Forum Topic

Boston Manor Park Gates still closed  one week on from music event

Boston Manor Park car park is still closed off following the pillars being hit (yet again) by a large vehicle.  So just to reconfirm, the park IS still open and areas inaccessible last week are now re open (condition does look like many thousands of people trampled through - 15,0000 according to Carillion) but access needs to be either via the pond or by Boston Manor House. This is of course for pedestrians only.Will feed back when the "closed indefinitely" sign can change.

Linda Massey ● 2985d115 Comments

Thanks for this update info Guy.  I didnt know about the Friday and Sunday events.  Interesting.

Emma Renton ● 2464d

Just to clarify, I think it's three events over 3 days.An evening music event on Friday for a 'more mature' audience. They had permission to run this last year but did not.The 'traditional' Junction 2 on SaturdayAn afternoon family event (I believe a film show) on Sunday, free of charge.

Guy Lambert ● 2464d

Completely agree the gates look very good.  However, next year they have permission for a three day event.  Let's see what happens then.

Pat Kingham ● 2464d

I was visiting the Park last weekend, and the new gate piers are very handsome indeed.  Hurrah

Emma Renton ● 2465d

How are the gates now?

Nicholas Beard ● 2465d

I take it you are talking about this September and this summer, Guy?

Keith Iddon ● 2555d

Very sensible. Thanks for that.

Nicholas Beard ● 2555d

And just for clarity, the reinstallation was delayed from early summer until September at the request of the Friends, who needed the car park open to support previously booked events.

Guy Lambert ● 2555d

Thanks for the info.

Nicholas Beard ● 2555d

Well my friends, it has been a long time but we are assured that the gates will return to the park.  The container will arrive on 30 August, the bricks will follow on the 4th and the gates should be in the container!.  The car park will close down for 2 weeks which will upset quite a few as there is now controlled parking in the area.  We and the council are on the case.  Friends of Boston Manor.

Linda Massey ● 2555d

Melted down now for scrap I assume

Paul Fisher ● 2555d

What has happened as regards the gates?

Nicholas Beard ● 2555d

While you are talking about park gates wonder what will happen with regard to the gates by the stables near to Boston manor house, they were damaged some time ago as well, presume the delay caused by insurance claim?

Jean Harrison ● 2620d

Thank you Guy. I realise it is a large job and will take time and a large crane I would think.

Nicholas Beard ● 2621d

Works are scheduled to start on 9 July and last about 2 weeks (it's more than just hanging the gates - piers have to be rebuilt). This may change in consultation with the Friends because access to the car park will be compromised during the build and the Friends have some events scheduled

Guy Lambert ● 2621d

No gates yet. How long?

Nicholas Beard ● 2621d

I understand what you say. My point is Carilion had time to sort the gates. It is clear that private companies need the state so why bother with these companies in the first place. We can learn a lot from the East Coast Mainline. Not once not twice but THREE times has that line been taken back under state control. What an example of privatisation.

Nicholas Beard ● 2650d

"As I understand it, Libray services were brought-in house last summer. It is the Parks contract that has recently been brought-in house and was the subject of your initial comment."I don't think you do understand it - neither of these services is 'in-house' if they were they would have directly employed (by Hounslow) local government officers running them. These companies are wholly owned by the council - and are listed at companies house - it is misleading and incorrect to call them what they are most definitely not.

Vanessa Smith ● 2651d

Another month has slipped by!!!!!

Nicholas Beard ● 2651d

Guy,what I am challemging is the trope that the costs of public service provision are automatically reduced when services are brought in-house, on the basis that the profit element earned by private providers is eliminated.In too many cases that is not the outcome, for a number of reasons.As I understand it, Libray services were brought-in house last summer. It is the Parks contract that has recently been brought-in house and was the subject of your initial comment.While the S106 levy can be applied towards site specific affordable housing or infrastructure, the Community Infrastructure Levy can be applied towards the physical infrastructure necessary to make sites elsewhere viable for the building of homes by housing associations. I believe other local authorities may be endeavouring to use the CIL in this way.Is it not also the case that the council may apply to clawback receipts from right to buy sales to replace council housing stock lost under the scheme?

