Brent Council has been criticised for spending £138,000 on painting a bridge in Alperton, with the ward councillor calling it a “disgraceful waste of public money”.
Project details and funding
The bridge adjacent to Alperton Underground Station is being cleaned and painted by Wood Street Walls studio. The project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, part of the government's Levelling Up agenda, and is earmarked for regeneration and economic development. Designs were developed by Group 19, a local artist collective, following consultations with two schools and residents.
Political backlash
Liberal Democrat Group Leader and Alperton councillor Anton Georgiou said: “We need money spent in Alperton on the things that matter to residents. But spending a staggering £138,000 on repainting a bridge is not what we have been asking for. We want cleaner streets, roads and pavements to be fixed, and anti-social behaviour tackled. Instead, Labour has chosen to spend six figures repainting a bridge. At a time when so many local services are under pressure, this is a disgraceful waste of £138,000 of public money and shows how wrong the council’s priorities are.”
Council defends investment
A Brent Council spokesperson said the funding cannot be redirected to routine maintenance. “The improvements to Alperton Underground Station bridge form part of Brent Council's UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme and are funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in partnership with the Greater London Authority. This funding has been allocated specifically for regeneration and economic development projects and cannot be redirected to routine maintenance budgets.”
The council added that the scheme will create a more welcoming gateway to Alperton, complement wider public realm improvements, and support Ealing Road's status as a Mayor of London Creative Enterprise Zone. “The improvements will help cement Alperton and Ealing Road's growing reputation as a destination for South Asian cuisine, culture and creativity.”
Timeline and disruptions
Works began on July 13 and are expected to be completed by September 12. They take place overnight between 10pm and 5am, requiring partial closure of Ealing Road and a bus stop at Ealing Road/Alperton Station. No rail line closures are needed.
