Forum Topics

9pm BBC1  Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's War on Waste

AKA Hugh Fearnley Eats-it-All.Looking at waste in the food supply chain.  People are visiting food banks and yet there is a tremendous waste of good food which needs addressing.Also see the petition started by Rosie Boycott addressed to the CEOs of the biggest supermarkets asking for change.Please read, sign and share:https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-rot-end-supply-chain-food-waste

Philippa Bond ● 4015d7 Comments ● 4004d

1st Osterley Scouts Annual bazaar

Can any reader of this forum tell me the date of this popular Bazaar for this year.

Tony Richmond ● 4025d8 Comments ● 4004d

Proposed closure of Church St.

From Cllr. Guy Lambert's weekly TW8 Newsletter."Saturday was monthly surgery in the Mission Hall. A lady looking for a venue to run an after-school group (must get back to her) and another lady who wanted to protest about the imminent trial closure of Church Street in Isleworth to cars, which she believes will make her late for work each day after depositing her child at the Blue School. I’m sympathetic to her personal difficulties but we did hear the arguments for and against this closure at the last Isleworth and Brentford Area Forum and councillors unanimously (I think) agreed to the trial."Clearly Cllr. Lambert didn't pay any heed to the public meeting held at the Isleworth Public Hall recently, where it was quite clear the arguments for and against this decision seemed to consist of offering residents several options all of which contained a closure! He along with others needs to understand that where traffic is concerned you CANNOT look at things in isolation, this stupid and misguided plan will cause gridlock on the Twickenham Rd. The whole area from Busch Corner right up to the A316 roundabout has to be considered. Is Cllr. Lambert familiar with the area? If he is then he's talking balderdash, if he isn't then he should try driving around here in the rush hour. Listening to officers referring to their reports is not enough, councillors should familiarise themselves with the issues they are being asked to take decisions on, then he might understand the dreadful implications this decision so easily taken will have for all local residents.

Vanessa Smith ● 4004d1 Comments ● 4004d

Sewing machine lessons?

I am an absolute beginner looking for some lessons starting with the basics.  I do have my own singer sewing machine.  I live in Brentford.  Please email me!

Karen Stephenson ● 4016d14 Comments ● 4004d

F.O.I.

Last chance to get your views on the government's threatened watering down of the Freedom of Information Act in. Without the FOI the scandal of M.P's exes, tax dodging in the U.K. and the appalling spending on management consultants and the failed NHS IT farce would have never come to light.Certainly locally it has proved to be an eye opener and extremely useful on several occasions - so if you care about getting to the truth of what our 'betters' are up to you need to get your views in by the end of November 20th at:foi.commission@justice.gsi.gov.uk As 'Private Eye' notes it costs £9m for central government to operate the FOI which they claim is a 'burden' on public authorities but central government has spent £290m on advertising in 2014/15 alone.

Vanessa Smith ● 4005d0 Comments ● 4005d

Wheelie Bins - phone calls recorded

I asked today when I phoned the wheelie bin number whether phone calls were recorded and was told straight away 'Yes'. I said that I thought that a message about that at the beginning of the call should make that clear and was told that had I gone through the switchboard then I would no doubt have had that message. I said that the number of the switchboard is not the number given to phone on the wheelie bin letters. He said ...If phone calls to the Council and other bodies are being recorded, shouldn't one be told of the fact at the start of the conversation? I am wondering about the legality of this. Does anybody know?

Anne England ● 4005d0 Comments ● 4005d

Wheelies...AGAIN

Apparently, my 'Upper Flat' in Mafeking Avenue is perfectly suitable for a wheelie bin....mmm....no side access either....how do they work that one out!!! xx

Tracieanne Mortensen ● 4012d10 Comments ● 4005d

Area Forum Small Grants - Deadline 24th November

Might be worth keeping an eye on these - who applies and who is approved.

Phil Andrews ● 4011d2 Comments ● 4005d

Story Separator Survey on Parks and Open Spaces

Survey for Hounslow Council Leisure and Cultural Services to help them understand what residents think of the parks and other public green spaces across the borough, how they are used, how satisfied people are with them and how to improve them.http://www.brentfordtw8.com/default.asp?section=info&link=http://neighbournet.com/server/common/hounspol193.htmSlightly flawed as some of the questions say to tick as many options that apply but will only then allow 3.

