Cutting Corners is A Load of Bollards

Re-routing of paths in Southfield Rec runs perpendicular to residents' requirements

A resident was astonished recently to find major work being carried out by Ealing Council in Southfield Recreation Ground.

He sent us photographs (see box, right) which show that the paths are being re-routed so that, instead of turning at right-angles, they curve around the edges of the grass.

He said: “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this work going on. I thought that councils across the UK were experiencing major cutbacks and trying to save money.

“I can think of a number of things I would rather my not inconsiderable council tax was spent on, but re-routing paths in Southfield Recreation Ground doesn’t even appear on the list.

“Just off the top of my head, during my regular trips to Acton Park, I notice that there are several areas where rubbish bins are badly needed. I know from other residents that Ealing Council has been asked since at least a year ago to instal these – and has failed to do so.

“I also noticed today that Berrymede Primary School in South Acton badly needs the recreation ground there to be re-turfed so that the school and community in South Acton can use it. Surely someone has got their priorities all wrong here.”

Another resident said: "I would like to know just how much this re-routing of paths has cost. Who asked for it to be done? Who benefits from this? It doesn't seem worth the effort, frankly."

We have asked Ealing Council to tell us how much the works cost and to tell us the reason they were undertaken.

July 8, 2010