Forum Topic

Bus route 235

Update from TFLBus route 235, which runs between Sunbury Village and Brentford, is unable to serve the Great West Quarter development. This is due to restricted access resulting from damage to the bus barrier. Buses are currently stopping short at Brentford County Court. We are working with the landowners to restore the service as soon as possible, however we have been advised that it is likely to take at least six weeks to make and install a new barrier. Was it a bus or other vehicle that hit the barrier?Six weeks seems a long time to repair it?

Reg Ghosh ● 3745d198 Comments

Will they be putting in any other works for those who can't walk as far as the bus stop?  Is there special parking for those who have or will have mobility scooters?  On the South Coast recently I was amazed at the number of mobility scooters being able to access the high street and a lot of the town - without travelling along the main road. I don't believe that enough planning is being made in new developments for a growing number of elderly and/or disabled who would prefer to be able to get out and about and stay as independent as they can while they are able.

Philippa Bond ● 3224d

I to. am not happy that after all the GWQ was built plans are in had to appease a few residents. To put the bus stand outside on Ealing Road would be a shame , as it was just over a year ago work was finished there. I hope Barratt's  are paying for this.As the stand seems to be on the way out of GWQ.  Why not use the bus stops along the Great West Road were the H91 stops? Would save money on the tree. Just make the stops longer. Drivers can still access GWQ for the facilities.

David Squire ● 3225d

Apologies to Guy for his efforts but I am not happy to see that the residents/Barrat's management company have won the argument or that a fine and healthy street tree should be lost for a bus stand sight line......

Iain Muir ● 3225d

I noticed that the barrier at the other end of GWQ opposite the entrance to Carville park has been damaged. Clayponds lane.

David Squire ● 3228d

So from the look of the proposals for the new 235 bus stop the GWQ residents have won the fight to stop the 235 bus service entering the GWQ site altogether.From a passenger point of view i guess as long as the service is able to run un-interrupted then this can only be a good thing.Unless the residents of both Westgate House and vale Court decide to object at some point, be it noise or pollution concerns,and we all go back to square one.

Martin Webb ● 3229d

Many thanks for the reply Guy.As someone who mainly gets the service from the New Rd stops, going in or not going into GWQ would not really affect me as long as the service continues to the end of Ealing Rd at the Great West Rd.    However, i can;t help but feel annoyed if the service eventually does not go into the GWQ as that would in theory mean the elitest GWQ residents would have won this argument.

Martin Webb ● 3254d

MartinWe have had no formal feedback but informally, the only long term solution that meets TfL's needs is to create a layby on Ealing Road near the entrance to GWQ to provide a rest halt. Plans for this are being worked up but will not be in place for several months yet.I have not been myself but I'm told that the security hut (if not as yet the guard) have been reinstated so I'm hoping that means the guard will still be back (I know LBH have requested/demanded this from Barratts but I haven't heard the response)

Guy Lambert ● 3254d

MartinWe have had no formal feedback but informally, the only long term solution that meets TfL's needs is to create a layby on Ealing Road near the entrance to GWQ to provide a rest halt. Plans for this are being worked up but will not be in place for several months yet.I have not been myself but I'm told that the security hut (if not as yet the guard) have been reinstated so I'm hoping that means the guard will soon be back (I know LBH have requested/demanded this from Barratts but I haven't heard the response)

Guy Lambert ● 3254d

So 3 months down the line with an interrupted service,the man on the barrier is now gone.  So where do we go from here?At the meeting we had, we were told that there were discussions taking place about different ideas for the long term service etc. That when the ideas were finalised we would be notified so that we could all reach an agreeable plan together that would suit TFL, Barratts and most importantly those that use the 235 service from the GWQ end of Brentford.  But there has been no mention of anything and i am also slightly concerned that should the barrier now be damaged again, what will happen?

Martin Webb ● 3254d

Just when the bus is running, but the commitment is to keep the bus running throughout its scheduled hours, whether the barrier is working or not.

Guy Lambert ● 3330d

I see the barrier is being guarded to prevent any shenanigans, is that 24 hours or just when the bus is running?

Reg Ghosh ● 3330d

Guy, why not put the petition link on its own, headed thread?  Jus a thought.  ;)

Sarah Felstead ● 3335d

I understand we had a short interruption to service again today.Perhaps this was to remind people to sign the petition, because the problem is not yet properly fixed.120 so far - let's get it to 200 - tell your mates to sign at:https://www.change.org/p/val-shawcross-cbe-deputy-mayor-for-transport-mayor-of-london-fix-the-235-bus

Guy Lambert ● 3335d

Thanks for the kind words Martin.Change. org petition now up to 75https://www.change.org/p/val-shawcross-cbe-deputy-mayor-for-transport-mayor-of-london-fix-the-235-busAnybody who hasn't signed it yet - get your skates on!

Guy Lambert ● 3339d

Pleased to report it's still running, having used it to get home from Feltham late last night.A big thank you on behalf of many of us to Steve Curran and Guy Lambert who have worked so hard to get the interim 3 month plan in place.Let's hope we can reach a satisfactory long term solution together.

Martin Webb ● 3342d

Guy is doing a Steve Redgrave.

Anne England ● 3343d

Martin, it was not as we expected this morning but the bus is now running and we are assured that cover from a guard will be in place hereafter if (when!) there are further problems with the bollards.I said last night if the bus fails again you can shoot me. On reflection, that's overstating my commitment but I will be happy, by appointment, to have rotten fruit thrown at me in public :)

Guy Lambert ● 3343d

Despite assurances at yesterdays meeting that the service would return to gwq from today with a manned barrier for 3 months,  it hasn't happened. Drivers saying they have tried but cannot get past the broken barrier and there is no man on the barrier either. Complete shambles.

Martin Webb ● 3344d

Guy, the article in the Evening Standard can be found here:http://www.standard.co.uk/comment/letters/letters-to-the-editor-how-can-buses-go-any-faster-a3265971.htmlNot too sure how it applies to current ongoing situation we face with the 235 though.

Martin Webb ● 3347d

Which bus and coach magazine? Can you share their letter or at least let us know what it said?What did Peter Hendy say last week? Where is it reported?Where else is this problem popping up?Which transport scheduler hit which nail on the head in Tuesday's Evening Standard? I can find nothing on their website.Which other transport schedulers have raised 'it'?What powers does the council have that they have chosen not to exercise?For what it's worth I think the barrier design is a towering irrelevance. If GWQ wanted the bus it would be going in, using humans to control access if such control is even really required.

Guy Lambert ● 3348d

I work in an allied industry to transport infrastructure.  So a few calls to associates who work for TfL and that was it basically.Was also directed to a Bus and Coach trade magazine and they dropped me a line.It seems to be common knowledge within the transport industry. This problem does seem to be popping up (or not) in developments with integrated transport links as proviso for planning consent. All over the place. This example is now raising eyebrows at last.Ties in a lot with what Sir Peter Hendy has raised both when at TfL and last week as well as several transport schedulers, one of whom hits the nail on the head in Tuesdays Evening Standard. So thought it worth posting here as no-one else has.It certainly makes sense to have a TfL or National standard barrier design and operation. But in my opinion that ought to have been done a long while back by the DoT

Raymond Havelock ● 3348d

From where do you understand all this Raymond?Those of us who wrestle with this every day would really appreciate being brought in on your source of inside information. That way we might get something done, rather than just moaning on a website.

Guy Lambert ● 3348d

I understand that the new Mayor and the top dogs at TfL have had a briefing and are all far from happy.It will probably involve a standard specification for barriers and also enforcement of conditions plus seeking compensation for losses to the operator and TfL revenue.Something the Council apparently has some powers to do but has chosen not to.

