The results of the consultation are due to be
website www.dosomethinggood.org.uk helps residents published shortly and will form the basis for an East
and local groups connect with those hoping to start Acton Charter. Visit www.ealing.gov.uk/regeneration
something new, or those looking to get involved with a for more details of town regeneration projects.
project, and also anyone looking for help themselves.
4 around ealing Spring 2015
UP FRONT
Spring Summer
into sport fun
Get on your marks and jump into some Keeping Ealing on the
sports activities, with a project helping map for the ‘must-
adults with disabilities and additional visit-festivals’ – Ealing
needs who are currently inactive or lead Summer Festivals 2015
sedentary lifestyles. will be back in July with
The council’s Active Ealing service is four weeks of fun, laughter
running On Your Marks sport and physical and live performances.
activity days across the borough between Dates for the diary:
March and May. You can read more at ■ Greenford Carnival 4 July
www.ealing.gov.uk/aroundealingextra ■ Ealing Beer Festival 8 to 11 July
or, for a full schedule of activities, visit ■ Acton Carnival 11 July
www.ealing.gov.uk/sports click on disability ■ Comedy 16 to 18 July and 23 to 24 July
sports and then sports projects. ■ Blues Festival 25 to 26 July
One of the coaches who is part of the ■ Jazz Festival 29 July to 2 August
team providing the activities recently won ■ London Mela 6 September
a national award. For the full story, visit For more information see the summer edition of Around Ealing, for
www.ealing.gov.uk/aroundealingextra updates and news follow Ealing Summer on Twitter and Facebook
Banned Cinema plans
from estate Acton High Street’s old listed library building is set to be
transformed into a new three-screen cinema, restaurant and
A man who drunkenly smashed windows bar by Curzon Cinemas.
and verbally abused residents has been
It should be ready by the summer of 2016, subject to planning
banned from entering a Northolt estate for a
permission, after Curzon was approved as the preferred
year, following prompt action by the council.
bidder for the site by the
Its safer communities team obtained an council’s cabinet.
emergency injunction banning Christopher
The council moved
Slattery, 61, of no fixed address, from
Acton’s library into the
entering Smiths Farm Estate within 48
newly-rebuilt Everyone
hours of him being seen there causing
Active Acton Centre. The
criminal damage and subjecting residents
proceeds of the sale from
to abuse and intimidation.
the old library will help
A full hearing at Brentford County Court to pay for the £19million
resulted in the injunction being upheld council investment in the
and it will now remain in force until Acton Centre. There are
November 2015. also plans to build three
Report anti-social acts online at flats on the top floor.
www.ealingcouncil.gov.uk/reportit
around ealing Spring 2015 5
UP FRONT: In focus
Budget: Tax freeze
and investment Watch a
w w w.ea
video at
ling.gov
budg e t
.uk /
Your council tax bills have been frozen for a seventh year running
as part of Ealing Council’s budget for 2015/16.
T
he decision has been taken by Assessment from £154.8million in 2014/15
the council to keep tax held to £131.6million for 2015/16. This is in
15%
at 2008/09 levels, despite a line with the council’s own pessimistic
£23.2million cut in its annual forecast and represents a 15% reduction
government funding from April. The on last year’s money and is a bigger cut
less for aim has been to keep council tax as low
as possible to help families, especially
than the national average of 13.9%.
There is continuing uncertainty about
because many will not have had wage how much money the council will get
Ealing rises, or will have had low rises, in that
period – while living costs have risen.
from the government in future years.
This £23million cut for the coming year is
Council tax could not realistically just the start. The council is expecting to
have been used to counteract the have to make unprecedented savings of
projected cuts to the council’s funding £96million by April 2019. This also takes
in the coming years, because it would into account rising population, higher
13.9% effectively have meant doubling your bills
to bridge the gap each year. Therefore,
freezing bills was deemed both fair and
costs, increasing demand on services and
a shortage of housing in the borough.
This mammoth, four-year task is forcing it
national sensible. The government will give all to change or stop some local services.
local authorities that freeze council tax a The council has currently been
average grant. Ealing will get £1.3million towards working through proposals to find the
helping to fund the latest freeze. necessary savings.
A full list of proposed savings is
REDUCTION MEANS CUTS available on the council’s website, at
Cuts in funds
Last year, the council announced that it was www.ealing.gov.uk/budget
expecting cuts by the government, and
more in coming years, to the money it gives INVESTMENT STILL PLANNED
the council. Funding from the government Although the financial picture looks bleak,
is one of the biggest sources of money the the council is determined to continue to
council has to spend on day-to-day services. invest in the borough – see next page.
The government since confirmed it
was reducing the amount it allocates For more information visit
to the council in its Settlement Funding www.ealing.gov.uk/budget
6 around ealing Spring 2015
UP FRONT: In focus
Planned investment
✔ £45million over five years on expansion of
secondary schools, including £12million to
replace the main building at Northolt High
✔ £8.3million towards completely
transforming Gunnersbury Park’s sports
facilities, over five years (see p16)
✔ £4million on improving streets
and footpaths
✔ £3.3million on disabled facility grants
✔ £480,000 to help start work on Dine
in Southall restaurant and hospitality
training school at Southall Manor House
✔ Estates regeneration programme
continues, with Copley Close in Hanwell
and Havelock in Southall the latest to
take big steps forward this year
✔ The ongoing £11million Southall Big
Plan continues with improvements at
street level
✔ The council’s New Build Programme will
continue, meaning new council housing
stock and affordable housing for the
borough. In total 70 new council homes
will be completed this year, by March
2016, meaning the council will have
built 307 homes since 2011.
