Labour fails to cancel Troubadour plans as Liberal Democrat petition signatures rise to over 1700

At the Cabinet meeting, Councillor Gary Malcolm asked whether Labour were to drop the plans given the huge amount of public backlash.

Labour said they were not going to cancel their plans, so for residents to stop the scheme, there will be two more hurdles for Labour to deal with – a second Cabinet meeting plus a Planning Committee meeting, both later this year. The fight will go on.

Councillor Gary Malcolm also asked about the lack of consulting residents since the plan was first created in 2024, the effect on local businesses and the impact of Grade 2 listing of the park.

The Liberal Democrat petition can be found here: https://www.ealinglibdems.org.uk/savewalpolepark

Liberal Democrat Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Gary Malcolm, said: “Liberal Democrats are shocked that Labour will not cancel their plans given the huge public opinion on this matter. It feels like 2020 when plans for LTNs were being introduced. Here it seems likely there will be excessive noise, traffic issues, and large sections of Walpole Park will be blocked off from residents all year round. The fight goes on as there are two more meetings where residents can have a positive effect, and we can force Labour to change their mind. Please sign the petition and persuade others in your household to sign the petition as well.”