The amount of money forked out by councils across west London on vehicles for mayors in the last three years has been revealed. A recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request found that since 2015 councils across the country have spent more than £4.5 million on cars for mayors or their equivalents. The average spend was £21,804 over the last three years, during which time council tax in England has increased by an average of £188. Nine councils in the UK spent taxpayers’ money on personalised number plates for their mayors, whilst others purchased them many years ago. Some of the flash cars which have been funded by west London councils since 2015 include Bentley Continental Flying Spur, a Jaguar XJ and an Audi A8. Here, getwestlondon takes a look at how much each council in west London has spent. Harrow Council and Westminster Council did not respond to the FOI request. Ealing Council Ealing Council's total costs for mayors' cars since 2015 was £22,905, … [Read more...] about This is how much west London councils have spent on cars for mayors
Ealing council parking permit
Changes to parking charges in Ealing prompts record complaints
Plans to increase the price of resident parking permits in Ealing by up to 60% and to allow commuters to park in Controlled Parking Zones have been branded "deeply flawed". A petition will be put to Ealing Council on July 24 calling for it to abandon its Transport Strategy which Simon Hayes - who started the petition on the council's website - says "makes no sense". Opponents of the ruling Labour group also blasted the plans when they were approved at last month's council meeting, claiming a record number of residents have complained about the changes. The Transport Strategy will introduce some 800 more shared parking bays in Controlled Parking Zones which can be used by residents who have parking permits and by commuters and other drivers who will park for a £4.50 daily fee. Read More What else is going on in Ealing? At a full council meeting on Tuesday (June 12) Liberal Democrat leader Gary Malcolm claimed a record number of more than 1,000 residents had complained to the … [Read more...] about Changes to parking charges in Ealing prompts record complaints
7 London parks where you are allowed to have a barbecue
There’s nothing better than a barbecue when it’s sunny outside but Londoners with gardens are among the lucky few. Fear not dear flat-dwellers! Some of the city’s parks will let you get your grill on but it may mean venturing out of west London. Barbecues are banned because of fire risk in all eight London Royal Parks. This means no grilling in Richmond, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Bushy Park, St James Park, Green Park, Greenwich Park, Regents Park and Primrose Hill, Brompton Cemetery or Victoria Tower Gardens. Read More Eating out in and around London The councils of Brent, Ealing and Harrow also don't permit barbecues in any of their parks. But don't panic there are still some spots where you can legally sizzle and to help you we've put together a list of the best ones. Lincoln's Inn Fields, Westminster Close to Holborn this central green space let's you grill right at the heart of the city. It's the largest public square in London and celebrates is … [Read more...] about 7 London parks where you are allowed to have a barbecue