Raymond Havelock ● 3348d

Or not if the barrier problem is not resolved!

Reg Ghosh ● 3349d

It will be different quite soon as the new 65 contract will have additional buses terminating at GWQ instead of the Half Acre.So that will be the two promised bus routes serving GWQ and North Brentford at long last.

Raymond Havelock ● 3349d

And again they've stopped all together and are turning round at the County Court.Tried to catch a 235 last night about 19.00 and yellow signs are back on the bus stops all along Ealing Rd, both sides.

Martin Webb ● 3349d

Martin I think you are right about peeing people off.  So you can get to GWQ but not away from it, where's the logic in that?  Not much use to those of us wanting to get to Hounslow or Feltham from this end then.  I would say it's a joke but this is now way beyond funny.

Angela Parker ● 3350d

They appear to be running to the GWQ or nearby from Sunbury - my son came home from school on one and i've seen loads going past me on Ealing Rd heading that way.However, they don't appear to be running the other way down Ealing Rd.I haven't seen one going towards Sunbury on the Ealing Rd and my son just popped down Sainsburys and said it's still coned off.Looks like a strange new strategy to pee people off around here in this epic saga.

Martin Webb ● 3350d

Is it definitely back?  One passed me on Ealing Road just now but it was not in service and all the signs are still on the bus stops saying it isn't running.  Maybe they've just got fed up with putting the signs up and removing them and left them there knowing the signs will probably need to go back up in a day or two.

Angela Parker ● 3350d

Yes, running up Ealing Road and into GWQ today.

Anne England ● 3351d

Very few routes are full at the start and end of the journey exception 65 at Ealing Broadway. The 235 is half full between 0730 and 0900 at Albany Rd stop where I get on each morning. By the time it gets to the high Street it's packed. On the return leg most of the passengers get of by New Road. Now with the hotels picking up trade more and more are going on to the final leg.With the barriers  broken why cant the buses just drive into BNQ as there is a 'No entry' sign and a stop line. Management can then issue tickets for any one crossing the line as stated in the sign at the side. I miss the service up Ealing Road, so do people living on Clayponds.

David Squire ● 3351d

Lol, really a double decker,and in ref to moving, well that is very funny,

Raki Smith ● 3351d

The 235 is most definitely not empty from the Court to GWQ so to say it is serving a minority is pure ignorance.  I have even seen many people get on the 235 by Albany Road to travel to GWQ.  In fact a case could justifiably be put for it to be a double decker, such is the density of passengers on that route daily.  I am a user of this bus and it is often packed in the morning before it has even reached the Court from GWQ.  I suggest those that don't want it should move, not the bus route.

Angela Parker ● 3351d

The 235 is generally empty from the gwq to Brentford crown court.....so surely they are serving the minority....to many bus routes are blocking the roads with empty buses, so what is the point. Tfl probably have all this data.The minority trying to get 235 work from gwq, need to take responsibility and act approximately...

Raki Smith ● 3351d

The bus definitely needs to continue where it was designed to go.  There may be people who need advocates - as there seems to be a selfish and unruly minority causing problems.

Philippa Bond ● 3351d

Steve has been talking to Barratts, as have TfL,  under pressure from us. But that has not led to a solution as yet anyway. I have been urging TfL to find a solution that doesn't need GWQ support and I have made a number of suggestions, none of which has (as yet anyway) been accepted or adapted as a solution.I'm not sure who will come next Sunday beyond local residents and councillors - it's more about building pressure, but I have invited various interested parties so they can see first hand how people feel about this and explain their difficulties (or better still, present their solution).

Guy Lambert ● 3352d

I agree that the bus barrier needs to go, but not the bus. I wonder if there will be a representative from GWQ at the meeting to explain exactly why this barrier is causing so many problems.  Somehow I don't think they will.  We need immediate action taken to stop this farce.  A while ago Guy you said Steve Curran was looking into this personally so how about an update in exactly what has been going on please.

Angela Parker ● 3352d

No we won't get rid of it. People rely on it from Clayponds Gardens, through GWQ and down Ealing Road.A tiny number of self-centred individuals are against it and some people think they are vandalising the barriers.There will be a public meeting at Clayponds Community Centre at 5.30 pm next Sunday. It has been organised by local residents and local councillors will attend together with the council Leader.Do come along and make your voice heard.That doesn't mean we will not be continuing the pressure on Barratts, TfL and LBH transport in the meantime.

Guy Lambert ● 3352d

OMG 8-)Just get rid of it its a joke and its been a joke.

Stephen Scott ● 3352d

Funny how the barrier always gets damaged late at night, probably sabotaged again.  Enough is enough now, action needs to be taken to stop this constant disruption of our bus service, people rely on it and are being woefully let down.

Angela Parker ● 3352d

And once again the 235 is terminating at the County Court due to a damaged barrier at GWQ. Apparently it happend late last night. The entrance is yet again taped off.According to my rough figures that makes 77 days of service in the last 14 months.Meaning there have been roughly 336 days of no service !!

Martin Webb ● 3352d

If it is criminal activity that is the problem her then it is time that it was stopped.

Philippa Bond ● 3360d

Tis true, the 235 is back at GWQ.  I give it a week!

Reg Ghosh ● 3360d

Do my eyes deceive me?  I've just seen a 235 on Ealing Road heading from GWQ with a passenger on board.  How many hours will it last this time?

Angela Parker ● 3360d

I was by there around lunchtime today and there is nothing blocking the access at the moment. No barrier, cones or anything else.Cars were freely driving in and out.Why then can the buses not go in at the moment?Also late last night around 11pm and early this morning around 6am 235's were going past me in both directions on South Ealing Rd. Yet as i past the County Ct on the way to work around 6.20am there were 3 235's at the stand.From at least 7am this morning there has been no sign of a 235 going beyond the Court.Still waiting for Guy to report back on why the service has stoppped turning round at the roundabout?

Martin Webb ● 3361d

Why is there still a problem with this?  The buses going there are part of the design and permission.  People have bought and moved in because of the bus being so close.

Philippa Bond ● 3361d

What happened to the good old fashioned hand winch to lower the barrier when it is broken?  The development is there in that design because of the bus service and the pictures I posted certainly prove several buses could easily be accommodated.  Why can't the barriers be left open?

Sarah Felstead ● 3363d

Angela - I agree with every word.

Guy Lambert ● 3363d

This really is beyond a joke and something needs to be done about it to restore this bus route immediately.I too have heard the rumours of certain GWQ residents deliberately damaging the barrier to stop the bus access.  This needs to be investigated and if proven then prosecutions need to take place.  The bus was planned to start/terminate there BEFORE the place was even built so if it is such a problem why did they move there?  Furthermore if they don't like it then leave.This bus is not only a necessity but it is a lifeline for some elderley/disabled residents.  Pressure should be put on GWQ management to remove the barriers completely as it is obvious they are not fit for purpose and too easy to be sabotaged.

Angela Parker ● 3363d

When will the rumours that the barrier is being deliberately damaged by one or more GWQ residents be seriously investigated?Perhaps they should start by interviewing you.

Ian Fillingham ● 3363d

This is getting far beyond a joke now.I left to travel to Feltham last night and walked down to the Court as the 235 was still terminating there at 4pm. Only to find no 235's after 20 mins. Realisedthey were back at GWQ when i saw one going up towards McDonalds. So walked to the High St.Travelling back home late last night i was horrified to find the 235 terminating at the Court again.Walking back towards GWQ i watched as a 235 went past me on Ealing Rd towards GWQ !!Found out this morning that they were turning around on the roundabout - great news - at last common sense.But no. Left work around 2pm and they are back at the County Court.Be very interested to hear why they can no longer use the roundabout, if Guy hears anything back.With the money Abellio has saved on this service they could put an inspector on the entrance to GWQ like they have lazing around at the Court, stopping any other vehicle access - which seems to be the main cause of the issues.

