The battle to save the Rural Activities Garden Centre (RAGC) has entered a critical new phase. After months of silence and missed statutory deadlines from Hillingdon Council, the Friends of RAGC (FRAGC) have launched a fundraising campaign so that they can bring legal proceedings against the Council for a Judicial Review.
The move is described by campaigners as a “last resort” to force the Council to comply with the Localism Act, following the local authority’s failure to process the nomination of the site as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) since August.
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“We’ve got nothing to do”
Coinciding with the legal launch, FRAGC has released a moving new film that lays bare the human cost of the Council’s inaction.
While the legal arguments focus on statutory deadlines and breaches of the Localism Act, the video focuses on the people who matter most: the residents with autism and learning disabilities who have relied on the centre for decades.
In the film, Andrew, a long-time resident and user of the centre, explains the simple but profound importance of the site: “I like cutting the grass… It’s something to do every day. If we stay at home, we’ve got nothing to do.”
Another resident sums up the mood of the group simply: “I feel sad. Very sad.”
Andrea Scrivens, Chair of FRAGC and parent of a volunteer, highlights in the film that the centre is about more than just gardening—it is about dignity. “It offers a chance for Oliver to do activities that are not just enjoyable… but from which he gets a sense of being valued.”
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A Strong Legal Case
The decision to move to a Judicial Review follows the Council’s failure to respond to a formal pre-action protocol letter by the November 21st deadline.
The case against the Council is considered so strong that Leigh Day, a leading law firm, has agreed to represent the residents on a “No Win, No Fee” basis. This is a significant development, suggesting high confidence that the Council is acting unlawfully by ignoring the ACV nomination.
However, while the legal representation is covered, the campaign must still cover the unavoidable court fees and potential liability costs, totaling £9,750.
Next Steps
The Ruislip Residents’ Association continues to stand with the Friends of RAGC. We believe it is unacceptable for our local authority to operate outside the law, particularly when the wellbeing of vulnerable residents is at stake.
For those wishing to understand the full details of the legal challenge, or to see how the community is rallying to cover the court filing fees, FRAGC has set up a dedicated case page.
View the full legal challenge details and donate on the Crowdjustice website
Any funds raised that are not required for legal action will go directly to supporting the FRAGC volunteers in their continued work to help those who benefit from the centre.
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