Long Wait for CPZ on Stanley Gardens and Walpole Way Ends
Politics requires perseverance says Councillor Andrew Steed
CPZ SG now operational
Councillors all wish they could accomplish things quickly. Residents also hope that their requests can be resolved as soon as possible. Sometimes this is just not possible, for a variety of reasons. The problem could be lack of finance, the need for consultation, long waiting lists. Local authorities are by nature cautious beasts and tend to take time to implement.
So, my fellow Liberal Democrat Southfield Ward Councillors and I are delighted that after approximately eleven years the new Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) for Stanley Gardens and Warple Way is now operational.
The saga started before I was elected: I recall visiting a resident and being shown how the roads were permanently blocked with cars parked bumper to bumper. Some cars never seemed to move. Part of the problem was that the area was surrounded by CPZs, so the only free parking was on these two roads.
In addition, eleven years ago there was little residential on Stanley Gardens and Warple Way, historically, there were lots of light industry and small businesses that had links with the BBC at White City for example.
This has changed over the years and most of the buildings have now been converted - with more to follow. Changes in national planning rules have hastened this development as 'change of use' has become easier to process.
We had been able to make use of Ward Forum funds in 2015 and paid for a consultation exercise that too few participated in to warrant changes. Most recently, the necessary changes were secured.
It has still taken a long time, too long to be honest, but finally the new signage went up and CPZ SG was up and running last month.
In many ways the story is illustrative of the changes in Acton: a small piece of social history, with residential taking the place of small businesses that had provided significant local employment.
Liberal Democrats say that Ealing Council has effectively ceased distributing budgets to Ward Forums.
So, to respond to the requests of residents and fund solutions is more difficult. Both developments are detrimental.
Councillor Andrew Steed - Southfield ward
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March 11, 2021
