Brent Council spends £138,000 on bridge painting
Criticism mounts over the cost of a public art project funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
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Brent Council is undertaking a project to clean and paint a railway bridge adjacent to Alperton Underground Station, with an allocated budget of £138,000. The initiative, which began on July 13, is scheduled for completion by September 12. Works are being conducted overnight between 10pm and 5am and will necessitate a partial closure of Ealing Road, along with the temporary closure of a nearby bus stop.
Criticism over project priorities
Councillor Anton Georgiou, representing Alperton ward, has voiced strong objections to the expenditure. He described the project as "cosmetic" and argued that the funds would be more appropriately allocated to essential services such as street cleaning, road repairs, and tackling anti-social behaviour. Cllr Georgiou stated that at a time when many local services are under strain, the six-figure sum for repainting a bridge represents a "disgraceful waste of £138,000 of public money" and highlights what he believes are misplaced priorities by the council. He suggested that genuine improvements for residents would foster greater local pride than such projects.
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Funding and council's justification
The painting project is financed through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a government initiative aimed at supporting regeneration and economic development. According to a Brent Council spokesperson, this specific funding stream, provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in partnership with the Greater London Authority, cannot be diverted to routine maintenance budgets. The council asserts that the scheme is intended to create a more welcoming gateway to Alperton, enhance the public realm around the station, and support Ealing Road's designation as a Mayor of London Creative Enterprise Zone. The spokesperson added that this investment is part of broader regeneration efforts in Alperton, including new housing, public spaces, and community facilities, aiming to bolster the area's reputation for South Asian culture and creativity.
The designs for the bridge's art installation were developed by Group 19, a collective of artists and designers, following consultations with local schools and residents. The project does not require any closures of the railway lines themselves.
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