Forum Topic

Is the Council Backing the Mela?

But for the parking signs dotted around the area you would be hard pressed to know that one of the biggest festivals in the country is taking place in the area the week after next. I've seen no publicity for it at all in contrast to previous years. In the past some of the Chiswick based Conservative councillors have supported residents objections to the events and the cancellation of the Barrio festival in Lampton Park suggests they remain unsympathetic to this kind of thing. Also in previous years the Mayor has been very vocal in his backing whereas Boris Johnson has yet to even mention it as far as I am aware.The event will be massively well attended no doubt but part of the objective has always been for the Indian community to show off its culture to the rest of it so the Mela is failing in its aims if the audience is exclusively Asian. My own message would be that everyone should get along as it is a great day out which you will enjoy thoroughly - it would be good to see the authorities giving out the same message with more enthusiasm particularly to people who live in the immediate area.

Justin Harris ● 6206d10 Comments

Come one; come all. If at all possible, please come by public transport.

Susan Kelly ● 6196d

Thanks John for a refreshingly honest answer. Amazing then if the GLA is funding it there isn't a single mention on their web site - try searching for Mela. The Hounslow site still thinks it is July which perhaps explains the lack of acknowledgement that the event is on.Great to hear you will be at the Mela. Try and persuade some of your more reluctant colleagues to get along and perhaps some of the angry locals and they might get that the event is just as much for their benefit as that of the Asian community.

Justin Harris ● 6202d

JustinNot all Chswick Councillors are anti-Mela. I will be attending-again. Some local residents opposed it because of the disruption, late night firework display and inconsiderate parking. These matters have I believe been resolved.The main funding for the Mela comes from the GLA.I'd personally like to see Gunnersbury Park used for similiar functions. Ealing have a Jazz festival.Other London Parks host musical concerts.You mention the Barrio festival cancellation. This was because the Police and Fire Service had serious concerns about Health and Safety. LBH had no other option. Public safety is paramount.

John Todd ● 6203d

Glad to see everybody there. Just seems a pity that last year there was plenty of Ealing branding and none of Hounslow. Website at http://www.londonmela.org/map.aspx

Matt Harmer ● 6203d

Why would the Council be embarrassed?Do we have a local 'community event calendar' on the Hounslow web site?  Most events are organised at least a year ahead.

Sarah Felstead ● 6203d

I too will be attending the Mela with my wife as we do each year and fail completely to understand why we should feel "embarrased" to do so.Is this evernt now only open to those who hold a Labour Party Membership?

Paul Fisher ● 6204d

Sorry to see you trying to score cheap political points Matt, I always had you down as one of the sensible minority.  I shall be at the Mela feeling very unembarrassed.  If I spot you there I'll be happy to stand you a drink.

Phil Andrews ● 6204d

My impression is that the new Conservative/ICG administration are a little embarrased about the Mela. It is an excellent day out and I'm proud to help represent the ward it's in, but you'll struggle to see any mention of Hounslow in advance publicity or on the day.Having said that there are always things that can be done to help residents close to the park and I'll follow up the voucher issue.Matt HarmerBrentford ward cllr.

Matt Harmer ● 6204d

Are Ealing and Brentford Council's getting their act together regarding resident's parking stickers this year? Last year we didn't get any, although there were a great many non-resident's cars parked on our road (Lionel Road North) which miraculously had acquired stickers from somewhere.

Mick Brent ● 6205d

It's one of the best days out of the year. Last time I went you had a chance to take penalties against Neville Southall so it's not all about Indian music. Neville got very lucky when I was taking my penalties.

Dan Evans ● 6205d

I'm going, and really looking forward to it - 1st year I've been able to go, as I'm normally away when the Mela is on.

Helen Martin ● 6205d