Forum Topic

Local defect list

I wonder if it is worth starting a local defect list of items that remain unresolved even after reporting them to LBH or indeed other organisations responsible for our parks and streets.It might make it easier too for Guy when he seeks out all these defects.For reasons unknown my entry last week with a short list of locations was deleted, so primarily for Guy as he is making an effort and hope it might just succeed where ordinary mortals have failed, here goes again:Column 15 Footpath between Albany Road and Lateward road out now for 2 years reported countless timesVarious new lights in Lateward road and Clifden Road either inoperative or spasmodic in operationPotholes in Lateward and Albany road. Part of Albany road slowly subsiding near jcn with Brook roadTrees damaged by overlength recycling trucks not replaced at Brook Road and Mafeking Ave.New streetname signs fitted to bent and leaning signposts New Road / Ealing RoadSelf closing gate in Childrens playground, St Paul's Rec, Half Acre corner. now faulty for over 3 years. A 10 min fix yet contractors removed a spare pair of gates with same fittings which were no longer in use last spring. This is a dangerous location and has been reported many times even by a local doctor.The solution? A chain and padlock around it. Not satisfactory. Now removed but still not repaired. A bit of cord and a clear sign to remind careless or oblivious parents to "Please Close the Gate' would suffice.Missing items from Kid playground refurbished just a few years ago,  Surface debris never removed, Adult gym apparatus shown in the posters and publicity for the refurbishment still not installed.

Raymond Havelock ● 3754d44 Comments

Many thanks,Heres the worst ones:Two on the Ealing Road on the East side near Burford Road on the railway bridge incline.One on the corner of New Road by the New Inn (completely bent)Both are askew in opposite directions.A long list of 38 others all installed last year but not to hand.Some are in the High Street between Ealing Road and Kew Jet Petrol Stn.TFL have put a warning sign up on the Kew Bridge bound side of B.H. St. near the old Musical Museum site.The rest are in Chiswick High Road and Boston Manor Road.A few have been re-alighned since the list was compiled, so will take another walk around.As an update, Column 15 on the footpath between Albany and Grosvenor road still not repaired.Good luck,Raymond

Raymond Havelock ● 3673d

I haven't seen any leaning lamp posts (though I'm aware of the problems on the path by the Rec). Tell me where they are, preferably before tomorrow morning, and they'll go on the list, together with the gate.

Guy Lambert ● 3673d

Good on you Guy,The roads in Clayponds particularly from Occupation Lane down to the A4 are truly awful and have been since I learnt to drive in 1978.  They have been patched and patched and patched again.But this is a good cycle route but wholly unrideable especially in the dark and in wet weather.At St Pauls' Rec the gate in the childrens playground on the Alexandra /Albany Road corner is now into it's 4th year of disrepair.  It is supposed to self close.I despair at the amounts of parents in particular who leave it wide open allowing dogs to get in and toddlers to get out.  It has been reported countless times, even by a GP who had to treat a child who ran out and fell in front of a bus. The best the contractors managed then by means of a repair was to chain the gate closed but then we had kids climbing over spiked railings!  Like a scene out of that BBC3 comedy set in Brentford!Clear signs to remind people to Always close the gate seem to be needed here.A cheap and simple solution to what sooner or later will be a tragedy for someone.

Raymond Havelock ● 3673d

My journalist pal called me on Friday night to say he finally had a response from LBH and that they will be replacing the manhole cover this weekend.I meant to post this on friday but thought it would be cruel to give false hope!As I went to work I noticed it being done on Saturday morning. They were finished by 10.30.Now how about all these new lamp posts which are leaning?

Raymond Havelock ● 3673d

Yes Guy, I'm pleased to report that HH repaired the clanking manhole this morning, which is a great relief to myself and others living nearby.  Thanks for your assistance and persistence with this !.

Adam Beamish ● 3674d

Was I dreaming or did I see clanker men outside Holland Gardens this (Saturday!) morning? Meanwhile the broken chairs outside St Paul's Rec have been replaced (not necessarily satisfactorily, but it's a sort of progress) and I'm told TfL are addressing Lake Costa by Kew Bridge which has been responsible for a lot of wet legs over the years (not holding my breath though) so it's just possible progress is being made.I'm seeing Hounslow Highways on Monday morning and walking around Haverfield, plus perhaps Clayponds estate if we have time. I will try to get an update on the other things I've raised but if anybody has any burning issues for them, particularly in Haverfield/Clayponds, let me know by tomorrow via PM or email please.