Did you know?
Despite the backdrop of the economic
crisis, the council’s latest residents’
survey has shown encouraging signs
of a strong community spirit – while
82% said they were satisfied with the
area they lived in. Almost a fifth of the
2,306 residents questioned said they did
unpaid volunteering for local groups and
organisations. And an all-time high for the
survey came when 91% of respondents
agreed with the statement ‘People from
different ethnic backgrounds get on well
together’. This is up 20% since 2003. Visit
www.ealing.gov.uk/consultations for more.
around ealing Spring 2015 7
JUMP TO IT There is still time. Register to vote by 20 April. Registration has changed. Don’t miss out. Your vote counts. General election Thursday, 7 May 2015
UP FRONT
Fruit route Health on the cards
takes root Remember playing Top Trumps in the school
playground? Well, now children can play using
A new ‘fruit route’ will cards with a healthy message.
eventually connect More than two years ago, the council’s allotments
two parts of manager and its school health improvement
the borough, team joined forces with Ealing-based social
as a group of enterprise I Know Why It’s Yum, Mum to put on
residents work various healthy eating workshops for pupils and pre-school
together on children, often at the allotments or during school visits.
planting a trail of The latest initiative has seen allotment plot holders help to illustrate
trees with the help of a pack of 30 educational playing cards for children to use, in
the council. collaboration with Winning Moves, makers of Top Trumps.
The Hanwell and Norwood Green Orchard Natasha Gavin, founder of I Know Why It’s Yum, Mum, said: “Ealing
Trail group is a community project started Council helped us to make this genuine set of limited edition fruit and
by residents, supported and organised in veg Top Trumps cards, to help children learn about how food grows
partnership with Ealing Council, to plant and and how healthy fruit and vegetables are. We will be giving these
care for a trail of native fruit trees. packs of cards to schools we visit.”
Initially, the group planted 40 trees in February Scores for the various foods are based on their nutritional values, with
along the edges of the three Hanwell Meadows relevant and interesting facts also included at the bottom of each card.
next to the canal and, in subsequent years, it
plans to extend the trail along the canal in either
direction, linking Hanwell and Norwood Green.
Read the full story at
www.ealing.gov.uk/aroundealingextra
Cycling award
Ealing Council’s Bike Swap initiative has won the Modeshift
Closed down sustainable travel award for cycling.
Bike Swap, developed in partnership with The Bicycle Society,
involves parents and pupils exchanging bicycles they have
A drugs den in Ealing was shut down after an
outgrown for suitably sized models. Bikes are dropped off at the
investigation by the council’s community safety
start of school, fixed by mechanics and then swapped after school.
team and police officers.
The council teamed up with St Gregory’s RC Primary to trial
Officers began investigating after complaints
the Bike Swap, as part of a push to get more children to cycle
from the tenant’s family. They were helped by
to school, and it has now introduced the scheme to a number
vital information provided by neighbours and
of other schools in the borough. To find out more email
local businesses about anti-social behaviour
TelkmanK@ealing.gov.uk
and disturbances linked to the flat. As well as
being granted a closure order by the court, the
police executed a drugs warrant and seized a St Gregory’s
School children
large quantity of class B drugs.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from
the effects of anti-social behaviour, contact the
council’s community safety team on 020 8825 7600
or visit www.ealing.gov.uk/crimeprevention
around ealing Spring 2015 9
Choose the
right care
Self-care
Pharmacists
111
GP weekend
opening
Visit your pharmacy for Treat simple health
free expert advice - no problems at home.
appointment needed.
Call NHS 111 free for
GP services available on advice and details of
Saturday and Sunday. local services.
Use your NHS wisely
www.rightcarenwlondon.nhs.ukUP FRONT
Dance for
1
During the Easter period your recycling
freedom and refuse collection days may change.
Take a look at the advert on page 42.
A musical collaboration
2
The Independent Health Commission
between young people
examining the NHS reducing local
from South Acton estate
hospital services is holding public
and the war-torn Kivu district of
hearings, including one in Ealing on 21
eastern Congo has resulted in the
March. See What’s On (page 51).
release of an album.
3
Thousands of you recently
The album, called Acton2Kivu: Dance for Freedom, is a melting pot of
contributed to the council’s latest
different musical genres. It can be bought from the Bollo Brook Youth
residents survey about how the
Centre or a download is available from the www.bandcamp.com
council is doing, and what your area is
website. It costs £7 and all money raised will go to a charity in Kivu
like. The results were published as Around
called Congo in the Picture, which works with young people living
Ealing went to press. It was carried out at
with the daily threat of war and violence and tries to keep them away
the end of 2014 by independent experts,
from joining armed gangs.
involving a cross-section of more than
Youth workers from Ealing Council’s Bollo Brook Youth and Community 2,300 people. View the results at
Centre on South Acton Estate originally made contact with the charity www.ealing.gov.uk/consultations
and then involved the young people who use the centre. They then
4
co-operated over the internet with those in Kivu to make the music. The annual Hanwell Hootie music
festival returns on 28 March. Turn to
To bring home the dangers of life in Kivu, while the album was in the
page 37 for more details and a video.
