Hundreds of residents are calling on Ealing Council to rethink the construction of drainage ponds in local parks they have likened to swamps.
The newly constructed basin in Lammas Park has received significant opposition, particularly due to safety concerns as it sits next to a children’s play area.
Diggers first went into Lammas Park in May 2024 as part of the council’s plan to create new ‘sustainable urban drainage systems’ to alleviate flooding locally. Since then the pond has acted as a collection point for rain water which runs from drains.
Parents are concerned children could fall in, and residents worry about the public health risk of sewage which can end up in storm water.
Zoë Dobson organised a petition of local residents against the project which has amassed almost 1,000 signatures. She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that her concerns had fallen on deaf ears.
She said: “The drain water is running into swamps and the council have admitted storm water drains can contain sewage… this is a biohazard. It’s insane to have this in a public park, meters away from a children’s playground.
“I’d love for the council to take note, and at least acknowledge people’s concerns. For hundreds of years it has been a safe place, and it is no longer. No one from the council, or the executive, have responded to me. This should be a decision taken by elected councillors on the Planning Committee, not unelected council officers. Then, we can hold people accountable for their decisions.”
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Following enquiries by the LDRS, Zoë’s petition was finally recognised by Ealing Council. The local authority says it paused work in the park following local feedback.
They argue the project has been designed with safety made paramount, including a fence around the basins. A spokesperson told the LDRS that they will introduce any measures necessary to improve safety if needed.
Zoë told the LDRS: “As a local mum, a resident, a dog walker, I am so frustrated and just gobsmacked by what they are doing. We also need an inquiry into the first consultation. There was a lack of communication, it felt like it was a done deal, the work would take place no matter what. It didn’t feel like you could have your say… so many people didn’t know about it.”
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents advises a distance of at least 30 meters between open water and playgrounds. However, the Lammas Park basin is much closer than that.
A spokesperson for Ealing Council said: “We are working with The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) who will carry out an inspection of the project which will be done before it is open to the public. If RoSPA identify any safety issues we will implement the necessary measures, such as a fence around the ponds if required.
“There are currently temporary measures in place for public safety and further permanent works proposed, will be subject to planning approval. Local residents have met with their ward councillors, cabinet member and council officers to discuss a range of issues.
“A further meeting took place to preview and receive comments on the proposals in the current planning application prior to the application being submitted.
“The Lammas Park SuDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage System) will help protect people and properties in and around the park from flooding, which is why we are constructing the ponds. The proposed planting strategy will enhance the biodiversity in the park and make it more attractive.”
