I was born in Brentford. Lived in Ealing and work in it and lived in Chiswick where some of my relatives still live.But I have to say I love Brentford. It is, as others say, unspoiled. For me it's everything Ealing used to be and everything Chiswick isn't.It is not snob ridden and pretentious which has afflicted Chiswick for too long now and now increasingly affects Ealing.The Fulham and Putney set may have reached Chiswick but so far have not made too many inroads here but it is showing signs.But Brentford has a village like heart and soul and always has, no matter what has been thrown at it. A proper small town, not a chocolate box one but rich in history and nooks and crannies.The best bit about Brentford is it's people. It is genuinely friendly with most people being a lot less divisive both ethnically and socially than almost anywhere else I know. Although like most places it has it's niche groups. The worst aspect are those who have moved in still sulking that they could not afford to be in Kew, Chiswick or Ealing and try to avoid being part of the local community as though it's beneath them. Very sad as many seem increasingly to be of that mindset. Thankfully it is still in the minority..at least for the time being.The planned (and some now constructed) developments are a bone of contention with almost everyone I know. The contention though is for a myriad of reasons. Some is the architecture or lack of it, some is the lack of real family homes, the lack of small business facilities, the plethora of luxury apartments being sold to overseas investors and poor design being waved through with the inevitable results. Brentfordians are more than wary of L B Hounslow's poor history of developments and management which have not done places like Hounslow and Feltham any favours, so don't want the same repeated here.Schools are the borough's best achievements.For many, myself included, we would like to see the derelict areas revitalised as they are rather than some ghastly Consortium led soulless development.Or at least a development that really addresses the needs of real local people and not the bank balances of developers and overseas investors.It has 2 gastropubs, One of which is outstanding, a few good eateries and bars. And great pubs.good cafes not of the Starbucks/Costa clones but tucked away like all the best bits of Brentford. A great small cinema at Watermans, an excellent Fish and Chip shop and a top Kebab shop.Yes it could be better but not at the price of selling it's soul or becoming a clone of Chiswick.Don't get me wrong, I like Chiswick and Ealing but as they are and for what they are. But Brentford is different and that's what makes it a delight to live in.It's keeping it that way that all who love it need to strive for.
Anthony Waller ● 3830d