Forum Topic

Just a typical 10 minute walk in our area...

I meant to write this the other evening as in a depressing kind of way I found the experience of my 8 minute walk from home to McDonalds and back at 7pm on Saturday evening rather 'funny'...I walked out the side gate from Holland Gardens into Chapel Lane, and I can't fail to hear a woman repeatedly shouting obscenities at someone else in the flat she lives in (with the windows wide open) within the Shepherds Bush managed building opposite ours.I then walk past the Travelodge into North Drive, noting that as usual there's cars with no disabled badges on parked in the disabled bays.  Theres's also kids lobbing the little bags of coffee, sugar etc. from one of the rooms at pedestrians, and trying to engage said pedestrians in 'dialogue' from the safety of their upper floor room.  I ignore their attempts to engage with me because I know they hope I'll react to their goading, and knowing if I do engage I'll end up having a protracted discussion with the poor sod on the Travelodge front desk as I demand their eviction from the room/premises.Between North Drive and Pottery Road I note the abandoned buggy that was in the middle of the pavement has been removed.  I can't fail to hear however how the clanking manhole that has been clanking for months near Watermans is still clanking away, leaving me to ponder why no-one has bothered to get it sorted.I turn to enter McDonalds, but I can't get in the building because there's 4 mopeds and their riders parked right outside the entrance collecting food delivery orders, thereby narrowing the pedestrian flow into at best one way only.  I recall how the other week a group of kids aged between 10-17 had left their bikes in the doorway but none of the staff said a word, probably out of intimidation given how in their dialogue to one another these kids were effing away regardless of the elderly and young children around.I get in the building and I can't get to the order point because a mother is just randomly standing there with a pushchair and 3 children in the worst position she could stand whilst another of her brood tries to order something, and she shows no interest or inclination in moving.I walk out afew minutes later, and walking home I humour myself by thinking about how people say Brentford is brilliant whereas I feel like the last few minutes have been like the f**king third world (the language reflects my precise thoughts at the time).

Adam Beamish ● 2679d97 Comments

This is for Sam - I don't read the Daily Mail.  A group of school kids gathered by a bus stop or outside a sweet shop are now quite threatening.  Yes, sometime there's been the odd nicely behaved youngster who does pick up the litter but looks very shamefaced and cowed.  I hope he doesn't pay for it later but as I've said I no longer have the courage to take them on.

Jennifer Selig ● 2667d

Could get the train to Weybridge. Very chic, well compared to Brentford.

Nicholas Beard ● 2671d

I find Brentford a culture shock and I live there

Emma Renton ● 2671d

"You have to take quite the wrong turn out of Richmond to end up driving straight through Brentford."Not at all Sam. Richmond to the M4 would be straight up from Richmond Circus over Kew Bridge then a right  towards Chiswick roundabout but a quick left before the Pool / Sports centre and you are on the M4. He was following the advice he had been given to get onto the M4. However this chap, to his horror, ended up in Brentford because he took a left immediatey after crossing Kew Bridge and ended up driving through terrible Brentford. Quite a culture shock indeed but an easy mistake especially for someone concentrating on driving on the left side of the road in a right and drive car when he is used to European driving. But hey - what can I say - if you really think Brentford is Brilliant, and that the scum behaviour, litter, and fly-tipping  is acceptable  - go ahead an lavish in it but I would seriously suggest you get out more and see what the rest of the world is about - or even just pop into Barnes or Sheen or Richmond.

Steve Taylor ● 2671d

You have to take quite the wrong turn out of Richmond to end up driving straight through Brentford. He might own a company and 180 offices, but he should probably invest in a map.Brentford is Brilliant, it’s just inhabited by people like Steve who want to act as if they’re hard up and living in a third world country.

Sam Pollard ● 2672d

Dear Steve,I wasn't laughing at the knives. Apologies if that was unclear.B

Benjamin Inwood ● 2672d

Actually recall a LOL I had a few months ago when the foreign owner of our company, (he owns over 180 offices on the planet including many in 3rd world countries), took a wrong turn from Richmond and ended up in a place which he described as one of the worst and derelict  places on earth he had been to. Our office staff, on questioning him further, ascertained he had the misfortune of driving through Brentford!!! Some may think its a cozy diverse cultured little village and are blind to the reality of the place. Others see it for what it is and experience quite a culture shock.

