Ealing Lib Dems Call To Save Ward Forums

Calling them an important mechanism of community engagement

Liberal Democrats in Ealing borough are calling on the Council to reconsider plans to scrap ward forums as part of a range of measures to reduce spending.

If the change is affected then money allocated to ward forums to spend on local priorities will be completely withdrawn.

Cllr Gary Busuttil

Councillor Gary Busuttil who represents Southfield ward said, "This is a kick in the teeth for residents of the borough who are already angry at the fact they are rarely ever consulted or engaged with regarding matters in their communities. Ward Forums are an important mechanism that engages residents with ward Councillors who represent them to the council. Money allocated to Ward Forums helps community causes and improvements to our public spaces like new playgrounds, better lighting and zebra crossings.”

He added, "If it were not for Ward Forum funds, projects like lighting to make our parks safer, zebra crossings to help residents cross busy roads or support for charities such as 'Move into Wellbeing' that provides social and fitness classes for the elderly would not happen."

They have started a petition which states, “We the undersigned call on Ealing Council to make a commitment to not remove Ward Forums and ward budgets across Ealing borough.”

The aim is to get 1,500 signatures and at the time of writing 25 people had signed.

Your name an address will be included when the petition is submitted to Ealing Council.

January 5, 2019