final stages of production one of the Congolese performers was killed
5
during a raid on his village. Is there a local issue you would
like councillors to look into? If so,
Colin Brent manages the Bollo Brook Youth Centre. He said: “The
this is your chance to put forward
conflict in Eastern Congo is often called the ‘forgotten war’, but our
a suggestion for the council’s scrutiny
project might help to raise some awareness and some money.”
panels for 2015/16. If you live or work in
Kashindi Pierre is the project manager for Congo in the Picture. the borough, you can submit ideas until
He said: “For the Congo, this project is very important because it Friday, 1 May. Topics must affect a number
embodies the goals we have set for advocating peace through many of people (not just an individual). Call
activities, including music.” 020 8825 7497, email scrutiny@ealing.gov.uk
or post to Scrutiny Unit, Perceval House,
14-16 Uxbridge Road, Ealing, W5 2HL.
6
The council’s cabinet has approved
Dementia cafes plans for a 20-unit pre-fabricated
homes scheme in Bordars Walk,
Hanwell, to better house homeless
People with dementia, and their friends and families, can attend families temporarily, rather than staying
one of three regular dementia cafes for support and socialising: in ‘bed and breakfasts’ while they wait for
Michael Flanders Centre, Acton, 10am–4pm (monthly), call somewhere to live. Subject to planning
020 8825 7875 – next one is Sunday, 29 March; Ealing Town permission, the units would be erected
Hall 7–9pm (every two months), call 020 8568 4448; Greenford for 10 years. A location for a second,
Community Centre 2–5pm (monthly), call 020 8580 1057. For 30-unit site is also being investigated.
information on other support visit www.dementiafriends.org.uk
or www.dementiaconcern.co.uk
speedread
around ealing Spring 2015 11RECYCLING
Pack it in
Easter eggs; spring sales;
it is a busy time at the
shops – and a busy time
for your bins as they fill
up with packaging, often
unnecessarily. But it does
not have to be this way.
P
ackaging makes up about a fifth of our
household waste. Most of the products we
buy need some form of packaging to help
From hangers to carpet
us carry, store and preserve the products If you are having a clear out or garden tidy up, do not forget
but there is sometimes more than is necessary. the many items that can be recycled at your local recycling
The packaging you cannot avoid can usually and re-use centre, including wooden fences, guttering, plastic
be recycled. Most cardboard, paper, glass and garden furniture, old flower pots and much more.
plastic can be. Even foil, if it is clean and passes
Many items can be recycled at Greenford Re-use and Recycling
the scrunch test (if it stays scrunched, it is
Centre, in Greenford Road, including some that residents may
usually recyclable).
not be aware of – including plastic coat hangers, mattresses,
However, by shopping smartly you can also
books, carpet, tyres, gas cylinders, and much more. Visit
reduce this waste in the first place, by choosing
www.ealing,gov.uk/recycling for further information.
products with less or no packaging. This may
even save you money. Apart from simply avoiding Changes to our Greenford centre, and the one in Stirling
overly-packaged items, there are some easy ways Road, Acton, have been made to make them easier to use
to do this: – including new signs and containers. The project was fully
Choose refillable or reusable products, sponsored by the London Waste and Recycling Board.
A for example rechargeable batteries. Some
cleaning products only need a refill pouch, so buy
these instead of disposable products
Buy concentrated products. Do not forget
B to follow the measurement guidelines, you
will be surprised how much less you need to use
Buy in bulk. Products with a long life,
C like cereals, can be purchased in large
packages. Buying in bulk means less packaging
because you will need fewer trips to the shops
Do not waste food. Visit Love Food Hate
D Waste (www.lovefoodhatewaste.com) for tips.
12 around ealing Spring 2015RECYCLING
‘Pleased to do more’
“I was really pleased
with the introduction of
the food waste scheme,”
said Liv Thomsen of
Ealing after communal
food waste bins were
installed at blocks of
flats across the borough,
including hers.
“T
he caddy
takes up
very little
room in Liv Thomsen using the bins
the kitchen and the
communal bin is
emptied regularly cooked food food waste. There, it is broken down
so it doesn’t smell”, waste back and into a fertiliser for agricultural use –
said Liv. She and forth to the bins, while the process involved generates
her partner Andrew they have also been energy that can be pumped straight
Sherwood have embraced provided with a small into the National Grid. This process is
the chance to recycle more since kitchen ‘caddy’ and a roll of called anaerobic digestion.
the bin was added in October. biodegradable/compostable liners to
She said: “I know it helps reduce the go inside. WHAT FOOD CAN I RECYCLE?
effects of climate change, so we are The communal food bins are encased Leftover food waste can be recycled
pleased we can do more. We try not in a robust, lidded metal container including fish and meat bones, tea bags
to waste food in the first place but we to help stop the food from smelling. and vegetable and fruit peelings. Food
can’t eat egg shells, banana skins and Being able to recycle the food waste waste can be wrapped in newspaper or
tea bags and now we have somewhere from flats means it no longer has to rot put in to a compostable/biodegradable
to put them.” in the general waste collections and liner. Plastic bags cannot be used
The bins have been installed since sent to be dumped in landfill – where because they contaminate the load.