Joseph Gerald Bourke ● 2656d

And you're accusing me!There is no additional admin cost associated with the library insourcing, and no capital cost.Yes, in the initial stages Recycling360 is over budget, but how does budget compare with what we were paying Suez before - I actually don't yet know the answer to that and, I'll venture, nor do you.Lampton 360 is not a private developer, but a wholly-owned subsidiary of the council. Some housing developed by Lampton will no doubt be sold commercially - the same model as is used by Housing Associations, and the only practical way for Local Authorities to generate funds to build new council homes under the current and recent regimes which seek to eliminate social housing.S106 and CIL cannot be used for building houses, only for improvements in Infrastructure

Guy Lambert ● 2656d

I think the land around the current Civic Centre in Lampton Road comes to mind - plus the whole of the Civic Centre

Emma Renton ● 2656d

I am, of course, pleased that the Friday night music event has been cancelled.  However, it doesn't seem right that Boston Manor Rd will be closed from Swyncombe to the A4 from 9 pm on the Saturday. This means that those of us who live in turnings off will be unable to get out in our cars should the need arise.

Pat Kingham ● 2656d

Guy,Not having to pay the profit margin of private contractors was part of the rationale for taking over the annual waste and recycling contract from Suez in 2016The report on the councils overview and scrutiny meeting notes an overspend by recycling 360 – a subsidiary of Lampton 360 – of £1.4m and a capital investment of £22m that clearly incurs significant costs of capital. These increased costs have been incurred despite a reduction from weekly to fornightly waste collections while recycling rates have declined.https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/west-london-news/hounslow-council-overspends-14-million-14501472The Carillion management fees presumably cover the cost of providing management and administrative staff and services and not purely a profit add-on. The council may not see significant reductions in the cost of services simply by bringing them in-house.With a reported budget overspend of £7m on the council accounts for last year, it seems reasonable to conclude “not having to pay profit margins” is not of itself going to balance the books or even necessarily lead to lower costs for service provision in many areas. The council website information for Lampton 360 notes “Lampton Development – is a property developer established to redevelop surplus local authority land, with residential and mixed use projects.”The Chair of Lampton 360, commenting on the Nantly House development said: “I am delighted that this project is moving forward, using local authority surplus land…This will be the first of many sites that Lampton 360 will be developing on behalf of Hounslow Council.”Mr Curran in a recent article said “that the policy of buying up homes had not worked, saying: “When we got into the detail we found it was expensive and very time consuming." He said Lampton would now be concentrating instead on buying groups of houses or blocks of flats to try to improve on its target.Selling off local authority surplus land for private development while right to buy continues to deplete council housing stock is not a sustainable strategy for plugging gaps in the council budget. I think much greater focus needs to given to the capture of development gains through S106 and CIL agreements with a view to maintaining council land for the development of social rent and shared ownership housing.

Joseph Gerald Bourke ● 2656d

No Joe.There is no cost of capital nor opportunity costs of lost investment income in the library 'project'. Carillion walked away, the staff and assets transferred back to Hounslow, we commenced paying the staff salaries and running costs and stopped paying Carillion. No investment, just a saving in revenue costs.Don't know what you're on about with the alleged disposal of public land for private development. Where has this happened?

Guy Lambert ● 2657d

Guy,I am afraid I think it is yourself who is guilty of spouting nonsense in this case. I have seen this kind of argument put forward by prospective labour councillors on various sites and not commented as I put it down to youth and naivety.  In your case (and mine) that excuse won’t wash. You appear to regurgitate a party line knowing full well it has no basis in economic reality.You dash of figures without considering the cost of capital or opportunity costs of lost investment income from the diversion of reserves to these projects.  When we see the actual outcomes in the annual accounts of the authority a very different picture from the one you paint emerges.I agree with your critique that an ideological belief that outsourcing contracts to the private sector is more efficient than the public sector is an erroneous approach.  But it applies equally both ways. These decisions should be made on the basis of economic efficiency and value for money not the dictates of capitalist or socialist ideologies. The country makes progress when there is an intelligent fusion of Liberal capitalism and social democracy, as there was for much of the post-war period.The disposal of public land for private development might be expected in a conservative run council. It is rather egregious to see it happening in a Labour council that would be expected to take a more long-term and progressive approach to these issues.

Joseph Gerald Bourke ● 2657d

Parks may look expensive but without them and the benefits  that come from them the cost to health and our NHS would be a damned site more. With more and more people living in flats and the constant development, our parks are more and more precious and we must defend them.

