Merry Christmas and farewell 2016
2016 will be remembered for all kinds of political change, and the tragedies of Aleppo in Syria and the plight of child refugees in Calais. Ealing had a small part to play in the last of these stories. I’m proud of the fact that, so far, we have been able to provide loving homes to […]
How to have a green Christmas
Across the UK, it is estimated that we generate around 30% more waste over Christmas and surprisingly most of it can be recycled. You could have a green Christmas and the council’s recycling team can tell you how. Did you know that as much as 80% of your waste can be recycled? Christmas cards (except […]
Acton shops show off their festive best
Acton’s traders got especially creative recently for a best dressed shop window Christmas competition. The stores were lit up by colourful festive decorations and fairy lights and were buzzing with the anticipation of finding out who would win. A member of the council’s regeneration team was helped to draw up a short-list of potential winners […]
Alcohol: Some sobering thoughts
With the party season upon us, it is easy to get swept up in rounds and drink more than we normally would. Do you know your limit? The NHS defines binge drinking for men as having eight or more units of alcohol in one session. For women it is six. The trouble is it can […]
The Goodlet diaries: Week 52 – the final entry
Week 52 – the last part of our year-long serialisation of Goodlet’s diaries from 80 years ago, begins with our protagonist feeling rotten and a Christmas spent feeling ill; and it ends with a year’s summary of the state of his life. ‘Debts and acute, frenzied shortage of cash have made life more humiliating and […]
West Ealing consultation: One week left
A six-week public consultation began on 14 November, asking residents what they think of Ealing Council putting a legal order in place in West Ealing to help ensure the law-abiding majority of people feel safe to use and enjoy public spaces. You have a week left to have your say. As we reported at the […]
The Goodlet diaries: Week 51
Week 51, the penultimate entry of our serialisation, is dominated by a school play, more concerns about finances and visits to the library (pictured), Acton shops and Woolworth’s in Ealing (where he claims never to have seen such a ‘dense’ crowd). December 1936 Monday, 14.12.36 Woke at 12 to find a card from JM from […]
Home learning: Apprentices on site
The first phase of a dramatic overhaul of Havelock estate in Southall is almost complete and it has seen local apprentices taken on to learn a trade on the doorstep of their own homes. “I have always wanted to be working in a trade and am enjoying the opportunity,” said Michael Colliss, one of five […]
Pupils make ‘appy travellers
Pupils in Hanwell have developed an ‘app’ for mobile phones that has successfully encouraged others to walk to and from school rather than using cars or buses. The Brentside High students (from Years 8 and 9) got funding for the project from Transport for London (TfL) after the school became involved in a programme called […]
Landlords: A licence to rent
New licensing for privately rented housing comes into force on New Year’s Day; and landlords should embrace the change, not simply because they have to, but because it makes good business sense. That is according to Councillor Ranjit Dheer, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for community services and safety. He said: “Promoting good practice helps ensure […]
Crime concerns? Tell your local ward forum
Your local ward forum is the perfect place to share any thoughts on crime or anti-social behaviour – and to find ways to solve problems with police and council officers. Officers attend the forums – which are public meetings led by the ward’s three elected councillors’ and held at least twice a year. They provide […]
Transformed: Wasteland to wonderland
A community of railway cottages in an industrial heartland in Acton has transformed an urban space into a green haven, thanks to funding from a council scheme. You, too, could apply for money to improve a neglected corner of your neighbourhood. The Island Triangle Residents’ Association (TITRA) won £75,000 from Ealing Council’s Transform Your Space […]