March last year at blocks of flats which it would generate the unpleasant Visit www.ealing.gov.uk/recycling for
already had communal recycling greenhouse gas, methane. more information.
facilities for materials including Now, all the food waste in the new
cardboard, plastics, glass bottles and recycling bins can be sent to a company
jars, food and drink cans, and paper. called Biogen in Bedfordshire, along
To help residents carry their raw and with the rest of the borough’s collected
around ealing Spring 2015 13Reverend Steve Paynter with the alms house panels SOLAR PANELS
interview
Watch an
vicar at
with the
.uk /
ling.gov
w w w.ea
aling
ar ounde
SUN TRAPS SAVE MONEY
Why rely on an energy company to supply your electricity when you can get the
sun to help you instead? We may not seem to get a lot of sunshine in this country,
but we get more than you might think.
G
enerating your own residents cut their energy bills. The themselves in the next 10 years and
electricity by harnessing revenue generated will improve the should last for another 20 after that which
the sun’s energy is a cost energy efficiency of council housing will help generate funds for the charity for
effective option for many and helps residents who face fuel many years to come. It is really important
homeowners. It involves fitting solar poverty in the borough. As much as to the church that we encourage more
panels on your home to collect the sun’s 10% can be saved on energy bills, people to think about the environment
energy – and you can get money back which could save residents up to £170 and find ways to use sustainable energy.”
for every bit of power you generate. a year. The council is also surveying its
The government supports solar power offices for the installation of renewable AN EFFICIENT HOME
and other renewable energy sources energy, with the first projects due to Before you consider producing your
by offering a ‘clean energy’ cashback be completed by this summer. own energy, it is best to make sure
scheme called the Feed in Tariff. The your home is running as efficiently as
tariff is simply a payment made to you ‘AN EASY PROCESS’ possible through insulation, double-
for all the electricity you produce for Solar panels have been installed by glazing, draught proofing and energy-
your home, and also for any that you St Mary’s Church Homes Trust on their efficient appliances.
can pump back in to the electricity grid alms houses to help generate enough Did you know our borough is
when you do not need to use it. electricity for one of the flats. part of Green Homes Together? It is
Vicar of St Mary’s, Reverend Steve a partnership that provides advice
DOING IT LOCALLY Paynter, said: “Installing the panels on energy efficiency in homes, and
Ealing Council is leading the way was an easy process and did not cause can arrange a visit from an advisor.
for renewable energy locally and is any disruption. There is an initial cost Call 0300 111 3330 or discover
continuing to expand its solar panel to buying the panels and having them the latest offers available, at
programme on council homes to help installed, but the panels will pay for www.greenhomestogether.org.uk
around ealing Spring 2015 15GUNNERSBURY PARK
“The work, when complete,
would mean the park has
the largest, and arguably
the best, collection of
outdoor sports facilities
in west London.
16 around ealing Spring 2015GUNNERSBURY PARK
A new dawn
significant sporting venue.”
If the funds are secured,
work could begin later this
year subject to planning
for sport permission, which will be
determined by Hounslow’s
planning committee. However,
it is expected to then take
between 18 months and two
years to complete the work.
The regeneration of Jonathan Kirby, said: “The
work, when complete, would THE WIDER PLAN
Gunnersbury Park is set mean the park has the largest, The sports development project
to transform tattered and arguably the best, collection is part of a wider scheme to
of outdoor sports facilities in west transform the park entirely by its
changing rooms, bumpy London. There has been a lot of 100-year anniversary in 2026.
pitches and underused interest from national sporting bodies in Preservation and restoration work is
getting involved, which is exciting.” due to begin on the park’s historical
spaces into an expanse Proposals are being worked-up for new and grand, but crumbling, buildings in
of modern outdoor sport artificial turf, all-weather pitches; fresh May. Many of the 22 structures on the
grass pitches; a changing room block; site are listed. Ealing and Hounslow
facilities – the largest in indoor sports hall; and tennis courts. councils joined forces to win millions of
west London. These will add to planned pounds from the Heritage Lottery Fund
improvements to the existing 10 football (HLF) to do the work, with additional
pitches, rugby and cricket pitches, money from both councils.
E
aling and Hounslow councils cricket pavilion and a bowls green. Visitor numbers to the park are
share ownership of the186- “About 80,000 people live around expected to increase from 600,000
acre site and Ealing’s cabinet the park, within a mile radius, but it can to more than one million people per
recently approved plans also draw residents from all over the year once these initial restoration
to attract funding of up to almost borough,” said Mr Kirby. “It is amazing improvements are completed in 2017.
£9million specifically to utterly change to think the site was once enjoyed The first improvements in the
sports at the park for the better. solely as the home of one family but pipeline include restoring the
It will mean replacing tired should now become a modern place Orangery, archways and terrace and
old buildings, upgrading pitches of leisure catering for everyone other listed structures; building a new
and adding a whole array of interested in sport. café; and reinstating the Horseshoe
new features. “It represents another Pond. There is also a plan to make the
Some of the country’s step towards the overall Round Pond suitable for boating again,
biggest sporting bodies regeneration of and to introduce horticulture training
have shown an Gunnersbury and nature trails.
interest in getting to make it a Meanwhile, Gunnersbury Park
involved in making destination fit for Museum closed for refurbishment in
the plans a reality, the 21st Century. December and will remain shut until
covering the sports of ”Transport 2017. Activities, learning sessions
tennis, football, rugby, connections, and events will continue on site in
cricket and more. including major the meantime.