Martin Webb ● 3363d

It was built as a terminus / off street stop not for one but two routes.It has a cheap and unfit for purpose barrier designed for occasional use and not proper highway use.It is part of why the place is built and many concessions were made as part of that proviso.It needs to be sorted out properly.

Raymond Havelock ● 3363d

When will TfL/Abelio/Barratts figure out that Great West Quarter is the worst place for the 235 terminus to be operating? It's a farce. Either a stand on Ealing Road or terminating at the Court is the best all round long-term solution.

C Jones ● 3363d

Not any more, I'm extremely sorry to say. Back at the court. Trying to find out why.

Guy Lambert ● 3364d

There was a bus waiting on the south side at the top of Ealing Road this morning around 6:00am so yes, looks like they are going around the roundabout.

Reg Ghosh ● 3364d

According to Plan-a-Journey:"EALING ROAD TW8: Route 235 has been curtailed to Ealing Road prior to the entrance to Great West Quarter due to faulty barriers. Point letter BT (before mini roundabout) will be the first and last stop."This gobbledegook seems to mean it is running up Ealing Road and round the roundabout as it did in one previous episode. Can someone confirm?

Guy Lambert ● 3364d

Cones up again this morning so the barrier last less than 12 hours!

Reg Ghosh ● 3364d

We've been working hard on alternative solutions because I share your concern about how long it will last. TfL now seem to be actively seeking answers which is progress, I think.

Guy Lambert ● 3364d

My husband has just seen two 235's heading down Ealing Road towards GWQ, lets hope it's back for good now, but I somehow think it's only a matter of time before it gets stopped again.

Angela Parker ● 3364d

I'm told by TfL that the barrier is now fixed. For some reason they (Barratt) are busy 'deep cleaning' the paving at the bus stop and I'm told the bus will resume late today or first thing tomorrow.

Guy Lambert ● 3365d

Looked like the barrier is fixed??

Reg Ghosh ● 3367d

Everyone seems to have forgotten that the southbound 65 had a stop on the south side of Ealing Road, More or less where the tree is. It was a pull in stop and was temporarily removed prior to the previous structure being demolished.Why has this not been reinstated?  Especially now that there area great many residents and hotel guests who have to risk crossing the A4 which is also very poorly lit.There are two stops in both directions on the North Side of the A4.There is just one Northbound on the South side. It must be 14 years since the corresponding stop was removed.To reinstate the pull in, would at least provide a point for the 235 should the barrier fail, which is so cheap and unfit for purpose it will.But it would also be a whole lot safer for the great many users of the 65.

Raymond Havelock ● 3369d

Whilst we all wait for the pigs to fly upon the return of the most needy bus service. I can't understand why no one has just picked up and remove the two cones which are there.Since the barrier has been broken every one is observing the no entry sign....so... lift them up go through. This is not rocket science. Or park the buses along  the A4 at the H91 stops. Which Guy mentioned. I also understand when a bus stop was placed  as a temp stand in Ealing Road it caused congestion with the lorries from the Alfa Lavel site. These are now gone. There is always a way around a problem but not for this route .

David Squire ● 3369d

I'm told the bollard problem is now a faulty circuit board which should be replaced within the next 24hours.We live in hope (and frustration)

Guy Lambert ● 3369d

Any update on the service returning to GWQ?

Reg Ghosh ● 3369d

Just seen this what a joke this has become :-) I used to live down Ealing Road and the extendid 235 bus route was handy when it worked but i gave up on it long ago.

Stephen Scott ● 3373d

Angela Parker - i couldn't agree any more with you.Mr Sozzi is a GWQ resident and most of his posts are very much on a them and us vein.His latest post is just a poor effort to disguise the fact he simply wants rid of the bus service.

Martin Webb ● 3373d

GWQ is not suitable for a bus route?  Really?  Funny how that, considering the bus route going in there was a pre-condition in the planning before the area was redeveloped and the housing built.  It is blatantly obvious that the current barrier is not fit for purpose and should be replaced with a more reliable type of barrier.  Pressure should be put on GWQ management to replace it and stop dragging their heels.The sooner the bus returns the better.  A lot of people rely on this bus and are sick of being messed about by GWQ stopping access.

Angela Parker ● 3374d

I have just had an update from TfL.Apparently the repairs yesterday were not successful and the engineers (they seemed to be a local firm of locksmiths) will have another go on Monday.There will be no 235 (in this section) over the weekend.I am still pressing TfL to use an alternative option whilst the GWQ problem persists.

Guy Lambert ● 3374d

Thanks Guy for talking about non GWQ options.GWQ is not suitable for a bus service: regardless the faulty barriers, the service cannot be guaranteed as too many vehicles access GWQ dead end road. All readers are more than welcome to visit GWQ at pick hours and they will understand straightaway: Sainsbury's delivery trucks and other vehicles parked randomly in GWQ interfere with the bus service and because GWQ is a private area, nothing can be done to those vehicles (besides useless fines). GWQ traffic issue has been there since 2009 when the development was built and it will never be resolved.It's time to think about alternative stops outside GWQ for bus 235.

Emanuele Sozzi ● 3374d

According to the Londonbusroutes website which lists all service changes and diversions, the 235 isn't due to resume full service to GWQ till June 16th !!!http://www.londonbusroutes.net/changes.htm#D82    At least it's a Thursday and not a Saturday this time i guess. That really is unacceptable and it's long past time that someone was brought to task over this fiasco.  If that is the case then Abellio really need to make more of an effort to accommodate the needs of it's customers and seriously look at the alternatives to the current suspension of the service beyond the County Court.

Martin Webb ● 3374d

Yes, well I am pressing GWQ as well (or rather, Steve Curran is, as he has the contacts) but it is down to TfL to provide a service and they should be insisting with GWQ that they provide the access they are supposed to. It would be well within the wit of man to have a spare barrier as well as spare parts which in the recent hiatus had to be delivered from Italy (which took 6 weeks - did they use a camel caravan to deliver them?)But I believe there are plenty of non GWQ options that TfL could readily switch on if they could be bothered, which is why I concentrate my attention on them.

Guy Lambert ● 3374d

What about pressing GWQ to fulfill their obligations as per the original plans and allow the bus unhindered access, after all the bus can't serve if it can't get access. We all know it is not the fault of TfL, it's purely down to GWQ and the not fit for purpose bus barrier, not to mention the 'NIMBY' brigade that don't want the bus up there!

Angela Parker ● 3374d

Couldn't agree more Christine, which is why I have been pressing TfL to fulfil their obligations.The goodish news is that I have just seen and taken a picture of (and tweeted) two guys working on it and I witnessed them driving their van over the barrier site to test it is working. It is.The less good news is that they said it was the second time today that they have fixed it.The TfL plan a journey site is still showing the same nonsense (including a map showing it going along the A4) as before, so when the service will resume is anybody's guess.

Guy Lambert ● 3374d

It seems only a few weeks that the 235 has restored its service to the Great West Quarter following the last time that the barrier was damaged! Something should be sorted out because this is becoming a regular occurrence !

Christine Collins ● 3375d

It looks like the area was designed to have parked vehicles and a bus service running through.

Sarah Felstead ● 3375d

Bryan.  Didn't occur to me that there would be anything under such a flimsy arrangement, can't be legal to cover an obstruction to the road in such a way?  If somebody was reversing would they even see the cones?

