A PUBLIC consultation started this week on a ten-year improvement strategy for three town centres in the borough.

Acton, Hanwell and Greenford town centres will be developed over the next decade by Ealing Council in partnership with Action Acton, Hanwell Steering Group and Greenford Town Centre Association and through public consultations with residents and businesses.

Four key areas make up the main focus of developments for the three town centres which are investment, transport, environment and management.

Councillor Stephen Sears, cabinet member for transport & sustainable development for London Borough of Ealing, said: "This consultation is the opportunity for everyone to give their views on the strategy. I encourage people to take the time to fill in a questionnaire."

The consultation will include a postal survey sent to residents and businesses in the three town centres and a representative sample survey.

There are overall strategies for the three town centres which will hope to enhance the areas.

Acton is to improve its shopping and entertainment and there are plans for Acton Town Hall to have more uses for the community and the arts.

Hanwell will try and promote its architectural heritage and its role as a "gateway to Brent River Park" and Greenford will be developed as a market town by enhancing its 1930s look.

Ian Green, leader of the Tory opposition on Ealing Council, said: "Our town centres have been allowed to deteriorate as the council has taken its eye off the ball in terms of cleanliness of streets, parking facilities, crime levels, and street furniture.

"This administration's determination to push through vast new shopping space in Ealing Broadway will detract even further from the viability of Hanwell, Acton and Greenford.

"And their doubling of parking charges in our town centres is driving shoppers to Harrow, Uxbridge and Hounslow."

For more information visit www.ealing.gov.uk or call 020 8825 6500 and ask for regeneration and major projects.