Ealing Council’s roads, make it the
assistant director ideal location MORE INFO
of major projects, for such a Visit www.ealing.gov.uk/parks
around ealing Spring 2015 17Leaf through Ealing
23 – 31 May 2015
Walks
Talks
Photographs
Tours
Activities & more
www.makeitealing.co.uk
#londontreeweek
Ealing Coffee Festival #ealingcoffeefest
13 - 16 April 2015 visit
website
Masterclass workshops for more
Talks exploring world of coffee & tea details
Art Cup competition
Just add coffee bake off
Mixology classes & tasting!
THE AVENUE, WEST EALING, W13 8JR
Saturday 28 March Saturday 30 May
Saturday 25 April Saturday 27 June
Decorative arts and prints, furniture and ornate mirrors, costume jewellery and vintage
clothing, bric-a-brac, silver collectibles, glass and ceramics, old fashioned toys, treasured
books, rustic gardening tools, unique kitchen ware and old fashioned advertising signs.
#inwestealing
FB/AVAM
www.makeitealing.co.uk www.inwestealing.co.uk Please visit website for more detailsMeerkats ANIMAL CENTRE
enclosure
It’s all
about
zoo
eos.
Watch vid
ng
Find Eali
c annel
h
Council’s
be
on YouTu
The Brent Lodge Animal peacocks. That is not to mention the dozens of
other birds, insect and mammal species that BUTTERFLY
Centre is the only place have long called the centre their home, from HOUSE
in west London where butterflies to monkeys. More recently, however, The tropical
there have been some exotic new arrivals that butterfly house will
you will find a porcupine, have already proven really popular. reopen to visitors
peacock and a pair of pigs from Monday, 30 Hitari the
porcupinea
MEET THE MEERKATS March. For just £1 per
all living harmoniously Six meerkats moved in with Hitari the recently person, you can experience
together. Neelum Bains rescued porcupine last year and they have the magical world of butterflies,
already been visited by a celebrity. Stephen Fry watch them feeding, flying around you and
reports on how you can opened their new enclosure and, since , one of even landing on you; it is an experience you
get a closer look. the male meerkats has been named after him. will not forget.
The centre is offering visitors the chance to get
up close to the cuddly critters and SCHOOL VISITS
K
nown locally as the Bunny Park, feed them while a zoo keeper The centre’s award-winning education
the free attraction in Hanwell is explains more about the programme gives young people an amazing
officially a small zoo. Thousands friendly little gang, for £35 opportunity to get close to some of their most
of visitors over the years have (or £60 for two people). delicate animals with a tour of the stunning
enjoyed seeing the many furred and tropical butterfly house. At only £3 a child it
feathered residents in the animal centre ZOOKEEPER FOR offers an incredible chance for young people
as well as the vast open space that A DAY to spend the day experiencing nature in the
surrounds it. The centre is offering heart of Ealing.
The centre has more visitors an amazing
animals than ever, with opportunity to go
more than 25 different behind the scenes and
species including a experience what it is WANT TO KNOW MORE?
rare red crowned like to look after the
crane, mischievous animals. The session For details of the animal
meerkats and Bill lasts four hours and will experiences, email
and Marjorie the give you the chance to animalcentre@ealing.gov.uk
giant rabbits. get closer to the animals, or call 07956 362341. All the
There are also feed them and, in some cases, money raised goes towards future projects
chickens, a help with their training. It costs and maintenance at the animal centre
rooster and friendly £50 per person.
Enjoying the
butterfly
house
around ealing Spring 2015 19As and when required appointment (casual),
Relief up to 15 hours per week (term time only).
passenger
If you like working with children and enjoy a challenge, this is the job for you.
Several vacancies exist for passenger assistants to escort vulnerable children with
special educational needs (SEN) from their homes to school and safely return them
assistants
back home at the end of the school day. The schools could either be in the borough
of Ealing or outside the borough, depending on the needs of the child.
You will be required to cover for our permanent members of staff and therefore
will need a flexible approach to work. An early morning start is essential. You will
£9.27 per hour be required to make your own way to the various pick up points in the borough of
Ealing, where a vehicle will be waiting.
Grade: 2 Ealing Council is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults and expects
all staff to share this commitment. The council follows safe recruitment practices to
protect children and vulnerable adults.
The post holder will be subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS)
check and the council’s enhanced vetting process.
For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Lorna Joseph, manager
SEN transport, on 020 8825 6214.
If you are interested in this role, apply online at www.ealing.gov.uk/jobs
CELEBRATE IN STYLE
Ealing Town Hall and
Greenford Hall offer stunning
architecture and modern
facilities ideal for:
đ Weddings
đ Anniversaries and birthdays
đ Families gatherings
đ Special events
đ Dining capacity 100-400
TO FIND OUT MORE OR TO ARRANGE A VIEWING
Web: www.ealing.gov.uk/halls
Email: halls@ealing.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 8825 6060
Facebook: ealingvenuehireHEALTH CARE
Healthy
at home
Ealing Council and local NHS services are working
together on new ways of helping older residents stay
healthy and access the support they need outside of
hospital, reports Deborah Dickey.