Sarah Felstead ● 3375d

Did you check what was under the cones? It looks like they've been placed on top of the (bent) metal posts. How would an emergency vehicle get in? I've no idea - maybe from the Carville Park end?As to where people (are supposed to) park, the entrance to the residents underground car park is more or less opposite Sainsbury's - it's a big pair of wood-covered gates.

Bryan Betts ● 3375d

Bryan.  I think the barrier is directly under a street cam placed there for security.

Sarah Felstead ● 3375d

My wife overheard a witness claiming to have seen malicious activity. It sounds as if the barrier was deliberately sabotaged. I understand there are some selfish anti-bus types in GWQ, but really, this is too much!Although most of their objections would be dealt with by running hybrid buses on the 235 route, as then they could enter the estate on near-silent electric power.

Bryan Betts ● 3375d

Do the cones stop theBus service? Dial a ride? Emergency vehicles? Taxi’s (especially disabled transport) Hospital transport? Friends and family giving supportive lifts?  Home shopping?  District nurses?  District midwives?  Doctors?I bet a great deal of work and a huge amount of time was spent on equality and general access as a part of the development.  I could only find a couple of spaces in Layton Road, opposite, so is that where everyone parks?meanwhile,behind the cones…

Sarah Felstead ● 3375d

I am not sure exactly what I pictured in my mind when reading about this broken or damaged barrier but I did think that the barrier was in the way of the bus service, or blocking the bus service.  In actual fact, there is no barrier so as far as I can see there is no reason to block the bus service?

Sarah Felstead ● 3375d

Access is so important for everyone and if we are lucky enough not to worry about it now, then there could come a day .. Transport for others takes a great deal of planning thought and energy.  Knowing there is a bus stop here means somebody may have used a considerable amount of that energy in just getting to it. Why was the bus service thought to be needed?The barrier is in the distance and the man came from behind me as I was taking photographs.  He probably could not see the road was closed in the distance but he had to head off past the barrier in order to find another bus stop.I read the poster out to him.

Sarah Felstead ● 3376d

Dear Guy, I have some photos for you.  Couldn't stay long so they were taken in a hurry as I could only find paying parking meters by the car showroom opposite, £1 for 30 mins and I was expecting to get 30 mins free.I think other readers will draw their own conclusions as to why the bus cannot access the bus stop beyond the broken barrier.  I was going to head the posting 'someone's having a laugh' but it isn't funny and I have no reason to think that anyway.In one photo there is an elderly man who was patiently waiting for a 235.  He watched me as I approached then asked me if the bus was running.  I said I thought not and I read the signs out to him.  He said he relied on the bus to get him down to the High street.  I asked if he could manage and he said he would have to see and he hobbled off very slowly and painfully.

Sarah Felstead ● 3376d

As a neighbour said recently.Most of the Crossrail Tunnel from Paddington was bored in less than a year.and they cannot fix two cheap French bollards.It's not cannot. It's Won't.

Raymond Havelock ● 3376d

There wasn't even a notice on the bus stop this morning informing people the 235 wasn't running down Ealing Road.  It was only after waiting 15 minutes with no sign of a 235 in either direction that I realised it had stopped again after resuming yesterday evening.  Its a total disgrace.  Pressure should be put on GWQ to either replace the bus barrier with a more reliable one or to remove it completely.  In the meantime why can't the 235 come down Ealing Road, round the roundabout at the A4 junction and then back up to the County Court picking up Hounslow/Feltham bound passengers en route, who can then board the next 235 waiting to depart.  It makes sense I think.  I don't think it is fair that the many users of the bus should have to suffer this constant disruption to the service.

Angela Parker ● 3376d

Just for information purposes should anyone wish to know.Since the service first went out of action last April it has been very roughly about 379 days till today. In that time we have had the following days missing service:April 2015 - 11/12/15 - 25218/2/16 - 18/4/16 (60days)10/5/16 - ?That equals 312 days of no service beyond the County Court.Just 67 days of service in over a year !!Please note i cannot be sure of the exact date it first went out of service last April so have based the calculation on the very last week, it is probably even longer.

Martin Webb ● 3376d

So i gave it 7 weeks and it lasted 5 weeks and 1 day.    There is no Blacks Road in Brentford (no shock there from TFL, but i work for Brentford Royal Mail and we would know if there was a Blacks Rd), the 235 is terminating yet again at the County Court and going up Alexander Rd to the bus stops behind Morrisons which is actually called BACK LANE. It then comes out around the old section house and joins the High St at the Beehive before carrying on as normal.    The map Guy referred to actually still shows the normal 235 route into the GWQ.

Martin Webb ● 3376d

Ho Ho Ho.I've just talked to TfL who at last seem to be taking this seriously.On the Plan-a-journey site there is a suggestion the bus is entering GWQ via a different route - Blacks Road, which I have never heard of but looks from the map like a road giving off the service road next to the A4, heading into GWQ near the normal bus stop. But I can't establish whether this is a real plan or an urban myth!

Guy Lambert ● 3377d

'I will apply some serious harassment' - careful now, you may end up in court.

Anne England ● 3377d

Seems to be out of action again this morning. I'll be on to TfL again shortly

Guy Lambert ● 3377d

I went up Ealing Rd about 5 past 6 and there was a 235 coming down, and one at the stop within GWQ.In my second letter to TfL this evening I suggested their emergency procedure should use one of the 8 ideas I suggested as temporary solutions last time, rather than doing the easy thing and suspending the bus.If (when) there are further problems email me guy.lambert@hounslow.gov.uk or call or text me 07804284948 and I will apply some serious harassment!

Guy Lambert ● 3377d

Is it back now?  It wasn't when I tried to get home on it, all passengers were told to get off at the County Court.  The driver told me they had been terminating there most of the day as the bus barrier was broken.

Angela Parker ● 3377d

Seems to be running now

Guy Lambert ● 3377d

Dear Guy, I am going to take a photograph of the rare 235, just for you.  ;)

Sarah Felstead ● 3377d

Angela... grrr.Thanks for posting this. I have written to TfL just now, demanding they restore the service forthwith.

Guy Lambert ● 3377d

The 235 yet again is not serving GWQ and terminating at the County Court.  The driver of the 235 I was on told me the bus barrier is broken yet again.  I wonder how many months it will be this time.  It's beyond a joke.

Angela Parker ● 3377d

By 11.30 am  a repair Locksmith had to be called out to repair it as one had failed again.These French made units are designed to be removable in just a few minutes and  easily replaced.So how this takes months is all rather telling.Makes monkeys of TfL and Hounslow Council

Raymond Havelock ● 3399d

Yep it appeared on my LUT traffic app this morn and still shows a regular service.I give it 21 days.

Ken Collins ● 3399d

It's back and running to GWQ !!!!Popped to Sainsbury last night about 9pm and as previously reported bollards were covered by traffic cones and no sign of anything.  Walking down Ealing Rd this morning and a 235 went past en-route to Sunbury, just as another went past the other way to GWQ.  We should run a comp to see how long it lasts this time - i'm going for 7 weeks.

Martin Webb ● 3400d

"You can't believe anything you read on TfL website". How true, but partially I think because I've kept complaining it had a health warning about the 235 until yesterday, and that has now gone. It has frequently showed nonsensical predictions that the service would resume on some Saturday or other at 6pm

Guy Lambert ● 3401d

Not seen one yet. If the bollards were repaired yesterday it makes you wonder why the bus didn't resume yesterday evening.  You can't believe anything you read on TfL website, it showed the 235 as still serving GWQ last time it was stopped. 

Angela Parker ● 3401d

Cllr Myra Savin saw workmen repairing the bollards yesterday. This afternoon (2pm) they appeared to be intact, though they were hiding coyly under traffic cones. Other obstructions had disappeared from the area. There is no longer a health warning on the Plan-a-journey app from TfL. Somebody please tell... is the bus actually running now?