Reg Ghosh ● 4019d20 Comments ● 4007d

Aircraft noise is 'fourth biggest deal-breaker for house hunters'

Fourth biggest turn-off, behind only noisy neighbours (70%), evidence of pests (44%) and the seller's rude attitude (42%).http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/west-london-news/aircraft-noise-fourth-biggest-deal-10411196

Reg Ghosh ● 4007d0 Comments ● 4007d

The white poppy - time for a rethink all round?

Following on from discussions elsewhere on this forum about yesterday's Remembrance Day events, one couldn't help but notice that Syon councillor Katherine Dunne was sporting a white poppy at the Isleworth parade alongside the traditional red one, emblazoned with the word "Peace".Personally I thought this was a nice touch.  So often I have found myself nonplussed by the abuse I have received from a very small minority of people when selling poppies, usually accompanied by allegations that I am a warmonger and an apologist for murder.  Yet I have opposed UK and Western military aggression in North Africa and the Middle East as outspokenly and as consistently as any anti-war campaigner from the so-called "left".Similarly there is undoubtedly a feeling amongst some to whom the Remembrance season is held dear that those who choose to wear the white poppy are unpatriotic, even traitors, whose act betrays those who have given their lives.  This despite the fact that they call only for peace and an end to war - a sentiment which, in my opinion and experience, is shared by the overwhelming majority of ex-servicemen and women as well as right-thinking people everywhere.  The former ICG councillor Dr. Genevieve Hibbs was a pacifist who, when she became Mayor of Hounslow, struggled with her conscience in the knowledge that she would be expected to attend the annual ceremony of Remembrance and to play a prominent part in proceedings.  I remember having a long conversation with her in which I managed to persuade her that Remembrance was not a celebration of war but an act of respect for those who had lost their lives as a result of the failure of politics and of national leaders worldwide to reconcile their differences peacefully.  Indeed some may even see it is an act of defiance to those people, a reaffirmation of the gratitude and debt that we feel to those brave men and women who put their lives on the line in contrast to the contempt that we may hold for those who casually send them out to fight from their comfort and safety of their own pampered offices.  I am pleased to say she attended the event and did Isleworth proud.There needs in my view to be a rethink on the part of all concerned.  The moral snobbery contained in the notion held by a few that people who wear the red poppy are all monsters who celebrate in blood and death is as insulting and obscene as it is patently ridiculous.  There need be no contradiction between remembering with fondness and gratitude those who gave their lives, and aspiring for a peaceful future in which war is made a thing of the past.

Phil Andrews ● 4008d0 Comments ● 4008d

Bus improvements of sorts

emailed to me this evening are a list of contract changes for local buses:With thanks to a local resident who told me on the bus tonight and emailed this list:Looks like the E8 may run from Ealing to Hounslow. and a beefed up 65 service.But no sign of Hybrid of Electric buses for Ealing or Brentford From 28th May 2016:E2      Retained by Metroline Travel with existing fleet Euro 4 diesel double-decks (pvr 15) Increased evening and Sunday frequencies.E5      Awarded to Abellio with new Euro 6 diesel single-decks (pvr from 11 to 12).    E7      Awarded to Abellio with new Euro 6 diesel single-decks (pvr 10).    Increased evening frequencies.E8    Retained by Metroline Travel with existing fleet Euro 4 diesel double-decks (pvr up from 11 to 15), thus converted to double-deck   Subject to an imminent consultation exercise, the extra pvr is to cover a proposed route extension beyond Brentford to Hounslow. E9      Awarded to Abellio with existing fleet Euro 5 diesel double-decks (pvr from 11 to 12), thus converted to double-deck.  Currently operated by Metroline West And from 2nd July 2016:65 Retained by London United using existing fleet Euro 4 and new Euro 6 diesel double-decks (pvr up from 24 to 27)  with a frequency increase Mon-Sat daytime and all evenings.