A
lthough people aged over Stephen Day, director of the council’s Mr Day continued: “This is an
75 make up less than 5% adult social services, said: “Many older important change in focus and puts the
of Ealing’s population, they people stay far longer than they want patient’s needs at the heart of decision-
account for a quarter of all to in hospital simply because there isn’t making. Rather than having to deal
hospital stays in the borough. Studies the right support. Hospital stays are with several different organisations and
suggest that many of these hospital expensive for the NHS and most people services, care co-ordinators will make
stays could be avoided. would rather be at home. Along with sure patients have good health services
Ealing has good health and social local health services, we are working to when and where they need them, with
care services in the community, but a give older people better options so the priority being on staying healthy
historic lack of co-ordination and not they stay out of hospital.” and independent.”
enough emphasis on prevention and A range of nursing, therapy and Dr Mohini Parmar, chairwoman of
staying healthy means that patients social care services will be available for the NHS Ealing Clinical Commissioning
can sometimes find themselves patients with urgent needs in their own Group, said: “Ealing has a strong
experiencing longer hospital stays home for a short period of time. There record in terms of health and social
than is needed or wanted. will be a focus on responding quickly care. By improving communication
and getting people better so they can between the different parties involved
carry on living in independently. in providing care we can minimise
For patients with less complex needs confusion, and duplication, to create
there will be new GP-based care a health and social care system that is
co-ordination teams with dedicated seamless and efficient.”
social care expertise. Where appropriate,
patients will be given the support of
a care co-ordinator, attached to their AT A GLANCE
GP surgery, and their own care plan.
■ NHS and social services will
There will also be investments
work together
made in local counselling services
for older people and improved ■ Over-75s to have a care
patient information. co-ordinator and care plan
Over the next year, patients, GPs and where appropriate
health and social care providers will be ■ Extra help to stay independent
invited to move towards these new and out of hospital
ways of caring. This will be helped ■ Investment in counselling
by a successful council bid for services.
£1.9million of government funding.
around ealing Spring 2015 21SAFER COMMUNITIES
Rising from
rock bottom
When you are suffering
Y
ou could easily feel like you from addictions to drugs and alcohol.
have nowhere to turn to for One of those is Recovery
with the pain and help, or feel unable to ask Interventions Service Ealing (RISE).
distress of watching your family and friends for It helps adults struggling with drug
support. It does not matter how old and alcohol-related issues, as well
someone you love you are, or whether you need support as their families, partners and loved
suffer from the effects with drugs or alcohol – there is lots of ones. It offers a wide range of support,
help available in the borough. including counselling, treatment and
of substance misuse, it Ealing Drugs and Alcohol Team (DAAT) rehabilitation. Its services are free,
can feel very isolating. has set up services in the borough, with completely confidential and available
the support of Ealing Council, to support to anyone over the age of 18 or
Neelum Bains reports. adults and young people to recover registered with a GP in the borough.
22 around ealing Spring 2015SAFER COMMUNITIES
Getting help can change your life
Bobby*, of Ealing, has struggled with addiction for years. However, he started to turn his
life around when he summoned up the courage to ask for help.
“I lived with bi-polar for years and dabbled with most drugs but codeine was my main
addiction,” he said. “What started out as a hangover cure developed into a serious
addiction and I was eating painkillers like sweets and my liver had swollen. I had
no choice; I put myself in to the hands of the experts. I got the help I
needed and was given options. I got prescribed with the medicine
I needed and started a volunteer empowerment scheme which
really helped me get myself sorted. It’s important to know that
there are people who can help out there – I’d advise anyone
in a similar position to speak to them and lose the
shackles of your addiction.”
*Name has been changed to protect his identity
“The type of help you can get at “Many people see no way
RISE includes one-to-one support
with a trained counsellor, taking part
out. It’s important to know
in group sessions with other people there is help available.”
who are in similar situations, and
getting checked for any harm caused
by using drugs, with medical help EFFECTS ON CRIME
available if needed. We can also help A big part of the council’s drive to
with things like housing, benefits and make the borough safer is to tackle
getting you into training courses and crime head-on. Drug addiction is one
employment when you’re ready.” of the biggest factors behind crimes
You can contact Ealing RISE like burglary, robbery, assault and
“If you’re addicted to something on 0800 195 8100. street theft. The gains are sold cheaply
it can seem like it will last forever. on the street and the money is used to
Many people see no way out,” UNDER 18? pay for the addict’s next ‘fix’.
explained Michelle Brown, manager Ealing Alcohol and Substance The council’s community safety
of Rise West Ealing. “It’s important Youth (EASY) based at Westside teams and the police have been
to know there is help available Young People’s Centre, Ealing W13 working with agencies like RISE and
and, although it’s never easy, and provides specialist help for young others to help reduce the effect on
tackling an addiction can take time, people aged 10-18 experiencing, the community caused by people
having somewhere to go where you or at risk of having, problems with dependent on drugs and alcohol.
will be safe, looked after and given drugs and alcohol. Crimes including thefts from a person,
some structure to your treatment Call EASY on 0208 825 9888 motor vehicle and burglary, decreased
can help a great deal. for more information. in 2014.
around ealing Spring 2015 23For delightful dining
visit your local Japanese
restaurant
A wide range of traditional
authentic Japanese dishes
– all freshly cooked
Momo Japanese
Comfortable and relaxing Restaurant
surroundings Hotel 55
55 Hanger Lane
Reservations: 020 8997 0206 Ealing
London, W5 3HL
Open:
Mon–Sat 12.00–14.30 (Lunch) North Ealing
Mon–Sat 18.00–22.30 (Dinner)
West Acton
Closed: Sun & Bank Holidays
www.momojapanese.com
Do you have good quality,
unwanted furniture
or electricals?
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Calls cost from 5p per minute from a BT landline.
