Ealing Borough Liberal Democrats

Welcome to Ealing Central & Acton Lib Dems

This site has news and information about the Liberal Democrats in the Ealing Central & Acton constituency.

Following boundary changes, the constituency now covers Acton, Southfield, Ealing Common, Walpole, Hanger Hill and Ealing Broadway. The Shepherds Bush part of the previous Ealing, Acton & Shepherds Bush constituency is no longer within our constituency. If you are not sure of your ward or which constituency you live in, go to the item "Find your local party" on the Liberal Democrats' national web site, http://libdems.org.uk/home.aspx and enter your post code.

Jon Ball, who was the Lib Dem candidate at the general election in May 2010, is the parliamentary spokesperson for Ealing Central and Acton. At the election Jon polled 13,041, which is the highest vote ever recorded for a Liberal or Liberal Democrat in the area; it now requires a swing of just over 5% for the Liberal Democrats to win.

Recent News From Ealing Central and Acton

• Jul 18, 2011:
  • Ealing Broadway Station Petition
    Ealing Liberal Democrats have launched a petition to get the Council and the Mayor of London to make a commitment for a fully integrated public transport interchange at Ealing Broadway. Nigel Bakhai with Cllr Jon Ball and Caroline Pidgeon, London Lib Dem transport spokesperson, at Ealing Broadway The present station is no longer fit for purpose, say the Lib Dems. Rebuilding it for Crossrail is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make it a proper interchange we can be proud of, with step-free access for passengers to move freely between trains, tubes, buses and taxis. "Unfortunately the present designs show that important elements in the original plans - such as a new footbridge and escalators to the platforms - have been cut, and the completion date has also been put back," said Cllr Nigel Bakhai, Lib Dem transport spokesman on the Council. Other Councils in London have been prepared to fight for local improvements in the design and access to their new Crossrail stations, he continued. "We want Ealing Council to take the lead in pressing the London Mayor and the various transport bodies involved to restore these items at the very least." Several thousand leaflets have already been handed out to passengers, and the petition is on the internet at http://signme.org.uk/648. People can also register their support by sending their first name, surname name, postcode and first address line by e-mail to interchange@ealinglibdems.org.uk, or by text message to 0782 652 3000. "We need 1,500 validated signatures to force a debate at the Council," said Cllr Bakhai, "and we are already on the way to achieving this." Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jun 5, 2011:
  • Andrew Steed welcomes Council planning notice climbdown
    Ealing Council has withdrawn its proposal to reduce the information given to neighbours about planning applications which might affect them, by stopping notification by post. Cllr Andrew Steed, Lib Dem member of the Committee which is responsible for overseeing the Council's regulation functions, and who was active in opposing the move, said: "This is a small but significant victory for the principle that the Council must keep the public properly informed about matters of concern to them." The move would have come about through a change to Ealing's Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), which every council has to have. A revised SCI was put out to consultation last year alongside the much better publicised new planning framework. The results of the wider consultation are still to be published. "There was widespread and unanimous opposition to the proposal," said Andrew, "and I am delighted that the Council has recognised the strength of public opinion. We must however remain vigilant to ensure the idea does not come back in some other form." Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jan 26, 2011:
  • Lib Dems fight for Ealing Broadway station upgrade
    Crossrail's latest design proposals for Ealing Broadway station would delay the station completion by at least two years and downgrade the planned station by removng the three planned escalators and two new footbridges planned across the tracks. Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the London Assembly Liberal Democrat Group and Vice Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee came to Ealing Broadway last week to see for herself what this could mean for Ealing Broadway station. Councillor Jon Ball, Lib Dem Councillor for Ealing Common ward, and parliamentary campaigner said: "The rebuilding of Ealing Broadway for Crossrail is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build the proper transport interchange that Ealing needs. Crossrail's initial plans were inadequate so for Crossrail to now downgrade their plans are totally unacceptable. I will be moving a motion at next week's Ealing Council meeting to commit the Council to reject this downgrade and fight for the station that Ealing residents deserve." Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group and Vice Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee said: "Across London there is a long list of stations and transport projects where corners have been cut. Often people have paid a huge price for such short term decisions, especially in terms of overcrowding. Cutting back on access and capacity at such an important station as Ealing Broadway runs the risk of adding this station to that long list." Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 6, 2010:
  • Liberal Democrats say Ealing Council's 2026 plan "not justified, robust or credible"
    Liberal Democrats presenting their LDF statement which they handed into the Council The Local Development Framework (LDF) is the policy that will control all planning in the borough until 2026. Ealing Liberal Democrats believe the Council's new LDF strategy document, on which consultation has just ended, is neither justified, robust nor credible. It does not have regard to Ealing's historic legacy or a sustainable vision for its future. It would allow, for example, a number of tall buildings with an inadequate proportion of affordable homes to be built in places that are not suitable, as well as failing to plan for the necessary number of doctors, dentists and schools. The Lib Dems have submitted detailed comments, in which they say they do not believe the Council's strategy meets the tests that are required for both soundness and legality on a number of grounds. These are set out below and in full in the attached document (see the link below). It does not comply with the legal tests because: 1. Its main targets do not fit in with the draft London Plan in a number of areas, notably the amount and location of housing. 2. The public consultation under the Council's own policy (the Statement of Community Involvement) has not been properly followed. Significant changes in principle and detail were made in the Strategy between the first consultation and the latest documents without giving the required explanation of the options, the reasons for the changes or reference to how the public responded. It is "unsound" for several reasons. 1. Much of the evidence on which it is based is out of date, and it ignores the current economic situation. It is therefore not justified, robust or credible, as it has to be. 2. Some of the main principles are at odds with the obvious needs of the borough and are inappropriate. No alternatives were considered, and suggestions from the public have been ignored. 3. Some of its obvious objectives conflict with each other and are inconsistent. Projected private development is not supported by the necessary public services, and the plan fails to be both effective and deliverable. 4. Government ideas on planning is still changing, but Ealing fails to give high enough priority to the environment and to sustainable development,and so breaches existing national policy. Councillor Gary Malcolm said: "We want an Ealing that incorporates a proper transport interchange at Ealing Broadway as well as more facilities relating to art and culture. The area has a history that should be promoted and not swallowed up by homes build too densely in the wrong locations." Related Links Lib Dem LDF representations Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 2, 2010:
  • Ealing Council announces £50 million of council cuts
    Liberal Democrat Councillor Gary Malcolm Ealing Council last week agreed to about £50 million pounds worth of budget reductions. About 20 percent of these are service cuts and the remainder a combination of efficiency savings and contract savings. Liberal Democrats know that the Council has to reduce its budget and so we agree with a lot of the changes however there are some points we feel are not acceptable including cuts to park rangers, police PCSOs and reduction in enviro-crime officers. Liberal Democats will fund a reversal of these cuts by reducing the media budget which is very large as well as reducing Councillors' allowances (we voted for a 10 percent cut but the Labour party voted against the idea!) Councillor Gary Malcolm, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: "Although the Council needs to make cuts some of the suggestions will appear to really hurt residents in Ealing such as the police, enviro-crime officers and the 50% cut to our loved park rangers. Liberal Democrats believe that things will fall through the cracks since the Council thinks the police will take on the responsibility of patrolling our parks and the police will be assuming the Council will. Criminals might have a field day." Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 31, 2010:
  • Labour Say No to Liberal Democrat Calls for a 10% Councillor Allowance Cut
    Councillor Gary Malcolm In a vote of all Councillors at a recent Council meeting the Labour party voted against a motion to reduce Councillors' allowances. The Liberal Democrats voted in favour of the Councillor allowance cuts. Councillor Gary Malcolm commented: "Shame on the Labour Councillors. In these difficult economic times we need to all make savings. That money could have been better spent elsewhere such as preserving our day centres." Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 30, 2010:
  • Lib Dems welcome Labour's U-turn on Parking Charges