Vanessa Smith ● 2657d

That's one thing I wholeheartedly agree with, Vanessa

Guy Lambert ● 2657d

"this is a classic example of spurious policies based on flawed ideologies."Nonsense.I don't have numbers for the parks etc contract as yet but I know with the libraries we made an immediate saving of £1.5M pa from the profit margin and will save another £1M+ on ICT and facilities management once change is implemented. These outsourcing contracts were themselves down to an ideological belief from the previous coalition that the private sector is more efficient than the public sector.Outsourcing has its place - I ran an ICT outsourcing business in the past and I believe we were able to make savings for clients as well as improving service. But ICT is a very different business to managing parks, and in any case it was difficult to compete with in-house solutions once one outsourcing term had completed.

Guy Lambert ● 2657d

Guy,“Carillion's profit margin helps but there are still enormous financial challenges.”this is a classic example of spurious policies based on flawed ideologies. As an experienced accountant, you should know only too well that there is a cost of capital required to fund the need for the land, buildings, plant and equipment necessary to deliver public services. When that capital is provided by shareholders (often occupational and private pension funds in which residents save for retirement) the cost of capital comes in the form of profits and dividends that in turn serve to pay the pensions of retirees or is reinvested in new capital formation. If capital is provided by local businesses and residents  it is financed via local and national taxes. Carillion’s problems reportedly have arisen primarily from bidding too keenly for public service contracts and not making sufficient profits to maintain the solvency of the business. Their offices at Westlink House in Brentford have been a workplace for many locals over decades.The jury is still out on Lampton 360. The company has yet to demonstrate that it has the wherewithal to efficiently deliver local services. The record so far (judging by the very significant cost overruns on the recycling enterprise) is far from an unqualified success.I don’t doubt the council faces financial challenges as a consequence of cuts in central government grants and if services can be delivered nore efficiently in-house that is what should be done. However, far greater long-term damage is wrought by the wholesale disposal of public land around the borough by the local council acting (via Lamoton 360) as a private developer. Land that is badly needed for the provision of council housing, schools and youth and community services among myriad other needs for public service provision.

Joseph Gerald Bourke ● 2657d

It seems they will be put back later on. I have read everthing and am none the wiser. Parks are very expensive I now know however.

Nicholas Beard ● 2657d

Guy - what about the gates?

Reg Ghosh ● 2657d

"LBH has pledged to keep all the parks but we have to balance the books with a further £20M+pa cut in government grant to add to the £70M pa we have already lost. Of course, not having to pay Carillion's profit margin helps but there are still enormous financial challenges."Which makes even more sense to work WITH Friends groups, some of whom have offered to pay for some repairs to play equipment etc. Don't shut us out or treat us as inconveniences and idiots - a change of attitude from Hounslow would be welcome.

Vanessa Smith ● 2657d

Pat,the J2 event is scheduled for Saturday, June 9 only now. A Northfield councillor at the BMRA AGM last night advised that J2 will be sending out communications around the area shortly. Boston Manor Road is to be closed off from 9pm to midnight from Swyncombe Avenue to the A4.Carillion have gone out of business and the management of Hounslow's Parks has been taken back in house through  the wholly-owned Council company Lampton 360 https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/news/article/325/contract_with_carillion_management_of_parks

Joseph Gerald Bourke ● 2657d

Yes, I believe the Friday night event won't go ahead.And yes, the fee will now go to the council (probably via the Greenspace 360 subsidiary). To keep parks open and maintained costs a lot of money. LBH has pledged to keep all the parks but we have to balance the books with a further £20M+pa cut in government grant to add to the £70M pa we have already lost. Of course, not having to pay Carillion's profit margin helps but there are still enormous financial challenges.

Guy Lambert ● 2657d

According to the BMRA newsletter the Friday night event in the Park has been cancelled.  Is this true?  Also, when I raised the question of who gets paid I believe it was Guy who said it was Carillion. Don't know what happens now they've gone.

Pat Kingham ● 2657d

PaulYou have hit the nail on the head there. My thinking all along. Local residents can suffer the noise although they pay council tax. Well as they say watch this space!

Nicholas Beard ● 2657d

The money that Hounslow Council will receive for allowing the J2 event was always going to be the top priority rather then the gates being restored

Paul Fisher ● 2657d

Well Linda  and Pat we now know J2 will go ahead without the gates being restored. See the Boston Manor cycle route thread and the post from Joseph.

Nicholas Beard ● 2657d

Another month tomorrow. We all knew it didn't we. Still another festival approaches. Where are the ear plugs?

Nicholas Beard ● 2683d

It was all wrapped up in the Carillion shambles compounded by some nonsense with insurance companies. I heard last week that an order has been placed for the pillars to be rebuilt and the gates rehung. Don't have a date as yet but am enquiring.For the avoidance of doubt, I am not trying to defend what happened - it's a ridiculous delay.

