Forum Topic

Ealing Gazette this week -Steel shed in market place is 'grotesque'

We made the news again ! Have a look at this link http://icealing.icnetwork.co.uk/ealinggazette/headlines/tm_headline=steel-shed-in-market-place-is-grotesque%26method=full%26objectid=20537459%26siteid=67372-name_page.htmlThank you

Philippe Bruyer ● 6774d57 Comments

I can’t get my head around £50,000 being spent on a steel shed!  How comes it cost so much?

Julia Hunt ● 6774d

That is what the CCA want to find out from Ealing Council!

Philippe Bruyer ● 6774d

I thought £50,000 was the amount it was going to cost to move the thing.

The Editor ● 6774d

I thought that was £40,000 - though can't imagine why it's supposed to be that much.

Sara Nathan ● 6774d

Must be gold-plated.Whoever authorised £50k to build this thing (assuming that this figure is correct) should be investigated and disciplined. One would have to be blind not to see the obscene contrast between this kind of spending and the poverty and filth that one sees in Acton.

John Theodore Clark ● 6773d

I was told by the lady in charge of the Market from Action Acton at a CCA meeting that the kiosk would cost £50-60,000 to move, when I queried why so much, I was told that it was because it contained water/electricity connections!!!  The feeling at the meeting was that in no way could it be moved. The one lady who raised the issue was passed over as I remember.  Was there not an automatic public convenience on that site?  Is it possible that the 'owner' of the loo had a contract with the Council which could not be terminated, and the £50-60,000 is a payment to that company?I would have thought a capping off of the services would cost about £500  - £1,000 (low estimate).  Labour to demolish say 2 men 1 week at £120 a day = £1,200,  Then the whole lot needs to be transported to the Recycling Depot - say one van and one man 1 day £120 for man £60 for van hire  Total cost £2,300.

Dee Cook ● 6773d

You never miss an opportunity for a snipe, do you Doris? I chaired that meeting. The subject was not passed over: the consensus was NOT that it could not be removed, merely that the council said the cost was disproportionate; it was agreed the CCA exec would take it further. That was done with the letter...and subsequent coverage.We await the council's repsonse.

Sara Nathan ● 6773d

The "Shed" really is a bit of an eyesore and completely spoils the view of the church. It should be removed forthwith, and where do they get these figures from? I wouldn't pay £5.00 for that "Shed" !

Robert Julian Fernandez ● 6773d

Sarah:  That was not a 'snipe'. I object to that implication most strongly.  Are the minutes of your meetings freely available on the internet?  We all await the Council's response with interest.

Dee Cook ● 6773d

DorisYou said:"The feeling at the meeting was that in no way could it be moved. The one lady who raised the issue was passed over as I remember."No minutes would show "passing over" even if it happened, which it didn't. That's exactly the sort of comment I would regard as sniping. Resent it if you will but spell my name correctly while you do. Please.

Sara Nathan ● 6773d

.. and the minutes of the meeting, are they a 'public' document?

Dee Cook ● 6773d

I expect so - but as you will no doubt recall, that discussion didn't take part in the AGM proper - which is a formal meeting - but in the forum afterwards.

Sara Nathan ● 6773d

Unfortunately I did not attend the AGM proper but just the forum part of the evening.  But Action Acton were certain that it could not be moved because it would cost too much to do so and the money was not available. Perhaps those who were in agreement to put the kiosk in its present position could explain their reasoning in order to be helpful.  There may be valid reasons for it being in that position that are not obvious.

Dee Cook ● 6773d

It must be because the wiring and piping were already laid for the toilet, Doris.But what I would be more interested in is why they chose such an ugly structure, and why they agreed to (apparently, but £50k is so over the top that I have doubts) pay so much for it.

John Theodore Clark ● 6773d

John, yes indeed.  Hopefully there is such a groundswell now to have the thing removed all the past will be forgotten and the structure will be moved within the month!    But it is important to learn about the mistakes of the past!  I wonder what the Planning view was on such a structure being sited so close to an ancient building?

Dee Cook ● 6773d

The original planning application referred to a "flower Kiosk" - this was some years ago now, and it sounded so inocuous noone bothered to question it.  Later when  Action Acton applied for further planning permission to get the now built (as part of the redesign of the Market Square) green shed  approved for the sale of food and drink I spoke against it at the planning committee, at the time with little support from anyone, and the permission was granted. Of course they have never used it except for storage. I am glad that there is now a movement  to get rid of it. Sara is right the high cost is related to the moving of the services to any new location, but since Action Acton have agreed that they only want it for storage it should be cheaper to move.