    Ealing Lib Dem Transport spokesman Cllr Nigel Bakhai Ealing Lib Dems Transport spokesman Cllr Nigel Bakhai has welcomed the news that Labour-run Ealing Council has reversed its decision to end maximum daily charges for visitors' parking vouchers and is to consider introducing permits for carers. In September, Ealing Council announced plans to increase the cost of CPZ permits from £25 to £40 a year for zones that are in operation two hours a day, and from £45 to £75 for those that are in operation all day to bring them in line with other boroughs. At the same time, the council also published proposals for a flat rate fifty pence per hour for visitor parking vouchers and an end to the £1 maximum daily charge. Cllr Nigel Bakhai raised concerns at an important scrutiny committee meeting that the increase in parking voucher charges would unfairly punish long term visitors such as carers in areas like Ealing and Southall town centres where CPZs operate all day, and called for the introduction of a parking permit scheme for carers and medical staff as currently operates in the London Borough of Hounslow. However, Ealing Council's Transport portfolio holder has now conceded that the maximum daily visitor voucher charge will now be capped at £3.50 per day beginning in January 2011 and that the CPZ Scrutiny Panel will be looking at options for other annual permits including permits for carer's at their next meeting. Commenting on the decision, Cllr Nigel Bakhai said:"As a responsible opposition, the Lib Dems are willing to accept that parking charges needed to rise if the council is to meet its objective of saving £53 million to freeze council tax over the next four years, but we were concerned that the increases in voucher charges would unfairly impact on a number of residents and their visitors. However, we are pleased that the council has now amended its plans and that they will consider our proposals for a carers and medics permit." Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 26, 2010:
  • Councillor Andrew Steed shows pupils around the Town Hall
    The Mayor of Ealing joins Councillor Andrew Steed with a class from St.Benedict's School Southfield Councillor Andrew Steed arranged for a group of six-form students from St.Benedict's School to attend a Council Meeting this October. Andrew Steed said: "Politics has an impact on all people, even if they do not express much interest in the subject. This is especially true of local politics where the actions of the Council can determine if the rubbish is collected on time or if the lamp post on the corner of their street is working." Andrew added: "The pupils who attended the Council meeting were students of Politics and also students of English, looking at the topic of language and power. The feedback I have received from the pupils has been very positive - which may surprise some residents." Council meetings are open to the public, so come and watch your elected councillors in action! Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 24, 2010:
  • Albert Dane Centre under threat
    Under threat - the Albert Dane centre in Southall Local Lib Dems have condemned Ealing Council for beginning plans to close the Albert Dane centre for the disabled in Southall. The Albert Dane Centre is a day centre for people with physical disabilities aged between 18-64, which is currently used by up to 45 people on a regular basis. Cllr Nigel Bakhai, who first visited the Albert Dane centre in the 2007 Ealing Southall by-election, has signed a petition organised by concerned users and local residents against the proposed closure. The Ealing Lib Dem council group also voted to support keeping the centre open when the issue was debated at a recent council meeting. Cllr Bakhai said: "Labour-run Ealing Council is using the recent comprehensive spending review by the Coalition Government as a smokescreen for cuts they are making locally and it is sad that one of their first announcements since taking control is to close this important and popular facility for the disabled. The Lib Dems voted to cut the pay of councillors and we would gladly have given this money to keep the Albert Dane centre open, but we were blocked by the majority Labour group." Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 22, 2010:
  • Priory Centre update
    Liberal Democrat Councillors Andrew Steed and Gary Malcolm with residents outside the Priory Centre Ealing Council wants to sell off the Priory Centre for housing. This has raised a lot of concern amongst those living in Acton and the North of Chiswick. Liberal Democrats want to see the Council keep the Priory Centre where it is and make repairs to the facilities now, instead of allowing it to be run down. Southfield Councillor Gary Malcolm asked the Council Leader to give a commitment to protect the current user groups should the Centre be moved. The Council Leader agreed to short-term repairs and if the Priory Centre is moved users would only pay hiring fees that are "reasonable". The Council Leader sadly did not make any further commitments such as ensuring that the current users would get priority over room bookings. Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 10, 2010:
  • Liberal Democrats say Ealing could turn out like Croydon