Steve Taylor ● 2672d

"Lol"Strange that any decent person would think its a laughing matter that so many of the scum of Hounslow Borough carry knives. Little wonder that Brentford is the pits!

Steve Taylor ● 2673d

"Don't believe everything you read in the Daily Mail.""Sam you are being somewhat silly.... may indeed be carrying a knife as it is pretty common these days."Lol.

Benjamin Inwood ● 2673d

Sam, you are being somewhat silly. It's not about ALL youngsters in Brentford carrying knives. It's all in the body language. It's simple enough to identify which youth are behaving like scum by openly and defiantly littering or swearing loudly or behaving arrogantly and it is obvious thst they do it to impress their mates or try to portray that they are such rebels and don't care a jot about who they upset. It is reasonable to expect that such scum may indeed be carrying a knife as it is pretty common these days. I agree though that acid attacks are premeditated so I don't think it would be the norm to carry acid around everywhere.

Steve Taylor ● 2673d

What an extremely prejudice view to have of youngsters to assume that they all carry knives or acid. Maybe it’s time you stopped believing everything the Daily Mail tells you.

Sam Pollard ● 2673d

Its not cowardly its being sensible. If they were with their parents they could turn on you as well.

Nicholas Beard ● 2673d

Raymond you are absolutely right but the problem is who are the people who will tackle this problem?  There is some unacceptable behaviour beyond Brentford I might add.  I was always up for getting youngsters to pick up the rubbish they'd just chucked on the ground (school kids mostly and right beside a bin too) but now I do hesitate - they seem quite threatening nowadays and I wonder about hidden knives or acid.  What a cowardly way to be but there it is.

Jennifer Selig ● 2673d

So here it is again as originally written."We should not be defeatist"Absolutely not. But all those who do loads for this place to try and make it better or simply keep it from sliding downwards get very little support.I wonder how those people who organised the planting of all those daffodils in St Paul's park feel when parents stand by and allow their children to pick the plants, not just the odd one or a fall one but whole bunches.Sure it's a small thing, but it is wrong and would not be any more acceptable in many other cultures and countries.But it belittles the efforts of people who are trying to make it a better place for all of us. There should no room for tolerance of poor behaviour and the dominant influences of bad apples who turn the rest of the box bad as well.This town is declining severely and it really should not be. It's not just about clanking manhole covers, thats an illustration of a whole raft of declining standards.  We get used to it and then things decline further.Problem is too many of us and the local authorities seem to think that is acceptable.It isn't and it really does affect people.

Raymond Havelock ● 2674d

Quite why spell check on this site has completely changed my original wording on my last post is baffling. Apologies.

Raymond Havelock ● 2674d

Look up Broken Windows Theory!I like reporting on www.fixmystreet.com because the map is easy to use to pinpoint where the problem is.  LBE refuse to use it as they prefer a system which sends messages direct to their contractor and I very rarely as a result report anything which must suit them just fine.

Philippa Bond ● 2674d

"Smashed it"Precisely. And that it why it is fantastic when Adam and others bring it to the attention of concerned residents so that they can try to get their elected Cllrs to shape up or ship out. As long as people think it's ok and just a 'first world problem' to expect decent behaviour and a decent service from the Authorities, the place will continue to deteriorate at the rapid pace it has over the last 5 or 6 years.

Steve Taylor ● 2674d

"We should not be defeatist"Absolutely not. But all those who do loads for this place to try and make it better or simply keep it from sliding downwards get very little support.I wonder how those people who organised the planting of all this daffodils in St Paul's park been when parents allow their children to pick the plants, not just the odd one or a fall one but whole bunches.There should no room for tolerance of poor behaviour and the influence of bad apples who turn the rest of the box bad as well.This place is declining and it should not. It's not just about clanking manhole covers, thats an indication of a whole raft of declining standards and we get used to it and then things decline further.Problem is too many and the local authorities seem to think that is acceptable.It isn't and it really does affect people.

