The Official Brentford Stereotype
Reading a recent Hounslow publication, what a uni-dimensional view our Brentford representatives at Hounslow Council have of our town as a swathe of housing, development sites, busineess and shopping centres! And this presented in monotonous council business-speak. Contrast this with the glowing description other areas within Hounslow lavish on their localities in terms of their cultural, environmental and historical features.For us no mention of our waterfronts on the Thames and Grand Union, only passing reference to Osterley, Gunnersbury and Syon Parks. The Musical Museum and Kew Bridge Steam Museum are ignored. And Brentford's pub/jazz/rock cultures just don't feature. Historical associations over 2000 years don't merit mention. Even the Golden Mile and national/international international business aren't there. And they even shoot films here!Perhaps that explains why much of Brentford has been demolished and redeveloped over the last 50 years.From a May 2005 Hounslow Draft Local Implementation Plan for the Transport Environment I quote descriptions of Brentford, Isleworth, Chiswick, Cranford, Bedfont and Hanworth, so judge for yourselves :-Brentford: " ..a number of key developments along Great West road, water frontage and south of Brentford High Street...the Brentford Regeneration Framework serves to support and provide development to improve the local economy and to achieve wider community benefits. These include increasing the avaiability of affordable housing, environmental improvements and providing a range of community and cultural facilities...Osterley Park, Syon House and Gunnersbury Park are also located in the area"Isleworth: "...an old riverside community has many of its historic features and its local character. However Isleworth also contains a number of areas of deprivation..."Chiswick: "...a vibrant cosmopolitan urban area brimming with life, colour and activity, steeped in heritage and history, it it is a well-known visitor centre and film location. The River Thames runs along the southern edge...and there are a number of historic houses, important landscapes, community open spaces, conservation areas and parks. Chiswick House Grounds are considered the most important landscape gardens in England and Wales"Hounslow: "it is also an area of new, emerging communities. At the heart of the Borough we willsee a revitalised Town Centre offering a wide range of activities that reflect the multi-cultural nature of our community...one of London's largest nature reserves, Hounslow Heath is the last surviving remnant of a once-0huge heathland that covered most of SW Middlesex. The Heath boasts a rich and colourful history...army mustering ground, haunt of highwaymen....among the world's first commercial airports. Today the Heath is managed for wildlife and supports several rare or declining plant and animal species. Excellent transport links"Cranford: " The Cranford Community Park...where several important historical features have been preserved, including an 18th century stable block and walled garden. The Park offers visitors an opportunity to explore attractive parkland and woodland along the River Crane"Bedfont: "...benefits from a range of parks including Bedfont Lakes Country Park...It features a nature reserve, several lakes, wildflower meadows, fishing lake, childrens playground, dog exercise area, car park and information centre"Hanworth: "...has royal connections with Tudor House once in royal ownership and Hanworth Park House which dates back to the late 18th century. Pates Manor is one of the oldest houses in West London and St Mary's the oldest church in Hounslow Borough"
Michael Fletcher ● 7204d16 Comments