Asset Stripping by Stealth?

Plans are afoot by Ealing council to pass on control the Dominion Arts Centre, based in The Green, Southall to a third party. It was clear from the ‘Save The Dominion Centre’ public meeting on 12th March 2007, held appropriately at the Dominion Centre, that no consultation with user groups or the wider Southall community has been carried out.

It was encouraging to see such a good turnout, and should send out a strong signal to Ealing council that residents of Southall are ready rise to the challenge of safeguarding vital community services and facilities. Even some Labour councillors, including councillor Sonika Nirwal made the effort to attend.

Click here to listen to a short presentation by Francis Shepherd, whose group use the centre to teach and promote Tabla.

Click here to listen to a short presentation by the East African Senior Citiezens User Group.

Brendan Walsh from Ealing council was also present at the meeting, his contribution can be heard here. Further question can be addressed to him by phoning Ealing council, or by email at WalshB@ealing.gov.uk

Expand post to see more photos.

Ealing Council Refuses to Disclose Ken’s Cash

We have learnt that the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone recently announced £4.4million for Ealing to be spent on local transport improvements. Unfortunately our inquiries to the council on how this money is going to be spent have hit a wall of silence.

On 21st Jan 2007 we sent the following email to Ealing Customer Services:

“It has come to our attention that Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London hasdedicated £4.4million to Ealing to be spent on local transport improvements. Could confirm that this is indeed the case, and who we can contact to find out more on how this money is going to be spent.”

The Multimedia Section Team Leader at Ealing Council replied on 25th Jan 2007 as follows:

“I have passed your email on to Mike Donnellan, who will provide further details on your query.”

Having had no response we emailed again on 31st Jan 2007:

“Any chance of a reply from Mike Donnellan?”

We have had no reply to date. We telephoned Mike Donnellan today and left a message. Let’s see what happens.

So much for customer services.