Ealing Residents Unite To Fix LTN Barrier Vandalism

Even opponents of schemes lend a hand to repair damage


Cllr David Millican and a local resident tackle the vandalism. Picture: David Millican

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Both sides of the debate over Ealing Council’s Low Traffic Neighbourhood Schemes (LTNs) have united in their condemnation of acts of vandalism against the barriers being used to enforce the scheme.

Immediately after their introduction some of the barriers were overturned or moved out of the way but subsequently they were filled with soil to make them impossible to move by just one person. It is thought that initially many of the planters were moved by drivers unaware of the new restrictions and who had been directed down the roads by SatNavs.

There have been a number of incidents particularly over the Bank Holiday weekend in which planters filled with soil have been overturned, daubed with anti-LTN slogans and bollards have been removed leaving metal fixings exposed on the street. There has also been an allegation that oil was deliberately spread near one of the barriers.

Northfield ward councillor, David Millican, who is opposed to the schemes, joined residents on 29 August on Midhurst Road the morning after to help clear up the mess made after planters were tipped over spreading soil across the road. He said, “I disagree with the traffic schemes but I also condemn vandalism at overturning the barriers. So thanks to neighbours for helping put them back up.”

Upturned planters on Leighton Road
Upturned planters on Leighton Road. Picture: Twitter

According to residents he spoke to it was believed that the planters were overturned by teenagers as an act of mindless vandalism rather than a specifically political act by persons opposed to the schemes.

Fay Block, a Labour councillor for the same ward, who is more broadly supportive of the schemes, also joined residents making good the planters. She said on Twitter, “The vandals think their dangerous, criminal activity is okay - but they can’t beat our wonderful community spirit. Last planter is back in place. Thank you wonderful neighbours.”

 

There was also an allegation that oil was deliberately spilled near one of the barriers with the intent of unseating a cyclist. The bollard at the location had also been displaced. This has been dismissed by residents on the road who say that such oil spills are common and the placement of this one was entirely random.


Planter daubed with anti-LTN slogan. Picture: David Millican/Twitter

A protest by residents against LTNs is planned on Saturday, 12 September 2020 at 2pm. Demonstrators will meet at the Quadrant, Little Ealing Lane and walk together to the Lido Junction on Uxbridge Road, via Northfield Avenue. Organisers say this will be a peaceful protest to highlight to Ealing Council the concerns they have regarding the LTNs and the need for immediate consultation. This forms part of a London wide protest which is occurring across London Boroughs on the same day.

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September 3, 2020


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