0844 847 1682 Calls from mobiles will be considerably more. Uxbridge: 01895 256655
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Like our CBeebieslive page on for news, competitions and fun!
Reg. Charity No. 1118222 Company No. 03683014HEALTH
Worried about mental health?
One in four of us will have problems with our mental health at some point in our lives.
Fortunately there is much we can do to improve our wellbeing, reports Andy Mahady.
M
ental wellbeing can
mean many different
things but is often simply
about feeling good
and functioning well. Contentment,
enjoyment, confidence and
engagement with the world are all a
part of mental wellbeing. So are good
friendships or relationships with others,
and a feeling that you can do the
things you want to do.
Good mental wellbeing does not
mean you never experience feelings or
situations that you find difficult.
It does mean that you feel
you have the resilience
to cope when times
are tougher than
usual. Nonetheless,
if negative feelings Additionally, ■ Connect – connect with the people
persist, are too much regular physical around you: family, friends, colleagues
for you to cope with, activity will greatly and neighbours
or are stopping you benefit our mental ■ Keep learning – learning new skills
from carrying on with health, too. Exercise can give you a sense of achievement
your normal life, you may can help people and a new confidence
need to get help and advice. with depression and may ■ Give to others – even the smallest
Dr Jackie Chin, the council’s director prevent them becoming depressed act can count whether it is a smile, a
of public health, said: “Many of us will in the first place. thank you or a kind word
occasionally feel down for a short time. Dr Chin added: “Being more ■ Take notice – be more aware of
However, if you’re still feeling down or physically active has many benefits. the present moment, including your
anxious after a few weeks, or you have Fortunately Ealing’s great parks, open feelings and thoughts, your body and
concerns that you may be depressed spaces and sports centres, means the world around you.
or suffering from anxiety, it is important there’s something for everyone, If you are concerned that you may
to speak to your GP.” regardless of age or ability.” be depressed or suffering from anxiety,
When we are not exercising, it is important to speak to your GP
KEEPING ACTIVE evidence suggests there are additional (who might refer you to the Mental
It has long been known that steps we can all take to improve our Health and Well-being Service). You
regular exercise is good for our mental wellbeing. Approach them can also self-refer to the service by
physical health, reducing the risk of with an open mind and judge the calling 020 3313 5660 or emailing
cancer, heart disease and strokes. results for yourself: wellbeing.selfreferral@nhs.net
around ealing Spring 2015 25ELECTIONS
Jump to it
With the general election approaching on 7 May, the council is reminding every resident
who will be aged 18 or over on that date to make sure they are registered to vote.
T
he biggest change to voter vote will have to register themselves, Anyone new to the borough can
registration in a lifetime individually. To make this easier, a new register online at www.gov.uk/register-
started last year as our online registration form is available at to-vote or contact electoral services
borough joined the rest of the www.gov.uk/register-to-vote on 0208 825 7777 or email
country in switching to a new system. Most Ealing residents who were elections@ealing.gov.uk to request
Following the UK’s change over to registered to vote by 10 June 2014 a paper form. You can also contact
an individual electoral registration will have been registered automatically the electoral services team if you are
(IER) system, the way you register under the new system and should have unsure about your registration status.
has changed. Previously, electoral received letters to confirm their status.
registration forms were annually Do not worry if you are not WHY SHOULD I REGISTER?
completed on behalf of a household. registered – it is easy to do and should You will need to be on the electoral
This included families and individuals only take a few minutes. Before you register to be able to vote in the May
such as students or people renting who start, make sure you have your national general election. Being registered to vote
are not related living in one property. insurance number to hand and use does not mean you have to, it just means
Now, in a bid to cut down on electoral your name the way it appears on you can. If you are not on the register, that
fraud and to increase confidence your official documents to avoid your choice is taken away. Not being registered
in the system, everyone eligible to registration not being verified. may also affect your credit rating.
26 around ealing Spring 2015ELECTIONS
HOW DO I REGISTER?
Registering to vote is straightforward.
Log on to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
and fill in your name, address, date of
birth and national insurance number. You
can find this on official paperwork such as
payslips, or letters about benefits or tax
credits. Once you have completed your
online details, you should get an email to
confirm that your application has been
sent to the electoral registration team.
If you have any problems, or cannot
access the internet, call 020 8825 7777
and a member of the electoral registration
team will be able to help.
The new online system is a quick and
secure way to register but if you do not
have access to the internet, a paper
form can be requested from our office.
To find out more about the changes
go to www.gov.uk/yourvotematters
Or to register to vote go to
www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
MORE INFO
■ Contact the electoral
services team between
8.30am–5pm (Monday-
Friday) on 020 8825 7777
or email elections@ealing.gov.uk or
visit www.ealing.gov.uk/vote2015
Polling stations:
Strut to your local
There will be approximately 167 polling
stations set up across the borough
for residents to cast their vote on
Thursday, 7 May. If you are eligible
to vote you will be sent a polling card
with the details of the station you will
need to attend. Alternatively, you can
find your polling station online at
www.ealing.gov.uk/vote2015
around ealing Spring 2015 27TRANSPORT Artist’s view of how Acton Main Line might look
Platform for change
More than £7million will be spent on improving the areas surrounding five local
train stations, thanks to Crossrail cash awarded to the borough.