Guy Lambert ● 3401d

With the report of the 235 going back home to North Brentford  at 1800 today, I am some what puzzled by this time.Are Barretts having a grand opening to get back brownie points?Or as me thinks air traffic control at Heathrow is on high alert for the pigs fly past. Keep watching the sky at 1800.

David Squire ● 3402d

Talking of pigs flying, I had an interim response from the COO of TfL today, apologising for not responding sooner. He says he is working on the suggestions I made and the concerns I raised and will respond properly 'as soon as he can'. So no breakthrough but at least they are talking!And yes, I think 2 months is about right, certainly since I was elected in July.

Guy Lambert ● 3403d

I'm afraid i have just found out that my pigs are not allowed onto the GWQ site.  I certainly think the Estate management are more to blame for the delay than is let on.I know that delivery vehicles are not allowed to enter the site. Royal Mail for example have to park around the site and carry all parcels and mail to each block. If there's no answer carry it all back to the van and so on throughout the estate. Residents have complained about it but nothing was ever done.  I don't think we've had more than 2 months service in the past year.

Martin Webb ● 3404d

Well the 235 drivers aren't aware of this, as of this afternoon when I asked, still have no idea when the bus is coming back.  I will believe it when I see it.Martin can you get those flying pigs of yours to deposit their droppings onto the heads of those moaning minnies at GWQ who we all know are the real reason the bollard repairs never seem to happen.

Angela Parker ● 3404d

So the service is due to return on 16/4/2016 at 18.00.As it's a Saturday again, Brentford are also at home that day.I've fed the pigs and they're ready to fly !

Martin Webb ● 3404d

TFL update:Repairs to bollards ongoing. Curtailed to Brentford County Court until 1800 Saturday 16 April. So from this Saturday evening the bus should return to GWQ.

Reg Ghosh ● 3405d

That's because they need to go straight to Leon Daniels at TfL, who can make things happen. The politicians at City Hall are all but useless and have always been so. The only one who makes people jump is Boris or his predecessor Ken.The rest are a pure caberet

Raymond Havelock ● 3415d

I emailed Councillor Steve Curran this week to ask for an update on the action he was taking about the 235.His reply - Thank you for your email.  Like you and other residents and Cllrs, I am as frustrated as you are with the events.  Previously I have written to the Deputy Mayor responsible for TfL and I have contacted Barrett’s at a senior level, but unfortunately we take one step forward and ten back.  We are not giving up we will keep pressuring Barrett’s and TfL for a permanent solution.    It would seem that he is having the same issues guy Lambert is experiencing in trying to get this resolved.

Martin Webb ● 3416d

or indeed getting planning permission with reduced parking allocations on the basis of a 'new' public transport provision and enhancements.These Developers and Property management companies who make a fortune from stitching up just about everyone need to be hauled in and told in no uncertain terms that they are not considered fit and proper to be granted any more preferential land or planning consents and mid build alterations.I wonder if Messrs Curran and his puppetmaster Walsh brought this up at their cosy junkets in Cannes ?

Raymond Havelock ● 3418d

And what about those people who have bought a property expecting to be able to use the bus when they no longer drive?

Philippa Bond ● 3418d

Last Saturday someone removed the notices from the bus stops informing passengers that 235 was not stopping. yesterday they had returned.I totally agree with Guy that the 235  could  be routed around the  A4 and stand were it did  two months ago.Someone must be held accountable for this shambles.

David Squire ● 3418d

We were all assured that Curran had personally pledged to resolve the issue once and for all but looks as though he has admitted defeat and walked away from it

Paul Fisher ● 3419d

Hasn't it already been said that it is out of the Councillors' hands other than to make representations? Maybe I have misunderstood.

Anne England ● 3419d

....Delayed .

Raymond Havelock ● 3419d

And the next excuse from the Council representatives will be..............

Paul Fisher ● 3419d

... No sign of the service resuming?

Reg Ghosh ● 3419d

And no sign of any?What a shock - NOT !

Martin Webb ● 3422d

Guy - hear hear!

Bryan Betts ● 3423d

"TfL have written to me to say the service will be restored at 17.00 on Saturday.I strongly suspect this will not happen, but live in hope."But did they say which Saturday, and which year?  Sorry but this farce has gone on for too long now, we need actions not words and empty promises.

Angela Parker ● 3424d

So what is the developers' stance on this?  I would hope that they are openly supporting the bus.

Philippa Bond ● 3425d

I thought the Leader had taken control of this farce or has he given up on it?

Paul Fisher ● 3426d

TfL have written to me to say the service will be restored at 17.00 on Saturday.I strongly suspect this will not happen, but live in hope.

Guy Lambert ● 3426d

I agree Adam, but I'm talking about a short term fix. The bollards are damaged (again) and for obscure reasons TfL have responded by stopping the bus rather than running it up Ealing Road round the roundabout as they did last time the bollards were damaged.The most correct response from TfL would be to demand that the normal route for their bus through GWQ should be protected by removing or disabling the bollards: if that causes problems for the development it's a concern for Barratts rather than TfL which they could address by fixing the bollards pronto or employing a guard to stop unauthorised access.I'm simply suggesting that if these remedies are not available due to intransigence or unenforceability of contracts, simply giving up and stopping the bus is a completely unjustified, unnecessary and unacceptable response. Nobody would suggest closing the A4 for weeks because someone drove into a traffic light.

Guy Lambert ● 3431d

But as I said previously surely to withdraw the service from GWQ would breach the planning permission Guy ?.  And why should that happen just because afew residents have moved into GWQ either in the knowledge that the bus stand within the development, or without doing their homework, and are now complaining ? - to do what you suggest would make a mockery of the whole process IMHO.

Adam Beamish ● 3432d

Have you gone a bit topsy turvy Guy? I'm sure you meant to type 65 and not 95.

Anne England ● 3432d

That may be so, David, but I cannot see why TfL can't simply run it up Ealing Road and stop at the existing 95 stop, round the roundabout and back.Alternatively, turn right along the A4 to the Clayponds roundabout and turn round there, using H91 stops.There is no need for a bus stand up there, it can continue to stand at Morrisons as it does now.Personally I think it shows a shocking lack of commitment from TfL to run a service that is in all their timetables, and for which they have been paid out of S106 monies from the GWQ development (as I understand it)

Guy Lambert ● 3432d

Outrageously arrogant.

Philippa Bond ● 3434d

I spoke last week to a group of 235 drivers at the County Court bus stand. all three of them said it was pressure from residents that was stopping the service from going back to "North Brentford." They had been informed of this at there depot.

David Squire ● 3434d

It's in the power of TfL (and peripherally Barratt)The council leader is working on both of them. Infuriatingly, the council cannot do it themselves.

Guy Lambert ● 3434d

It's in the power of the Council to do something, but being completely useless Hounslow undoubtedly will not.

Reg Ghosh ● 3434d

Ironically, there is a traditional barrier that was in use for 1 year at Brentford Police Station. Takes minimal effort to install.Fact is. The GWQ freeholders and marketing/management companies do not want the bus service and will continue engineering evasion and disruption as long as they can. Like they do with other aspects of the site.It's high time there was legislation to reign in these greedy and unscrupulous lice who are thriving from all those sorts of developments and circumventing local councils and ripping off residents.

Raymond Havelock ● 3435d

The latest update on when we can expect the 235 service to resume says March 26th (17:00).http://www.londonbusroutes.net/changes.htm#D92Again i won't be holding my breath and doubt very much anything will happen.

