Review of last weeks meeting from Chris Hurley

More than 80 people attended the local elections hustings meeting in Acton last week, a much bigger turn out than was expected by the organisers,
the Churchfield Community Association(CCA).

All the political parties standing in the four Acton wards for the local elections, plus the one independent, Dan Meskell participated. Each candidate made an opening statement of up to
5 minutes setting out their main priorities and then the discussion was opened up to the audience. One of the most contentious subjects raised was was the proposed redevelopment of the Oaks shopping centre. Both Cllr Gary Malcolm speaking for the Liberal Democrats and Cllr Phil Taylor of the Conservatives said they opposed the current plans and would not sell
the council owned car park should they be elected, which would effectively block the current plan. However Cllr Yvonne Johnson for Labour said the car park had already been sold for £3million and so the development would be going ahead. 

The audience reacted negatively to this announcement. 

A majority of the audience seemed supportive of the proposed conversion  of  the old Acton library building into an Arts Centre but Cllr Johnson said that, although she enjoyed the arts, the council had to put the Library on the market.

Other discussion points included the panel's views on HS2 (apart from Bob Little from UKIP’s whole-hearted opposition,  most were somewhat in favour), and cuts to the NHS - the point was made by the Green party that the NHS is not in the control of the council but  councillors could influence and oppose cuts that are imposed. Labour made the point that A&Es are not yet saved at Ealing or Charing Cross hospitals, as the current plans say they will not accept blue light ambulances. However the Conservatives said those A&Es were safe only thanks to  Jeremy Hunt and blamed the previous Labour administration for the current proposed reorganisation. TUSC and the Green party said they oppose all cuts, and UKIPasked how we could spend money on HS2 but not the NHS?

On the bedroom tax, Labour was challenged about why they had not resisted the tax. Cllr Johnson responded by saying that in Ealing all who were affected by the tax had been contacted and asked whether they wanted to move to smaller accommodation  or  stay in their homes and pay the tax.

The issue of street drinking was the final topic discussed, with the Conservatives, in particular, pledged to get rid of it from Acton. The point was made from the audience that it was not that easy to eradicate it and the reasons behind street drinking needed to be
addressed. Sharon Dixon, the TUSC candidate, called for compassion for street drinkers, as did an audience member.

Most people who attended the hustings felt it was a worthwhile way of spending their evening The CCA is would like to host  a similar event before  the General Election next May.

Chris Hurley

253 Candidates For Ealing's Elections

21st May 2014