Forum Topics

800 Police to attend a Brentford Football match!

It might be foolish to go for an afternoon stroll around Brentford East this Sunday afternoon.The sight of so many Police vans,Police horses might suggest a seige of sorts... and frail residents might be best advised to stay indoors and avoid any chance of clashing with booze-fuelled pedestrians in the area.Is this a negative view..or should I rejoice that Brentford will be in the news again..hopefully for happy reasons.

Jim Lawes ● 2d5 Comments ● 2m

Middlesex Day!

If the citizens of Brentford weren't in the slightest bit interested in celebrating Middlesex Day yesterday...why would the rest of the large old County be bothered either.They should have at least pay their respects to Brentford..their old County Town...even if it was the place of their ancester's incarcerations!I recall wearing a Middlesex Badge/shield on my old National Service uniform even.And if you happened to be good playing cricket..you stood a chance of playing for the Middlesex County team who play at the world famous Lords Cricket Ground!There's no need for replies...I cheered for dear Middlesex on my own!

Jim Lawes ● 4d4 Comments ● 5m

Residents parking permit code R

Northcote Road area - does anyone know what this means?  Would like to park for a couple of hours in that area but can’t find any pay and display so wondered what the parking restrictions are?  Thanks.

Sarah Felstead ● 11d7 Comments ● 5h

Do Gunnersbury Park Really consult with local groups?

First I've heard is on this site. Nothing on the grapevine.But yet again underlines the pure contempt for it's local residents.The last major events left the park stunning of Urine for months and damage the former golf course and lower grassed areas . And left the park pretty much a no go.The Locality from Acton was a mess and full of traffic of all sorts.We have to endure the transport gridlock with Brentford's match days not so often 3pm on a saturday now that their premiership status leaves fixtures to suit TV, Events at Kew in Summer.So now Gunnersbury want to stuff up the little respite left in the summer with noise and traffic and all the problems that brings which they failed dismally to address with past high attendance events.The smaller events don't compare, so should not be used as a justification.It causes problems all through Acton, Ealing Common , Stuffs up South Ealing Northfields and Boston Manoe and leaves Brenford isolated and hemmed in.I hope this time the councillors take a tougher line with this overly commercial and upmarket marketing mad organisation who would rather the local people pack up and leave.

Raymond Havelock ● 3d11 Comments ● 9h

Horrendous traffic tailbacks

Does anyone know what is causing really bad traffic queues, particularly from London Road to the A4 via Syon Lane.  Also bad on Boston Manor Road from the A4 down to Brentford High Street. Walking my dog this morning, I noticed that traffic going west on the A4 was extremely heavy and slow moving.  Are there roadworks somewhere in the locality? Have tried to find out on the web but no joy.

Joan Adamson ● 3d8 Comments ● 19h

When is the Rose Community Centre returning to original use?

The work of Hounslow Foodbox is incredible and the Rose Community Centre was a very handy place to bring donations too particularly during the pandemic. Foodbanks are needed now more than ever but the council should be making provision in a way that doesn't require residents who are equally in need to give up important facilities.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1d1 Comments ● 1d

Monkeypox

Cases in the uk are rising. Should we be worried. Not much is said about it, only number of cases. Would a GP recognise it etc?

Nicholas Beard ● 2d2 Comments ● 1d

Thank You

I would like to thank the 226 residents of Brentford West who took the time and trouble to cast their vote for me. Also, I would like to say a special thanks to Mark,Sissra and Manjula for all their hard work and help.

Robert Ayres ● 15d12 Comments ● 3d

News

From Brentford TV Debate not Hate:NEW LEADER THANKS STEVE CURRAN. "I am honoured and humbled the Labour Group has elected me as their new leader and I am very grateful for the support of my colleagues." – Cllr Shantanu Rajawat last night (Monday).Cllr Rajawat added: "I want to thank Steve Curran, our outgoing leader, for all his hard work and fantastic achievements over the last eight years. Under his last administration, in which I proudly served, we built over 1,000 council homes, were independently recognised as having the best roads and among the best parks in London, and we won Council of the Year."I am committed to building on the best work of the last administration, working to tackle climate change and air pollution, improve our estates and communities, and build social housing."But I also want us to forge out in new directions to build an even better borough. Fundamentally, residents and businesses want a listening Council. I want to work across the borough for cleaner streets and more opportunities for young people in Hounslow."I want to give local people every chance for their voices to be heard on local decisions so that everyone in Hounslow, from Chiswick to Cranford has a seat at the table. I want us to be transparent in our ambitions for the borough and how we will go about realising them. Ours will be a borough for all our residents and ours will be an administration that is always on their side."Katherine Dunne was elected Deputy Leader.