Guy Lambert ● 3674d

Having just returned from a week abroad, it's really great to be serenaded by the clanking manhole again...argh :-(

Adam Beamish ● 3683d

https://www.fixmystreet.com/report/623678Sorry folks.  This is unusual.  Do take a look at the website and the comments.  Just imagine if this was just one person trying to report something!Presumably there is something wrong with the contract with Hounslow Highways and LBH if they can't tango on this information!!

Philippa Bond ● 3695d

I agree the lack of visible progress is infuriating, and it's not for lack of follow up from me.I had a response this morning on something (hurrah!) having reraised the issue of the broken seat and mess at the South entrance to St Pauls Rec. They say they have ordered a replacement seat and expect it to be fitted within 4 weeks. They will also be emphasising to the street cleaner that this area needs cleaning by him (rather than Laing, who clan inside the park).Not a word about the clanker, though I have raised it at least 5 times, including again this am.Interestingly, they have fixed a couple of things that were not on Raymond'd/my list but which we noticed on our walkabout - a broken lamppost which needed replacing, and graffiti next to the ex-Royal Oak.Rest assured I will stay on this, whether or not elected! I may have just a touch more clout if I get to be a cllr.

Guy Lambert ● 3699d

Thanks Raymond, the silence/lack of remedial action astonishes even cynical old me, and it really is quite sad when we have to hope such matters will be actively pursued by local Councillors instead of simply being dealt with by the relevant authority within a reasonable timescale after being reported.

Adam Beamish ● 3699d

I've just called my journalist neighbour and asked what happened.He tells me that they have called everyone from LBH to TfL and All the utilities.So far just one reply from TfL who placed the ball with Hounslow, who have failed to reply to them to date.Taking stock I also note that all of the items I posted originally still have not been remedied.I wonder what Guy will say about that and what he proposes to do about this should he be elected as a councillor?It's clear we really need someone to be proactive and effective on such problems which seem to be to trivial for anyone actually employed to deal with, to be bothered.

Raymond Havelock ● 3700d

Came back after a week away yesterday hoping to find the clanking manhole had been sorted...no such luck, over 2 months now...what is it going to take ?.

Adam Beamish ● 3700d

Thanks Raymond, appreciated, quite why no-one in authority has addressed this is beyond me, and as for HH not being able to find it !?!.

Adam Beamish ● 3710d

Done TV crew and photographer just been down to site.Journalist as well. Headline?. A right load of Clankers Just a suggestion.

Raymond Havelock ● 3710d

Travelling eastwards along Brentford High Street towards Kew Bridge, immediately after the disused church there's the Holland Gardens development, and the manhole on the High Street afew yards after the left hand vehicular entrance into Holland Gardens.  It can't be missed (due to the clanking).  Thanks.

Adam Beamish ● 3710d

Where exactly is the clanking manhole cover precisely Adam? A journalist neighbour and resident has suggested photographing it and videoing the offending item and posting it as well as putting it on a newspaper website, as well as naming and shaming the shirkers of responsibility.He's offered to kindly do this, today if possible, but needs to know the location exactly.

Raymond Havelock ● 3710d

Another week passes and the manhole is still clanking.  Spending enough of my working days dealing with local authorities rather dilutes my 'enthusiasm' for having to escalate matters to Councillors and Heads of Department (it's a manhole cover for christ sake, it'll take less time to fix than for me to go through the whole hassle of complaining) but I think it is an absolute disgrace that this hasn't been attended to.

Adam Beamish ● 3711d

Thanks Guy.I do query however what the **** is going on with HH in regard to this clanking manhole.  The FixMyStreet entry dates back to 19th April, has been updated by multiple people, is on one of the main roads in the area, Guy found it straight away etc., yet the 'numbskulls' at HH seemingly can't find it. On Raymond's thread there's me trying to defend Officers and Councillors, yet when this level of utter incompetence comes along I wonder just how useless some of them are.

Adam Beamish ● 3717d

I have had some updates from HH but mostly along the lines of planning action rather than anything concluded.Re the clanker - I noticed it was still clanking a couple of days ago and have sent them a video of 7 cars going over it, of which 5.5 produced a clank.They then asked me precisely where it was. I'm not sure if that's good news or bad. I noticed another clanker on the main road opposite Syon Park, near Syon Lane. Not as serious I suppose as houses are set well back.

Guy Lambert ● 3717d

Thanks Guy, at times lying in the road doesn't seem such a bad idea !.

Adam Beamish ● 3726d

"Wish I had some cones and barriers to fence off that bit of the road - no doubt someone from authority would come down pronto then !"Yes, I'm sure they'd come and remove them quite fast. Have you thought of lying down in the road?Seriously, not a word from HH.

