I was very pleased with last night's meeting. That we were disappointed with a turnout of forty just goes to show how far the ICSF has progressed over the last couple of years - when I was Secretary/Vice Chair we would have been thrilled with such an attendance.The meeting was attended, and addressed at some length, by the Sector Inspector Lindsay Hannigan. Back in the bad old days even the beat bobbies were ordered to keep away from the meetings as a result of political pressure from the local authority.What is really encouraging is the interaction which has developed between the various resident-led groups in our community. Ivytag was represented and made a valued contribution, as did The Isleworth Society and local residents' associations. Those organisations which have up until now sulked and refused to participate in this as a community-based initiative must now decide whether they wish to climb on board or remain isolated on the margins. What poetic justice when one considers the efforts which they went to a few years back to try to isolate the ICSF.The success of the Forum demonstrates that the concept of community leadership of the local process is one which strikes a chord with Isleworth people. Having come so far, I would be flabbergasted if they were ever to permit themselves to be persuaded to throw this all away in return for a few promised favours from a handful of egocentrics with "the right connections".Democracy in Isleworth is stronger than ever, and there is still much more to be achieved.
Phil Andrews ● 7056d