Vanessa Smith ● 11d1 Comments ● 4d

Brentford East Ward.... 81% didn't vote!

Any reason? Dead sure that Labour would win anyway?

Jim Lawes ● 15d17 Comments ● 5d

TW8:  Once stars of "World Topiary Day" !

I recall some 10 years ago that the Brentford area had many fine examples of front garden hedge cutting sculptures!For example those two WHALES that adorned Clifton Road (the old swimming baths road?). The most impressive one was at the home of the famed Artist Jason Bowyer (RIP) and his wife. Further down the road was another.From platforms at Brentford Station one could see a steam train and carriages in the form of a long hedge!There was another locomotive and carriage themed hedge off Eastbourne Road.. and nearby a 'row of teacakes'!My favourites were off Hall Road nearer Hounslow...a Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck!So World Topiary Day has reminded me of some fine specimens in the Area.Are some of them still around?PS: This is a serious subject! Shears for now!

Jim Lawes ● 9d4 Comments ● 5d

TEMPORARY LIGHTS HALF ACRE/BRENTFORD HIGH STREET

These lights appeared unannounced on Friday afternoon, causing chaos ever since. Does anyone know what is happening and how long this inconvenience will last. As usual no sign of anyone working.

Elizabeth Price ● 12d3 Comments ● 8d

Storm damage.

Hi, I’m a Brentford resident caught between 2 councils. On Friday a massive tree was torn down in the high winds. This took out over 12 secure fence panels and my summer house and gazebo which is attached to the back of our home. The tree took out 2 other huge trees in its way down, we have been begging for someone to come out and see the damage it has caused so far, as it still has further to fall unless something is done. The tree is over 150 foot tall and we have been asking Ealing council to come and see see it for over 10 years.as some of the branches we already touching our home over our side garden which is at least 15/18 foot wide, the tree also had signs of wet rot and decay, I’m registered disabled and my husband is 74, the tree is owned by Ealing council and we are Hounslow tenants .after spending ridiculous hours on the phone to both councils we were told that no one can come out to look at the damage before the 4th of MARCH. the tree is currently balancing on a headstone in the grave yard, as when the trees came down it has destroyed several graves. We have written to some many councillors and are waiting for someone to help. The tree has mashed up several gardens and stretches over 140 ish feet tall and just as wide. It has also turned into some sort of tourist attraction with many people turning for photos. Please any ideas.

Teresa Brent ● 87d9 Comments ● 12d

Syon Park Peasants Revolt

I see there is an article in the Evening Standard on this today.  A good day to bury bad news?

Philippa Bond ● 16d7 Comments ● 14d

Storm damage.

Hi, I’m a Brentford resident caught between 2 councils. On Friday a massive tree was torn down in the high winds. This took out over 12 secure fence panels and my summer house and gazebo which is attached to the back of our home. The tree took out 2 other huge trees in its way down, we have been begging for someone to come out and see the damage it has caused so far, as it still has further to fall unless something is done. The tree is over 150 foot tall and we have been asking Ealing council to come and see see it for over 10 years.as some of the branches we already touching our home over our side garden which is at least 15/18 foot wide, the tree also had signs of wet rot and decay, I’m registered disabled and my husband is 74, the tree is owned by Ealing council and we are Hounslow tenants .after spending ridiculous hours on the phone to both councils we were told that no one can come out to look at the damage before the 4th of MARCH. the tree is currently balancing on a headstone in the grave yard, as when the trees came down it has destroyed several graves. We have written to some many councillors and are waiting for someone to help. The tree has mashed up several gardens and stretches over 140 ish feet tall and just as wide. It has also turned into some sort of tourist attraction with many people turning for photos. Please any ideas.