Raymond Havelock ● 2674d

“We should not be defeatist”“Brentford is the pits.”Smashed it.

Sam Pollard ● 2674d

Totally agree with Raymond.

Steve Taylor ● 2674d

I don't think there is anything wrong with a diverse culture but if the diversity includes such scummy behaviour as Adam and many of us witness in Brentford, I can't see that anyone could consider themselves lucky to live in Brentford. Possibly a bit of bad luck that they don't live in Richmond or Barnes or Holland Park where there is wonderfully diversity. We should not just shrug it off and pretend that we are lucky with our lot. That's defeatist. Brentford is the pits.

Steve Taylor ● 2674d

I've lived and worked in more than a few 'Third World' countries and not in compounds and 5 star hotels, but in some really basic conditions.But one thing I can tell you. You will find pride, civility, perfect manners and self respect almost everywhere, and yet people with very little possess great pride and self esteem. The kind of behaviour seen openly on streets around here, would not be tolerated. Just as it was here a generation back. It obviously becomes a little different in places where politics divides and confuses and where natural disaster strikes.Fact is, this country is not third world and we have what we have, socially and communally, is because generations made the effort and we did not tolerate the kind of corruption that sadly runs deep in many third world countries. If we just let things go downhill ( which some seem to get pleasure from ) then we as a society will decline from being progressive.  So it's rather crass to claim an annoyance is a 1st world issue.  A really nonsensical and cynical comparison.

Raymond Havelock ● 2674d

How right Bernard - a sky high flat is no way to bring up a family imo.  However, it has to be faced, how many 3 bed houses fit in an acre compared with 3 bed flats piled 20 stories one on top of another?  Our population here has exploded with disasterous effect.  There ain't no more room so the only way is up!I used to visit Hong Kong on business and could never get over the heaving mass of people scurrying around one on top of another just like ants.  Everyone trampling about businesses, families, rich, poor - I'd go mad if I had to live like that - thankfully I'm too ancient to think it will happen to me now - thank God!

Jennifer Selig ● 2674d

Sam what a stoic, laid back chap you are - buggered if I would be should I live anywhere near a clanking manhole!

Jennifer Selig ● 2674d

I was born in Brentford just after the war. how many posters on hear can hold there hands up that they have lived in the same area for all that time.Brentford, when it was a very busy commercial town was a lot better than the cold nondescript sterile place it is today.You used to know one and other, you went to school with kids from the very poor, some more well off and the odd narrow boat barge children, we didn't see any difference in each other, and would never dream of throwing objects from an upstairs window onto passersby, its call respect something that is sadly missing form the young today.I know where Adam was coming from and some of the replies on here sound as though they need to get a bit of respect for a fellow forum member.If I was able to make large changes to Brentford now, every high rise would be demolished and homes built in there place as I have said before a Flat 15 to 20 floors up isn't a family home.

Bernard Allen ● 2674d

Don't forget that my original post wasn't a complaint, I was more 'amused' at the reality against any suggestion that Brentford is brilliant.I don't expect some kind of utopian idyll.  Like Jim, I was brought up in a very rural area and whilst it's environment remains unspoilt, I can't imagine living there now permanently.But I don't think I'm being negative to point out some unpleasant truths, and that's after living in different parts of London for 20 years now and working in a job that takes me all over the country.  It's not about minor inconveniences people getting in my way (as if), but it's the general inconsiderate attitude that some people have and the examples of that experienced in just afew minutees.  And yes, they're everyone, but it's far more pronounced in an urban environment.In my eyes, I'm lucky to live here because we have the river, Kew and Chiswick nearby, and it's easy to get out of London.  Nothing in me feels fortunate or proud to live in Brentford itself though.Nor do I accept the notion that it's anymore normal or acceptable for people to be throwing litter and abuse at people out of a hotel window in the city than in the country.  Of course it happens, doesn't make it right though, and the more it become acceptable and we turn a blind eye to it the more society drags itself down.As I said previously, it's good that people see it differently.