Sandy Stagg-Peterson ● 6772d

Sandy, many thanks for info.  The importance of checking all future planning applications is obvious.I think that Morrisons should be urged to make a contribution to the new storage facility which could sit quite nicely in their car park.  Or what about a cage type structure (a cheaper option) in the underground car park - that would be more secure?But would that need planning permission?

Dee Cook ● 6771d

"I think that Morrisons should be urged to make a contribution to the new storage facility"I'd be suprised if Morrisons would be generous enough to offer space to accomodate the big green tin box or the stalls In selling bread, fish, fruit and veg etc, on a basic level, the market is in direct competition.I believe other markets simply leave all the stalls in place. Bits of fruit, fish, hamburgers, chips, all sorts of rubbish left behind to gently rot away on the pavement, at least until our highly efficient council got around to clearing it up . . . . . . . . . and then the next market following week, etc, etc, etc.

Fred Bray ● 6771d

In the Morrison's car park, Doris? So the market traders would have to lug all that heavy stuff round the corner? Have a heart!

Keith Clarke ● 6771d

The stalls arent that heavy, and would probably be moved by an employee of the Market, not the traders themselves

Sandy Stagg-Peterson ● 6770d

Once a year I shift a lot of those kind of stalls for the school summer fair, and believe me, they are heavy! And it really is quite some distance from Morrison's underground car park.

Keith Clarke ● 6770d

Morrisons are actually quite supportive of the market - maybe they see it as an opportunity to sell all the stuff the market doesn't stock to people who wouldn't usually shop there. After all, if you have bought your fruit and veg, a pie and some bread at the market, you are still going to need loo-rolls and tomato soup and tea.But I can't see why they should subsidise the ghastly hut.

Sara Nathan ● 6769d

Men have walked on the moon, surely it is possible to produce a light weight stall which is able to be stable and have wind resistance?Taken from M.Bolland's (Morrison's Chief Executive) latest Corporate Social Responsibility Statement:'Society......Be neighbourly - ....... • Support communities by giving to good causes that reflect local need supporting good causes • Choose and support a Charity of the Year for national fundraising, aiming for at least£1m donated each year'Sara you say 'Morrisons are actually quite supportive of the market' - are you able to say in what way?

Dee Cook ● 6769d

I think the people running the market find them helpful; they own the forecourt area by the bike rack and never mind it being used by the market. I've spoken to the newish manager and he said he wanted to be helpful to the market and that he didn't see it as any sort of threat because it would bring customers to the patch who'd buy other stuff from him.

Sara Nathan ● 6769d

Remember there was a competition a while ago asking artists to design something to cover this ugly storage shed?Does anyone know what happened - we never heard any more about it!The ugly green shed is an eyesore. Wouldn't it be nice if an artist could paint it out so we can just imagine that we are looking at St Mary's Church instead of that awful sight?I am sure there are many brilliant artists out there who would be more than happy to disguise this thing!

Jean F Fernandez ● 5764d

The title is rather misleading folks, sorry! I just looked up the previous comments regarding this shed, anyway I do hope the title grabbed your attention!

Jean F Fernandez ● 5764d

True - but do you have anything to add?

Sara Nathan ● 5764d

I would just like to know whatever happened to the competition to find an appropriate design to disguise or otherwise cover this awful shed.I think most people would agree it is an eyesore but what to do about it?

Jean F Fernandez ● 5764d

there have been competitions - but all futile as it is intrinsically ugly and in the wrong place.One problem is that when it was installed, it was vastly over-engineered so it has lighting etc as though it could be a caff in its own right - perfectly correctly this has never happened but now apparently costs a fortune to move.Arson may be the only answer.

Sara Nathan ● 5764d

Are you volunteering Sara?

Jean F Fernandez ● 5764d

Nah too obvious and too much to lose!

Sara Nathan ● 5764d

It amazes me what you lot get upset about.Oh well if keeps you amused and occupied.

Colin Carroll ● 5762d

Colin, we only want what is best for Acton. Do you really think that this green shed enhances the scenery?As far as I am concerned it is an absolute eyesore and should NEVER have been erected there in the first place!Some folk are easily pleased I guess.

