Want the chance of your own pop up shop in West Ealing?

West Ealing

Pop up shop

The council is offering budding entrepreneurs, community groups and local artists the chance to showcase their products and services in a pop up shop in the heart of West Ealing.

People with creative ideas that can help to enhance the vibrancy and vitality of the high street are invited to apply to rent space in the shop for up to six weeks. This is an exciting opportunity for up-and-coming entrepreneurs to test and sell their products and services, without the risks and costs of taking on a long-term lease.

Pop up shop application pack

Deadline

If you would like to occupy the pop up shop for any period between 16 December 2013 and 19 January 2014, your application must be submitted no later than Friday 29 November 2013

Open day

On Thursday 28 November between 9.30am-11.30am and 4.30pm-6.30pm, the council will be holding an open day to give prospective tenants a chance to view the pop up shop before it opens.

Am I eligible?

The pop up shop initiative is only open to businesses that have not previously traded in a retail shop. All successful candidates must comply with the terms and conditions of the scheme.

What’s the offer?

We are offering space in a West Ealing retail unit for up to six weeks at a substantially subsidized rate. The total floor space of the shop unit is approximately 60sqm, which will be divided into four 12sqm sections. Each section will be let for £25 per week. This rent will cover utilities and maintenance costs. In addition, we will require a refundable deposit of £100 to ensure satisfactory use of premises. Tenants will be allowed to rent more than one section at a time but the council reserves the right to reduce the number of sections a tenant is renting to make room for additional tenants.

The shop is empty so it will be up to successful tenants to furnish and decorate their space on the shop floor. Tenants will be responsible for their own public and product liability and contents insurance.

Why should I apply?

This is an excellent platform to showcase and test your new venture in a “real-world” commercial setting, without large investment and long-term commitments. You will gain first-hand retail experience with your products or services on the high street, which will help you determine the next steps for your new venture.

What is the application process?

Applications will be assessed by a judging panel comprising of representatives from Ealing Council, a member of Welshore Community Hub and members of the local business community. The judging panel will ask to meet shortlisted applicants and see examples of their products or services. All applicants will be notified by email or telephone as to whether or not they have been successful. The decision of the judging panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into once applicants are notified.

How do I apply?

To apply, please download, complete and return a signed copy of the application form by email to JohnsonLD@ealing.gov.uk, or post to Lemuel Dickie-Johnson, Economic Regeneration, Ealing Council, Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, London, W5 2HL.

For more information, please download the application guidance.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Lemuel Dickie-Johnson at JohnsonLD@ealing.gov.uk.

The pop up shop project is part of a work programme to regenerate Ealing’s high streets. The programme is funded by the High Street Innovation Fund and Riot Recovery Fund.

November 16, 2013

There’s been an increase in bike thefts so here are some ideas to keep your bike safe

There’s been an increase in bicycle thefts over the last few months and I had my bike stolen from our side alley a while back. I’d probably still have it if I had followed these simple steps from the Metropolitan Police and bought a D-lock and locked it to something secure. Here’s their advice:

Always lock your bike even if you are just leaving it for a few minutes
Buy a good quality D-lock or combination lock
Lock your bike to something secure and immovable, such as a bicycle rack or a lamppost
When you leave your bike unattended lock both wheels and remove detachable items such as lights
Consider getting your bike frame securuty marked
At home keep your bike out of view in a secure shed and keep the door locked
Try to avoid leaving your bike in isolated places – leave and lock up your bike in public view where a potential thief can be seen

November 14, 2013

West Ealing Hub evening talk and networking event

West Ealing Hub Evening Talk and Networking Event

Tuesday 26th November at The Drayton Court Hotel 8-10pm FREE Entry

Come and hear how a coworking hub helped a business which began life in an Ealing bedroom grow into a social enterprise working nationwide and employing five members of staff.

Stickyboard was started by two local brothers with a passion for bringing their community together. By developing an online community noticeboard they were able to connect the people in their local area, empowering them to work together for social good. As their business outgrew the bedroom it was started in they looked for a place to work in Ealing. Finding nothing suitable they looked further afield and discovered the HUB Kings Cross, where they are now one of the main tenants.

Come along to hear Thomas Sweetman, one of Stickyboard’s founders, explain how they found a hub the ideal place in which to grow and develop their business, and why they are so passionate about helping to establish a hub in West Ealing in which others can benefit from the advantages of coworking. The short talk will be followed by a Q&A session and the opportunity to network with other attendees. Please note that whilst refreshments won’t be provided, you are welcome to purchase drinks from the bar.

You can find out more about coworking and plans for a West Ealing hub at www.westealinghub.com.

November 13, 2013November 13, 2013

There’s no stopping betting shops on our high street

The new Willam Hill betting shop due to open soon

It’s rarely that a sense of despair takes over but that’s my feeling when I read this week that in a letter passed to the Guardian, ‘Ministers have privately assured Britain’s biggest bookmaker that attempts by councils to block the spread of betting shops would be frustrated by the coalition’s controversial planning changes, despite claiming in public that the measures were intended to revitalise high streets.’ The letter was written by planning minister Nick Boles to the betting chain Ladbrokes which had said that “some councils are now placing whatever obstacles they can in the way of our ability to obtain planning permission” for betting shops and attacked “alarming actions by unelected officials”.

In response, the Nick Boles wrote back to Ladbrokes saying: “I do recognise that this can be a significant problem and we are taking action to tackle it.” The letter cites new powers contained in a controversial “pro-growth” bill, which became law in summer.