Martin Webb ● 3435d

I really cannot understand why they don't just turn the buses round at the roundabout on Ealing Rd - some 30 seconds fom the entrance to GWQ.That way all the existing stops apart from GWQ would be served.Buses needing to stand for drivers breaks etc could still take place at the County Court.No update on the Londonbusroutes, service website - it still says 5th March at 17.00.

Martin Webb ● 3439d

The developers and puppet management do not want the bus in the site. it impedes on their marketing strategy and profits.Until the Government and LBH ( who can do a whole lot more but not with the likes of Brendon Walsh calling all the shots) get tough with developers, property management companies and the whole greedy chain, this will only be the tip of the iceberg.

Raymond Havelock ● 3443d

Just walked pass the bus stand at The County Court and there are three 235 on stand.Notice's still on bus stop's in Ealing Rd stating no service on the 235.

David Squire ● 3443d

According to TfL Plan a Journey, it's running. But I've been caught like that before. Anyone know if it really is running?

Guy Lambert ● 3443d

Despite TFL saying the service would be restored by 17.00 today - Sat 5/3/16.http://www.londonbusroutes.net/changes.htm#D143There is no sign of any work being done and with the football at Brentford i can't see it.How long this time then?

Martin Webb ● 3443d

They should remove the bollard and install an electric raising barrier that can be manually operated if there are any problems with the electrics

mark hammond ● 3448d

LET'S NOT GIVE UP. IT IS OUR COMMUNITY! AFTER ALL THIS UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE WITH 235 BUS, I SUGGEST ITS ROUTE SHOULD BE CARRIED ON TO EALING BROADWAY AS BUS 65 IS QUITE UNRELIABLE TOO. I DOUBT THIS 235 ISSUE WILL EVER BE SORTED FOR GOOD (JUST LIKE THE LINCOLN HOUSE LIFT). WE NEED ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO GET TOWARDS EALING AS WELL AS HOUNSLOW.

Sue Ali ● 3448d

Yep its become a bit of a joke now i dont bother with the 235 bus anymore.

Stephen Scott ● 3449d

Furthermore, the residents are very far indeed from unanimous. Pleased to hear it will be back on the 5th though I'm still fuming that it's been interrupted at all. There is no excuse and no reason.

Guy Lambert ● 3451d

Maybe but from a planning perspective it can't just be 'dropped', and who's going to pay to apply to get the permission amended to remove the requirement ?.Personally I don't care that the residents don't like it, it was part of the permission for the whole development so had they carried out due diligence before buying a property/moving in they would have known about it.  And if they knew about it and didn't like it then they shouldn't have moved in.

Adam Beamish ● 3451d

TFL say the service should resume on 5th March.Obviously holding your breath on this is not advised.I understand that in order for the planning permission to be granted for the estate it had to have a bus service. However, the residents greatly oppose it and all the issue with the bollard are never going to go away unless the whole access arrangement is changed.    Surely a better option would be for the bus to continue to the roundabout and turn right, towards Chiswick. terminate at Mercedes - where there is plenty of room for buses to stand. Resume service by going round the next roundabout by Clayponds and back to Ealing rd and on as usual.

Martin Webb ● 3451d

Maybe it would be better to rip out the bollards in Ealing Road alongside GWQ and reinstate the bus stop there but make it a bus stand. It will easily accomodate 2 single decks. The sole tree would be a problem to double deckers. There used to be a stop there anyway and the pavement is more than wide enough.Otherwise GWQ need to ditch their shoddy equipment and put a gate barrier in.

Raymond Havelock ● 3459d

And once again the barrier is broken so buses are parking in Ealing Road.

Reg Ghosh ● 3459d

I see the 235 is terminating down South Ealing Road and not in GWQ?  Another problem with the barriers that have been replaced by little plastic cones?

Reg Ghosh ● 3483d

I posted earlier.....but it appears without success... Anyway the return of the 235 is good news and many thanks to those involved for making it happen....shame it took so long!

Iain Muir ● 3528d

From Saturday 12 December, bus route 235, which runs between Sunbury Village and Brentford, will return to serve the Great West Quarter development. This follows the repair of the bus barrier in the Great West Quarter development area.

Reg Ghosh ● 3528d

Nine months on and still no return of the 235.  Can you please tell us what the latest lie, erm excuse is for this ridiculous delay.  It really beggars belief that this has been allowed to drag on.  Perhaps Wheeliebingate has sidetracked the personal role Steve Curran is supposed to be taking in getting this vital service resumed.  Enough excuses, can we now please have some serious action in this matter.

Angela Parker ● 3542d

I did notice that the article Reg referred to was dated 6/11/2015, yet two days after that the collection of flower pots were still sitting in place of the missing bollards. I assume this means the claim to have carried out the repairs is bollards!

Ian Fillingham ● 3558d

Has anyone else noticed that the same said development has 'pinched' the pavement out to Ealing road by putting up somewhat uneven bollards along the kerb when they are supposed to be on the boundary line?They have already been shooing away cyclists them they are . They also tried to stop a photographer telling her she was trespassing and needed a permit.Claiming the bollards mark the boundary. In actual fact the boundary is marked but the bollards are not quite where they should be.I take it LBH building control has pointed out to them what is and is not public footway.This is a rather coy trick where the agents/owners hope no-one notices and then use the 12 year rule to claim rights.Clearly that's what LBH and TfL are up against.

Raymond Havelock ● 3559d

http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/west-london-news/stalemate-blamed-six-month-wait-10391693

Reg Ghosh ● 3560d

Dont worry folks,Steve Curran is now involved!!

Paul Fisher ● 3565d

Angela, local councillors are as hacked off about this as you are and have been following up frequently.Steve Curran has issued this statement today:“Hounslow Council has facilitated meetings between Barratts and TfL to ensure the return of the 235 bus in to the Great West Quarter. An agreement was reached which will formalise the use of the central Piazza for buses but we have reached a new impasse in the form of London Buses, whose management are prevaricating for reasons which aren’t clear.“Faced with this new stalemate; last week I wrote to Isabel Dedring, the Mayor of London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport, asking in no uncertain terms, for her assistance in resolving this matter. “For the past seven months, the reduced 235 bus service has greatly inconvenienced many residents. It was a condition of the planning permission for the Great West Quarter that new transport links served the development and I will continue to lobby all parties involved until the extended 235 bus service is reinstated.”Steve has taken a personal role in this since the Isleworth and Brentford Area Forum back in July (I think). Local councillors will stay on the case because the frustration to locals is plain to see.

Guy Lambert ● 3565d

Be also very wary of parking to use Sainsbury's at GWQ. People are being regularly hit with postal fines even though the parking signage and markings are not clear.They are using tactics like threatening your credit rating is you do not pay but in fact they have no legal mandate as their signage in 14pt 9ft up is unreadable and unclear.  Sainsbury's must be losing a lot of passing trade.The management of this site are pure scoundrels.

Raymond Havelock ● 3566d

Well it's now November so maybe they meant October 2016?  There is absolutely no sign of the large planters being moved that are currently blocking the bus entrance to GWQ.  This farce has gone on long enough now.  What exactly is being done about it?

Angela Parker ● 3567d

The end of October in which year?

Angela Parker ● 3591d

When asked a while ago I said end of October, because I'd been told 'October' and I'm cautious. I also expressed how frustrated I was because the bus should never have been suspended. There have been, and continue to be, negotiations between LBH, Barratts, TfL and the bus operating company. My expectation remains end of October.

Guy Lambert ● 3591d

"Strange how quiet our councillors are on this matter."All too busy at various Labour party events it would appear lol

Paul Fisher ● 3592d

When Hounslow said the 235 was due to return I did ask for a date and got nothing back.

BrentfordTW8 Editor ● 3592d

I would also like to know when the service will resume to GWQ.  Cllr Mel Collins told my friend that it was set to resume on 1st October but he was obviously misinformed.  Strange how quiet our councillors are on this matter.

