A cherished community asset under lock and key
In July 2025 the Council locked the gates of RAGC to prevent the public from accessing this cherished site which they had been visiting in their thousands each year for decades. People from across Hillingdon and beyond came to RAGC to enjoy a moment of calm or a chat to the gardeneers, as the adults with learning disabilities who work at RAGC are known. Other visitors came to buy plants and other garden products produced by the gardeneers, providing job satisfaction to the gardeneers and raising revenues for the Council.
Life behind closed gates
The end of these sales and the closure of the site to the public was a sad moment for all concerned, but work has continued behind the closed gates to enable the gardeneers to carry on their horticultural therapy and other activities including much needed social connection in the safety and tranquility of the RAGC site.
A flawed consultation process
In August 2025, the Council launched a “public” consultation regarding plans to close the site permanently. However, the process lacked transparency:
- Accessibility: The consultation was not hosted on the Council’s website and was difficult for the public to find.
- Public Sentiment: Despite these barriers, the replies received were overwhelmingly in favor of keeping RAGC as it was.
- Council Response: Ignoring public outcry, the Council has continued to press forward with its closure plans.
The latest recommendations: Report 1605
The Council’s latest recommendations for RAGC were produced in Report 1605 published on 15 January 2026. They recommended the closure of the site and the transfer of activities to other sites, although some details are alarmingly vague. Important recommendations in this report were not included in the original consultation. They have been approved by the Council without consultation with RAGC users, their families, staff or residents. The Council has just announced to those affected by these decision, that it will shortly be putting them into action.
Take Action: Make Your Voice Heard
Now, for the first time, everyone in Hillingdon has a chance to show their support for RAGC staying at its uniquely safe and secure site in Yiewsley by coming to a residents’ meeting at RAGC. The meeting has just been announced by the Council and will take place on Friday 27th February starting at 10.30 am.
This is not a consultation as the Council has already made its decision, but with the local elections just over 2 months away, it would be a great time to show how much support RAGC has from across the borough.
PLEASE COME TO RAGC TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT ON 27th FEBRUARY AND LET THE COUNCIL KNOW WHAT YOU THINK AT THEIR MEETING.
