Should Gloriana return to its birthplace?

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Twickenham resistance to Richmond's proposals could open the way for Brentford residence

Orleans Gardens is the proposed permanent home for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee barge.

The borough of Richmond's proposals have, however, been met with firm resistance from Twickenham residents. A recent poll conducted by the Richmond and Twickenham Times showed that 65% of residents were opposed to the Gloriana Proposal. That is in stark contrast to getwestlondon's poll about plans for a Brentford Berth, which have so far received the backing of 95% of the 346 voters to have their say.

Brentford Chamber of Commerce is asking whether the Gloriana should come home to its birthplace. President Suzie Betlem said: "We are interested as a Chamber - Gloriana was built here so it would pretty much be coming home".

"We feel that Gloriana being located in Brentford would be good for our local businesses and could possibly be put in a part of Brentford that has already been developed.

"Gloriana was built in Brentford; she was launched very close to Brentford and we would welcome her back."

MP Mary Macleod is also backing the campaign to bring royal barge the Gloriana back 'home' to Brentford, where it was built.

"I fully support Brentford Chamber of Commerce's excellent campaign to bring Gloriana back to Brentford and am happy to help in any way I can," she said.

"This is a great way to bring tourism to Brentford, which is getting more brilliant by the day as it continues its regeneration."

A Hounslow Council spokesman said: "The Gloriana's presence would be a great addition to Brentford’s successful regeneration and would act as a real pull in tourism terms."

July 17, 2014