Shoppers might be forgiven for feeling a tingle of disloyal excitement at the prospect of the new White City development opening in October.
But if the experts are correct the impact on our high streets will be severe,with takings falling 13 per cent - or around £40m a year.
The argument that Ealing Broadway is increasingly unappealing to modern consumers is a persuasive one, and many would like to see more upscale stores around the town.
But it may take long for developers to win over objectors and planners, let alone build the enormous schemes planned at Dickens Yard and the Arcadia centre. Meanwhile,it would benefit traders if shoppers spent spare cash where most needed.
Parking travesty
FREE healthcare is something this country should be proud of.
You only have to go to America to witness the tragedies of the two-tier system - where those who have accidents and are unable to pay are left to heal themselves, and cancer patients are left high and dry when their insurers refuse to renew their policy.
We all know trusts have to manage a tight budget, but Ealing Hospital's ongoing commitment to force all patients and visitors to pay for four hours' parking which they may not need is grossly unfair.It goes against the admirable principles of our 60-year-old health service.
