Local Conservatives have been stepping up their campaign against the West London Transport system by canvassing businesses along Acton High Street and the Uxbridge Road.

They claim to have encountered universal opposition to the scheme which they say traders are describing as that“damn Tram plan”.

Ealing, Acton and Shepherds Bush Conservatives, led by Jonathan Gough – their Parliamentary candidate – and Cllr Barbara Yerolemou, met with many of the shop owners last Saturday morning.

The team had been delivering their monthly newsletter. In the newsletter, available to read online on their web site, the Tories revealed that both Ken Livingstone and the Ealing Labour Council had no plans to compensate businesses for lost revenue during the tram - building phase.

Jonathan Gough said, “Many had no idea that they would get no refund on their rates, let alone help for lost revenues. The tram - building phase will lead to catastrophic losses for these longstanding businesses and will quite possibly put them out of business for good.”

Jonathan warned that if the Mayor or the Council did not change their current policies, then the High Street and the Uxbridge Road near Shepherds Bush Green were likely to be devastated. “Even the owners of the sex shop asked us for a leaflet, which was a rather unusual conversation”.

He called on Ealing and Hammersmith and Fulham councils to give a full rebate on local businesses and shops affected by the Tram should the project proceed.

September 14, 2004