Forum Topics

Murder in Brentwick Gardens

West London News Man stabbed to death after break-in

Robert Ayres ● 825d2 Comments ● 816d

Micheal Gove  to the rescue - Levelling Up Hounslow Council’s  Housing

After decades of fleecing their Housing Tenants  through charging Rent for poor quality  housing stock & rip off Service charges, Tenants are finally going to see their homes brought up to 21st century standard. Millions ££££ taken in rent & service charges for over 50years has been stuffed into the Pension pots instead of been ploughed back and renovating Hounslow Councils Housing Stock.

Philippa Auton ● 816d0 Comments ● 816d

Another Grenfell Miraculously Avoided in Isleworth

Ermergency Services rapid response to a fire at a  Council flat in a heritage property owned by Hounslow Council prevented Lives being lost in an inferno. The fire had broken out inside the Council flat Monday morning. Home to  a mute  vulnerable  man with Special needs, left without his usual wrap round  local authority provided Carers over the Bank Holiday Weekend. Residents of the Victorian  era property  & neighbours in Worple road were shocked to discover he’d been neglected. A Leaseholder living above the fire with his wife and baby,  were alerted by smoke and quickly ran down to the front of the property kicked the door in. He managed to assist the confused gentleman to safety before the Fire service and Ambulance arrived. The Victorian era property built in 1873;  a former Police Station,  has become a grave concern for its Residents  owing to the lack of essential property maintenance by the owner Hounslow Council.  The family living above the fire would had normally been away during the Bank Holiday. Two Police Officers  were trapped inside the flat for several  hours having prized open the original rotten sash window  to let out the smoke fumes were then unable to close it again and secure the flat,

Philippa Auton ● 819d0 Comments ● 819d

Pasta Evangelist's Dark Kitchen, open till 2am and all that.

They're requesting planning permission,& they promise not to have noisy scooters parked outside on double yellow lines and zig zags on Ealing Road ...opposite McDonaldsWell on Saturday their boss parked his Landrover halfway across the pavement .. on the yellow lines and zig zags.causing a headache for Bees fans walking home from the game. Dodgy dodgy dodgy.I have a photo I'll send to Guy Lambert.

Jim Lawes ● 862d14 Comments ● 819d

Oyster Cards

Where can I buy an Oyster Card in Isleworth or Brentford?JL.

Jim Linwood ● 820d3 Comments ● 819d

Gardner please.

I was wondering if any of you folks knew of a local gardener.I just want a slightly overgrown lawn mowed,25yds x 15, and a small front garden.Any suggestions appreciated.

Keith Iddon ● 821d2 Comments ● 820d

Cleaner

Can anyone recommend a good cleaner?Need someone for about 3 hours a week.

Mark Gormley ● 826d1 Comments ● 821d

Hounslow Matters

Who is responsible for the delivery of this magazine as I have only just seen whole stacks of these fully bound and dumped on the j/w Crowther Ave and Clayponds Ave all soaking wet so as we once again get hit with the maximum amount of local taxes and this council can't even deliver their wonderful information rag.

John William Selfe ● 850d27 Comments ● 822d

Decluttering > Books > Book Banks? > suggestions

Sadly I've reached the age(84) and with perhaps some medical conditions where I need to declutterI'm holding onto my history books for the moment but I have many others that will have to go.On Chiswick High Road at the Stamford Brook Bus Garage stop ... I discovered a BOOK BANK. I have started leaving books there...for others to take.There  also a book bank on THE ISLAND (Security Office) in Brentford.Any other places where I can donate.. and where others can take freely?

Jim Lawes ● 829d12 Comments ● 823d

LOST CAT - Please help!

We haven’t seen our cat Richard Parker since Thursday evening (13/04), grey bengal tabby mix with black spots, green/yellow eyes. He can be mean to strangers so be aware if you do spot him, he is chipped too. Please message me on cerysmaher@gmail.com if you see him. Thank you

Cerys Maher ● 834d4 Comments ● 830d

Unsolved West London Murders.

