What does ‘clean and pleasant’ mean to Acton – collective statements and emerging ideas
As part of the development of Your Voice, Your Town in Acton, residents, businesses, faith and community organisations took part in some workshops at the Centre for Armenian Information & Advice and at the Everyone Active Acton Centre. People shared their project ideas and their thoughts on what a ‘clean and pleasant area’ means to them.
The groups created a series of ‘collective statements’ to help shape how Your Voice, Your Town Acton could help communities take action to create a more ‘clean and pleasant’ Acton. These statements have been used by Acton’s Town Team, to set the criteria for future community-led projects. They are not exhaustive but provide valuable insights about what matters most to local residents and communities.
If you are inspired by the collective statements, you might want to apply to the Your Voice, Your Town Acton Community Fund where money is available for projects that will help make Acton clean and pleasant – find out more . If you want to find out more about the Acton Town Team and how to get involved in local action, go to the Acton Town Team page.
Community action monthly fixed day
Goal
“Collective coordinated citizens groups working across Acton to reduce litter / fly-tipping, improve green spaces and embellish the area.“
Project ideas
“Organise regular community clean-ups, litter picks, and activities to enhance green spaces. The initiative aims to involve the whole of Acton, focusing on parks and fixed areas such as streets. Scheduled on a monthly fixed date, the project will use WhatsApp groups, local schools, Act One cinema, churches, council vehicles, and wider community support to encourage participation and foster a sense of shared responsibility.“
Reuse and Recycle hub
Goal
“For a clean and pleasant environment, we would love to live in a place that gives us joy, where residents, businesses, and the council work together to eliminate litter and fly-tipping. This could be achieved with education and better enforcement, so that we are proud of Acton.“
Project ideas
“Set up a hub/shop on Acton High Street for people to reuse, recycle, and fix things, with special bins for bigger items. The hub/shop will have a refill centre and host workshops on repairing, swapping, and recycling different things. People will be encouraged to join through the shop, social media, and help from local groups.“
Activating Acton's parks
Goal
“A thriving, sustainable community where people and nature flourish together, creating a cleaner, greener, and more connected place for all.“
Project ideas
“Clean up local waterways and parks, make nature areas better, and set up learning spaces for schools. Link up parks like Acton Park and Southfield Recreation Grounds, improve wildlife habitats, and plant more greenery. Schools, the council, and gardening experts will help, with funding for seeds and tools. Local schools will be key partners in getting people involved.“
Green wall community neighbourhood
Goal
“Create community involvement and engagement through groups and agencies. In order to maintain clean, green, and pleasant spaces promoting pride in the local area.“
Project ideas
“Run community workshops to create green walls and vertical gardens. Add litter picking, neighbourhood watch, and sharing of gardening, poetry, and plants. Activities will be held at places like Staine Rd., Here Development, and South Acton every Saturday once funded. The project needs volunteers, money, permission, publicity, and good organisation. Events and green festivals will help get more people involved.“
Keep A.C.T.O.N (Acton Clean Tidy Open Neat) Tidy – K.A.T.
Goal
“Create community involvement and engagement through groups and agencies. In order to maintain clean, green, and pleasant spaces promoting pride in the local area.“
Project ideas
“Teach and encourage people, starting with children, using campaigns, social media, competitions, and clear signs. The plan involves schools, the council, local businesses, and residents working together. Participation will be boosted with awareness campaigns, online posts, and rewards.“
Creating Good Connections from Do Something Good
Goal
“Create community involvement and engagement through groups and agencies. In order to maintain clean, green, and pleasant spaces promoting pride in the local area.“
Project ideas
“Bring people, groups, and services together to get more involved in the community. The project could help with local ideas and activities, focusing on getting residents and volunteers involved and use the council’s ‘Do Something Good’ website, WhatsApp, parents’ groups, and community leaders to spread the word and encourage everyone to join in.“
St Mary’s church restoration
Goal
“Cultural coming together for common cooperation in spaces that are green and free of rubbish and where people can feel safe and illegal activity has been much reduced and can be reported on effectively and anonymously and more public toilets.“
Project ideas
“Restore the Churchyard in King Street and the burial grounds in Churchfield Road as welcoming community spaces, fostering inclusivity and pride in Acton’s green heritage.“
Other Ideas suggested by residents
| Project | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Spaces to Connect | Places where people can meet, share food, and learn together to solve problems. |
| Fix Up St Mary’s Church | Make the churchyard and burial grounds welcoming areas for everyone. |
| All Day Community Areas | Neighbourhood spaces open all day for people to gather and take part in activities. |
| Repair and Reuse Centre | A shop to fix old things and give them a new home on the High Street. |
| Town social media | A channel led by local young people to share Acton’s stories and future plans. |
| Arts Centre | Turn an unused building into a new arts space for the community. |
| Plastic Recycling Rewards | Get tokens to spend in supermarkets when you recycle plastics. |
| Better Street Lighting | Put up more lights on side streets for safety at night. |