Lib Dems Call for Action on Gunnersbury

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Gunnersbury Joint Advisory Committee has not met since the election

Hounslow Liberal Democrat campaigner Joe Bourke (pictured right) has called for the Gunnersbury Joint Advisory Committee to reconvene urgently. It has not met since the May local elections. Meanwhile he claims the park, mansions  and museum - containing local history collection - continue to decay.  

In early September the Hounslow Liberal Democrats offered to work with Council leaders to engage ministers in the Coalition Government.  The Lib Dems have still not received any response.  Since the election Ealing Lib Dems confirmed that the new administration in Ealing stands by the previous Ealing leadership's commitment to put £5m into the regeneration project.  Hounslow has to date failed to match this commitment.

Joe Bourke, Hounslow Liberal Democrat Campaigner, said, "We are deeply disappointed that the Council was not prepared to take action earlier this year and invest the money required to stop the decline of the park, local history museum and mansions. This is a site of local and national importance. We put forward carefully costed proposals and used the work of the consultants employed by the Council to chart a way forward. 

"The indecision that has blighted the park and its mansions for years seems to be continuing with no meeting yet agreed of the Joint Advisory Panel on Gunnersbury Park, Museum and Mansions.

"The arguments have gone on for too long. Whilst we accept a lot of money is required at a difficult time, we are very worried about the future of the Local History Museum in view of the deteriorating fabric of the building it is in. Leaking roofs threaten the collection. This project and investment could develop local skills and provide employment."

The Gunnersbury Park Joint Advisory Panel (formerly the Gunnersbury Park Regeneration Board)
is due to have a meeting on Friday, 19 November 2010 at 7:00 pm and the agenda can be viewed on Hounslow council's website.

November 12, 2010