Residents and visitors in West Ealing may have noticed some exciting new features on the street this autumn. Parklets have sprung up at two locations offering opportunities for a bit of rest and relaxation during the busy day.
Parklets are enclosed areas featuring seating, cycle stands and flower beds. They provide an inviting and relaxing space on the street for people to stop and enjoy. They are also designed to be flexible and move to different locations across West Ealing – all that’s needed is a space the size of a parking bay.
Leader of Ealing Council Julian Bell recently met local people in West Ealing to get a first look at the new parklets, currently located in Leeland Road and Kirchen Road, W13. He said: “These parklets are great news for commuters, cyclists, shoppers and residents in the local area and will provide a relaxing place to sit and relax. They will also contribute to the whole street looking more attractive which will hopefully encourage people to stop and enjoy local shops and restaurants.”
Mandie Wilde, a resident who also represents Open Ealing, a local centre offering opportunities for people to get involved with art, said: “These parklets are particularly good for older people to use to have a sit-down as they go about their business. They are spacious and open so on a nice day its lovely to sit down with a book. They are close to restaurants and shops so that’s also really positive.”
The parklets have been delivered as part of Live West Ealing, a new programme which seeks to make streets safer, greener and more attractive by reducing traffic and encouraging more walking, cycling and public transport use.
Councillor Bell continued: “Live West Ealing is a fantastic scheme that will help us deliver more attractive places to cycle, walk and live and ultimately improve the quality of life for people in West Ealing. I’m looking forward to working with local residents to make West Ealing a place where more people can make sustainable and healthy travel choices.”
Live West Ealing, which is funded by TfL and Ealing Council is set to deliver a number of initiatives in the area over the next two years.
Visit live-west-ealing.co.uk for further details.
