JASON Stacey has done impressive work highlighting an apparent shortfall in the number of police officers on Ealing's streets.

An extra 72 officers would make a visible difference,reassuring communities and freeing up more officers to tackle local concerns alongside Met-wide initiatives.

There are certainly parts of London blighted by higher levels of serious crime,where a higher proportion of officers is justified.

But it is right that our council leader and the Gazette fight to make sure Ealing is not left by the wayside,and that the good efforts of the police to cut crime in the borough are not hampered by understaffing.

Open the doors

THE revelation that Gunnersbury Park Regeneration Board is considering allowing development on part of the historic green space it is supposed to be looking after rings alarm bells.

Its state of disrepair should be a source of shame for Ealing and Hounslow councils, which have shared responsibility for its upkeep for decades. Just as deplorable is the lack of transparency and the obfuscation around the dealings of the regeneration board.

Debate about cherished public space like Gunnersbury Park should not take place behind closed doors, and the board should ensure it is more open and honest about its intentions.