    Councillor Gary Malcolm is demanding Ealing council does more to promote local LDF consultation Ealing Lib Dems have successfully won an important concession from Ealing Council to extend the consultation deadline of all the Local Development Framework (LDF) documents until the end of November so more residents and interested parties can give their views. The LDF lays out the council's planning policy in the borough, and when the documents are finalised they will set the guidelines for the future direction of our town centres. The last stage of the LDF consultation yielded only about 50 responses in a borough of over 300,000 people and the Lib Dems believe that this is not good enough. The Lib Dems are therefore calling on the Council to be more proactive so that more residents, businesses and residents' associations in Ealing know about the consultation and give their views on planning matters such as transport and housing requirements, and decide what they want to see in a number of proposed development sites that the council has identified around the borough. Councillor Gary Malcolm, leader of the Ealing Lib Dem council group, said: "Local Lib Dems are concerned that when the LDF plans have been approved that they will dictate the future of Ealing until 2026. I want an Ealing that is more like Richmond or Chiswick than Croydon. We need to preserve Ealing's character and heritage so shopping areas like Pitshanger Lane are encouraged to maintain their unique identity, rather than adopting a one size fits all approach for all of our town centres. We are calling on the Council to encourage more residents to get involved in the consultation and have their say on Ealing's future." Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 5, 2010:
  • Ealing Council exposed over Freedom of Information failures
    Councillor Gary Malcolm Councillor Gary Malcolm, Ealing Liberal Democrats Leader, was not shocked when he heard this month that Ealing Council has been named on a list of organisations that appear to be flouting Freedom of Information rules. The Information Commissioner's Office said the organisations were taking too long to respond to Freedom of Information Act requests and would now be monitored for three months. Councillor Gary Malcolm said: "Only a few months ago a resident who lives near me said she had asked Ealing Council for some information that she was entitled to see. She waited and waited and waited. She grew impatient and contacted me. I then asked a few questions of the manager of the relevant department and they admitted that only a relatively small proportion of applications for freedom of information requests have been dealt with within the legal time limit. Very sad." I am happy that the Information Commissioner is to look into this. The ICO deputy commissioner Graham Smith said: "This is a perfect opportunity for the authorities named to get their houses in order and demonstrate that they take freedom of information requests seriously. In the five years since the Freedom of Information Act was brought into force, a significant number of the complaints we receive are about organisations that take too long to respond to information requests." He added: "We will monitor the authorities named today for three months, but may take action during this timeframe if an authority's standard of compliance is revealed to be particularly poor, or if it is unwilling to make the improvements necessary." Councillor Gary Malcolm is demanding that the Council takes action to improve its service to residents, saying Ealing Council "cannot squirm out of the issue." Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Sep 18, 2010:
  • Lib Dems join protestors' call for Ealing Broadway Station access improvements
    Councillor Gary Malcolm at the Ealing Broadway demonstration for better train access Ealing Liberal Democrat Leader, Councillor Gary Malcolm, joined the Ealing Cycling Campaign in a demonstration outside Ealing Broadway Station to raise awareness of the lack of platform access for a range of local people. Ealing Resident Simon Rowley and Councillor Gary Malcolm with others at the station access demonstration The protest highlighted how the station has become a no-go area for many groups who find stairs difficult to negotiate, including parents with children in buggies, people with disabilities, cyclists with bikes and passengers with heavy luggage. Passengers using the station must negotiate more than 30 stairs to reach platform level if travelling on the District or Central Underground lines or eastbound on the overground train to Paddington. There is a further set of stairs for those travelling westbound on the overground to destinations including Heathrow airport. The Ealing Cycling Campaign and other passenger user groups have been campaigning for four years to improve access to the station but no progress has been made. The station operators First Great Western and Transport for London have been unwilling to provide a short- or medium-term solution to the problem, saying the station will be redeveloped as part of the proposed Crossrail network. The redeveloped Ealing Broadway station is not expected to be completed until at least 2017, by which time there will have been an estimated 10th of a billion passenger entries and exits from the station, according to Transport for London data. Andy Hillier, spokesman for the Ealing Cycling Campaign and parent of 20-month-old Oscar, says: "It's hugely disappointing in this day and age that Ealing Broadway Station is a no-go area for those who struggle to negotiate stairs. The station should be accessible to all. The installation of a lift would make a huge difference to the lives of a great number of residents. The station operators need to sit down and find a way of making sure that everyone can access the station." Councillor Gary Malcolm, Leader of the Ealing Liberal Democrats, said: "As a regular cyclist and a user of Ealing station I see each time I travel the barriers that many residents who have buggies, are disabled, or are cyclists suffer when they get to Ealing Broadway station. The Ealing Cycling Campaign's work is first rate and their campaign to improve access in Ealing is needed and have my full support. The station operators should install a temporary lift ahead of the Crossrail improvements or a permanent lift that can be incorporated into the final station redesign." Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Sep 8, 2010:
  • Liberal Democrats Sceptical of Free Schools
    Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Steed Sceptical of Free Schools At a Council Scrutiny meeting last night, Councillor Andrew Steed, the Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson, discovered there was still alot about the proposed West London Free School that is unknown. Under questioning Free School campaigner Toby Young, was unable to indicate if the school would be up and running by September 2011, or indeed where the school would be, or from where the pupils will be drawn from. Councillor Andrew Steed said: "This level of uncertainty is a worry because of the unknown impact the proposed school will have on the local state schools. Although the Department of Education has given the green light for the proposal to proceed it seems Mr Young still does not know where the school will be located, it could be Ealing, Hammersmith or Hounslow." Councillor Steed added: "There was also some surprise that Mr Young could not even confirm the criteria for taking on teaching staff, i.e. if they will be qualified teachers. All the evidence is that professional staff deliver the best results and it is frankly shocking that there is even a suggestion that the teachers will not be qualified." During the May General Election, Liberal Democrats had raised numerous concerns at the public meetings that occured. Last night was a meeting of the Ealing Council Education and Children's Services Standing Scutiny Panel. Toby Young was speaking with local NUT spokesperson Nick Grant and Acton High Headteacher Mandy Golding. Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Aug 9, 2010:
  • Councillor Rose shows the personal touch to help local disabilities charity
    Councillor Harvey Rose The Liberal Democrat party have "called in" for scrutiny a Council decision to sell off the land where the Impact rent a building from the Council. The Council will have to decide whether it wishes to stick to its orignal decision or change their mind. Impact, provide adults with learning disabilities access to performing and creative arts to develop their skills and promote a positive image of people with disabilities through performance, workshops and film. In advance of a recent Council Cabinet meeting in July, the Impact directors wrote to all the Ealing councillors inviting them to visit the Stirling Road centre, where Impact currently operate. Councillor Rose was the only councillor to accept this invitation. He saw for myself the way the centre operates, providing support in art, music, drama and other activities. Councillor Harvey Rose said: "The Impact directors are very disappointed with this decision as no realistic alternative has been suggested where Impact could continue its excellent work. Everyone agrees that that Impact is a first-rate provider of day care services for adults with learning disabilities in the Borough of Ealing." Harvey added: "Impact now feel they have been badly let down. It is not too late to the rescind the decision or to enter into constructive discussions to provide good alternative accommodation." Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jul 21, 2010:
  • Council now agrees to the Liberal Democrat Customer Charter plan
    Councillor Andrew Steed working hard to provide a good service to residents in Ivy Crescent In April this year your FOCUS team put forward the idea for Ealing Council to introduce a Customer Charter so that residents would be heard more and treated better. In a recent debate Councillor Andrew Steed raised the idea, whilst making his maiden speech. In the debate Labour said they agreed with the idea but still voted against the plan, saying privately that they wanted to be seen to be in charge! Since that meeting it has been announced that from September 2010 the Council will have a Customer Care Charter, as the Liberal Democrats suggested. Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Steed said: "It is crucial that residents are treated fairly and we are happy a Liberal Democrat policy will be introduced by the Council." Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jul 18, 2010:
  • Liberal Democrats take part in the local SkyRide event