In March 2023, The commissioner of the Met Police Sir Mark Rowley admitted the force has 'racists, misogynists and homophobes' in its ranks – as Home Secretary Suella Braverman blasted 'serious failings of culture, leadership and standards' at Scotland Yard. On 6th April I sent a lengthy email to Mark Rowley pleading with him to review The Hammersmith Nudes' murders of the 1960's. I told him that I am in contact with adult children and other members of 6 of the murder victims.  I told him that many of the victims' family members are convinced that if the victims were police women, doctors, nurses or solicitors there would have been a review. On April 11 I recieved the following."Dear Mr Milkins,My apologies for the delayed response. I have forwarded this matter to the appropriate team for their review and direct reply to you.Kind regards,*****  ********      *********  | Inspector | Staff Officer to the Commissioner."Today I received a a phone call from New Scotland Yard followed by the following email.Dear Mr Milkins "It was good to speak to you on the phone just now, and as promised, I am emailing to confirm my details. I recognise the huge amount of dedication you have put into your investigations and I am sorry that these terrible murders remain unsolved, despite your efforts.There have been various reviews conducted regarding these cases over the years and I know you were in contact with DC Paul Rogers in 2007, and most recently, DC Adam Bailey in 2020. It remains the case as per DC Bailey’s letter that the links between Harold Jones and the victims are not substantive enough to enable a definitive finding that he was responsible for their deaths. I hope you understand that because Jones died in 1971 and there is no additional material further to what has been looked at in the above reviews, we won’t be reviewing the cases again at this time.Having said that, I know you are determined to continue with your work, and if there is something substantive and probative that you find that you would like to bring to our attention in the future, please do so.I wish you all the best."DC *****   ****** | CSC - Major InquiriesSpecial Casework TeamTHE MUST GO ON. AND IT WILL.

Neil Milkins ● 831d0 Comments ● 831d

Volunteer Gardeners wanted

Age Concern Chiswick has a lovely garden at their Friendship Club in Oxford Road North, W4 4DN but we are short of people to look after it. Can you help? Have you a spare hour or two on Mondays or Thursdays? If so, do get in touch: ageconcernchiswick@outlook.com or call 020 8742 7007.

Age Concern Chiswick ● 834d0 Comments ● 834d

The (once upon a time) proposed pedestrian bridge to the Kew

Wouldn't it be a tonic for Brentford folk if the once proposed pedestrian bridge across the River Thames to the Kew Towpath came to fruition.The bridge would take one to "Brentford Gate" which is an entrance to Kew Gardens.With the attractive £1 entrance fee for oldies like me ... it would enhance our remaining days!If cyclists were allowed to use the bridge (no riding allowed?) they would be halfway  to Richmond before they knew it! Brentford Lock West is getting a new bridge this month to ease their trips to Brentford Station...so perhaps now is the time for the "Ballymore Footbridge to get back on the Agenda. Yes a bridge named after a sponsor.Past offorts failed to progress due to lack of financial support.

Jim Lawes ● 839d12 Comments ● 835d

Brentford Canal Festival

A nice little piece telling us that there will be a Canal Festival this year. It was fun last year - I particularly loved the music in the Market Place and it was wonderful that the weather was great. But the article would have been nicer still if the dates of the festival had been included. "Who, what, when, where, how" seem to have disappeared from the journalist's canon.

Sue Rowe ● 844d3 Comments ● 843d

Foundations Shaking

Anyone else’s foundations are shaking heavily due to the industrial impact drilling at the old Brentford football stadium? Our entire building is moving when they use that machine. I do hope it doesn’t cause damage to our buildings?

Jai Williams ● 848d5 Comments ● 844d

SNP Money

How can money just disappear? I really don't understand - anybody got an explanation? Thanks.

Anne England ● 845d6 Comments ● 844d

Time for a change?

So, Sadiq Khan is claiming that the “silent majority” support his plans to charge us a huge daily amount to drive on our roads.  Does he think that we would believe that only people who are strongly against these measures will speak out, and those who are strongly in favour will just sit quietly by?  He is using the same dishonest tactics used by our local council – to ignore or discredit the results of their own consultations that are verifiably and resolutely against their plans, in favour of inventing conversations with mystery persons that appear to support them.  I think that we are all in favour of better air quality, but is this going to produce a significant and measurable improvement?  And is this the best use of our money at this time?  We are experiencing the highest inflation in a generation, we have fuel poverty, a social care crisis, a mental health epidemic, an influx of refugees from a war – I could go on.  So, what are our Labour administrations in Hounslow and City Hall prioritising – building cycle lanes and fining us for using our cars to get to work.  How can they justify a 5% council tax rise locally, and a whopping 10% increase for the GLA, when people can’t heat their homes or feed their families?  These people have become complacent and expect to be returned time after time, so make no effort to truly represent their constituents or take our views into account when they’re spending OUR money.  When you’re next in the supermarket wondering what you can afford to eat, think of the millions being spent on these pointless schemes.  I think it is time that these people – both in Hounslow and City Hall, who have shown no interest in truly representing us and are happy to raise taxes and fritter away our money on grandiose and pointless schemes, need to be voted out at the first opportunity – literally anyone else would be better than this lot.

