A community group in West London has launched a fundraising drive to take their local council to court over the controversial closure of a garden centre described as a lifeline for people with learning disabilities.
Campaigners Fight for a 'Lifeline' Service
The Friends of the Rural Activities Garden Centre (FRAGC) near Hayes intend to file for a judicial review against Hillingdon Council. They argue the council failed in its statutory duties when it shut down the centre in July 2025, citing running costs. The centre provided horticultural therapy and was maintained by adults with learning disabilities, selling plants to local residents until its closure.
Deputy Leader of Hillingdon Labour, Councillor Sital Punja, expressed deep disappointment at the council's handling of the situation. She criticised the Conservative-led authority for ignoring an application to list the site as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
"Now a cash-strapped council, begging the Labour Government to bail out their financial mismanagement, will end up in court because they cannot meet statutory deadlines for processing an application for Asset of Community Value," Cllr Punja stated.
The Legal Battle and Fundraising Goal
FRAGC hopes to raise an initial £9,750 to fund the judicial review proceedings. This legal action is expected to include a request for a mandatory order compelling Hillingdon Council to finally decide on the ACV nomination submitted for the garden centre.
An ACV is a designation under the Localism Act 2011 that protects community assets, triggering a six-month pause if the site is put up for sale to allow community groups to prepare a bid. However, campaigners claim the council has withheld key financial information needed to formulate a purchase plan, a charge the council denies.
Due to what FRAGC calls a "strong case," lawyers have reportedly offered to act on a no-win, no-fee basis if the full amount is raised. The council maintains it followed correct procedure.
Community Outcry and Council Response
The fundraiser has gained swift traction, with £1,650 raised in just four days. Supporters have over three weeks left to reach the target.
In a statement to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Hillingdon Council said, "The council will consider formally listing the Rural Activities Garden Centre as an Asset of Community Value in January and this has been published publicly on the council's forward plan." This follows criticism from campaigners that Councillor Bianco failed to keep a promise made in September to provide an answer within two weeks.
The outcome of this legal challenge could set a significant precedent for how local authorities manage the closure of services vital to vulnerable residents across the UK.