Jean F Fernandez ● 5762d

To be honest, eyesore is not a word that springs to mind when I see it. Functional maybe. We live in an urban landscape not a Cotswold idyll.Do you get upset by the Toilet that use to be there or the 1960's Post Office or the 1980's designed Safeways?Some folk too easily upset!Why should not it be there until you lot start mentioning it never really registered with me, because I accept that I live in an urban environment.

Colin Carroll ● 5762d

Do you feel better now?

Jean F Fernandez ● 5762d

I am always feel good. I am just bewildered by the sados who fuss about a shed which spoils the so called scenery.Well if that is all you lot have to worry about your lives must be fine and dandy!!.I am more concerned about how the language gets debased "grotesque" surely not.Sheds in Acton whatever next?Ms Fernadez if you think I am in any way concerned about your sad existence then you are sadly mistaken. Get over yourself.

Colin Carroll ● 5762d

"They're coming to take him away, Ha Ha!!

Rosco White ● 5762d

Many local residents don't like the green box - and it is an unnecessary eyesore. Thre was no consultation over its erection and it only remians because it would cost a lot to move.We don't have many nice bits of Acton and that corner would be much better without the box.But no I don't wake in the night with screaming heebie-jeebies over it. Posting on here ( and maybe lobbying at the local ward forum) is the extent of any action I might take.And it's certainly no reason to be abusive - mostly we manage our debates with better manners than that here.

Sara Nathan ● 5762d

Many? How many? Is this based on a Nathanesque scientific straw poll of CCA quiz night members? The bit would be nice without the box? And of course you love the pub beside it which adds to the vista? Nonsense!!!And the graveyard is a well maintained plot of land? With the finest example of wild flowers?Pray tell where should they store the market stalls?I am not being abusive. I just do not get a lot of people on here getting upset about a green box. It is functional and serves a purpose and I can not see how it upsets your romantic notion of what this place is. Just get over it. Have you lot protested about the bus shelters in front of the church? Of course not. And why do you lot need to be consulted? You would not have bugger all to complain about if you rubber stamped everything that goes on. Just remember you lot on here are an unrepresentative picture of Acton life.And if they are coming to take me away it will be long time after they take most of you smug lot! Manners? I have those in abundance. But only for those that I know and love.

Colin Carroll ● 5762d

People at the market, at the Ward forum, at CCA meetings, and in general conversation have expressed a dislike of said box. I have never heard anyone, except this one poster, say that it is an asset or a boon to Acton life - or even anything more than that it is there now and expensive to move, however ugly - which seems to have been our councillors' and council officers' views. It could be positioned less centrally and obviously: up against a wall for instance over by Morrisons. Or the stuff could be stored elsewhere. The empty shop on the corner was mooted at one pointAnd the landscape would not, of course, be perfect without the box - but it would be better which is all we can work towards. The bus-stop has to be near the road (duh!)is actually of fair design and does not block anything - I wouldn't have thought it comparable.I have never had a romantic notion about what Acton is - but I would like it to be the best place it can possibly be. Is there anything wrong with that? And why the need for such intemperence?

Sara Nathan ● 5762d

What impertinence? So still straw poll then.From what position does it spoil the view of the church?I do not care if it is there or not could not give a tinker's cuss I am just astounded by the nonsense that you lot go on about sometimes.Have you asked the people who have to put the stalls away where they would like it positioned? I bet they love you lot. Sorry Ms Nathan I did not know that I had to kowtow to you.Must be that trip that you made to the palace what's made you all high and mighty like! I will avert my gaze and tug my forelock in respect!

Colin Carroll ● 5762d

This is supposed to be a forum where one can express an opinion on matters involving the community. We are fully aware that Acton is not utopia but nevertheless we do have to live here and are therefore happy to discuss how our surroundings might be improved.There really is no need to be so abrasive on this forum.

Jean F Fernandez ● 5762d

Crikey!You could have been kowtowing for two years nowAll that's pre-history. You'd have a sore forelock - very nasty.The stall-holders like people to shop at the market. Quite a lot of the people posting here do.Were you expecting MORI? Maybe you would like to pay for that then.Is that it?

Sara Nathan ● 5761d

I shall return at a time and place of my choosing.Enjoy the shed!