Graham Thorpe ● 846d0 Comments ● 846d

Brexit

Its finally been admitted there will be border control posts at Belfast and three other locations. And goods crossing the Irish Sea will be subject to checks.

Nicholas Beard ● 1902d17 Comments ● 848d

The Gating of Brentford Dock

(See the article on the front page of TW8).These are important clarifications:1) if you wish to comment to LB Hounslow on the Article 4 Direction, you should include your name and postal address within your email.2) Brentford Voice would welcome your general opinion on the gating, irrespective of whether you are in favour of the gates or against them. Please email your thoughts to:   info@brentfordvoice.co.uk

Jim Storrar ● 885d36 Comments ● 849d

Reglazng glasses

Has anyone experience of reusing old glass frames by having new lenses put in them?  I have a couple of pairs I would like to reuse, but I am uncertain of who to go to, and whether it is a good idea?

Sarah Felstead ● 854d7 Comments ● 849d

Brentford to Hounslow Cycleway Consultation Report Published

The consultation report into the Brentford to Hounslow Cycleway proposal (not the one they have just started building but the one further west which is on the drawing board).https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/hounslow-brentford-walking-and-cycling-changesThere are some interesting comments in the report and bus island by-passes were clearly causing people a lot of concern.What TfL haven't done is give details of overall levels of support or opposition to the scheme presenting responses in a way in which it was impossible to work out even broadly what was the balance of opinion.You may argue that this is underhand and assume that it could only be because the level of opposition was overwhelming or say that this is meant to be a consultation not a referendum.What I can't recall is if there was ever a question asking for overall opinions on the scheme in the original survey. They have taken it down now so it is hard to find out. If they did then an FoI request may be necessary to find out.There is to be another consultation on more detailed plans later this year.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 851d0 Comments ● 851d

House in Grove Road, Isleworth, hits the news …

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11864359/Reckless-homeowner-illegally-knocked-800-000-three-bed-house-fined-6-000.html

Sarah Felstead ● 867d16 Comments ● 854d

Detailed design for Watermans Park to Kew Bridge cycleway

At risk of attracting further ridicule and contempt at being unable to track down documents online, could someone point me in the right direction for a more detailed map of the new section of the Cycleway planned between Watermans Park and Kew Bridge?

Jeremy Parkinson ● 865d35 Comments ● 854d

The pedestrian north side of the Great West Road is a disgrace.

It was kind of King George V and Queen Mary to open a stage of the Great West Road back in 1925.It is a major throughfare through Brentfordof which we used to be most proud.Take a walk from the Chiswick Flyover...starting on the west side... and you'll been startled to see masses of trapped litter ..seemingly left alone for years.Use the still active subway (ref A4 Smiths Factory)... ignore the filth and litter (not cleaned for years)...litter all along and in front of Dell, chaotic cycle path ..disgraceful Gatehouse zone at Gunnersbury Park.. and then the flytipping scene at the Sunley Plot at the entrance to Lionel Road  North. Who is in Charge?

Jim Lawes ● 861d11 Comments ● 855d

Best cream teas?

Shall we share details of the best cream teas around?  If we are going to do this + maybe we should decide what makes a really lovely cream tea?

Sarah Felstead ● 874d10 Comments ● 856d

The Ukrainian National football team and fans ...

.... have been apparently hotellingwith their families in Brentford TW8prior to their match versus Brentford B and v England at Wembley this weekend.Another thumbs up for TW8!

Jim Lawes ● 856d0 Comments ● 856d

Coronation Street Parties?

I gather that the friendly Enfield Road,in North Brentford, are have a Street Party ...sometime that weekend.Good on them!

Jim Lawes ● 865d2 Comments ● 858d

Less than a weeks notice for almost complete gridlock

So now the M4 will be closed as far as the A4 to Hogarth Roundabout. With the only notice being on this site . - Less than a week.The TfL/ Highways Authority advice?  Use the A40 or the A4.Do they not know that these roads are also currently severely restricted for ongoing works with tailbacks on the A40 to the M25 and is causing delays and gridlock in Hayes, Southall and almost impossible to get across Ealing to Brentford or Acton ?Then there are works on South Ealing Road, in Boston Manor and Hanwell.Then there is Richmond Town Centre blocked right in the middle with a 30 min detour via Sheen heading North- which diverts the bus right back into the epicentre of congestion.Plus ongoing Tube works of which the notifications have also been reduced by 4 days.The messed up weekends, the impossibility of working on call, and the waste in fuel, added pollution, stuffed up incomes, stress and damage to local trade.How on earth is this Road Management? and why such late and scant information to residents over what is a wide area.Plenty of posters all over the place about Ulez and untrue claims of clean air ( now being taken up by the ASA) But nothing about actions that are making life an absolute hell for everyone on foot in a car or on a bus.Worse than third rate.