Adam Beamish ● 2675d

I spend many hours walking around Brentford and Adam's experiences, although not to be dismissed, are just part and parcel of living in any urban area. I came originally from a very rural area and when I go back there now I find that folks complain endlessly about the same sorts of problems and behaviour.We should count ourselves lucky to live in such a diverse and fascinating part of London with such a rich history. Yes, there are many issues to be tackled but we can all do our little bit to sort them out.

Jim Storrar ● 2675d

I’m with Philip Baker.

Benjamin Inwood ● 2675d

It's a hard life mate isn't it. Clanking manhole covers, Women with children who dare to get in the way, children leaving their bikes in a doorway!!! Children throwing small sachets of sugar out of a window. Holy smoke what is the world coming to. Two tips:1. Don't go to McDonalds, It's not good for you anyway2. Move to a real third world country where you would actually have something to complain about (Preferably where they don't have children)  3. Failing the above do something positive to make a change.

Philip Baker ● 2675d

Went to Morrisons tonight ran out of carrier bags should be fun in there tomorrow with one  of the busiest shopping days

Chris White ● 2675d

Brentford - Full of Clankers

Raymond Havelock ● 2675d

I agree with you James. The slogan ‘Brilliant Brentford’ rings pretty hollow at times.

Jan ● 2675d

Steve has a point - have you any idea how long it takes to get things done? These manhole covers have been reported ages ago and still they are clattering. How hard can it be?Everything takes forever and invariably means endless e-mails plus getting passed from pillar to post. We had some rubbish dumped in our rear access road by the housing department's own contractor, it has been reported about three times now, my husband even went via 'customer services' who have passed it on - it's still there about six weeks on. Yet the council say they will fine people £400 for dumping in the streets - really? Who the hell will enforce that? It is the sheer bloody frustration of dealing with the council that winds people up, just saying everything is fine and dandy simply will not make it happen.

Vanessa Smith ● 2675d

"Because of a wobbly manhole cover? Honestly?"No - because of useless Councillors and a badly run Council.

Steve Taylor ● 2675d

Log off, Steve.

Benjamin Inwood ● 2675d

"suggesting a new slogan to replace Brentford is Brilliant. How about Brentford is Blighted. Or, Brentford is Buggered."Why not just tell it as it is?  Brentford is terrible.

Steve Taylor ● 2675d

A point well made, Steve. Yes, people are reluctant to try and make a change, however I don't think posting on the forums of Brentford TW8 dot com is going to change much.If the manhole cover outside the Watermans Centre is keeping poor Adam awake a night, report it. If there is anti-social behavior, report it. If you see rubbish, report it, or pick it up and bin it. Be the change you want to see in the world, and all that.One thing I can't stand, however, is an echo-chamber forum thread where everyone moans about how bad an area is because of what are, frankly, quite minor inconveniences. In the OP Adam complained about a woman and her children standing in his way - there is every possibility that she was too busy looking after said children to notice she was in his way, and his anger could have been avoided if he just said, "excuse me".I understand these things can be annoying, upsetting or even scary, but I don't think we need to go around acting as if Brentford is a 'third world country'. I also do worry that the OP was so wound up he had to make a forum thread at 23:36, 2 days after these events happened. The world isn't all bad. Cheer up. x

Sam Pollard ● 2675d

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_World_problem

Benjamin Inwood ● 2675d

"How about Brentford is Blighted. Or, Brentford is Buggered."Because of a wobbly manhole cover? Honestly?

Sam Pollard ● 2675d

"I simply cannot believe the amount of negativity that is being brought about by one man's minor inconvenience of having to ask people to move out of his way in a fast food 'restaurant' and a wobbly drain cover."Well you see Sam, Adam has made the point, quite rightly imo, that Brentford is a dump and it is good that he brings it to the attention of everyone. You can see from this forum that very few people try to improve things and are content to just sit back and let the area sink to new lows and don't give a monkeys about the litter, the uncouth behaviour, the potholes and the general appearance of the area and behaviour of the great unwashed. It isn't negativity - its fact and, whilst you may just sit back and accept it and shrug it off, fortunately others still care and do their best to change it or encourage public awareness. So I say well done to Adam for taking the time to share his unpleasant experience with us. Certainly anyone thinking of moving to the area will make up their own minds.

