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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Only one named source (councillor) and no direct document citation.
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No affected residents quoted, vague 'staggering' claim unchallenged.
Context, balance and separation of fact from comment. Higher is better.
Headline uses loaded language ('disgraceful waste') unsupported by body.
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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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Questions this report answers
+Why is the council spending so much on painting a bridge?
The £138,000 is allocated for cleaning and painting the railway bridge near Alperton Underground Station as part of a public art and regeneration project. The council says this funding, from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, cannot be used for other purposes like road repairs or street cleaning.
+Who criticised the bridge painting scheme and why?
Councillor Anton Georgiou criticised the scheme, calling it a waste of money and arguing the funds should go to essential services such as road repairs or tackling anti-social behaviour. He believes the project does not address residents' immediate needs.
+What will happen to the bridge and nearby roads during the work?
The bridge will be cleaned and painted, with overnight work between 10pm and 5am. A partial closure of Ealing Road and a temporary bus stop closure will occur during the project, which is due to finish by September 12.
+How was the design for the bridge painting chosen?
The design was developed by Group 19, an artist collective, after consultations with local schools and residents. This ensures the artwork reflects community input and supports the area's cultural identity.
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