Angela Parker ● 3592d

Can someone from Abellio London, TFL, Hounslow council, or Barrets update the people of Brentford and me of a date when this service will resume running to a full service back to GWQ. ??????????

Neil Homewood ● 3598d

GWQ or NBQ ?  odd that.

Jim Lawes ● 3616d

Front page story 235 Bus to Return to GWQ

Reg Ghosh ● 3617d

I have some sort of update.A meeting took place during the week between the Head of Hounslow Transport, TfL and Barratts. I understand this was positive and will lead to a resumption of the 235 service soon, but not immediately. I'm frustrated that it cannot restart tomorrow, but there seems at least to be light at the end of the tunnel.

Guy Lambert ● 3639d

I would like to thank the resident from GWQ ? who posted the comments in the week "that have now disappeared"  saying disabled/infirm and elderly passengers should use there blue badge`s or walk as exercise is a good idea for them.This has been a great encouragement for more people to help and support and get the bus running back into the GWQ.

Neil Homewood ● 3639d

This person did appeal and I helped fill in the endless forms. There was a huge amount of supporting data, fully verifiable and an interview.It still ended as a refusal as the decision lies with the council not the assessors.It was still a no as he can actually walk 40 metres.So it appears the criteria is to not be able to walk at all in which case, mobility allowances come into play.I might add this was Ealing Council, but it is clear from other volunteer helpers that their is a rather large disparity on who you are and where you live.All totally wrong in my view.  And Ealing's system virtually encourages you to make false claims as " we do not check submitted mitigations from Health professional" - Even though the forms request such data.So make it up, lay it on thick and "I'm all right Jack"In LBE's criteria, Honesty is most certainly not the best policy.The difference between boroughs really shows it should not be administered borough by borough as their own methods are the root of the abuse.

Raymond Havelock ● 3641d

I totally agree with you, the people who need Blue Badge should get it, but the system is poorly managed. That is Hounslow council for you. I have seen people with Blue badges pack in bays and walk out freely. That is wrong and they are abusing  the system for the people who actually need it.  If it helps there are appeals that can be made for rejected claims, as your case looks extreme and under a panel, reading the description, I am sure this person will get help.

David Rose ● 3641d

Let's hope you don't get to 70 and have a dud hip, pacemaker, hearing problems and a spouse with dementia.Even with physical mobility issues, it is now almost impossible to get a blue badge or mobility assistance. You have to be almost completely immobile to qualify for such.So much fraud has done for those who are 100% genuine.We have a situation where someone with damaged vertebrae, failing hip joint, a damaged knee, and ulcerated lower leg, a pacemaker and hearing aids and on top of that is a full time carer. All of which is substantiated by the GP and consultant and fully verifiable, yet is not considered enough for a blue badge or mobility assistance. This person was a hugely fit athlete but the toll of 24/7 caring and age is taking it's toll.Yet this person has a fellow resident who has a permit yet rides around on a bicycle.Yet in Hillingdon a similar case qualified for taxicards, blue badge and two way attendance allowance.The system is seriously out of kilter. And hugely unfair to those who are not prepared to lie.

Raymond Havelock ● 3641d

Sorry if I touched a nerve, you are referring to minority, rather then majority. I think TFL and government will try and please the majority. If someone is wheelchair bound then they are given allowance for transport + a taxi card. The allowance is quite high and the taxi card is great. I know this because I have experienced this first hand. In fact I know many disabled people actually get a car with their badge via the mobility scheme, and the scheme is amazing. They need to research fully what they are entitled to. Chronic pain is difficult as this is between disabled and non disabled, and in some cases, people use this as a excuse to get wheat they want. For elderly, the key is to keep active, otherwise their body ends shutting down. I know you have your views and I have mine, and that is what this forum is for and what makes with a great place to live.

David Rose ● 3642d

I find the arrogance of some of the nimbys living in GWQ quite astounding.  To say people can easily walk to where the 235 is currently being forced to terminate is quite frankly insulting to the many elderly and disabled bus users who are currently being inconvenienced by this situation.  Try telling the wheelchair bound, the elderly and disabled people using walking sticks and dealing with chronic pain that they can easily walk that distance.

Angela Parker ● 3642d

There's a huge difference between a bus depot and a bus terminus.A bus depot is a garage stabling many buses with fuelling and servicing facilities.It's wrong to mislead with terminology that implies something quite different.This is a terminating point for one light route.  As timetabled, there are only ever likely to be two buses in the vicinity at any one time for an overlap of no more than a few minutes. They are Euro3/4 low emission vehicles and the impending tender renewal will probably specify Hybrid or all electric vehicles.It is not a crew change, fuelling, stabling or servicing point. The 65 terminates at Ealing Broadway. Ealing Broadway has no official crew rest facilities and never has, even though many routes terminate there. There are facilities for taxi drivers which bus crews sometimes use. The only crew rest facilities were at Scotch Common when the 65/65A terminated there. And that's 4 decades ago.Some route 83 journeys terminating at Ealing Broadway now layover in Ealing High street, using this and Bond St to turn. No facilities there either but it is used. The drivers breaks are factored in at appropriate locations.  This can be done with the 235.235 is a shorter route and a driver break point can be factored in so the return journey could have a 5 min layover at Half Acre/County Court or GWQ The bus can be isolated and passengers can remain on board. Quite common out of London and on some longer routes in London.The bus terminus was always part of the GWQ proposal. The developers used the premise quite heavily in its publicity, presentations and so on for bringing new transport links to this part of Brentford.  The layover was supposed to be designed for more than one route in eventuality.Problem is, the opening of new hotels has completely changed the public transport demand in just a couple of months, with the overcrowding on the 65 making review of services quite urgent.

Raymond Havelock ● 3642d

Sorry, but when I was looking to purchase there, I was not told of a Bus Depot, maybe a few were told and a few were not. Anyway, the site is not really built for a bus depot. maybe it was just a quick fix. The people there can easily walk to where it is anyway. Or as said before go on a loop and tag along E8 and 65 and then terminate at the court.

David Rose ● 3642d

Terminating at GWQ doesn't really make any sense as more buses can congregate at St Pauls and there is a little breakout room for the drivers.  Don't see why it the route couldn't from there loop around to GWQ to pick up before heading off to Sunbury Village?

Reg Ghosh ● 3643d

The residents of GWQ knew a bus depot would be there before they moved there, it was on the original plans BEFORE the place was built!  If it was unacceptable to them, why move there in the first place?

Angela Parker ● 3643d

Hold on, this is GWQ fault. The bus driver should stop destroying the area in the first place. Also you must feel for residents who have live with a bus depot......The 235 is OK from where it currently starts, just mean a few people need to walk a little more lol.....

David Rose ● 3643d

Running the 235 on to Bond Street or even turning it at the roundabout on  Great West Road might sound like suitable alternatives but one thing people are forgetting is the fact that the drivers need access to amenities.  They have to have a prescribed break between journeys and need access to a toilet/rest room.  They have these facilities at GWQ and the rear of Morrisons, but not in Bond Street.  GWQ should stop stalling and allow the bus access again.  I can't believe this has been allowed to drag on for so long, inconveniencing so many people.

Angela Parker ● 3644d

Several short 65 journeys now terminate at the Great West Road and use the roundabout junction to turn and they are larger buses.These were the few 65 journeys that used to terminate at South Ealing Station .That was until the buses became too big and the side streets to clogged to use the 2 prescribed turning routes. The third was a wide turn at The junction of  St Mary's Road , Church Lane and South Ealing road until it was remodelled and again was only suitable for the RT, RM and Metrobuses.So the schedule amendment is for  either Brentford Great West Road or Ealing Bond Street.These are very infrequent turns but I still think the 235 running on to Bond Street - Just a 3 min walk to Ealing Broadway stn or turning at the A4 would be both practicable and hugely beneficial to local bus users.Some residents in the pub tell me they have written to Leon Daniels at TfL.Maybe it's worth a petition.  Input from Councillors? Guy perhaps has a view?