Steve Taylor ● 2675d

Regarding the clanking manhole covers, I have noticed in Spain they have a very simple solution to this issue, they just put a couple of bits of rubber offcuts (looks like something from a big inner tube or a rubbery pipe) under the edges of the offending manholes. Problem solved. Also suggesting a new slogan to replace Brentford is Brilliant. How about Brentford is Blighted. Or, Brentford is Buggered.

Jo Francis ● 2676d

Just to add, walking back from Kew Bridge station yesterday I noticed that the 'clanking' manhole heading east is in the bus lane very close to the Standpipe Tower.And boy it clanks when a bus drives over it.Not sure if there's another one still clanking closer to the 65 bus stop further east (working from home means I'm not walking along this stretch very often during rush hour).

Adam Beamish ● 2676d

Those clanking manhole covers near watermans have been like that since last November.In fact, they can be heard in the Watermans Cinema and Foyer when it's quiet.We have raised this more than once.What really annoys me most, is not enough people report these things.Everyone expects or assumes that someone else has done it.I have to say that in the case of these, I also assumed that Watermans themselves would report it, but the next time I raised it it was as though I had asked if this was and Arts Centre. Completely blank reaction.But it is a slow and clumsy process to report these online. The system does not work properly on an AppleMac and the font is too small to read.But it asks for details which most of us won't know.The Post Code for the exact location?  I know my own but do I know the post code for the middle of Brentford High st?  No.  It's hard enough finding even a house or shop number displayed.Then if you do report something you get a plethora of emails, case references and so on, and sometimes a bit of white paint appears highlighting the problem onsite, but then it goes quiet and nothing happens.  The paint wears away and the problem remains.The amount of unprepared potholes that have borne the white mark over years but still remain potholes is simply not good enough.Nor is the standard of repair. Some Barely last till the next rainfall.It needs to be much easier to report and get actioned and it should not need the intervention of our councillors to get a lot of these fundamental repairs carried out pronto. And done properly.

Raymond Havelock ● 2676d

Thank you for this info about the 'ancient' walls.  I shall look next time i am passing, but actually i really only ever go that way on a bus these days.

Emma Renton ● 2676d

I have to say that when I drive along this part of the road I value the grass verge/ play area which has been left instead of building flats right up to the road edge.  I also remember the hard won work from Local Councillors who reduced the ancient wall to allow sight of the park and river beyond, from the road side. I remember when you could only see the river along there from the top of a double decker.  I really don’t agree with destroying the ancient walls, they should all be preserved, but in this case the footpath was terribly closed in and you could not see the lovely fresh views over to the Island.  Like some of the bus routes negotiated by Councillors, this has always been a great value to the area.  I think.  ;) x

Sarah Felstead ● 2677d

Well, you see.  There I was thinking I was helping to support the man with the drain cover problem by doing my best to make it clank, just so I could hear it, and I just could not find it.  Despite driving purposely over every drain cover along where it possibly might be, as many times as is safely possible, I just could not work out where it was .  X

Sarah Felstead ● 2677d

I simply cannot believe the amount of negativity that is being brought about by one man's minor inconvenience of having to ask people to move out of his way in a fast food 'restaurant' and a wobbly drain cover.

Sam Pollard ● 2677d

Godwin's Law!

Benjamin Inwood ● 2677d

"Labour and Conservative are the same. "I just love this sort of arguments. So why change? Let's continue with what we have!Funny enough, this argument is widely used by all sorts of dictators to remain in power.

Alex Shpinkov ● 2677d

Guy,Unless it's been magically repaired since last Saturday, one of the clankers is close to the 65 bus stop heading west near Watermans.The other was on Kew Bridge Road near the 65 bus stop heading east opposite the recent Kew Bridge development.Both have been clanking for months (fortunately I don't walk past them that often but whenever you do you can't not hear them...well, unless you're Sarah...) !.

Adam Beamish ● 2677d

Quite right Adam. It is things like clanking manhole covers that wear you down. I used to work with a man who could hear the noise the old TV tubes emitted. He sometimes left the room if his wife was watching TV. Nobody realised how bad it can be. Well I think those manholes are, well I cannot imagine. I have total sympathy with people who live near one. And to think they pay council tax for the privledge!!!!!!!