Raymond Havelock ● 860d2 Comments ● 860d

Footbridge over canal/river to Boston Manor Park

The bridge is still closed. Planning application applied Sept. 2022 for strengthening. With the major improvements to the Park great shame there is currently no access from the towpath. I assume the various bodies involved are still fighting over who pays. Does anyone have some positive news?.

Chris Dakers ● 908d12 Comments ● 860d

The never ending road works underneath the M4 in Brentford.

Someone on the REAL BRENTFORD facebook group is asking the very legitimate question.about all the maintenance  work that keeps going on underneath the M4 passing through Brentford.... and currently causing great delays.We heard about water leakage, the damage done by SALT etc.... but what is the real problem. Is it being disclosed?Lots of wires seem to have been inserted into the cement column s etc.What's it all about.Does the M4 need rebuilding in TW8?

Jim Lawes ● 883d15 Comments ● 861d

Venue for a baby shower

We are currently looking for a venue for a baby shower probably for about 30 people. It would just be for a Saturday/Sunday afternoon   (1pm - 4pm) preferably with on site parking and catering facilities.Any ideas. Thanks in advance.

Pat Kingham ● 875d9 Comments ● 863d

Do two buildings on the Ballymore development site need SAVING?

I've noticed two buildings that were destined to be SAVED ...are seemingly beinguncared for, are showing signs of disrepairand could well be deemed soon for sad demolition.One is the old Wilson and Kyle staff canteen and grinding  building that had the interesting staggered brickwork.The Jupp overhanging warehouse could do with some tlc before that too is given the bulldozer treatment.Anyone concerned?

Jim Lawes ● 891d7 Comments ● 866d

Boston Manor House

Is this open now, does anybody know? If so, what times? Can't seem to find out by googling!

Susan Kelly ● 895d25 Comments ● 869d

Anybody know a John Murphy?

We got a package for someone of that name, but the address is obviously wrong

Mark Gormley ● 871d0 Comments ● 871d

Greggs rubbish - and a TQ

Can anyone explain why Greggs are allowed to pile bags of rubbish all over the pavement outside their premises every day. Should they not be required to have proper commercial rubbish disposal?Also a thank you to Hounslow Council for installing two new wooden cube seats by the willow tree on the Market Square. This will stop those dangerous people  who drive over the pavement and under the tree in order to park illegally on the square and endanger all who use it.

Cherry Baker ● 885d7 Comments ● 871d

Should they delay building CS9 through Brentford?

Bicycle sales are at a 20 year low and there’s no real prospect of boosting them. Maybe all that multi million pound investment isn’t needed after all!https://road.cc/content/news/uk-bike-sales-fall-lowest-level-20-years-299457

Simon Hayes ● 883d11 Comments ● 878d

Happy St David's Day!

•It's 1st March.•So it's St David's Day.•Brentford's links with Wales?The M4 motorway of course ...and welsh friends and associates

Jim Lawes ● 881d4 Comments ● 880d

Garages in Carville Crescent

Just received letter from Chartwell Vision building contractor based in Kent. I do hope that there vision improves before they start work as the address given reads adjacent to 2 Carville Crescent, Feltham,TW13 7DD which is Fernside Avenue, Feltham. perhaps LBH can help out before residents in Fernside have a block of flats in their road.

John William Selfe ● 881d3 Comments ● 881d

Victorian Old Police Station in Isleworth open for tours.

You are welcome to look around this local listed building. Surprisingly  very little has  structurally been altered. The property’s freehold  is owned by Hounslow Council, had been converted into flats . The wooden sash windows albeit  now rotten contain the original panes of glass. ,The electric circuit boxes are over 60 years old have a distinctive retro look. The Loft has a beauty of its own, displaying superb carpentry. Missing roof tiles have invited  rain over the decades  to add  attractive hues to the wooden joists and beams. Also in the Attic is an Asbestos insulation quite rare in residential housing. The  cracked lathe and plaster  ceilings  when gently pressed become animated, giving a gentle ripple effect. The subsidence has created a deep crack that runs down from the ceiling to the floor.  Outside of the property plant life flourishes with young trees growing from drains and  attached to the outside wall a 30ft rusty gas pipeline continues to feed gas into the building. Bring a hard hat.

