Forum Topic

Sale of Ealing Town Hall

Piece in the Guardian today about this is worth reading. Though I don't know what she means about the Library..... http://www.theguardian.com/public-leaders-network/2014/oct/29/ealing-town-hall-for-sale-local-councils-cuts

Iain Muir ● 4338d8 Comments

I think she got ealing central and acton library confused. Neither will be affected by this sale/lease.

ShaoYing BenNathan ● 4337d

I understand they want to move the Central Library out of its present location in the Broadway. Seems shocking to me that they want to sell the listed Victorian  Town hall to the highest bidder. What was that about about the family silver again? Mind you, a Council that had the chutzpah to raise Councillors allowances as their first priority  clearly thinks they can do as they like.

Maire Lowe ● 4337d

I don't think the plan is to sell it, but to develop underused parts of the site to fund much needed maintenance to the rest of the building. As you well know the government has imposed appalling cuts on councils.

Pete Grist ● 4333d

Yes Pete I am aware of the financial pressures, but it is the Council's prerogative to decide how to make savings. I hear that 42% savings will have to be made in grants and allowances to the voluntary sector. The Council are asking that all savings are made in the first year ie before the election. Why Pete? Why punish the very people who try to help the most vulnerable? These savings could be made more easily over four years and I don't mind saying so. Still, Mr Bell keeps his two jobs, the number of consultants employed by the Council doesn't seem to go down and Councillor's allowances have gone up.

Maire Lowe ● 4333d

"Mind you, a Council that had the chutzpah to raise Councillors allowances as their first priority  clearly thinks they can do as they like."I suggest you examine what your own party has done and is planning to do to local council finances, and wind it in a bit, Maire. The hypocrisy rather reeks.[also, did you object when LBHF did the same with Fulham Town Hall?]

Thomas Barry ● 4332d

Funnily enough Thomas I was working for Hammersmith and Fulham when the idea of selling Fulham Town Hall was discussed. People wondered if the Borough needed two Town Halls. Now here in Ealing there is only one. which is why I commented.I was also working for the Council when the local paper splashed the news that the Council had spent £35,000 on biscuits. Purchase of biscuits immediately be came a disciplinary matter. I think it is quite fair to notice that Ealing Council has begun its savings plan by raising Councillors' allowances and following up by announcing that voluntary sector grants will have to find four years savings in one year. Since I seem to have upset you, I apologise. Only intended to speak plainly. However I am curious to know whether you agree with me about the voluntary sector? I am hoping the Council can be persuaded to change its mind.

Maire Lowe ● 4332d

Given the headcount reduction at Ealing Council and hence a reduction in office space need, what alternative use are you proposing for an expensive to maintain listed property that will not require the diversion of public funds from key service?

Andy Jones ● 4326d

Interesting point Andy (as usual). I know that some other Council owned buildings are being closed and their staff are moving into Perceval House. Are you suggesting that the Grade 2 listed Town Hall is not an important building for Ealing?

Maire Lowe ● 4326d