The on-going "public realm improvement" on Churchfield Road is coming towards an end.
The roll out of the scheme has had issues - for example the unexpected length of time that shops have had access obstructed, the discovery of a gas pipe that is seen as a blocking factor in replacing a tree.
One problem with the project is that it is planned to reduce the number of parking bays from 13 to 10.
It is proposed that the current resident permit exemption from paying to use the bays will be removed so that they can be used for up to 2 hours and all usage would have to be paid for, which should make more parking spaces available during the day ... provided there is enforcement.
However, this will also be a problem for those that park there at present. What do you think is the right balance?
At least one of the retailers is campaigning to have some parking available as free for the first 30 minutes so that people can easily stop off to pop into a shop to buy somethings as they drive past. This could be convenient for locals as well as those driving through.
This is already done for the section of the road between Burlington Gardens and The Rocket so why not extend this so that the shoppers and shopkeepers further up the road can benefit as well?
The official notice of this proposed change was posted in the London Gazette on 22nd December 2017 and the final date for comment is MONDAY 15th January 2018.
You can read the full details at https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/2936859
The exact wording regarding the parking bays from the council to the London Gazette is:
"The general effect of the Pay and Display Parking Order would be to remove the permit holders’ exemption from the pay and display parking place in Churchfield Road (south side between Burlington Gardens and Alfred Road so that the bays are for pay and display or telephone parking by visitors only. The charges at these bays would be unchanged and the maximum stay remains at 2 hours. The public realm scheme reduces the number of bays from 13 to 10."
You should send your views by email to highwayservices@ealing.gov.uk and refer to "ORD 4087".
Below added 15-Jan-2018
CANForum has been in touch with the council to present views from local residents and traders on the topic of the works in Churchfield Road before.
Here is an example of something that we sent to the council in early January:
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I am deeply concerned with the continuing situation on Churchfield Rd Acton.
It would be fair to say that the aims and proposals in the original documents are far from being fulfilled. What I believe was an attempt to enhance a village environment and to develop and encourage sole traders in this niche area seems not be be the case.
Parking
There seems to be an opinion that only local residents shop/eat in Churchfield Rd. That is wholly wrong. A short conversation with any of the shops will inform you otherwise.
Reduced parking does not help, why not have shared Pay and Display with the now extended CPZ to mitigate the lose of parking on Churchfield Rd and encourage people back from outside the borough to shop here.
Lighting
Additional lighting was going to be added using established and newly planted trees. That no longer seems to be the case Why not just upgrade all lighting along the Rd, which has become a corridor of darkness with extra storeys being added to buildings.
Market
If it is hoped in the future for Churchfield Rd to host its own market and events it will be necessary for the above to be in place to encourage local residents and folk from other areas to visit and spend all very important in this economic climate.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and would be very happy to help in anyway we are able.
Kind regards
Chair CANForum
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Below added 22-Jan-2018
Feedback from Ealing Council on 22nd January 2018
Thank you for your email and apologies for not responding to you sooner.
We have received a large number of emails from residents and businesses in the area with related concerns. Your comments have been logged and to reassure you, I am working with colleagues in our Highways and Parking Services teams to address these concerns and will get back to you with a detailed response and update on Wednesday 24th January.
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