Philippa Auton ● 884d9 Comments ● 882d

Upholstery recommendations please

2 dining chairs need the covers on the seat pads replacing.  Do you know of anyone?  Thanks

Sarah Felstead ● 887d4 Comments ● 884d

Steve Allen

Has retired ….

Sarah Felstead ● 885d0 Comments ● 885d

Growing Tomatoes

Experience of tomato growing - hints and tips - would be appreciated.  Grow bags?  Seeds?  Thanks

Sarah Felstead ● 889d7 Comments ● 886d

Cycle Lanes and bus islands in narrow Brentford High Street.

Oh to think that the traffic headaches of Chiswick will be intensified in Brentford...in the next year or two. Are Brentford's Councillors on the case in good time to make suggestions and amendments.Chiswick, my birthplace, is such a disaster.Accidents waiting in the wings.

Jim Lawes ● 910d20 Comments ● 886d

Restricting Public Access to the Brentford Dock Estate

You will have read the article on the front page.You may be aware also...via BRENTFORD VOICE... that Hounslow Council  might be engaging expensive lawyers to fight this prohibition.I sat next to a lady on a bus yesterday and we engaged in interesting conversation. She lived in Brentford Dock and was fully supportive of restricting public access to their river and canalside location.They pay their maintenance chargesto keep the place tidy..amongst other things. But it's OUR local scalleywags  who let Brentford down again. Some of their disgusting habits ruin things for the rest of us.Urinating and depositing poo on your homeland is no fun to tolerate. Litter is bad enough.I've come to the conclusion that Brentford Dock are right and Hounslow Council and Brentford Voice should tonedown their opposition.No wonder the Pump House Crescent estate of apartments (behind Holland Gardens) is fenced in too ..to keep out Green Dragon Lane swalleywags (if they exist).Summarising... these badly behaved locals spoil life for all of us and we should accept that  and not force the issue.I loved looking at the River Thames from outside Justin Court at the Dock... but no more. Thank you scalleywags.

Jim Lawes ● 922d37 Comments ● 888d

Museum type skills wanted - archiving/cataloguing

We are a regulated local (not for profit)community group and we seek an enthusiastic, experienced archivist! Have you got the skills to catalogue a sporting collection of <1000 items but with more coming soon. This is consultancy but sleeves rolled up, there's work to do. After the cataloguing >> scanning!Can you help - join us - come on board - this is not voluntary.Local (very local) sporting interest helpful!Thank you!Don

Don Tanswell ● 891d2 Comments ● 890d

Kndness Wall

FYI there is a kindness wall at the junction of t'high street and Catherine Wheel Rd. where you can hang upo an unwanted coat,jumper,hoodie etc.for anyone who might need one.

Keith Iddon ● 900d12 Comments ● 892d

Enough supermarkets in Brentford?

When Morrisons move to the new location on the BRENTFORD PROJECT site...I gather that it will be smaller in size compared with the present one.Is just one supermarket enough...with the thousands of people moving into the town?Today's Metro Newspaper lists the popularity score of the TOP TEN SUPERMARKETS.M&S, Aldi and Waitrose score very well.followed by Iceland,Lidl,Sainsburys and Tesco who are considered middling. Morrisons trailed in 9th place followed by the Co-Op.Are local shoppers happy?

Jim Lawes ● 892d1 Comments ● 892d

Sewage dumping in the Thames should be banned..even treated stuff.

There have been some exceptional low tides on the Brentford Waterfront this week.One can see the levels in front of Lot's Ait reduced to puddles.I fancied my chances of reaching the riverbank by going down those steps at Smith Hill. Even the lower steps were caked in thick Thames mud and I had to retreat.My footwear was plastered.Returning home...I washed the solid Thames mud from the soles etc. The mud stank of sewage. One hears that the Thames does have a whiff sometimes. One would have thought modern technology  would have sorted the problem. Successive local MPs have knocked on Thames Water's door. The boss gets paid a fortune. LET'S HAVE SOME ACTION!

Jim Lawes ● 894d2 Comments ● 893d

Smith Hill, Brentford  and occupants of the old Max Factor building.

I have recently been fascinated by the area around Smith Hill (at the bottom of Ealing Road and leading to the river) and likewise Goat Wharf, The Thames Path and Lot's Ait.Really gritty Brentford stuff.The tide is sometimes so low, just puddles, that it's tempting to wade....or certainly to do some mudlarking.In the basement of the Max Factor building,a small enterprise called STUDIO KLOX seems similar to the MAN'S SHED that operates in Isleworth Cemetery.Studio Flox is involved with cushion making, UPHOLSTERY, Furniture varnishing, yoga, and various other crafts and interests.This evening they were hosting a talk about the old Gas Works! A hidden gem of an area!

