In January, it was announced that Ealing Council would use the funding from the Mayor of London's Growing Back Greener fund to convert Southall Square into a "pocket park".

Now, the council is seeking input from residents on how the funds should be used. Introductory proposals for enhancing Southall Square include the planting of more trees, dedicated areas for growing edible plants, herbs, and flowers, the addition of extra seating, and a better street market.

It has all of these except a dedicated areas for growing edible plants, herbs, and flowers.

There are also proposals to replace the current concrete pavement with green spaces for sustainable drainage of rainfall.

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Ealing Council want to hear your thoughts on the proposed enhancements to Southall Square, so that they can tailor the plans to meet your needs, Residents and business owner in Southall, are asked to complete a brief survey by April 18, 2023, to share their opinions.

Councillor Deirdre Costigan, cabinet member for climate action said: "We are committed to tackling climate change right here in our borough."

"That’s why in addition to the Growing Back Greener fund, we are investing an extra £14,220 into Southall Square so we can transform it into a much-needed green space for our residents to enjoy – a mini-oasis in the middle of a buzzing town centre."

Southall Park is only 120 steps away. It’s only a 2 minutes walk or 200 steps to the entrance of Southall Park. Hardly an appropriate place for a pocket park. Better off providing a toilet in Southall park, even if it a roofless one.

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Southal Square already has trees and seating. But what it lacks is family friendly environment. More trees, seating and edible plants won’t provide that. That requires commitment with continual monitoring, not just a one-off FREE grant.

Currently, it is not even obstruction free i.e. car regularly park in the entrance to the Lidl car park.

A resident commented "The almost car free photos of the location is a misrepresentation, when for significant periods of the day, the traffic is stationary from Southall Park to the junction of South Road and Lady Margaret Road but conveniently there is no air quality monitoring at this location."

What did the local residents say in January?

The response from a local resident: "Ealing Council would be better off spending money and making Southall Park, one minute walk away, a safer place for residents."

Another resident said: "We hardly need it there as it’s 100 metres away from Southall park which I believe has grass and trees."

Southall Square photo: Google Maps