Another loaded consultation, another 'done' deal
Having just taken a look at the 'consultation' on Parking Charges for Gunnersbury park, the level of loaded questions is a disgrace.They are comparing themselves with National Trust and Heritage England venues seemingly deluded that they are as important and attractive as those locations.It is OUR local park, bequeathed in covenant and trust to the people of Ealing, Acton and Brentford.It is funded one way or another through our taxes and yes, for far too long, it has been badly neglected by the ineptness of governance by it's custodians.But what have we now? Buildings, new facilities, Yes. But way overdue, by a generation.But now, also not terribly affordable to the local populous.I usually cycle there. Take the car if carting older or younger people or meeting friends and going on somewhere.Still, the the important fundamentals, like the pathways are still awful making it poor for elderly walkers and toddlers and cyclists.Nor is the park easy to access for a quick visit.But to charge for the car park and justify it by comparing to venues that are not the same and not asking indeed, whether the charges are acceptable in any mode.There is even an inference that disabled badge holders will also be charged.No local residents of either borough over 60 should be charged at all.The car parks is almost deserted during the week. A hourly charge will hit the sports players as most games are 90 mins plus preparation and changing times so thats 2-3 hours.So where is the consultation question off whether to charge at weekends or when events are held?Maybe the cost of this form of managing this park in such a way is to high to be justified.Screwing the local people who support it on top of what all of us pay for whether we use it or not is completely wrong.It is a Public Open space free to use. Parking is part of that. If it were stuffed full of vehicles 7 days a week and only 4 people in the place then maybe a different matter but it is not.As with Osterley Park which is now near deserted during the week, it now relies on corporate events to keep it's facilities alive. But local people especially the elderly are staying way as these charges left right and centre are not affordable.This is just like a TfL consultation. Pointless as it is clearly already a done deal with everything in place.Shameful and contemptuous to all local residents of both Boroughs
Raymond Havelock ● 2534d4 Comments ● 2530d