Jim Lawes ● 894d3 Comments ● 894d

Silverback gorilla.

A quote from an anonymous thinker. "How many Silver-back gorillas would be required, and how long would it take to train 1 of the gorillas to sit at a piano and play Beethoven's 5th Symphony?"

Neil Milkins ● 897d2 Comments ● 896d

Question for Guy Lambert

If you can tear yourself away from whatever ale house or curry emporium you are frequenting this weekend perhaps you could answer a simple question:How many pedestrians were killed or injured on Swyncombe Avenue between 2010 and 2022?I bet you could find the answer fairly easily from your council colleagues. You used pedestrian safety in general as a reason for the closure being made permanent, but failed to provide any specifics relating to the road. Are you hiding behind dodgy data?

Simon Hayes ● 900d25 Comments ● 897d

Hounslow Road Blocks to Become Permanent

Here is a question I would like any of our Councillors to answer.Why did you hire a private company to carry out a consultation with ratepayers money and when they reported that there was huge opposition,ignore the result ?It is obvious that the Labour council never was going to listen to their residents views.I,like many residents, am disgusted at this level of comtempt for the people of this borough shown by this group of self-serving yes men who blindly toe the party line without a whimper, who by their action show they have no respect whatsoever for their constituents.

Robert Ayres ● 918d53 Comments ● 897d

Mayor of London in Ealing on Question Time

Should be very interesting as to what questions we will be allowed to ask.https://www.london.gov.uk/events/peoples-question-time-ealing

Debbie Paradin ● 897d1 Comments ● 897d

Guy Lambert Meets Cindrella

Yes, Guy was admiring his handiwork in Whitestile Road when who should happen along but Cinders."Oh Guy", she said. "You look sad". "Yes", he said. "I'm getting a lot of stick about my handiwork and it's the wicked wizard who lives down Enfield. He keeps on about this thing called democracy and refused to accept my excuses." "Oh", said Cinders. "I see you have been telling a few little white porkies. Well, a few more won't hurt. Tell them you met a lady who told you everyone loves them and Guy, don't be down if it all goes tits up. I have the perfect job for you, as the widow Twanky in my pantomime - if we can find a frock big enough to fit you. So go away and use your monotonous, boring, self-promoting blog to say 'Approval on the Ground for New Permanent Road Barriers'. Then there was a thunderous fart, a flash of smoke and Cinders disappeared.

Robert Ayres ● 897d0 Comments ● 897d

Syon Lane

Does anyone know if Syon Lane is open for through traffic yet? Thanks.

Pat Kingham ● 902d9 Comments ● 899d

Vagisha Kajla bank card

I found a bank card today with the name Vagisha Kajla.If anyone knows her please reply, and if she can identify the lost card I will arrange to get it back to her.

Paul Thompson ● 904d0 Comments ● 904d

Unused CD's and DVD's

Having a clear out, I find I have containers of unused CD's and DVD's plus plastic cases.  Anyone interested - FOC of course!Also, can anyone suggest what I can do with unwanted cables etc. I don't want to send them to landfill. Thanks.

Joan Adamson ● 906d14 Comments ● 904d

Rotten Boroughs Awards 2022

Hounslow has made the Private Eye 'Rotten Boroughs' Awards 2022 - category 'Brass-necked Councillor of the Year'. "One of the reasons Hounslow Labour councillor Puneet Grewal found herself de-selected last April may have been that she had claimed £17,976 in allowances over the year, but managed to attend just one meeting. Nice work while it lasted!"

Vanessa Smith ● 936d19 Comments ● 906d

Update on energy companies SSE and OVO.

ILLEGAL TRANSFER FROM ENERGY PROVIDER SSE TO OVO.A response given on Trustpilot on 26-1-23  by energy provider SSE regarding my illegal transfer from energy company SSE to energy company OVO which are part of the same company."Hi, Thank you for your recent email, I apologise for the delay in my response.We appreciate you contacting us. When I check your account, it has already been transferred to OVO Energy. As a result, your account has been closed and we no longer have access to it. I suggest you to get in touch with OVO Energy because they are the team that can assist you.Thank you for contacting SSE."John from OVO has informed me that I was tricked by SSE to sign up to OVO with a false promise of a £50 energy credit.And the response given on Trustpilot by OVO. Thanks for getting back to me, Neil.I've checked over your account and I can see you've managed to reach the team. I am sorry that the letter has caused such confusion, but the install would have had to have been with SSE.Thanks,Dave.Both SSE and OVO are continuing to argue that the other party are to blame for the illegal transfer. I have to wait about 7 weeks for SSE and OVO to sort the mess out before the Energy Ombudsman will intervene. Anyone wishing to change energy providers would be wise to check on Trustpilot the company they are thinking of using before deciding. SSE and OVO are having shocking reviews. See part of Which magazine review of OVO below.                                                              "Ovo Energy came near the bottom of the table in 13th place out of 16 energy companies rated by 10,197 members of the public in the annual Which? customer survey. This is a big drop from last year, when it came joint second. It had poor two-star ratings for almost all of the aspects of service we looked at, managing an average three stars for just one - the accuracy of its payments."One dissatisfied customer said: 'It’s impossible to contact them. Online options don’t make it easy to solve problems.'