T
he Crossrail route will run Ealing has snared one quarter of though it is also incredibly valuable.
more than 62 miles from the share of the total money made Securing such a large share of funding
Reading in the west, through available by TfL for these kinds of to carry out the work is great news
new tunnels below London, projects across the capital. “The idea is to primarily improve
to Abbey Wood in the east. Along the Nick O’Donnell, the council’s the look and function of the areas
way, it will take in Acton Main Line, assistant director of strategic transport, immediately outside the stations,
Ealing Broadway, Hanwell, Southall and said: “I think most people see the provide higher quality interchange
West Ealing stations. obvious benefit of Crossrail making between the station and different forms
These will each benefit from better the borough better connected and will of transport like buses and bicycles,
buildings, new ticket halls and other have heard about the improvements install better facilities like cycle parking
improvements and, as we reported in the to the stations. The additional benefit and seating, enhance accessibility to
autumn 2014 edition of this magazine, of boosting the areas directly outside the stations and help better define and
designs are already being worked on. the stations is perhaps less well known, ‘landmark’ the station entrances.
However, there is more to come “At this stage, the improvements are
because Crossrail and Ealing Council only first stage ideas and a series of
have been working on masterplans options and further design work and
that set out how the areas immediately consultation will take place from April
around these five stations can be through to November.
improved as well. “The exact split of the £7.3million
To this end, the council successfully funding between the stations will be
bid for £7.3million from Transport determined according to what comes
for London (TfL) to carry out these out of the next stages of design
West Ealing
‘doorstep’ improvements. This means and consultation.”
28 around ealing Spring 2015TRANSPORT
As well as two entrances, it will have
two lifts. The council has been working
with Crossrail and TfL to identify how
to improve disabled access before
2018, and TfL is committed to
providing two lifts that will be ready
before the Crossrail trains start running.
Crossrail, meanwhile, has confirmed at
least four trains per hour would stop at
Hanwell during peak travel times.
SOUTHALL
In Southall, it is intended to improve
Artist’s view of how the new Crossrail train might look the layout of the road and paving
around the station, as well as the
building itself – and to provide
A few early consultations have been WEST EALING better access for pedestrians and
held, with two public meetings relating Crossrail intends to relocate the West cyclists. The project would tie-in
to West Ealing and a public event Ealing station building from Drayton to the ongoing Southall Big Plan
outside Ealing Broadway, because Green Road to the quieter Manor regeneration scheme.
these two stations will be dealt with by Road. A new forecourt, a cycle hub and
Crossrail first. The wider consultation will other improvements are also proposed. AND…IN GREENFORD
involve open workshops, presentations, While Greenford will not be a Crossrail
online material and perhaps more. HANWELL station, the council has been working
The Grade II listed building would be hard with TfL to bring an incline lift into
ACTON preserved and fully refurbished. The service by early summer. It would be
A new station building will also be built surrounding area is to be improved, the first incline lift installed in a station
for Acton Main Line, on the junction of including better lighting, CCTV and in London, an innovative design
Horn Lane and Friary Road – a new road signs. The council has worked with where the lift travels alongside an
lay-out, bus stops and bicycle parking, residents to realise the long-standing escalator, making it easier for disabled
and also a new forecourt, are all planned. desire to reopen the station’s south and elderly passengers to use.
entrance, which officially took place in For more information on
EALING BROADWAY December, making it easier for people to transport in the borough, visit
Proposals include improvements to the access it from the Uxbridge Road side. www.ealing.gov.uk/transport
forecourt and better located pedestrian
and drop-off areas. There are also
plans to provide easy access to the
redeveloped Arcadia shopping centre,
which is separated from the station
by Haven Green. And, the council’s
‘mini-Holland’ scheme, which will bring
improved and easier cycling around
Ealing town centre, is being deliberately
designed to link into the station and the
nearby cycle hub. Work on the station
is expected to start this year, two years
earlier than Crossrail’s original schedule,
after the council and other groups
pushed for it. It will feature four new lifts.
Artist’s view of
how West Ealing
might look around ealing Spring 2015 29LOOKING FOR SOMETHING
POSITIVE TO DO IN THE
COMMUNITY?
FOSTERING - YOUR CHANCE TO REWRITE THE SCRIPT
You could make a real difference to the lives of local
children by becoming a foster carer. Foster carers
are people just like you. They come from all types of “I’m helping
backgrounds and are of all ages. Some of them have
children in the local
retired or their own children have left home.
community.”
You can be single or in a relationship, live in privately
owned or rented accommodation and you can be KEMI,
CARER FOR 7 YEARS
any sexual orientation. You do need to have a spare
bedroom and a genuine interest in children.
You will be fully supported in your role as a foster
carer and you will be helping local children in your
community to have a better chance in life. Your role
will be challenging, but very rewarding.
“We receive
excellent support
You can meet some of our foster carers at our
to help us in our
monthly information sessions. It’s a great opportunity
to ask questions and to find out how it all works. roles.”
Our next sessions are on 2 March, 13 April and TOM AND MAUREEN,
CARERS FOR 2 YEARS
11 May in Ealing Town Hall. Contact us to find out
more and to book your place.
“I feel I’m making “The hard work
a difference to the pays off and makes
lives of children.” me feel proud.”
CALEB, CARER MEHRAT, CARER
FOR 8 YEARS FOR 3 YEARS
BE THERE. BE AN EALING FOSTER CARER.
Call Ealing Fostering and Adoption Connections on
Freephone 0800 731 6550
Email fosteradopt@ealing.gov.ukYou can also read
