Pastor David Wise, Chair of the Northolt & Greenford Countryside Park presented a 700-strong petition to the Council last night and spoke very well putting forward the case for keeping the Northala Fields development going.

Labour’s Northolt West End Councillor Bassam Mahfouz then tabled a motion to ensure that there was a full and frank debate on the future funding of the park:

“This Council urges the Leader to reconfirm that the entire surplus generated by Phase 1 of the Northala Fields project will be invested in what will be the biggest new park of the 21st century and a bold step for the borough. This Council will realise the full potential of the Phase 2 development by working towards delivering:1. A visitors’ centre and educational facility for schools and the public.
2. A playground for children
3. A development of the fishing and boating lakes.
4. A cafeteria, rangers’ and fishing bailiff’s offices.
5. Adequate public toilets.
6. The proposed pedestrian and cycle bridge across Kensington Road parallel to the A40 which forms a crucial link in a network of primary and secondary paths connecting the adjacent open spaces that make up the Northolt and Greenford Countryside Park.
7. A development of new diverse habitats to enhance the ecological interest of the site.
8. An extensive environmental education programme both for school pupils and adults
9. Funding for arts and sports events in the park.
10. Financial endowment for the long term upkeep of the park.
This Council will show dynamic and visionary leadership in order to deliver Phase 2 of the Northala Fields project.”

Cllr Mahfouz pointed out that both the Director of Cultural Services and a cabinet member had indicated that money would be taken away from the park to be spent in other areas. The evening debate proved interesting as Labour Councillors pointed out the financial logistics of keeping the park as a self-funding project as well as pointing out improvements to the park that the new Conservative administration simply did not want to support such as a visitors’ and education centre (see details of motion above).

Whilst the motion was voted down by the Conservative majority there were three major victories for local residents that came out of the debate:
1) The money which the Conservatives wanted to take away from Northolt’s park to other areas was to stay in the park and pay for some improvements.
2) The interest which has accrued from money building the park has raised will also go into improvements in the park rather than be spent elsewhere.
3) The decision as to how the above money would be spent would be decided by a committee of councillors and residents, rather than by the Conservatives alone behind closed doors.

If you would like more information then please e-mail Cllr Mahfouz or see Rev. David Wise’s Greenford Baptist Church website.

Today’s edition of the Greenford & Northolt Gazette covered a front page story on the Conservative council’s proposals for Northala Fields.

The Tory Council Leader (depicted as ‘Robin Hood in Reverse’) is criticised for his party’s position, which was to remove self-raised funds from Northala Fields in order to prop up other parts of the borough. The Tories try to move the argument on, by backtracking and deciding to allocate some of the money back to the park. A debate in the council chamber next Tuesday, following a motion tabled by Labour’s Environment Spokesman and Northolt West End councillor, Bassam Mahfouz will allow all of the issues to be raised in full discussion. A petition which has been collected will also be presented at the meeting.