    Gary Malcolm and Nigel Bakhai celebrating their two laps on the SkyRide course Councillors Gary Malcolm and Nigel Bakhai joined thousands of fellow cyclists at the recent SkyRide event which took place in Ealing. Nigel Bakhai and Simon Rowley after the SkyRide event Councillor Gary Malcolm said: "While a small number of local people living in streets around the route may have been affected, overall the event was very well organised and the good weather helped to attract lots of new or occasional cyclists. I certainly hope that it will encourage many of the children and families who came along to take up cycling as a regular part of their travel. It is vital that Ealing Council builds on the success of this event to promote cycling in the borough so that we can reduce the amount of air pollution from engine exhausts and improve people's heath." Both Cllr Malcolm and Cllr Bakhai completed two laps of the course in around one and a half hours. Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jul 17, 2010:
  • Liberal Democrats Start Piccadilly Line Talks With TfL
    Liberal Democrats outside City Hall before meeting the top transport advisors Local Liberal Democrats had a meeting with two senior transport advisors from Transport for London this week. The meeting came after the request by Lib Dem Leader Councillor Gary Malcolm and Caroline Pidgeon, Greater London Assembly Member, who want to see the Piccadilly Line tube stop permanently at Turnham Green. The items discussed at the meeting included: • Extending or trialling extensions to the current early and late stopping service at Turnham Green • The possibility of introducing a Sunday service • Signage and announcements at Turnham Green tube station • Replacing the Baron's Court stop with Turnham Green on the Piccadilly Line • Signalling of the Piccadilly and District lines Councillor Gary Malcolm said: "The meeting was very fruitful and was helped having both residents and the top transport advisor's present who could make things happen. We have agreed to meet again to discuss the issues in more detail. One area where the Liberal Democrats believe ground can be made is that Transport for London's assumptions are based up on Department for Transport's advice which may allow for changes in their policy." Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jun 18, 2010:
  • Coalition supports Crossrail in full
    Cllr Nigel Bakhai at Southall train station - one of the five proposed Crossrail stations in Ealing borough Ealing Lib Dem Transport spokesman Cllr Nigel Bakhai has welcomed the news that the Lib Dem-Conservative Coalition Government has confirmed its support for the Crossrail scheme. The £16 billion Crossrail scheme is expected to provide Ealing with a high speed rail connection to the major employment areas of Heathrow and Central London but will go as far as Maidenhead in Berkshire to Shenfield in Essex. With five proposed stations on the route in Acton, Ealing Broadway, West Ealing, Hanwell and Southall, Ealing is expected to benefit greatly from quicker journey times and increased frequency of trains. Nigel Bakhai said: "The Lib Dems have been unwavering in their support for Crossrail. The Coalition agreement between the Conservatives and Lib Dems set out a clear commitment to the scheme, and despite Labour scare stories to the contrary, the new Coalition Government has now announced that it is committed to the Crossrail project in full which is great news for residents in Ealing. Not only will it improve the daily commute for people in the borough but it will be an enormous boost to the local economy and regeneration in the area." Crossrail is scheduled to be completed by 2017. Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 20, 2010:
  • All change for Ealing Lib Dems following election success
    The new Ealing Lib Dem Council group (left to right Cllr Jon Ball, Cllr Andrew Steed, Cllr Nigel Bakhai, Cllr Gary Malcolm and Cllr Harvey Rose) Gary Malcolm has become the new Liberal Democrat Council Group Leader in Ealing this month following the local elections. The Liberal Democrats made gains in the recent elections winning two more seats including all three in the Southfield ward that Gary Malcolm represents, retaining Jon Ball in Ealing Common and picking up an additional seat in Elthorne ward. Cllr Malcolm praised the outgoing leader Cllr Harvey Rose saying that he was someone who always gave him sound advice and picked up on the Council's 'failings' in areas such as arts and heritage, as well as making a great contribution to planning policy in Chiswick generally. Cllr Rose had been the Lib Dem Council Group leader for sixteen years and will now take up the mantle of Deputy Group leader in the new expanded council group. Jon Ball remains as the group's Chief Whip, and he is joined in the council chamber by Cllr Andrew Steed representing Southfield ward and Cllr Nigel Bakhai in Elthorne ward. Cllr. Malcolm said: "I am confident that the Liberal Democrats can continue to make future electoral gains in Ealing because of the hard work we put in between elections." Cllr Malcolm has committed the Lib Dem group to holding the new Labour administration to account, particularly in the way that it consults residents, ensuring that the council treats residents as customers rather than as an income stream, and in the council's management of its contractors. Published and promoted by Nigel Bakhai on behalf of Ealing Liberal Democrats all at 51 Azalea Court, Hanwell, W7 3QA Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Contact Details

Address: 24 Antrobus Road, Chiswick, W4.

Tel: 020 8752 1247 or 07813 205218

Email: jon@ealinglibdems.org.uk

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