Raymond Havelock ● 4011d1 Comments ● 4009d

'Wacky' New Development Will Be 22-Storeys High (front page)

It's probably just me but it looks like part of The Giant at Cerne Abbas.

Tony Wood ● 4013d22 Comments ● 4009d

HEALING TOMORROW IN CHISWICK

Healing will take place at the London Buddhist Vihara, The Avenue, W4 1UD, on this coming Monday, 9th November, between 11am and 1pm anyone who would like to receive healing, or just an energy boost, is more than welcome.  We will have a number of healers waiting to meet you.Although the centre takes place in the Buddhist Temple the healing is NOT related to any religion, it is totally non-denominational everyone is welcome.No charge is made for healing however a donation is most welcome - all donations are given to the Vihara for the use of the hall.No appointments are necessary.  For any further information please give me a ring on 0788 189 6449.

Pat Smith ● 4009d0 Comments ● 4009d

Estate Clean up - Sucesss

On Thursday 22nd October The Ivybridge Tenants Action Group arranged a community Clean up on Ivybridge Estate.The day was a great success and over 30 people turnt out for it.We would like to thank TK Max, Tesco, Oakwood Merchandise, Bridgelink Community Center, The Isleworth SNT, All Souls Church, Hounslow Highways, Local residents and a Cllr Lynda Green.

Simon Anderson ● 4022d12 Comments ● 4010d

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/letting-agency-took-55million-in-housing-benefit-over-two-year

Squeeze  squeeze  squeeze  squeeze  pop

Philippa Bond ● 4010d2 Comments ● 4010d

235 and TfL

TfL seem to treat West London as Third world when compared to projects in East London.They have completely cocked up the bus facilities for both buses and passengers in Ealing Broadway and are now blaming Ealing Council entirely. It may well be the case given the wall of silence from LBE.Guy,  I would suggest going to direct to Leon Daniels at TfL and avoid the politically installed stooges parachuted in as they seem to not be able to grasp the nettle and move at a snails pace.From some reports published of late, there seems to be very little understanding of public transport practicalities by GLA members and of more worry, paid advisers.Leon ( whom I have had the pleasure of working with some time ago) is very pro active and has in the past managed to get things done, although with his great ally Sir Peter Hendy now gone, it may be harder. But well worth a try.Residents should also write to Mr Daniels.

Raymond Havelock ● 4013d3 Comments ● 4011d

New Homes Trinity Square in Hounslow,

They kept this quiet from local residents People have been camping out on the streets for two days straight to buy £199,000 "starter homes" that belong to a new development in London.Trinity Square in Hounslow, London, is London’s largest purpose-built starter home scheme, with 228 properties ranging from £199,000-£315,000 in price. Over 40% of the entire development is priced below £250,000.The flats are specifically designed and priced for first-time buyers and first-time investors by Galliard Homes and range from studio and larger two- and three-bedroom flats to penthouses.Already 1,559 people have registered a sales interest in the Hounslow project."At this new Hounslow project it's anticipated that people will start queuing in the rain today for the launch which is tomorrow evening," a representative from Galliard Homes told Business Insider UK.Rest of story herehttp://uk.businessinsider.com/galliard-homes-trinity-square-starter-homes-in-london-cost-where-to-buy-queues-and-uk-housing-shortage-2015-11

Bernard Allen ● 4011d1 Comments ● 4011d

Butts Fireworks / Bonfire

Does anyone know when these are being held this year please?

Mrs Pamela Wade ● 4013d1 Comments ● 4013d

West London VW & Kia

I noticed about a month or so ago work stopped on both of the above buildings. They are now looking really tattie as all of the protective wraps and various bits and pieces are just falling off due to adhesive being so old. I did a bit of digging and it turns out Longcross (the main contractor) has gone into administration according to their website http://www.longcross.co.uk/. Does any one have any info on what the car dealers are doing? Whilst I am sure they will have probably just have lost a lot of money it doesn't look great just having newly built abandoned buildings in Brentford, it's bad enough having the old ones! I noticed when driving down the M4 on my daily commute there are actually doors open on the Kia Building on one of the higher floors so I am sure that birds have got in now and caused all kinds of trouble!

Nick Fichte ● 4116d3 Comments ● 4013d