LETTER: Gunning for Gunnersbury Park: Public need a voice

12.00.00am GMT Sat 21st Nov 2009

Lib Dem campaigners Joseph Bourke, Mona Naqvi and Cllr Andrew Dakers outside Gunnersbury Museum

Dear Editor, Where Kirsty Allison ('Gunning for Gunnersbury Park: Public need a voice', 19 Nov) and I agree is that the public consultation on the future of the park was a mess and there should be no building on the corner of the park. However I disagree with two points in her recent column: First, unlike Kirsty, I believe in the ability of the community to generate alternative ways forward. There are plenty of smart and knowledgeable people living in West London. As a naturally sceptical opposition councillor I have seen first hand decision makers in local government listen to - and take on board - well argued and evidenced alternative approaches to difficult developments. Have more faith Kirsty!

Second, I would like Kirsty to provide some evidence for her bold assertion "the Gunnersbury Museum is in the centre of the debate, with excessively expensive storage facilities and their desire to expand to the modern age". Unfortunately it has not been at the centre of the debate, but should be. Kirsty - have you asked for a tour of the museum storage? If not, I suggest you do. When it rains the Gunnersbury staff have to run round with buckets to collect water and protect our local history from destruction. The proposed storage facilities are not excessive, merely responsible. They are what is needed to protect our local heritage.

If we want the next generation to value our parks and open spaces - as part of our wider local heritage - it is vital they can learn from the successes and failures of the past lives of local people and organisations. A pride in the heritage of our locality will enhance a feeling of community and local cohesion. This can only happen if we protect and open up our local history collection, as well as protecting the park. It's not either/or, but both, that will make for a sustainable future at Gunnersbury.

Yours sincerely

Cllr Andrew Dakers

Parliamentary candidate for Brentford & Isleworth Constituency (including communities of Chiswick, Gunnersbury, Hounslow and Osterley)

Councillor for Brentford Ward - Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group