Guy Lambert ● 3726d

Another week has passed and the manhole is still clanking/clunking away to the annoyance of everyone in the immediate vicinity.Really is a disgrace that residents now have to go to Councillors to pressure LBH to sort the problem (if it's up to them) or to at least pressure the relevant statutory undertaker (if the manhole isn't theirs).  It's such a minor thing, that was first reported weeks ago, and thus it shouldn't get to this point.  Wish I had some cones and barriers to fence off that bit of the road - no doubt someone from authority would come down pronto then !.

Adam Beamish ● 3726d

https://www.fixmystreet.com/report/623678I presume this is it.  Keep on reporting and how about emailing your Councillors - or don't they respond?Doesn't one of these neighbourhood websites puts the fixmystreet items on the front page?

Philippa Bond ● 3732d

Spot on Guy regarding the PAM marking, I walked past it yesterday morning and had a close look but that was the only marking I could see.Whether it's a clunk or a clang it's very irritating and we are talking over a month now since it was first reported onFix My Street.

Adam Beamish ● 3732d

So I am looking for a clunk, not a clang ....;) x

Sarah Felstead ● 3732d

Once cast manhole covers become distorted and start banging it is only a matter of time before they crack and fail. This is potentially lethal for cyclists, motor cyclists and small car users, not to mention a pedestrian who may walk over it crossing the road in the dark and wet when it will be invisible. There are more than a few recorded incidents of nasty accidents and fatalities from both failed and missing inspection covers. - Remember the spate of thefts just a few years ago?These covers are designed to alert impending failure in that they will make a noise ie rattle when dislodged.If on a public right of way, footpath or road they are supposed to be attended to asapIf on a motorway, A road or B road it is supposed to be immediately.One wonders just what one has to do to get these authorities to do what they are legally required to do.It is the highways agency's responsibility initially and the local council usually acts as the agent. Then either calls Thames Water or the relevant service who have to send an emergency repair crew.It has been made complex since privatisation, tendering and all but there are clear laws in place to prevent this very kind of neglect of standards. It's just that no-one seems to know or be able to enforce them.

Raymond Havelock ● 3732d

I walked past this yesterday and confirm what Adam says, though I'd call it a clunk :-)It is not obvious from the manhole cover what utility it is, the only legend I recall seemed to be PAM.

Guy Lambert ● 3732d

Not sure if you hear it from a vehicle as you drive over it Sarah, but trust me there's a clang audible to every resident within 50 metres every few seconds.The delay in sorting it is simply unacceptable.

Adam Beamish ● 3734d

Well, I have been deliberately driving over all the manhole covers in the road along there, and not a single clang yet .... ;) x

Sarah Felstead ● 3735d

Thanks Guy, I'll take a look at the manhole cover myself to clarify whether there are any details as to which company it belongs to.Has to be said though that nothing has happened within a reasonable timescale as this was first reported weeks ago and on average 1 in every 2 eastbound vehicle drives over it making it clank, so it is extremely annoying, yet on the other hand there have been erroneous 'inside lane closed' signs heading eastbound on Kew Bridge Road towards the Kew Bridge road junction for at least a week now.Nothing happens quickly in local government, as I know only too well, but even my patience is wearing thin.

Adam Beamish ● 3735d

That's great stuff Guy. Well Done.The footpath is a public right of way and is the responsibility of the Council. It harks back to when Parks were locked at night and is why it is lit with highway lighting. Some of the craters in the footpath have recently been filled.The gate has been out since before John Laing took over and repeatedly reported.Since the trees have come into leaf, the street light that does work on the same footpath at the entrance/jcn of Grosvenor road is now completely obscured.  It is way too high and makes it unfit for purpose. Also reported last summer but unactionedThe worst roads though, are over in Clayponds.  Possibly  the worst in London.Much has been in disrepair since I was at school in the late 70s and still not fixed.Also the dip in the road at the junction of South Ealing Road and the A4 . So bad now that a fully laden 65 scrapes the ground. As the A4 is either TFL or Highways Agency controlled it is a wonder that this has not been fixed for so long. Again, it it really dangerous if on 2 wheels as it dips at a crucial point.