Guy Lambert ● 2713d

My monthly reminder now 9 MONTHS SINCE FIRST POST ABOUT THE GATES!!!!!!!!

Nicholas Beard ● 2713d

I hope that the gates are held in a safe place under the control of Hounslow Council. Ownership can become unclear in a liquidation.

Christopher Hugh Dakers ● 2741d

Very good point. The gates must be a huge weight

Nicholas Beard ● 2741d

Thanks for the update.  It seems like there is some progress at last.  Hope it gets sorted but on the other hand not looking forward to a weekend of loud music, disruption, littered streets etc.

Pat Kingham ● 2741d

Yup most definitely reinforcing rods - quite a few of them.  What a saga

Emma Renton ● 2741d

I have given them my spin on it - reinforcing rods through the centre.  Also, because the surface (old brass runners) were ruined by Laings) means that the gates won't close properly, that they consider positioning one of the pillars slightly further apart.

Linda Massey ● 2741d

Wow that's some sort of progress - well done Linda.  BUT how are you going to protect the gate piers to stop it happening again this year (assuming they are rebuilt in time)  I hate to put a dampner on this, but a pier of this size needs a long time to cure and be um stable.  Speak with a good bricklayer/builder to find out more.  Good luck

Emma Renton ● 2741d

Nicholas you are spot on.  At a meeting with J2 organisers last week they were told by the council representative that the landowners would not give permission for the event to go ahead this year unless the position is sorted.  J2 were of course in shock as a result and have gone away to sort this (in the absence of Carillion fulfilling their end of the contract) as they have, after-all, been selling tickets for the June event.

Linda Massey ● 2741d

Eights months now. Gates seem to have dropped off of the radar. Must be a big job. The next festival should have been conditional on the gates being replaced surley.

Nicholas Beard ● 2741d

According to the information from a meeting I attended last week, we were assured the gates are safe.

Vanessa Smith ● 2764d

Do we have any info on the gates yet.

Nicholas Beard ● 2764d

Thanks Linda for that.  Not sure how it will work out but can only wish you and all the friends good luck with what looks to be a trying time ahead.  Just hope the gates are found and restored.

Pat Kingham ● 2772d

Just heard Carillion has gone. The tax payer will provide money for continuation of government contracts it seems.

Nicholas Beard ● 2772d

Linda have a look at City A M this morning re Carillion. It will really shock you (may be) the extent of, well, you judge.

Nicholas Beard ● 2772d

Re Junction2 event.  No sorry, we have already asked that question.  Greenspaces 360 Ltd will take over the parks.  A new event procedure is currently being written to simplify things but we (Friends of Boston Manor) are not yet fully understanding things.

Linda Massey ● 2773d

If Carillion do collapse would that mean that the 'music' festival in the Park wouldn't go ahead given that the contract is with them and not the Council?

Pat Kingham ● 2773d

Read story re Corillion in CITY A M may explain things.

Nicholas Beard ● 2775d

Linda if you look at CITY A M there is an interesting aritcle about Carillion. Eye watering figures. I expect Guy would be interested

Nicholas Beard ● 2796d

Linda it is now 6 months since you posted this. If you think about it a licence for the 2018 event should have been conditional on all damage being repaired from the 2017 event. I think we are being laughed at.

Nicholas Beard ● 2802d

I have read a lot about Carillion so don't hold your breath. Still you know the score more than I do.

Nicholas Beard ● 2832d

Last night I asked for reassurances from the Head of Parks and Cabinet member Samia Choudhary that Carillion will fulfill their obligations before 9th April when their contract ends.  Lots of scribbling but still not reassured!

Linda Massey ● 2832d

Linda it is now 5 months since you posted this.

Nicholas Beard ● 2832d

Emma have you looked at Carillion on the net.

Nicholas Beard ● 2863d

I walked thru the car park yesterday and looked at the gate pillar - well I would have looked at it but there STILL isn't one, just a few course of foundation bricks.

Emma Renton ● 2863d

Can I remind everyone that this thread is now FOUR MONTHS old.

Nicholas Beard ● 2863d

Thank you I am really impressed with your speed.

Nicholas Beard ● 2882d

I think Linda is away this week. I have asked council officers for an update - will update here when I have something.

