The leader of Ealing Liberal Democrats is calling for Labour-run Ealing Council to undertake an independent review into the Lammas Park Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) scheme, following mounting concerns from residents over delays, design flaws and lack of transparency.
Councillor Gary Malcolm, has written to Council Leader Councillor Peter Mason and Chief Executive Tony Clements, urging them to commission an external investigation into what he described as a deeply flawed process and fiasco.
The project has suffered serious setbacks in implementation. Residents have raised concerns on a number of issues including poor contractor management, delays, the need to reapply for planning permission and water contamination.
Councillor Malcolm said: “Liberal Democrats say this scheme is massively delayed and has had to be redesigned after Ealing Council and Thames Water breached their own planning permission. We need to know why it is so late, how much it has cost the taxpayer and learn lessons to stop this from happening again. We hope the project can now be finished so local people can once again enjoy a really valuable local amenity.”
An Ealing Council spokesperson said: “Since 2023 we have listened, very carefully, to local residents, park users, and consulted with key organisations involved with flood prevention. Planning consultation took place from July to September 2023, which was open for public comment and we took on board additional feedback in the new planning application and revised designs accordingly.
“The Lammas Park project will see the completion of essential drainage works connecting the sustainable drainage system to the Thames Water system, significantly reducing flood risk. The water quality issue caused by a misconnection at a private property has been resolved. A long-term water quality monitoring plan will be introduced to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the system.
“The council apologises for the disruption caused to Lammas Park and thanks residents for their patience during the vital improvement works. People living nearby have received direct communication outlining the project details and information boards have been displayed on site to update park users.”
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