Nicholas Beard ● 2677d

You are right. In a car you may feel a vibration as you pass over it. Cars are really soundproof now. Drive a sixties mini and see. However if you live near a clanking manhole it goes on and on seeming to get louder in the night. Really a sort of torture to some residents.

Nicholas Beard ● 2677d

As Adam knows, I follow up on clankers (like the former one outside Holland Gardens) and eventually they get fixed.I wasn't aware of the ones he mentions - the one outside HG clanked every time and was easy to find - but will have a look and listen. ANy more detail on where they are (E or W carriageway, precise location etc) will help.

Guy Lambert ● 2677d

I blame the enforcement team for not enforcing what the people need ...and want... ;) x

Sarah Felstead ● 2677d

The problem is that the Administration of Hounslow Borough has changed and we have useless Councillors and ineffective management of the Borough. The borough is a cesspool.

Steve Taylor ● 2677d

Going back to Benjamin's sarcasm, I've no idea how long you've lived here but for me it's been since September 2002 and it's changed alot since then. Not that it was ever amazing, and nor do/did I ever want or expect it to be, but it was a perfectly nice place to live and I was happy here.Going back to maybe 12 years ago, I had prospective flatmates view the place and turn it down on the basis of excessive noise from traffic on Brentford High Street, and I'd could never grasp their problem with it, I'd be like "you're living in London, it's a main road, what do you expect ?".But alot has changed, not necessarily exclusively to Brentford, and those differences make a huge difference to your living environment.  10 years ago for example supermarket deliveries were relatively unheard of, there were far fewer parcel deliveries etc.  And due to the position of the flat where we live overhanging a gated vehicular entrance serving over 200 flats, just those two changes have a huge impact on our enjoyment of the flat.And if a clanking manhole cover on the High Street is left for 7 months (as the one right outside Holland Gardens was afew years back) the combination of ever increasing traffic and a manhole cover that loudly clanks every 5 seconds, especially during the summer months when you've got windows open, is going to annoy you when it's clearly audible at all times of the day and night from the rooms you live and sleep in.My point is - each to their own, but even then both you and the environment around you will change, and you may find your outlook changing as a consequence.

Adam Beamish ● 2677d

No Sarah, there have been several clanking manholes on this road for months, I know because I and others walk past them all the time.  Yet within your post there's the implication that I'm lying for some bizarre reason.  Oddly enough that isn't something I take lightly.

Adam Beamish ● 2677d

Don’t make light of this it’s an extremely serious issue.

Benjamin Inwood ● 2677d

No, I purposely had my windows ope,..Maybe you should think a bit more lightly Adam.

Sarah Felstead ● 2677d

The implication being ? - (a) both myself and others are imagining it, or (b) you can't always hear a clanking manhole whilst in a car like you can when you walk or live next to it.Bit of a stupid comment Sarah...

Adam Beamish ● 2677d

Returning from Townmead Road tip this afternoon there was a convoy of 2 major incident ambulances along with a fast response ambulance heading the group ..

Sarah Felstead ● 2677d

‘People do make efforts but they are is such a tiny minority. A huge drive in promoting civi pride would go a long way in this town.,.....maybe I am imagining it but wasn’t there a Town centre manager appointed a while ago? .....

Sarah Felstead ● 2677d

‘I can't fail to hear however how the clanking manhole that has been clanking for months near Watermans is still clanking away’.....and I carefully drove over all the manhole covers that I could find along where you say you live, many times, just to hear the clank, and just couldnt find it..... ;) x

Sarah Felstead ● 2677d

Did anyone see the YouTube video of the gang with knifes at Busch Corner last weekend?

Paul Fisher ● 2677d

Just on the subject of the emergency services, working from home this pm in the space of 3 hours there's been at least 10, if not nearer 15, emergency service vehicles go along Brentford High Street/Kew Bridge Road.Surely the three lane A4 is faster for ambulances going to and from West Mid than having to wind through the middle of Brentford ?.And what is going on out there to require that level of activity ? - as far as I can tell it's just a normal afternoon, there's no big accident or incident nearby, or is this just an indicator of how 'bad' this area is becoming (because I've lived for 15 1/2 years now and the level of emergency service vehicle activity is so much higher now, at least threehold, then it ever was before).No wonder I'm never going to buy here...