Raymond Havelock ● 3644d

I have been trying to get answers from TFL on this suspension with no luck.In a previous e-mails to them I suggested and asked why the bus route could not continue down Ealing road and do a u turn at the A4 roundabout and then return back down Ealing road ??? This would be so easy to do so why not ?.

Neil Homewood ● 3645d

If you park to use Sainsburys at GWQ.  They are lightning quick to issue a parking ticket or at best move you on.If they can manage to enforce this with such zeal then they must be able to manage the bus movements.Seems the management want it all ways as long as it makes money.

Raymond Havelock ● 3646d

Hear hear!

Bryan Betts ● 3647d

During the council byelection campaign there was no issue that came close to the suspension of the 235 in generating resentment, from Clayponds Gardens right down to the lower reaches of Ealing Road.I have never understood why damage to the barrier caused the route to be suspended: if a car destroys traffic lights on the A4 the response is not to close the road for several months. It seems to me the buses should have continued running and if necessary a guard deployed whilst the barrier was fixed: I can't understand why TfL acceded to a suspension, but then I wasn't a councillor at the time so I don't know what was said.Following the Area Forum a couple of weeks ago, where a huge petition was handed in from Clayponds Gardens residents, Steve Curran wrote to the responsible director of Barratt and I understand a meeting took place this week.I will follow up next week and update when I can.

Guy Lambert ● 3647d

It is simply not credible that it takes over 4 months to repair a barrier.  Many people, myself included are of the opinion that it is deliberately being stalled by the Management of GWQ as they now wish to yet again alter what was originally agreed in the plans.  The bus terminus was agreed in the original plans long before the construction of GWQ even began.  Considerable funds were spent redesigning the junction of Ealing Road/High Street so the 235 could turn safely.  Now the residents at GWQ don't like having the buses there and find the bus too noisy.  Do they not hear the busy and incredibly noisy A4 and M4 Motorway right next to them?  Do they also not hear the railway, or the aircraft noise from 4 am?  I understand they now don't want a school there either, what next, will they want the M4 moved, the aircraft diverted?  If they don't like it then it begs the question why did they move there? The sooner the 235 comes back, the better.  There are a lot of people who rely on this bus and are massively inconvenienced by its absence here.

Angela Parker ● 3647d

Should not take this long. The again it has taken nearly 10 years for the countdown unit to be reinstated at the Bus stop outside McDonalds and it still hasn't happened.The 235 could terminate outside GWQ in two places where soundproofing for the A4 and Ealing Road is sufficient. Enough space now exists to have a two bus bay.It won't work for it to loop at the A4 and run back to Half Acre to terminate as many passengers begin their journey at GWQ towards Hounslow .

Raymond Havelock ● 3647d

In response to a query TFL say:As a result of damage made to the road bollards in the Great West Quarter, we have had to temporarily remove services from here while repair works have been carried out.I can assure you, however, that we do fully intend to return the route 235 to its stated terminus, at North Brentford, Great West Quarter.Initially we had hoped to have this work completed by the end of July 2015, however due to issues with this system we currently anticipate this will continue until the end of September 2015. Rest assured though that if it does become possible to return buses to this area sooner we will make every effort to do so.

Reg Ghosh ● 3647d

It would be perfectly possible for the 235 to run as far as the 65 bus stop south of the A4 and then turn 360 degrees around the roundabout and terminate at its original terminus adjacent to St Paul's School.I understand that residents of GWQ were unhappy about the running of bus engines whilst parked on the development at 5.am, which seems a very reasonable complaint.

David R Rowlands ● 3647d

GWQ needs the 235....... designed in as part of the developers Transport Plan. Whatever problems that have arisen should be solvable and not at the expense of the service charge. Although I do not live in GWQ the 235 extension was useful to me and I hope and expect it will be reinstated.....

Iain Muir ● 3649d

I think this is the original image... which raised eyebrows... seeing a bus stop there.

Jim Lawes ● 3651d

I'm pretty sure that the initial illustrations of the planned GWQ site showed single decker buses. That is not to say that the double decker H91 was not envisaged too..... but that would have been a problem for east bound H91's.

Jim Lawes ● 3651d

"Please also note that the original planning permission for a bus in GWQ was for the H91 to serve the Estate just as a bus stop not as a depot!"Lies.http://democraticservices.hounslow.gov.uk/documents/s83469/SMD%20for%20bus%20routes%20235%20and%20267%20-%20September%202013.pdf"3.6 To extend bus route 235 to the Great West Quarter, via High Street Brentford andEaling Road.3.6.1 This route extension was envisaged at the time that planning approval for the GreatWest Quarter development was granted, with an s106 agreement signed on 8December 2006. A suitable bus turning and layover facility with driver amenities hasbeen constructed by the developers (Barratt Homes) and the facilities and accessand maintenance arrangements have now been approved by London Buses."Please pay attention to this particular phrase - "This route extension was envisaged at the time that planning approval for the GreatWest Quarter development was granted"

Ian Fillingham ● 3651d

That is an excellent idea re the extension of the 235 to Ealing.  I agree wholeheartedly about the 65 becoming far too crowded with huge cases of luggage - people going in both directions, with lots getting on and off at South Ealing Station to go to/return from Heathrow.

Catherine Jones ● 3651d

That's simply down to very poor planning and design. Part of the premise for building GWQ was 'New Transport links'.  But that was probably the usual smoke and mirrors and how easy it is to drop the initiative at the first hiccup.Those who use the 65 will have noticed in recent months the huge increase in overcrowding between Ealing and Brentford caused mainly by large items of luggage. This is due to the new hotels opening on the A4 but becoming a massive problem for bus using residents These buses already get clogged by the sheer amount of buggies from the local baby boom. This extra congestion is really infuriating as sometimes it is impossible to board not one but two Southbound buses, even at night.Seems to me the solution would be to run the 235 on to Ealing- Bond street and turn the buses there, laying over in the High street.Some 83 route short journeys also do this using the High street/Bond Street loop in reverse.This could alleviate the now unacceptable overcrowding on almost all 65 trips between Ealing and Brentford.The 235 could do this at peaks and alternatively terminate as the 65 does at the Great west Road

Raymond Havelock ● 3652d

A bus did destroy the bollards. This could be the chance for not having the bus there anymore: a bus depot in a private residential area is just non sense. This is also because the damages created by the bus to the pavement (it is not suitable for heavy vehicles to run onto it), to the plant beds, the oil spillage onto the road are all claimed via an insurance paid by GWQ residents! Please also note that the original planning permission for a bus in GWQ was for the H91 to serve the Estate just as a bus stop not as a depot! The depot idea has come later with a decision taken by the LBH to alleviate pollution in the Brentford County Court area which is next to a school.So basically the LBH simply transferred the problem to another area to upset other residents instead of solving it! and guess what? the LBH also approved a school to be located at GWQ! hence recreating the same bad polutted environment they did not want for the pupils! how hilarious is this!?

Emanuele Sozzi ● 3652d

Doesn't look like the bus barrier will ever be reinstated so why does the bus still announce that it is the 235 to North Brentford Quarter?

Reg Ghosh ● 3652d

I understand it was a bus. And if so it would be fair if TFL pays for the repair and it is not paid from the insurance purchased by the GWQ residents.

Alex Shpinkov ● 3745d