Forum Topic

"Factory" building & works in backgarden, Eastbourne Ave

For some time now there's been a gradual adding on of makeshift buildings in a residential garden in Eastbourne Ave.  It's quite apparent if you see it and hear it that it's being used to machine wood and make something.  It has now sprawled into the council's former alleyway, which is unused as an alleyway.Their wood storage is even plonked on a roof next to it, and the roof and its building belongs to someone else!We've complained to the Council planning department but have had nothing back from them.  Today we've found a huge box type construction that's gone up.  When will this madness stop and who can protect us residents from greedy people like this abusing us and our environment?  Any suggestions greatly welcomed.Again Ealing Planning Dept.....completely useless.

Angela White ● 5592d15 Comments

Try your envirocrime officer?They are sometimes more pro-active

Sara Nathan ● 5592d

Thanks Sarah.  Will do.

Angela White ● 5592d

Angela,If you are not getting satisfaction from the council then go to your councillors, here:http://www2.ealing.gov.uk/services/council/councillors/councillors_by_ward/acton_centralIf you cannot get satisfaction from them please get in touch with me.  That will get them moving soon enough.  Phil

Phil Taylor ● 5590d

Thank you Phil, much appreciated.

Angela White ● 5590d

Just out of interest Phil, how can you make it happen if the council people won't?

Sara Nathan ● 5589d

Sarah,A lot of the council works pretty well on its own.  I know that is not a very popular view but it is my experience, certainly of basic services.  Call 020 8825 6000 and it gets sorted as a rule.  There are grey areas and more complex problems which take longer to sort out and maybe get back-burnered whilst staff fix the easy stuff.  If the council is not working as it should residents should be able to get help from their councillors.  I don't know the Acton Central councillors very well but I would hope and expect that they are active and capable.  They should be able to make the machine work for residents when things get complicated.  As an opposition councillor I would always be happy to help anyone whose councillors are not doing their jobs - that is politics Sarah.

Phil Taylor ● 5589d

Angela:I'd find out who actually owns the property - check with Land Registry - for a small charge.It could be that the property is let out and the owner of the property doesn't know what's happening.  This is the information the Council will need to take action.Also, if there is a noise problem, Environmental Health, Noise and Nuisance have the legal powers to do something.

Dee Cook ● 5589d

Thanks so much Dee and Phil.  I've been ultra busy this week but this is my priority for the coming one, thanks very much and I'll keep you informed.

Angela White ● 5585d

Hi Phil.  I've had no response from the Council, despite chasing it twice now.  Meanwhile the "factory" has a chimney type bolt-on now and a "hum" that gets fired up, sometimes in the evening, perhaps from machinery.  I shall now contact our Councillors. Pity it's not Vlod Barchuk.  He'd have been on here already, having spotted my posting way back.I will let you know and if there's still no response by next week, say, I'll let you know.  Many thanks.

Angela White ● 5538d

AngelaIf it is possible, take pictures, as visual evidence will make a complaint stronger.You may also like to contact Angie Bray our MP, details are on her web site or write to Angie Bray at conservative HQ.

Nicola Howard ● 5538d

Thanks very much.  Have some photos but not of latest addition.

Angela White ● 5538d

A 'hum' is a noise and nuisance problem - Environmental Health should be called in to take a 'listen'.Also, check with the Council Tax Department - are they paying 'business' rates!!!!!

Dee Cook ● 5538d

AngelaIt may be worth talking to Michael Russell at the Gazette, it could be a story.  If a story hits the local rag the council should start to listen.  Nothing better than a bit of council bashing to get results.Contact:michaelrussell@trinitysouth.ukmob No 07909532451

Nicola Howard ● 5538d

Thanks Nicola, much appreciated.  It could, however, be nothing.  I've now got our Councillor responding and taking up the case and the Head of Streetwatchers is chasing it too.  I will let you know what happens.  I'm just about to send them the photos.

Angela White ● 5538d

Low and behold, to add to more misery, I noticed a "garage" at the end of our street being rented out as living accommodation again this afternoon.  This first came to light in 2005.  The Council, eventually, did take some action more credit to Sue Wyatt of Streetwatchers than anyone else I might add.  Last time there were 2 women in there with 2 toddlers.  It's a garage, for heaven's sake.The landlord may be at it again.  This morning there was a hell of a lot of fly-tipping outside it and then, this afternoon, I saw a young lady going in there so I asked her "do you live here" to which she looked totally incongruent when she answered "no", very politely I might add, if not a little rehearsed.  I think, if it were me, I'd have said "and you are......?"!!

Angela White ● 5538d