Adam Beamish ● 2677d

Really though you do wonder what the powers that be are on sometimes. Had an e-mail from a friend this morning to say that they had taken some old car tyres to Townmead recycling only to be told they wouldn't accept them. Took them home and checked with Hounslow's new super-duper-whizzo recycling depot and the same answer there! No wonder these get dumped and slung in our rivers, the authorities really have to take these issues on board if they want to have a hope of tackling fly-tipping.

Vanessa Smith ● 2678d

I've been thinking about what I head to the High St for, as opposed to going elsewhere..The Sunday MarketThe Post OfficeDry Cleaners (very nice people)Sami's SpiceThe North African Grocers/Deli.. good olive oil, exotic cooking things & datesPolish Deli (full of things I've never tried before)An actual branch of Barclays.. enjoy it while it lastsMorrisons in an absolute emergency.. quite a depressing placeDoesn't seem that bad to me...apart from Morrisons, that is..

Mark Gormley ● 2678d

Thats right Emma. There must be some form of control. If people rang they would soon get the message.

Nicholas Beard ● 2678d

Never had a mac d in me life..but that's neither here nor there, I suppose. Jenny's on Brentford High St does a very good  shish/doner kebab/wrap and is clean with friendly staff.And it's a very short walk to the best real ale pub for miles.

Keith Iddon ● 2678d

Adam - I too go to Chiswick, Richmond, Hammersmith, Chelsea, Ealing (even West Ealing I like better) etc.  I spend NO money at all in Brentford, cause I don't want to buy anything there at all.  Sad really.

Emma Renton ● 2678d

Hmmm, I think we're going slightly OTT when we start talking about police involvement (apart from drug dealing).I'm more talking about the general 'state' of people and the environment we live in.  Mobike is a great example, in theory it's a perfectly logical concept, but it's fatal flaw is its reliance on its users being considerate, yet we all see mobikes randomly dumped all over the streets creating both a visual eyesore and often an impediment for pedestrians.As most people I occasionally use delivery services (not McDonalds as it's 5 minutes walk away) but again the unpleasant consequences of the Uber Eats and Deliveroo's of this world is that many delivery people chose to park their mopeds etc. right at the entrance, again impeding pedestrians and generally creating an rather intimidating scenario when there's families etc. around.If people think it's okay and they enjoy living in that kind of environment then great, each to their own, for me I can't wait to get away from this area, because, as with many parts of London, it is fast becoming a 'dive' - there is a reason, as I've always said over the years, why when I step outside 95% of the time I turn towards Kew Bridge, Chiswick and Richmond, not towards Brentford.

Adam Beamish ● 2678d

hmm think the poster meant call the police because of um certain activities in the car park.  But personally I would think it an excellent use of police time to control children, buggies, and bicycles thrown around the pavements (my current moan).

Emma Renton ● 2678d

Called the police? Because of the mopeds obstructing the pavement, or the parent whose children were not on a leash *inside McDonald's*?

Benjamin Inwood ● 2678d

Yes Keith I know you are right. Still try. Dont them grind you down. However you are 100% spot on.

Nicholas Beard ● 2678d

Good grief - that whole area is well known for certain activities, if the police actually turned up, it would only move a street or two away.  And then be back half an hour later to the McDonalds car park.  Or Albany Road.  Whatever

Emma Renton ● 2678d

You must be joking Nicholas..he would still be waiting for them them to attend. Now, if he was a prominent local big cheese( no names, no pack drill!) and he phoned them and told them he was feeling intimidated by a group of pensioners and children, it may be a different story...

Keith Iddon ● 2678d

Did not know this. It sounds a place to avoid.

Nicholas Beard ● 2678d

He should be able to go in person. He should also have called the police.

Nicholas Beard ● 2678d

Or simply observe the other trading that goes on there now and it's not burgers and milkshakes.

Raymond Havelock ● 2678d

If Labour and Conservative are the same, then maybe it is time to give someone else a chance?

