| Topic: | Should people in North Chiswick now accept they live in Acton? | |
| Posted by: | Kevin Howard | |
| Date/Time: | 26/07/20 10:04:00 |
There always used to be a pub bore that would tell you that any part of W4 that was in Ealing borough was in Acton not Chiswick. History and geography was not on their side but that didn't stop them droning on. Most people recognised the Overground train tracks and Southfield Park marked a clear border as there was just one way to dive through between the two post codes. Now, however, the closure of Fisher's Lane creates an even more impermeable border further south along Bath Road and South Parade. When I look at how this will change my behaviour I realise that I will continue to do smaller shops in Chiswick either by bike or walking. It remains closer and you only need to cycle to Acton once to realise it is on the top of a hill. Chiswick continues to have a better choice of shops, bars and restaurants and wider pavements. However, for a big shop, Acton is now going to be the better option. Rather than nipping down Fisher's Lane and Belmont Road, I'd have to drive by the junction near Chiswick Park station which is often congested already and will be more so when the closure takes effect. There are better parking options in Acton and unlike Sainsbury's they are free even if you don't use a particular store. Chiswick may have advantages at the moment but they may not be permanent. The proportion of boarded up shops isn't likely to fall in the current economic situation and Acton can offer businesses much lower rents. Acton may have a cinema before Chiswick and if Marks and Spencer was to reconsider its decision not to move into the Oaks Shopping Centre even Bedford Park residents might start to see it as an option. Changes in footfall have the potential to transform a high street either for better or worse and if Acton and Chiswick are going in opposite directions then it may not be long before the former is full of swish delis and cafes and the latter has lots of discount stores and gaming parlours and an Acton address will attract a premium over Chiswick! |