Guy Lambert ● 2882d

Thanks

Nicholas Beard ● 2882d

I am sure the lovely Linda Massey (who runs the cafe and guides the future of the Park etc) will be on here to update us when and as necessary

Emma Renton ● 2882d

I remember reading your post of 21/06/17. The time has gone by. The interesting thing is that the number of posts per month has decreased. Carillion is under no pressure now. I hope I am wrong. I am very fond of Boston Manor Park. I remember Ted the park keeper? The greenhouses where plants were grown for the park. All over London there are wonderful parks. Walking through Crystal Palace you come upon giant prehistoric animals left for us by the Victorians to enjoy. Our own park is under attack. I understand people are unhappy about what is going on with regards to Gunnersbury Park. Well Pat time will tell about the gates.

Nicholas Beard ● 2882d

So we are now near the end of September and it doesn't look as if the gates are anywhere near finished.  Any news anyone?

Pat Kingham ● 2883d

Yesterday was the two month aniversary of this post. It looks like the library wall is going the same way!

Nicholas Beard ● 2923d

All I hope Carillion is faster with HS2 than they with those very difficult park gates.

Nicholas Beard ● 2948d

Is that the gates opposite THE RIDE?

Nicholas Beard ● 2950d

Noticed the new gates nearer entrance to the house have been badly hit by something, poor Boston manor not having a lot of luck lately.

Jean Harrison ● 2950d

Message today from Carillion that they are delighted to announce that the Boston Manor car park has been reopened. It will of course close again in the Autumn when they rebuild the pillars!

Linda Massey ● 2951d

Have you seen Corillion share price?

Nicholas Beard ● 2954d

I would not be so sure. The routes North of Birmingham will be given out today. The thing is these private  companies want the money (7billion) so, well you know how it works.

Nicholas Beard ● 2954d

Unbelievable - I wouldn't bank on a ride on HS2 anytime soon - if ever!

Vanessa Smith ● 2954d

Carillion have got an HS2 contract I see!

Nicholas Beard ● 2954d

Thanks for info.

Nicholas Beard ● 2955d

Lots of clipboards all week and one man with a tool seen on Friday. I am told it will be down this week and reopened, prior to rebuild in September so more disruption still to come.

Linda Massey ● 2955d

It is a month since this thread was started. 16/06/17

Nicholas Beard ● 2955d

I expect it would be hard to make a claim. I expect the council cleared a lot of litter like they do at Nottinghill Carnival. Thanks for your response.

Nicholas Beard ● 2958d

The promoters were responsible for the stewards inside and outside of the event and there were a lot I saw them. They were also responsible for the rubbish collection although last year it was okay this year the event attracted more people who left their litter on the streets en route to the park. But there was a guarantee made to cover damage and I don't understand why this isn't used to repair the gates.

Pat Kingham ● 2958d

I agree with you. It will be the taxpayer picking up the bill. Who paid for the rubbish to be cleared up? The policeman who was injured? Who paid the medical bill. If he was off work who pays his salary? I think we can guess!!!!!

Nicholas Beard ● 2958d

It was a horrible noise in South Ealing and if it was that loud so far away I really do wonder about how it will have affected the hearing of those close to.  Is this a cost that our NHS will be picking up - or maybe we don't have to worry as we won't actually have one by then?  Self-indulgence, recklessness and heavy marketing seems to rule nowadays.

Philippa Bond ● 2958d

Thanks Guy for the update. Fingers crossed it all goes to plan.

Pat Kingham ● 2960d

Update:"The contractors are due to commence works on Wednesday 12th July 2017 and will aim to undertake the demolition of both pillars in order to re-open the entrance for the summer holidays. The estimated completion date of phase 1 is Tuesday 18th July 2017 but is subject to change as the works progress. We are hoping to begin phase 2, the rebuild of the pillars, in September 2017."

Guy Lambert ● 2960d

I wonder who paid for the litter to be cleared up and was anyone fined for dropping it. I read about that 66 year old lady who bought a coffee and tipped it down the drain and then put the paper cup in the bin and was fined for putting the coffee down the drain. She did that so the paper in the bin would not get soaked. That was outside Ealing Bdy Station. A 66 year old ex civil servant easy target!

Nicholas Beard ● 2960d

The bond is probably an insurance based bond and they will struggle not to pay. As for the council making it clear the park was not suitable for lorries well that is expecting a lot from these very clever people. I hope the council taxpayer does not end up footing the bill. Also did anyone see the lorry hit the gate I wonder as it would make things simpler.  I also wonder how that policeman is that got assulted. Still its the Nottinghill Carnival soon. I feel sorry for the people there who have to move away because of the noise. I think as I have got older and see so much like this it has made me very cycnical.