Neil Milkins ● 908d0 Comments ● 908d

FREE talk "Temples of Industry"  11.30 am Thurs 2nd Feb

Do come to a talk by Jennal Amin of Gunnersbury Park Museum, exploring people's memories of working in three local factories (Firestone, Trico and AEC) and the impact that their closures had on people's lives.  She will also be most interested to hear your experiences of working in other factories or workplaces.  Do bring along any relevant photos you may have.At the Friendship Club, Oxford Road North, W4 4DN.  ageconcernchiswick@outlook.com.  020 8742 7007

Age Concern Chiswick ● 913d3 Comments ● 909d

Protect your Right to Strike

https://www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/protect-the-right-to-strike?share=889b893f-245e-45f8-b136-4557303c37f3&source=email-share-button&utm_source=email

Vanessa Smith ● 909d0 Comments ● 909d

Cattery

Can anyone recommend a reasonably local one?

Mark Gormley ● 911d1 Comments ● 909d

Covid tests

Checking the dates on the Covid tests we ordered before they ended the free boxes, I realised that we will never use them all by the use by dates.  There are several months left on them, mostly December 23 but some October and one was July.Took them to the food bank yesterday so people using the food bank, and their volunteers can make use of them rather than spending the £2 a test.Maybe you could check if you are going to use all yours before the use by date?

Sarah Felstead ● 909d0 Comments ● 909d

Brent Lea Park ...in Brentford Ward West.

This quiet and peaceful Park,one of the Borough's many,lies between the Brent Lee Estate  and the Duke of Northumberland's London home.There's an outdoor Basketball Court and a tennis court within the acres of grass and old trees.A few people are complaining aboutnot wanting to use the close handy Park because of the excessive amount of dog poo being left behind by dog owners.The Council are now spending good money building a new pathway around the perimeter  of the grassy area....for that reason?!Brentford West Councillors to be alerted perhaps. Catch the culprits!

Jim Lawes ● 910d2 Comments ● 910d

Disgusting LITTERLOUTS  on the Haverfield Estate.

The threat of CCTV cameras is no deterrant for the litter scalleywags. Pictures are being posted on the REAL BRENTFORD facebook where the posting of photos and getting responses  is very easy.The Council Staff who collect the waste bins must be horrified at the sights they see before them. They don't want to spend time clearing up the mess... and one can't blame themRecycling seems out of the question and the treatment of such contaminated  materials is alarming. I'm a keen recycler...down to the last slither of paper.Walnut Tree Road sometimes wins 1st prize for distasteful scenes. I wonder what a busy Councillor could arrange.

Jim Lawes ● 910d0 Comments ● 910d

Eddie Menday MBE... prolific local historian... has died.

We learn from a Heston fb page that the 100 year old Eddie... who wrote articles in the Middlesex Chronicle over many years...and in other media too.. has died.Many will recognise his name and be aware of his many local Governorships. Mainly associated with Feltham and Hounslow... who will be extra saddened at his passing..

Jim Lawes ● 913d1 Comments ● 912d

Dishonest business practice.

It's seems like everyone is out to scam. 10 days ago I had a letter from SSE, part of the O.V.O. family offering a £50 energy credit if I had a Smart Meter installed. I booked the meter but had to change to S.S.E. O.V.O. I have just been informed by John from S.S.E. O.V.O. that the agent from S.S.E. had tricked me into signing up to S.S.E. O.V.O. and since signing up have been told that I don't qualify for a Smart Meter or £50 credit. John has promised to rectify the matter.I have been on the phone to SSE and OVO from 9.30 this morning until now ( 3.00 pm) today. I have been waiting up to 30 minutes to get connected and have been cut off 3 times by Ryan then Steff then another woman.

Neil Milkins ● 915d8 Comments ● 913d

A4/Windmill Rd junction

Anybody know why it's blocked off? I saw the notices about works on the elevated section, but didn't clock that you can't cross the main road by car any more

Mark Gormley ● 917d17 Comments ● 914d

Brentford's Medya!

