The comments by Julia Quilliam on the clip are very much on point – nobody is going to invest in a future rendered uncertain by proposed demolition of their premises.This was the downfall of Brentford from the 1930’s. That was when the then Middlesex County Council first bruited their plans to “improve” Brentford High Street with a widening program, necessarily involving the demolition of almost the entire historical centre of the town.Given the ‘Golden Mile’ road proposals, that was scarcely necessary, even on their own analysis, but the juggernaut of Council scheming ensured that from the moment the plans were announced, the physical structure of the High Street properties entered its process of terminal decline – for exactly the reason Julia has highlighted.If I have the time, I will see if I can find my copies of newspaper reports from those pre-war times, to illustrate just how the process of destruction has followed its inexorable path due solely to the over-arching plans drawn up by ill-informed, short-sighted, and historically insensitive Councils.There is truly nothing new under the sun. Whether Mr Curran understands the ramifications or not, the present Council under his leadership and approval have backed the Ballymore plans for the final depredation of the scant but important remains of Brentford’s history, with the concomitant problems associated with their involvement.While it is true that they are to be blamed as the primary cause of such demolition as has already been carried out of important structures, it is unfair, to be truthful, to blame Ballymore for the delays in building – they have been ‘upfront’ over the financial handicap they are labouring under, and the Council's “Heads of Terms” for the financial deal involving them, freely acknowledges that there could be no grounds given for confidence over the financing.The Council Leader has helped promote the current situation; little wonder he comes across as fumbling. It matters nothing that the Council MAY be driven by good intentions; the proverbial way to hell is paved with those.
Nigel Moore ● 3567d