Battle To Save Public Services and Southall Town Hall

Public meeting discussing austerity issues taking place

A variety of speakers have been invited to address a major meeting in Southall next week to discuss public services and the fight to preserve Southall Town Hall.

In July campaigners won a major victory at the Royal Courts of Justice when a senior High Court Judge quashed Ealing Council’s decision to sell the iconic public and community asset.

The Court ruled that the Council had acted unlawfully and that the impact of its decision was discriminatory, especially towards BAME communities, women, disabled people and some religious groups. The judge was dismayed at the lack of proper investigation & consultation, research undertaken and evidence offered by the local authority and scathing about its failure to carry out a thorough equality impact assessment describing their approach as ‘grossly deficient’.

Ealing council decided not to formally appeal directly to the Court of Appeal.

However, despite the court ruling, campaigners believe the Council will attempt to put the Town Hall back on the market again.

They are holding a meeting to review the next steps as well as discuss the impact of cuts and austerity on towns and communities like Southall – the reduction or closure of public services, asset stripping, the impact on our health and the quality of life for communities.

The public meeting will be addressed by a mix of national and local speakers, including Naz Shah MP, Claudia Webbe, Suresh Grover. It is taking place on 30 October 7.30pm.

October 25, 2018