Putting aside the very serious questions about the addictive nature of the Fixed Odds Betting Terminals which are now in nearly all betting shops, this approach to planning by government is surely wholly at odds with their localism agenda. How can this government’s support of localism, witnessed here in the West Ealing Centre Neighbourhood Forum, sit alongside a central government which overrules any say locals might want in how their high streets develop and, in particular, whether or not we as residents want yet more betting shops in our high streets? The two are wholly incompatible.

November 11, 2013

Still more primary schools needed in West Ealing

Thanks to Eric Leach for his research in to the Council’s plans for school places in the borough. The Council’s schools planning document is out for consultation as part of its Local Plan. The Local Plan is the Council’s blueprint for how an area will develop over the next 15 years. The schools document talks of birth rates rising by an average of 20% across Ealing between 2003 and 2012. It projects a shortfall of 435 primary school pupil places and 630 secondary school pupil places by September 2015.

As has been well publicised, the Council has plans to expand nearly all local primary schools. In addition to expanding existing primary schools, the Council stated at a recent consultation for St John’s Primary School that a new primary school will be needed in West Ealing come 2017/8. The document lists two possible sites for new primary schools – the BT telephone exchange in Gordon Road and Orion Park,Northfield Avenue.

This and other Local Plan documents can be viewed at main libraries including West Ealing Library.

November 7, 2013

Time to stop drivers ignoring No Entry signs in Seaford Road

There appear to be some rogue drivers who persist in driving the wrong way up Seaford Road at the junction with Leighton Road. The No Entry signs are clear and I don’t think it’s drivers failing to see the signs. This week a nearby resident saw a car go through the No Entry signs and park and then challenged the driver who in turn knew full well what she had done. I know this short cut can be tempting but sooner or later there will be an accident and someone will get hurt. We need to find a way to deter drivers from this illegal manoeuvre. I will raise it at a meting with the Walpole Safer Neighbourhood Team next week but does anyone have ideas on what can be done to stop this happening?

November 7, 2013November 11, 2013

Where to do your local Chrismas shopping

We’re heading for the Christmas event season and there’s plenty to choose from. Here are just some of the ones coming up locally:

Ealing 135 Christmas Gift Fair

St Johns Church, Mattock Lane, Ealing, W13 9LA

Saturday 23rd November 2013

10:30- 13:30

Fun for the whole family! A great selection of fabulous Christmas gifts, delicious homemade lunch and cakes, hamper raffle, activities for the kids and a visit from Santa. All proceeds go to Ealing Food bank.

Email- 135christmasfair@gmail.com

Saturday 30th November

YUM W13 Food Festival @ The Forester Christmas Market

11am- 5pm

The Forester Pub, 2 Leighton Road, W13 9EP

Come along to ‘The YUM before Christmas’ and sample taster dishes from local restaurants and food specialists. Featuring Christmas fun for children, carol singing, open mic, craft stalls and more! Go to www.facebook.com/YUMW13 for more information.

Contact info:

Tel- 0781 203 7743

Email- YUMW13@gmail.com

Christmas Bazaar at St Stephen’s Church on Saturday 30th November 10.30am – 2.30pm

St Stephen’s Road, West Ealing W13 8HB

Entry free and in aid of the Ealing Churches Winter Night Shelter project

Annual Christmas Bazaar, this year with a theme of Friendship.

Lots to do for children including free story telling, creative activities, puppets, face-painting and Father Christmas.

Gift ideas with home made cakes and biscuits, Christmas Puddings and Cakes, pickles, flavoured oils, jams and marmalades; plants and bulbs.

Refreshments, lunches and BBQ.

Bric-a-brac, books, toys. Raffle, tombola and lots more for all the family.

Christmas Market on 30th November 2013 at St Melitus Church Hanwell, Church Road, Hanwell W7 3BA

from 11.00 a.m to 3.00 p.m.

Plenty of fabulous gift ideas with home made cakes and biscuits and other edibles,

Bric-a-brac, books and toys.

Refreshments and lunches

Raffle, tombola and lots more.

The Church’s website is http://www.saintmellitushanwell.org.uk/

Phone no 020 3067 0035 (Office)

e-mail:office@saintmellitushanwell.org.uk

Dean Gardens Christmas Festival on Thursday 12th December 4-8pm

Large marquee in Dean Gardens with:

Arts & Crafts Fair for your Christmas Gifts
Live music on stage with carols from local school choirs
Mulled wine, mince pies & roast chestnuts
Children’s activities: face painting, balloon artist and magician

October 31, 2013November 1, 2013

West Ealing craft market on Saturday 10am-3pm

Why not start your Christmas shopping a little early this year and come along to the craft market in St James Avenue. There will be a wide selection of goods and gifts on sale, including some from our Abundance project. You can get in early for our new season jams, chutneys and jellies as well as local apple juice.

Saturday 2nd November in St James Avenue from 10am – 3pm

October 28, 2013

97p shop set to open in West Ealing

I’ve been wondering what was happening to the old Miss London shop which has been empty for months. It occupies a prime site on the corner of the Uxbridge Road and Singapore Road. Now I know, it’s going to be a 97p shop and will sell alcohol along with its many other products.

We seem to be battling against a tide of betting shops, money lending shops and 99p or, in this case, 97p shops. The West Ealing shopping centre needs a balance so that our high street isn’t simply defined by budget shopping. Otherwise, a whole swathe of local residents have little reason to shop locally and their money goes out of the local economy. We need to find a way to strike a balance and I just don’t think it can be just left to market forces.