Raymond Havelock ● 3738d

Manhole cover - raised with them this morning. They said probably a BT or BG issue but will investigate (they are not allowed to fix BT's manholes). I pointed out that they have a duty to feedback what's going on even if they cannot themselves fix it. I expect them to update me (or Adam - they asked who had raised it)Lamp post 15. We eventually found it and it's odd because all bar two of the lamps down that path have been replaced. HH not sure whether the path is their responsibility or not (the fact that they replaced most of the lamps suggests it is, the fact they didn't finish the job suggests not) but will get back to me.The stuff in the park (including the gate) is down to Carillion so HH cannot help. I walked all the paths in the rec this morning. They were all litter free and nor was there any dog poo. There is a mess around the broken seats by the bus stand though, which they have taken on board.I am struggling to understand the logic of the road resurfacing programme, however they are going to properly inspect Lateward (which is the worst IMO) and Albany.

Guy Lambert ● 3738d

Hi Guy, what about the clanking manhole cover outside Holland Gardens ? - it's been months now !.

Adam Beamish ● 3738d

Hounslow are amazing with graffiti (in my opinion).  Years ago they used to say if the graffiti was on private property they would abandon the householder to sort it out for themselves but they stopped that a few years ago and just cleaned it all up.  Overnight some (buggers?  I feel very Australian at the moment) must have set off with fresh cans and continued spraying as they walked home, possibly until the cans were empty.  I suggested to a local PC that maybe they could be traced from their night out back to their homes?  One house on their new wall had three lots of signing and Hounslow came out and cleaned it all up in one go.  Amazing and very well received.

Sarah Felstead ● 3739d

Forgot to mention: there is some (Bees -related) graffiti near the top of Brook Road. Don't know if it has been reported but will mention to them. Also lots of graffiti on one wall in the play area but it looks like that is allowed?

Guy Lambert ● 3739d

OK Raymond I've been out on the prowl (though I could have picked a better day!)Can't really comment on the lights as it's currently a dark version of daylight. I'll ask HH to feedback on column 15 that you mention (as that's a specific complaint)I've already talked about resurfacing issues in Lateward and AlbanyNot sure where the trees are in Lateward/Brook. The only thing I could find was on the corner of Brook and ALbany where it looks like there was once a tree - new tarmac on the pavement opposite another tree.Apart from the fact that the post holding the streetname on the corner of New and Ealing is rusty, I can't see the problem. To the naked eye it looks upright to me, as do all the other signs and they are all clear and pointing in the right direction. Actually I think the signs are really good throughout the borough, my only complaint being they don't always sign intermediate junctions (but HH tell me this is in the standard)I had a bit of trouble identifying the gate - I guess you mean the yellow one near the bus stand area behind Morrisons? Shouldn't be beyond the wit of man to fit a spring thing so I will raise that. There is also a lot of litter and mess around the seat nearby that gate, and along the southern fringe of the Rec in general.Having driven most of the streets in that area today, I would say that in general litter is OK: I'm not saying there isn't any and I'm all in favour of trying to stop people dropping stuff but on the residential roads there is only the odd scrap of paper and the odd empty Coke bottle. On Ealing Road and to a degree Windmill it's not so good but consistent with it having been properly swept in the last couple of days. I can't comment on missing items from the playground - really not HH so not my brief - and I have no knowledge anyway. I'll have a look at the debris you mention - didn't notice it today (but I wasn't wasting too much time - it's wet out there)

Guy Lambert ● 3739d

Sorry been busy last few weeks. See response elsewhere and thanks for the list.I actually have a meet with HH this week so will print out the list and see what they have to say!

Guy Lambert ● 3739d

I wonder if Guy has had any response?. No word from him either so far.

Raymond Havelock ● 3740d

Clanking manhole cover still not fixed weeks since reported on Fixmystreet...

Adam Beamish ● 3740d

It is still worth keeping on reporting it on www.fixmystreet.com as there is a nice record kept there for everyone to see.  When something IS fixed though do try and record that too!

Philippa Bond ● 3748d

I did see someone stood with a clipboard near the clanking manhole early yesterday, although the two may well not have been connected.  Either way, the damn thing is still clanking every few seconds !.

Adam Beamish ● 3752d

All these have been reported time and time again through all the available channels.It ought to be a name and shame of contract holders who are failing to deliver and overseers who fail to act.

Raymond Havelock ● 3752d

FixMYStreet includes two entries for the clanking manhole cover I mentioned in the other thread, one dating from 7th February and the most recent from 19th April.  Neither complaint has been actioned as it is the same manhole cover (just after Holland Gardens if one is travelling eastbound).Hardly confidence inspiring...

Adam Beamish ● 3754d

You could start your local list here:https://www.fixmystreet.com/The Council does respond sometimes to complaints posted there.JL.

Jim Linwood ● 3754d