Forum Topic

So where are the Council supporters?

Don't mean to nag but there were lots of people on here trying to insult Angie Bray, bigging up Rupa Huq's record of attending demos, worrying whether Jonathan Notley's uncertainty would damage Labour vote. Let's here from you now about the consequences of your votes. Are you actually in favour of high rise across from Acton Main Line station? Perhaps you think it is a good idea for Ealing Council to loan £30 million to the scheme while closing day centres? But maybe you live on the Redbrick estate in South Acton and agree with the 'no repairs' policy the Council is pursuing so Residents are persuaded to move out.Demolishing one bedroom and studio apartments is probably a good thing. What Council wants to house single people anyway.And who cares if the Leader has two houses, one of them a much needed large socially provided house? Just tell me. If this was a Conservative or Lib Dem run Council how would you feel? What would you say?

Maire Lowe ● 4131d22 Comments

Because, Diana, Rupa Huq went out of her way to make the local issues West Acton have with the overdevelopment of a hotel and flats there her promise of help.  She also is very "in" with the Labour Councillors.  How much time do you think we should give her?  After the towers are erected on Friary Park or the Premier Inn in situ for some time?

Angela White ● 4122d

I want to know one incident where Angie Bray changed what was happening with regards to planning in the 5 years she was in office because the only time I contacted her reference a planning dilemma involving a large development company and me , she said she did not get involved in council planning matters, If Angie Bray had no sway why should Rupa Huq have it , why because she is a Labour MP as opposed to Conservative!!!! She has been in office 2 minutes give her time to find her feet

Diana Oneill ● 4122d

The Council, and its officers let's not forget, seem to be running amok and do need to be reigned in Adam, for sure.  There is no good crying over spilt milk and who voted what, as you imply, too rightly, and I think we should trust and encourage Rupa, no matter who we are or what we voted.  I think she could do a lot to change our Council set-up, or at least for the people of Acton to be heard instead of trying to clamp them down with emails that are of a bullying nature.

Angela White ● 4123d

I've done none of the above but I did vote Labour (a close thing, but I did).  This raises the dilemma inherent with UK elections - Local Vs National - and, while I was impressed with the Tory councillers' behaviour at the final Oaks planning hearing and absolutely appalled by that of Labour (something I've made no secret of) on a national level I'd rather cut my own arm off than vote Tory.  And, being led to believe  that Angie Bray could do little at the Council level, I'm unconvinced of what difference it would make.  I have written to Dr Huq in the strongest terms that the Councillors need to be reined in and Acton saved from their actions.  Before we start slinging accusations and names around at those who didn't vote the way that one would approve of, perhaps we could see how it goes, or write to her yourself and let her know how you feel.And that's what I'd say.

Adam Kimmel ● 4123d

Good work Sara. How about you and I organise this Angela?

Julian Smith ● 4126d

OK - the chaps who run the Residents Association group which controls Epsom Council are happy to come and speak to a group of RAs in Acton/Ealing about how to get a Residents party going.I have their contact details.Who wants to organise it?

Sara Nathan ● 4126d

People might be interested in this about Frome in Somerset: http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/may/22/flatpack-democracy-peoples-republic-of-frome?CMP=share_btn_fb

Chris Hurley ● 4127d

Thanks Sara. Tell him he is our hero :)

Julian Smith ● 4128d

I will enquire...

Sara Nathan ● 4128d

I think a meeting with someone involved in Epsom & Ewell is what we need - Sara's brother, or someone else. Obviously those residents' associations are acting collectively - that is what we must do here as well.

Julian Smith ● 4128d

Who's game for this then? Sara, could you or your brother guide us?

Angela White ● 4128d

My brother lives in Epsom and is involved in the residents group which controls the council. It seems to work very well and I would love to see our local council not driven by party politics but by what is actually best for the people who live and work here.

Sara Nathan ● 4128d

Perfect! That is exactly what should happen with local councils in my opinion. Interestingly my ex gf lives in Epsom and Ewell. But I didn't know about the Council situation. Did seem pretty well run locally though - as an occasional visitor.

Julian Smith ● 4129d

I didn't realise that, Chris.  There is an alternative (there always is, of course) but a very real one for me:Epsom & Ewell Borough Council Election Results 2015The Residents’ Associations secured a net gain of 5 seats in the 2015 Local Elections for Epsom & Ewell Borough Council and retains overall control with 31 of the 38 seats in the 13 wards.The overall percentage turnout was 61%. The highest turnout was in Woodcote ward with 74% and the lowest turnout was seen in Ruxley ward with 50%.Overall the Residents' Associations gained 5 seats, the Conservative Party gained 1 seat, the Liberal Democrats lost 6 seats and the Labour Party retained 3 seats.The new political make-up of the Council is:• Residents’ Associations – 31 seats• Conservatives – 4 seats• Labour – 3 seatsThe count took place on Friday 8 May 2015 at Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom Downs.For the complete round up of the local election results please visit the Council's website www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk

Angela White ● 4129d

Julian - I am a member of a new political party called Left Unity. It was set up by the film director Ken Loach a year or so ago, as lots of us have given up on Labour. PM me if you want more details.

Chris Hurley ● 4129d

I didn't vote Labour, but I nearly did. You will probably remember my argument - with Angie Bray as MP (however hard she worked) the various high rise developments kept happening. Given this I thought that it might be worth trying an alternative. However I don't see Rupa Huq standing up to the Council... Certainly not yet anyway. Maybe her tribal loyalty to the Labour Party will end up being the only thing that matters. We shall see. What is obvious is that the central Labour Party is broken at the moment. I doubt any of them have dealing with Ealing Council's appalling performance high on the agenda (or even on the radar). That is why we must all get (very) organised, and put pressure on the Council from the grass roots. And maybe start a new political party ;)

Julian Smith ● 4129d

Can't agree with Bob here. I know as many Labour voters as,I do Conservatives and they are good people. Having voted Green and Labour in the past I may not be best placed to appreciate the tribal.loyalty that underpins so much Labour support. I've had it explained by a niece of Alastair Campbell but am still getting my head round the principle.

Maire Lowe ● 4130d

Except they are about to be sold off - as promised in the election campaign (not sure it was in the Conservative manifesto though.)

Sara Nathan ● 4130d

I live in a housing co-operative which was set up in the 1970s specifically to provide cheap housing for single people, as they were so low down the council's priority list. So not much has changed.

Chris Hurley ● 4130d

Oh Bob....I like your style!  Tell it as it is!Discrimination against singles on the Friary Park estate beggars belief (and it may be happening elsewhere too?)  If these people were, say, disabled or ethnic minority, would that be allowed to happen?  Well, as it is, some of them are "disabled" due to mental health issues.  Singles, it seems, have no monetary value where density issues and housing are concerned.  It fills me with horror to think if I were single, no child, no partner, where I might end up if I didn't provide my housing association with "value". Just because people don't post, doesn't mean they are not in agreement, I've found.  Come on, Acton!  Put your mouth where your money has been taken.

Angela White ● 4130d

Maire - seems to be a deafening reply to your posting!

Nina Battleday ● 4130d

Trust me Marie, the gutless bastards are to ashamed to reply.May they hold their manhoods cheap.

Bob Little ● 4131d