Forum Topic

Gunnersbury Park Consultation

I appreciate that this topic may be covered elsewhere, in which case if someone could direct me appropriately I'd be grateful.If not, I'm a bit disappointed that the consultation leaves one with options I wouldn't find welcome.I'd also be interested in joining an action group to look at more interesting ways in which the park can be updated and enjoyed by all in Ealing  and further afield.Personally, I would interested in a forming a trust of sorts, with perhaps the council as a partner, to run, maintain and enhance the facilities which, let's face it, are pretty dire.  Richard.

Richard Berridge ● 6228d8 Comments

There is an item on the front page of this site currently about the Green Party's stance on the consultation. There may be an element of bandwagon jumping on this as they don't seem to be suggesting practical solutions. A more realistic and informed view is given by James Wisdom in an article that is linked from the Greens story.The Friends of Gunnersbury Park might be your best first point of contact. I believe there is also an existing pressure group called something like STIG (Save Trees in Gunnersbury) but not sure if that is particularly well organised or active.

Andy Jones ● 6227d

A read up on the Gunnersbury friends website would make an interesting start. Also suggest registering your interest with the lead council officer, Richard Gill (Gunnersbury Park Development & Regeneration Manager) for meeting dates and pointers such as the Open House event on the 20th September when the large mansion, bath house and temple will be open to visitors.richardgill@hounslow.gov.uk  02089921612gunnersburyfriends.org

Robert Darke ● 6227d

hi richardplease have a look at the work our organisation "save trees in gunnersbury" (STIG) has been doing - we are a group of residents who felt cheated by the survey's stark choices. We are holding our second public meeting this monday 21st at St Mary's CHurch south Ealing  W5. We have stacks of support and  we need good creative ideas like yours to move forward. Please  visit stiglondon.co.uk for more details about STIG and the meeting on Monday.bestLucy COllins

Lucy Collins ● 6222d

Thanks to all.I'm uneasy at the consultations' options and feel that they simply offer too narrow a focus.At first glance, it would appear that Gunnersbury Park has very substantial resources and great potential. I think that the potential has to be explored further without resorting to an unnecessary smash & grab along the Lionel Road boundary.

Richard Berridge ● 6221d

Lucy, rereading my original post I think I should make it clear that I wasn't calling into question the value or organisation of your group. I'd only heard about it second hand and not much detail.

Andy Jones ● 6221d

no worries Andy - just wanted to make sure everyone knew that STIG was going from strength to strength. We had a pretty historic meeting last night in which it emerged that just among the hundred or so present nearly a quarter had not even received the consultation document. Just goes to show how undemocratic and unscientific the survey was - and our first  aim is to have it dismissed and a new fairer and more informative survey put out. more to come ! Lucystiglondon.co.uk

Lucy Collins ● 6216d

Are there any details/minutes of the meeting?  I was in Newcastle on 22nd and couldn't attend.

Richard Berridge ● 6214d

Lucy,My understanding is that the consultation document went to the 77,200 people who live in a 2 mile radius of the park.  There comes a point where it not cost effective to widen the net.  I figure asking 77,200 is a reasonable number.  Anyone more than 2 mles away from the park will not have got the document.  I am sure that some homes will have been missed by the distributor.  Often people chuck such things in the bin without realising what they are.  It is hard to get passed the junk mail filter/recycling bin sometimes.  Anyone who has missed the chance to take part can do so online.  The following page comes up at the top of Google searches for "Gunnersbury Park".  It gives a very full account of the process we are going through, details meetings, minutes, etc.  Follow the link half way down the page to take part in the consultation.  http://www.hounslow.gov.uk/index/leisure_and_culture/local_history_and_heritage/gunnersbury.htm

Phil Taylor ● 6214d