Teresa Brent ● 87d1 Comments ● 14d

Labour Party record on environmental issues

It is interesting to see in a recent posting how opposition to this council’s road closures is seen as anti-environmental – emotive phrases like “gas guzzlers” being used, as though this is indeed a “green” policy. What about LBH’s other policies – are they so green? What will be the environmental cost of tearing down Tesco in Osterley and rebuilding it less than a mile away – or Morrisons – or Watermans – or any or the other council-supported acts of architectural sabotage. Is the demolition of fairly modern, and perfectly fit for purpose, buildings good for the people of Hounslow? What about the scrapping of free garden waste collection – how many extra journeys to the council tip, and tonnes of carbon dioxide, has this generated – another “green” policy? Or what about LBH’s woeful record on recycling – this website ranks this borough as 21st out of 33 London boroughs, or 297 out of 345 in England, for the amount of household waste being recycled – an appalling failure.https://www.nimblefins.co.uk/london-recycling-rates-best-worst-boroughs-revealed#nogoThis Labour administration has clearly failed completely in its responsibility to environmental issues – it’s time to get rid of these dinosaurs from the last century and elect people fit for the challenge of 21st century life, with honest policies that will actually benefit all of us – rather than the LTN lies and relentless over-development that we have become used to.

Graham Thorpe ● 23d7 Comments ● 15d

Why won't candidates discuss this?

Seems to be a strong reluctance for any candidates or canvassers to explain whether or not the LTN plans ( see link below as it won't cut and paste) are to be implemented if elected.Have there been continuing meetings with LBH and TfL on how to push this along?Should it not be clearer if the intent ( or not) to proceed in campaign manifestos?We, the great unwashed really ought to know clearly what is afoot, surely?https://democraticservices.hounslow.gov.uk/documents/s164997/APPENDIX%201%20-%20CEX%20496%20Appendix%203%20-%20Attachment%20A%20LTN%20map%20from%2020102020%20Cabinet.pdf

Raymond Havelock ● 17d11 Comments ● 16d

The unaccountable council

With the local elections coming up I thought it would be a good time to try and understand the perceived unaccountability of Hounslow council and the decisions it 'forces' upon residents.I am a resident of Orchard Road and I along with many other residents are dealing with the unilateral decision of the council to close the Orchard Road carpark. I understand that this situation doesn't directly affect many residents in Brentford but the way the council have acted throughout the process should concern everyone in the borough.The loss of a carpark so close to Brentford station was going to have a huge impact on the local resident parking. The council started with the usual consultation process with residents. After voicing concerns through the consultation process the council decided to ignore those concerns and push ahead with the closure and redevelopment of the parking area. At this stage residents were forced to fund raise for a specialist consultant to engage with the council regarding its plans. The consultant managed to get some conditions attached to the planning approval regarding the loss of parking in the area.So far the council have not met with those conditions (though they dispute this) and have not provided the appropriate replacement parking solutions that were promised. One 'car space' that was provided was an extension to an existing parking bay of 3.9m when the minimum requirement for a car space is 4.5m. None of this matters because the council are essentially marking their own homework and declaring that contrary to the evidence provided by residents, they have met all the planning requirements and have gone ahead and started the redevelopment.This was a community resource, used by local residents, visitors and of course provided parking for people using Brentford rail station. What right does the council have to take this resource away? in my opinion it was not theirs to take, it was owned by the local residents.What is the point of consulting residents when the council just ignore the findings of said consultations? They have also decided to leave (after further consultation) the current CPZ times and restrictions in place. So for roads surrounding the station we are now finding that on weekends and after 1730 weekdays it is becoming almost impossible to find a car parking space.There really does seem to be no accountability from the council to residents. They do a box ticking exercise (consultation) ignore the outcomes and push ahead with what they want anyway. As local residents it feels that we are absolutely powerless in these types of situations.To be clear the residents were never against redevelopment we only ever asked to be compensated for our loss of parking with a suitable replacement proposal.

Jeremy Weekes ● 22d23 Comments ● 16d

Hounslow makes 'Private Eye' 3 times in a row

Another 'Rotten Boroughs' entry for L.B.H. this week. noting that Cllr. Puneet Grewal has been 'given the heave-ho' from Hanworth Park ward. Cllr. Grewal chair of the council's pension fund panel should have attended three meetings of the panel last year - and made none - plus she was supposed 'to have attended at least six council meetings' and managed - one! For this she pocketed £11.576 basic allowance plus £6.400 'special responsibility' for chairing the pensions panel. As 'Eye' notes not bad for attending just one meeting!

Vanessa Smith ● 24d12 Comments ● 18d