Around Ealing Spring 2015 | Page 32

HIGHWAYS Parading Southall Square opened just before Christmas improvements Following the unveiling of Southall Square recently, Neelum Bains reports on what has been done to improve shopping parades across the borough. A s we reported in the winter edition of Around Ealing, there are many benefits to shopping local. Whether that is a haircut, flowers or groceries, buying from local shops helps put money back into the local economy. Being able to shop locally supports local trades, their suppliers and their employees, who often live locally too. To help encourage more shoppers to venture close to home, Ealing Council has been working its way across the borough to spruce up town centres with improvements to pavements, roads and shop fronts. The improvements have meant better parking availability, wider pavements making it safer for pedestrians, and better accessibility for people with disabilities. The council’s highways team has been talking to businesses and residents behind the scenes finding ways to improve the shopping areas which can often be crucial to people who cannot travel into the town centres. 32 around ealing Spring 2015 BEFORE: The Avenue AFTER: The Avenue