LOVE YOUR PLACE
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Taking the lead, locally
“I think a group of locals getting together to do something is quite powerful,” said
the chairman of a community group that is helping to keep a public space nice for
residents to enjoy. Jack Butler reports.
D
avid Highton is the
chairman of West Ealing
Neighbours, a residents’
group which, among other
things, is working hard to maintain
a recently rejuvenated spot on the
corner of Melbourne Avenue and
Leeland Terrace. It was transformed
from an unloved scrap of grass into a
paved area with flower beds by Ealing
Council, with help from the residents.
“Once a month we have a group
of volunteers to keep it clean,” David
said. “Those who come are all ages –
from a young couple who have recently
moved in to the area, to people like
myself who have retired. People like
that the area is looking nice; they like
the plants; they appreciate that the
area is being made more attractive.”
Despite having to deal with the
unwelcome deposits of pigeons when
some people unhelpfully encourage
them with bird feed (feeding pigeons
in public spaces is an offence under
the 1981 Environment Act), West
Ealing Neighbours is not deterred from
keeping the space looking nice.
TAKING OWNERSHIP
“I don’t think you should always expect
the council to do something for you,”
said David. “Sometimes I think it is better
to do it yourself. You might need the
council’s permission, or you might need
a bit of help, but I think a group of locals
getting together to do something is quite
powerful. I think that is more effective
than the council coming along and doing
it and then going away. I think that sense
of ownership, and improving a little bit of
land, can make a big difference.”
Another example of residents being
actively involved in improving their
area was cited by David. The not-for-
profit residents’ group West Ealing
Community Interest Company organises
a range of events for all ages to enjoy.
This includes the Soundbite music and
food festival, which takes place every
September in Dean Gardens.
GET INVOLVED
The council has recently
revamped a community website
called Do Something Good which
helps residents, whether groups
or individuals, to come together
to set up new projects or get help
with existing ones; to volunteer,
or to ask for volunteers; and much
more – including finding help
with fundraising options. Visit
dosomethinggood.org.uk
around ealing April/May 2019
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