“Have you got two minutes? Because, since May, my team and I have been busy making Ealing even better, and in two minutes, I’ve listed as many of our achievements in our first few months as possible in the video above,” said Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council.

“The Council Plan, published in July, identifies what can be expected to be delivered over the next four years (2022-2026), and there is an annual action delivery plan which goes into the detail of what will be delivered in the first 12 months. But some key activities have already started and a lot has already been achieved since May.

Improvements for schools and parks

“The first of 17 new school streets has been introduced with plans for four new school streets every six months, with the aim to have 50 in place by 2026. And £240,000 has been invested into air quality monitoring for schools.

“Two recent Ofsted inspections have brought total the number of council-run schools being rated as good or outstanding to an incredible 97%.

“Our parks and open spaces have recently been awarded a record 24 Green Flags, a sign that a park keeps the highest standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities, and with a £3million commitment to planting 50,000 trees across Ealing, there could be more flags flying in the future.

“In June, Ealing put on one of the biggest programmes in London for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Walpole Park and helped residents host 150 street parties. Activity that has become even more poignant given the recent passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Travelling safely in the borough

“The Travel in Ealing Charter has been launched, setting out how the council will work with residents to deliver transport projects. £6.25million has been invested in improving pavements, tracks and roads to make them safer and support cycling, walking, running and scooting across all seven towns. £1million is being spent on expanding the number of low-cost bike hangers to slash waiting lists, delivering at least 150 by 2026.

“As part of our A Safer Ealing for Woman Action Plan, we’re upgrading 3,100 light columns across the borough to LED lighting and have invested more than £2million into upgrading all remaining street lighting.

Delivering on commitments

“Following the Ealing Race Equality Commission’s report, the council committed to establishing a civic leadership development programme for under-represented communities and work has also begun to set up a citizens’ tribunal.

“The closure of the Southall sports centre meant a gap in providing facilities for women only exercise. To tackle this, a new women’s only gym has recently been opened at Dormer’s Wells.

“Progress has also been made on the future for Warren Farm and Gurnell Leisure Centre, with more information to come soon.

Investing in Southall

“The Southall Reset programme has recently been announced, focusing on tackling deep-rooted challenges specific to Southall to support its residents and businesses to become part of a thriving Southall community and benefit from a more inclusive economy.

“Southall Manor House has also been given a new lease of life with Meanwhile Space, experts in transforming underused and vacant spaces into vibrant community and enterprise facilities, working with local business and residents in Southall to revive the iconic Manor House and bring it back into use as property that benefits the local community.  

Bringing good jobs

“Investment of £2million has been made into increasing wages for care workers, which is the first step in making sure care workers in the borough are receiving the London Living Wage.

“To date, 293 residents with barriers to employment have been helped into new jobs, a further 772 residents have achieved new qualifications and 750 new jobs have been secured for residents.

“Park Royal has also recently been announced as one of the new Mayor of London’s Creative Enterprise Zones, which will help support 30 young local creatives. 

“It really has been a very busy first few months,” added Councillor Mason at the end of the two minutes, “And there’s more to come. So watch this space for regular updates on what we are delivering for you.”