Forum Topic

Acton pool and priory community groups

The council is still failing to help displaced community groups find 'fit for use' alternative accomodation once the pool and priory community group close down. Many may have to leave Acton which will be a massive blow to our community and our youth. The council are sticking to the line that the community space, ie 3 rooms, in the new development will accommodate the 32 plus groups! The groups are now trying to bid for the empty magistrates courts, see link:http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/ealing-news/local-ealing-news/2011/10/13/disused-acton-court-could-be-community-centre-64767-29591652/If you have time, please write to your councillors/MP to pressure them into supporting their bid.I think Ealing Council should be ashamed of their behaviour and where are our Acton councillors?

Shao-Ying Ben-Nathan ● 5419d4 Comments

When we appealed the wholly unwarranted dispersal of the Priory groups to the scrutiny committee in the summer, our councillors supported the party line on closure and the committee chair asked our 17 year old speaker to suggest alternatives and come up with a policy. The council leader said he would do something to help - but as far as I am aware has not.I have been to many meetings in my time but never one as wholly appalling as that one.

Sara Nathan ● 5419d

Sara,At that meeting I suggested that the council puts the new school in temporary accommodation for two years so that Priory users could move once from Priory straight to new facilities.  This would inconvenience the new school but it would only have 60 pupils in first year and 120 pupils in second year.  The council’s plan is to inconvenience Priory users twice - once to move to temporary accommodation and once to move back into new building.  One move is hard enough for a voluntary organisation to cope with.  Two moves will kill off some.  The council’s plan involves 60 young children rattling around a brand new school built for 420 whilst the Priory groups are scattered to the wind.  The council will look very silly in the run up to the next election!  My proposal did not make it to the minutes let alone get taken up by the administration.  I am told that it would be a step too far for the unions, the new school being an academy, so it is politically undeliverable by the Labour administration.  In other words community groups come second to the teaching unions in Ealing.  NUT says no.  The Priory groups would be well advised to go for an independent solution in the Acton court building.

Phil Taylor ● 5419d

Why can't they offer the Priory the use of the many unused rooms in Acton Town Hall.I don't know how many rooms they have, but it is a big building, and has a huge stage for concerts etc

John Pollastrini ● 5417d

Because most of it is being turned into flats. Library also will be moved into the building so current library building can be sold! By the time they finish Acton will have nothing left!

Shao-Ying Ben-Nathan ● 5414d