Christopher Gillie ● 2678d

Maybe next time you fancy a Big Mac, you should utilise one of the delivery drivers that crowd the entrance. That way you won’t ever have to endure the simply horrific scenes you so bravely faced on Saturday.

Sam Pollard ● 2678d

That's the irony Benjamin, everyone who knows me says how I'm always happy go lucky and the person who just gets on with things rather than letting anything get to him.But at the same time I don't pretend to say something is great when it isn't.  And I'm not blaming anyone, in many ways this is how the world is these days, but speaking personally it's this kind of environment and the people within it that is part of the reason why I'll move out soon having spent over 15 years here.Just to show it's not all bad, during my short walk the one place that was a sanctuary was the pedestrian part of Chapel Lane running at the back of Holland Gardens.

Adam Beamish ● 2678d

With your attitude Benjamin, you should run as a local councillor.

Keith Iddon ● 2678d

Bet you’re a barrel of laughs at a party.

Benjamin Inwood ● 2678d

There are two loose  drain covers along side Morrisons opp' Dock Road I reported seven weeks ago... nothing. I do think I am wasting my time.

David Squire ● 2678d

Labour and Conservative are the same. Roads with pot holes, dirty streets. So really things can only get worse. The writer mentioned Mc Donalds. Well the staff ought to be able to call the police but of course they have been cut.

Nicholas Beard ● 2678d

It has got noticeably worse. Very dirty and unkempt and the claim from the Labour flyer about road and pavements.Well what happened to that? Very little has been done. Perfectly good roads were resurfaced and the poor ones remain and decay further and the pavements are dreadful with the ones tarmac at the beginning of this initiative already slippy puddle ridden mess.The Council are just not on top of keeping on the backs of these contractors.It's not all the councils fault. People are too slovenly about the environment they live in and I think it's a result of poor council dictats and stealth charges  that are simply making people turn away from doing anything. They expect more for their wallets being emptied than second rate service.People do make efforts but they are is such a tiny minority. A huge drive in promoting civi pride would go a long way in this town.

Raymond Havelock ● 2678d

It's a sad reflection of what Brentford and lots of other places have become.  Even the posters on the derelict buildings opposite the Beehive proclaiming Brentford's brilliance are filthy.  I was at St Pauls school in the 1950s when we actually had proper shops on the High Street.  Happy days!

Pat Kingham ● 2679d

If the potholes don’t get you, the loose drain covers will, but HH are introducing a new street cleaning schedule. So all’s we’ll.

Robin Dickers ● 2679d

Has anyone tried contacting TW directly? They must surely have a customer services facility allowing this.

Keith Iddon ● 2679d

What's the opposite of 'rose-tinted glasses'?

Paul Scullion ● 2679d

It's always the same with Thames Water David, there seems to be no-one pushing them to repair these covers, there's another one nearer to Kew Bridge which is just the same.  You'd have though HH etc. would really push TW to act after months without a resolution.As for my little walk, the ironic thing is that I'm by far the positive, upbeat individual in the household and am always chastising my Mrs. for being negative !.

Adam Beamish ● 2679d

I reported the clanking main hole cover seven months ago through Hounslow Highways web site. They informed me within 24 hours they have passed it on to Thames Water who's cover it belongs to.

David Squire ● 2679d

There are still some beautiful walks along the canal starting from the A4.  Many many lovely areas in Brentford, but the area this poster described is pretty grim.  Unless you want to visit Watermans!  Strange place Brentford, and I have lived here for well over 30 years

Emma Renton ● 2679d

And to think I used to come to Brentford from Hanwell along the canal to savour the atmosphere all those years ago. I would never have believed how things would turn out.

Nicholas Beard ● 2679d

Thats why i rarely walk round this area - dont have any reason to these days luckily.  Brentford most certainly aint Brilliant.

Emma Renton ● 2679d

People who say Brentford is wonderful dont want to see the truth. You walked, you saw reality. People ignore the litter or worse they get used to it. Yours was a perfect experience of reality. Thanks for the wonderful view of Brentford.

Nicholas Beard ● 2679d

Total lack of consideration for anyone but themselves: the b**ger you generation!

Roger Foreman ● 2679d