Forum Topics

Share Your Views on Brentford High Street Regeneration!

Hi everyone!I hope you’re all doing well! I’m working on my A-Level Geography project about the social and economic impacts of urban regeneration in Brentford High Street and I’d really appreciate your help.I had set up a Google Form for the survey, but sadly the link isn’t working at the moment. To make it easy for you to participate, I’ve added all the questions directly below.The survey is completely anonymous, voluntary and only takes 5–10 minutes. Your thoughts and experiences will really help me understand how the area has changed over time, from housing and shops to community life and the environment.I’d be super grateful for your input—it would really make a difference to my project! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences 🙏💛Brentford High Street Regeneration Questionnaire:Age group (optional): Under 18 / 18–30 / 31–50 / 51–70 / 70+Gender (optional): Male/Female/Non-binary/Prefer not to sayHow long have you lived here?* 0-2 yrs/3-5 yrs/6-10 yrs/11-20 yrs/20 + yrsHow would you rate the following since regeneration?*1 = Very Poor 2 3 4 5 = Excellent- Housing Affordability- Local services (schools, healthcare, shops)- Transport links- Safety/crime levels- Social/community feel (local festivals, neighbourhood groups, charity events)- Environment (green spaces, litter)- Job opportunities- Accessibility for people with disabilities (wheelchair ramps, accessible public transport, step-free access)Which types of buildings, spaces or facilities have changed the most in Brentford since regeneration? (By 'changed we mean new or renovated buildings, areas now used for something different or public spaces that have been improved/added). - Residential (houses, flats)- Commercial/shops (retail stores, restaurants, cafes)- Offices/workspaces- Green/public spaces (parks, playgrounds)- Cultural/leisure facilities (community centers, sports halls, museums)- Other:To what extent do you agree with the following statements?*1 = Very Poor 2 3 4 5 = Excellent- Regeneration has improved the local environment.- Regeneration has affected the affordability of living in Brentford.- I feel connected to my community.How have housing prices changed in Brentford since regeneration?  *1 = Much cheaper 2 3 4 5 = Much more expensiveHow have prices of everyday products in local shops changed?*1 = Much cheaper 2 3 4 5 = Much more expensiveDo you feel connected to your community?*1 = Not at all 2 3 4 5 = Very connectedDo you think Brentford is a better place to live now than it was 5 years ago?* Yes/No/Not sureWho do you think Brentford is now more suited to?*- Families- Professionals- Tourists- Long-term locals- Other:Has regeneration made you feel more or less at home here?☐ More / ☐ Less / ☐ No difference – why?*What aspects of regeneration do you like or appreciate the most?*What concerns or challenges has regeneration brought to your daily life?*If you could change one thing about the regeneration in Brentford, what would it be and why?*

Fatima Ali ● 12d9 Comments ● 7d

Floating bus stops not such a great idea after all

From Highways Magazine:The roll-out of floating bus stops has been halted by the Government as it responds to campaigns surrounding pedestrian safety.The Government has ordered an immediate suspension of bus stops where pedestrians board and disembark directly from or to a cycle lane.The pause was announced by Simon Lightwood, the local transport minister, in a statement to MPs on 26 June, with the minister referring to them as ‘problematic’ to people with visual impairments.The main concern highlighted by campaigners is that the floating stops force pedestrians – particularly vulnerable pedestrians or those with disabilities – to avoid cyclists using the bike lanes between the stops and the pavement.A UCL study commissioned by the charity The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association showed that guide dogs avoid using floating bus stops due to meeting cyclists travelling at speed.El Briggs, head of policy, public affairs and campaigns at The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, said: ‘Our research has shown the significant fear, anxiety and distress caused by bus stop boarders for disabled people.‘Our research shows bus stop boarders are confusing, difficult to detect, and can create frightening near-misses with cyclists. No one should have to risk stepping into harm’s way just to board or leave a bus.’Sarah Gayton, of the National Federation of the Blind UK, also commented: ‘All types of floating bus stops are not safe or accessible for blind people, as well as all bus passengers.‘Guidance will not resolve this design flaw. The only solution is for the bus to pull up to the pavement curb where passengers can board and alight without crossing any cycle lane.‘We want cyclists to be safe, but not at the expense of the most vulnerable people; pedestrians, but particularly blind and disabled pedestrians.’

Simon Hayes ● 66d52 Comments ● 18d

Guy's blog Glyphosate

Guy when you say "has fairly clear evidence of hurting insects and less clear evidence it may be carcinogenic." What evidence?When making the decision to ban Glyphosate, why did you believe the alternatives suggested would work? How was it a surprise that they didn't. Any competent, knowledgeable gardener could have told you they wouldn't.Acid formulas and hot foam or steam are "mechanical" systems for removing weeds. They kill the top growth of plants by burning them. Glyphosate is  "systemic". It is absorbed into the plant and down into the roots, it stops cell reproduction, so as old cells die new ones aren't produced and the plant dies.Burning the top of the plant away will only kill plants with a weak root structure that doesn't store energy; annuals and recently developed perennial and trees. Perennials have evolved to store energy in their  roots. They die back in winter and then re grow in spring, so can recover from having their leaves burned off. Trees, once they have put on some growth, will recover from having leaves burned. This is well known so the most basic enquiries would have enabled you to understand that.We are going through a period of rejecting science. The anti vax movement being another example. I don't believe you have any evidence that Glyphosate harms insects any more than you had evidence that alternative methods of killing weeds would work.That people reject science in favour of what people who are not scientists say is regrettable, but you were a Council Cabinet member making a decision that has cost, I believe, in excess of £1 million in revenue, made pavements unsafe and left an expensive legacy of capital repairs needed to fix roads and pavements damaged by roots and being stabbed at with hoes.As a Local Authority you have a public body, The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to advise you on managing risks. The HSE says that Glyphosate is safe for people and the environment.  In rejecting your own advisers advice you have cost the Council a huge amount of money. You have helped spread disinformation causing concern in the public by repeating assertions that have no basis, just like the anti vax movement. How do yo justify that?

Kathleen Healy ● 41d36 Comments ● 29d