Colin Carroll ● 5761d

I think the smartest idea would be a simple paint make-over.Nothing clever or arty ......1) Give it a nice fresh lick of paint with some sort of textured paint (light grey? )2) Paint the door a contrasting colour. (and the door frame) 3) Disguise the side opposite the pub (north side) so that it looks like a cafe/kiosk with the shutters shut.3) Paint the roof a contrasting colour.Cost ?  A few spare tins of paint and an afternoon painting.If it looks crap, paint the damn thing green again.  What do we have to lose ? ? ?
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Fred Bray ● 5761d

"The stall-holders like people to shop at the market. Quite a lot of the people posting here do."So then how does a green shed prevent that? I am intrigued. Never knew so many aesthetes shopped in the market? What's the problem? Wrong shade of green?

Colin Carroll ● 5761d

Colin said, referring to the stall holders:"I bet they love you lot"my response - reasonably - is that the stall holders like those who shop at the market, many posters do. Implying they may well love us!I have never heard any of them express much about the green box. But there are stall-holders who lurk and post here. Maybe they could respond.

Sara Nathan ● 5760d

I'm amazed this thing causes such heated discussion.  In all the years I've lived in Acton and walked up Churchfield Rd I've barely noticed this shed.  It certainly doesn't offend me.Acton has far worse problems and far more eyesores, like the semi-derelict car park thing at the bottom of the high street.

Ben Smith ● 5760d

Ben, Believe me we have tried to get something done about the disused car park in Acton High Street but so far without success.A number of areas in Acton could be improved but it is sometimes easier said than done. For instance, the grafitti was finally removed from the bridge over Acton High Street, this was yet another eyesore but what an improvement now it has been painted.Sometimes it is about things like removing grafitti (and the shed has been a target for grafitti in the past) reporting grot spots, flytipping, dog fouling so the area is a better place to live for all the residents in the area.Not everyone will agree about the shed but quite a number of residents really don't think it is very attractive - useful yes, it serves it's purpose, but it is not a pretty sight to behold.

Jean F Fernandez ● 5760d

There is work going on about the beastly car park. the council say they will compulsorily purchase it but it's owned by a particularly unpleasant commercial landlord with quite a long history of ruthlessness so I fear the council is being cautious.But it's not for want of lobbying at the ward forum, the town hall team and elsewhere.there are lots of thigs that could be better...maybe they all will be if we, the local residents/businesses/electorate keep up the pressure.

Sara Nathan ● 5760d

Careful Ben you do not want upset the local Misery Society with your alternate views. You will become a marked man!Yes it is amazing what they get upset about and how they have the arrogance to believe that they hold the representative view of what goes on in this town.Delusional is a word that springs to mind.Ben keep your head down.

Colin Carroll ● 5759d

Why would anyone need to keep their head down?On this forum we largely manage to debate and disagree without any name calling, abuse or clique-forming.Long may that continue

Sara Nathan ● 5759d

What name calling goes on? What abuse?So just because you lot get upset by a functional shed you  would want to waste £50k of tax payers money to have it removed just to improve an non existent view. Complete madness, we can not afford such a sum, but because of your undue influence exerted through various local committees you would be quite happy to have it removed and what would be the benefit of that? None what so ever. Now that is an abuse!

Colin Carroll ● 5759d

I think spending £50,000 or anything like would be a total travesty and wholly unnecessary.I don't have undue influence - but I do put some work into Acton and I turn up to things which you - or anyone else - could do too if you wanted to. That's the only way to have much say in the local democratic processes. If all you do is post on local websites (and you may well do loads of other things for all I know) then your voice will probably be heard less. But that's not unreasonable, is it? And it's certainly not any form of abuse.

Sara Nathan ● 5759d

So why are you upset by the shed?It is there and just live with it.Do not worry I do my bit but I am not one for boasting.When it comes to joining committees I am a died in the wool Marxist..... Groucho that is.

Colin Carroll ● 5759d

Just don't like it...wrong place, size, colour and badly designed for purpose. I mean who ever thought it needed plumbing and lighting as if it was going to be a caff? It just doesn't - as effectively just a stall store - need to be in the centre of the approach to the square.The people that imposed and erected it don't seem to have thought about where it should go and why in order to contribute most to Acton.  I'm not upset by it - golly there are LOADS of things to get upset about. It's just one of those minor irritations that surfaces every now and again because it is always there...right in yer face on every trip to Morrisons/Post Office/market/doctor etc etc.

Sara Nathan ● 5759d

Just a thought, I wonder where they store the market stalls in the Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre?

Jean F Fernandez ● 5759d