The abundance of green spaces and lovely parks is why Ealing is rightly known as the 'Queen of the Suburbs'. Therefore to know that this title might be under jeopardy is very concerning.

Last month, with the blessing of the Labour Administration, officers secretly agreed to let the current contractor reduce a number of services it currently provides.  Instead of deep cleaning all our parks regularly, over 80 parks will not be, with only “32" parks being regularly deep cleaned. 

The list of those 32 parks is being kept secret. Labour rightly knows that most residents will be dismayed to know that their beloved local park will be cleaned less.

In addition grass cutting, at these parks, will be severely reduced, apparently to allow a more “naturalistic” state. Parents with young children know what a danger long grass presents, as it can hide glass and animal mess, not to mention the overall effect of just looking run down and unwelcoming.

Incredibly, despite the reduction in service to Ealing residents, the contractor will still be paid the same amount!

There is no doubt that the current service, which Labour confidently said would deliver a better service and value for Ealing residents , is not working or delivering value. 

Reducing the service whilst paying the same amount, and claiming that it will finally deliver a better service, is not the solution.  It’s having a laugh on the taxpayers and rewarding a contractor for serious contract failures.

In addition, residents are paying the £40 tax to have their garden waste collected when it used to be a free service under the Conservatives.

Labour clearly doesn’t know how to fix the mess it has got itself into. Conservatives do . Hence the reason we have made it a key election pledge - to fix Labour’s disastrous waste, recycling and environmental service contract. 

Between the record number of complaints for missed collections, dirtier streets, and now reduced park maintenance, residents will hopefully recycle Labour at the Council elections in May.