Nicholas Beard ● 2960d

I did think that too.  Also what about the bond of £50,000 (think that was the sum) set aside for any possible damage why can't that be used. Why did no one from the Council make it clear that the entrance was not suitable for large lorries.

Pat Kingham ● 2960d

The cafe may be able to claim for loss of trade. Think all that noise and aggrevation then you end up with this.

Nicholas Beard ● 2961d

That is far too sensible. Think next year we will have what a sucess the festival was rammed down our throats

Nicholas Beard ● 2961d

and the answer is that the council are working hard with Carillion to get the works safe!!!! It is now becoming a huge embarrassment to us.  The park is only a fraction of its normal self in terms of usage.  Fortunately for the café we have had pre-booked and paid for hires (parties) otherwise we would be wondering why in the café we are sticking to our commitment to be open every weekend.  Soon we will be open 7 days a week.  Just take the pillars down, store the materials elsewhere, open up the car park  and then when all the clip boards agree - rebuild.  It is not rocket science.  Friends of Boston Manor.

Linda Massey ● 2961d

No still not started.  No sign of any activity either. I feel for the community café who must have lost a lot of trade. Any updates Guy?

Pat Kingham ● 2961d

Have the gates been fixed yet?

Nicholas Beard ● 2961d

Fortunately at the moment we are only open in the cafe at weekends but in 5 weeks we will be there 7 days per week so time will tell on how it effects us.  I am sure we are not covered by our own insurance so it would only take a generous donation to cover.  The loss of revenue from the car park must be making an impact on Serco's coffers.  You might be surprised that the money for this does not go to the council.  Also, the film office will have their own concerns not being able to use under the flyover.  About to go down to the park (7.30 a.m.) to wheel stock into the pavilion ...some people go to the gym!

Linda Massey ● 2979d

Would you be able to claim for loss of profit/earnings because people aren't able to use the car park?  I took a walk past the park yesterday and have to say that from the other side of Boston Manor Rd it isn't obvious that pedestrians can access the park by that entrance.  A large sign on the barriers might make it clearer. Just a thought.

Pat Kingham ● 2980d

No workmen seen today but yesterday the Carillion man said it is likely to take many weeks.  The left pillar needs taking down and the right pillar half way down.  They need to try and salvage the existing bricks and match any that are destroyed.  Apparently it is not listed as we all thought.  So the car park remains closed!

Linda Massey ● 2981d

Any news on the gates please?

Nicholas Beard ● 2981d

Thank you Guy.  As it happens, the only reason pedestrians are getting in is because someone has unbolted some of the heres fencing and no doubt this will revert back to the original state once the contractors return to site.

Linda Massey ● 2983d

Poeple will say the festival was a success in spite of this. I do not understand anymore!!!

Nicholas Beard ● 2984d

Personally I do not think the park was made for festivals.

Nicholas Beard ● 2984d

You can still access on foot via the main entrance. There was a lot of pressure on to fix this last week but the damage is more than it looks. We (mainly Councillor Myra Savin) will keep the pressure on.

Guy Lambert ● 2984d

How to kill of a thriving community café in one foul swoop, close off the entrance "indefinitely".

Linda Massey ● 2984d

Dont hold your breath.

Nicholas Beard ● 2984d

Let us hope for a speedy repair!

Linda Massey ● 2984d

Thanks for your speedy reply.

Nicholas Beard ● 2984d

The organisers had to provide a bond to cover the cost of any repairs/reinstatement. The cost of fixing the gates will come from that.

Guy Lambert ● 2984d

I hope the organisers insurance will pay for the gates to be rehung, and not the council tax payer.

Nicholas Beard ● 2984d

Thanks. No wonder people were not happy. I feel so sorry reading this. I would have thought no more festivals.  As usual council tax payers lose out and pay the price. Thanks for your response very much appreciated.

Nicholas Beard ● 2985d

Finger happy, should read 15,000.  Organisers said that those attending were happy but those outside the event were not all happy.  A large number of complaints are coming in re various aspects - noise (wind direction meant it hit Hanwell, West Ealing, Northfields and South Ealing) - Litter, bags loads collected in Blondin Park by volunteers for example; not dispersing at the end of the event; urinating in gardens;climbing into gardens; under the influence.  Unable to confirm about the policeman - sorry.

Linda Massey ● 2985d

Was that 150000 people? So was the event considered a success? Also was it connected to the attack on the policeman?

Nicholas Beard ● 2985d