THE long-awaited car park for the centre of Southall has had its colourful grand opening.
Drummers, music and dancing heralded the unveiling of the site which has been in the pipeline for several years.
Leader of Ealing Council, Julian Bell, was joined by the borough’s mayor, Councillor Kamaljit Dhindsa, other councillors and business owners, to launch the facility on Friday last week.
Mr Bell said: "I’m delighted to officially open this new car park. Southall is an important shopping area, and this investment is crucial in supporting local traders during these tough economic times. This new car park will attract more shoppers, both locally and from further afield, keeping business afloat and creating employment.
"This is an exciting time for Southall. Major works will be starting soon to improve the town centre, making it safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Crossrail will also be stopping here in the future, so this extra parking is coming at the perfect time."
Traders and shoppers have been asking the council for more and better-located parking for several years, with an existing car park in Herbert Road often full at weekends, and many neighbouring streets subject to parking restrictions.
The new car park, adjacent to Southall Market and opposite North Road and Southall Police Station, is accessible from Uxbridge Road, and cost £2.5million.