So sad that the Brentford and Chiswick Times closed years ago...and others too no doubt.Now we have on-line competition.Brentford Hub and Brentford VoiceAll the Brentford Football Club sitesAll the Facebook sitesAnd HOUNSLOW MATTERS tries to get a look in.And of course  BRENTFORD TW8.COM.Who's not to be missed?

Jim Lawes ● 914d0 Comments ● 914d

It's Burn's Night soon ...

Where will our Scottish friends be celebrating locally?Is there a local public house with a Scottish flavour I know that Irish Pub's celebrate colourfully on the 17th March each year.Indeed I ventured into Soviet influencedESTONIA once and found an Irish Pub proudly operating in Tallinn the Capitalwith a clientele  including the British Ambassador! So, any locations recommended?

Jim Lawes ● 918d11 Comments ● 914d

Hounslow Expands Council Home Building Programme

I have some questions about this item.(1) The total money being used for the 1000 new homes is, according to the report, a grant of £168m and borrowing of £289m. That's a total of £457m. So it would appear that each home is to be built at a cost of £457,000. Isn't that rather expensive? What will be the mix of the homes in terms of the number of bedrooms? Will the homes be built on Council-owned land?(2) 2) Cllr Tom Bruce is quoted as saying that Hounslow has "a fantastic track record of delivering homes for local people". But when we turn to the Council's published assessment of its housing record the picture seems rather different. The Council's Housing Strategy 2019-2014 tells us that population growth in the borough is exceeding the provision of new homes and that this is producing a trend towards more overcrowding (page 36). The same document informs us that the demand for larger family homes is increasing. Another Council housing publication says that 50% of new homes need to be larger family homes (3+ bedrooms).The Local Plan says that new developments should have at least 30% of larger family homes (in the market and social/affordable sectors). And yet the Planning Committee approves large developments like that for the Tesco-Homebase sites that don't come near meeting even the Local Plan requirement. It is not clear to me how this can be described as a "fantastic" provision of homes for local people?(3) Are the thousand new homes promised additional to the 5000 new homes promised in the Housing Strategy 2019-2014 or are they a repackaging of part of that 5000? The report implies that they are extra to the 5000. I would just like to be clear that that is the case.

David Pavett ● 921d13 Comments ● 914d

Mini mozzies in Brentford!

It seems that both the Clayponds  Estate and the Haverfield Estate in Brentford's East... were built on previous sewage farms/ filter beds and moreWhy are baby mozzies still around..even though they only live 24 hours?Get the spray out agsin Jim!

Jim Lawes ● 915d0 Comments ● 915d

Charity night in aid of Parkinson’s at the Six Bells

Friday 16th Dec is a charity night at the Six Bells. We have local favourite singer Richard Blair singing all the old favourites of The Rat Pack - songs you’ll know and love to sing along to! We are raising awareness and funds in aid of Parkinson’s disease - raffle including a brand new ladies bike s d tickets for Brentford FC to be won! We would love to see you especially if you haven’t been before or lately, you might like the changes we’ve made. Christmas jumper night & disco on Sat 17th too with DJ The Maestro.

Karen Morris ● 957d2 Comments ● 915d

Road Safety for Older Adults workshop - FREE

Do come to our workshop - provided by Mairi McLeod for LB Hounslow - on road safety for older adults at 11.30 am on Thursday 26th January at the Friendship Club, Oxford Road North, W4 4DN.  We are just off Chiswick High Road opposite the Clayton Hotel.  Gunnersbury station.  Buses H91, 110, 237, 267 and 440.  Free and open to all.  More info: email us on ageconcernchiswick@outlook.com or call 020 8742 7007.

Age Concern Chiswick ● 925d9 Comments ● 916d

Thames Water

You are not going to need this information unless it is an emergency, but if it is an emergency, you really need to know it…Our old “key hole shaped” stop-cock in the street has done the house proud.  We have a key on a long pole to turn it off, should it need turning off.A couple of years ago it was changed into a new plastic box which apparently uses a different key, a black key, which is tucked inside the newer plastic box, out in the street ( didn’t know that ).  The old pole key is obsolete.Thames Water are now going around changing all the old key hole style stop-cocks for plastic boxes, which also come with a key inside them, a blue key.  The black and blue keys are different, but are inside the boxes in the street.The stop-cock with a black key needs to be turned until the water stops, the blue key only needs a small turn to close it.Just spoken to a neighbour who also didn’t know there was supposed to be a key inside their box, and there has never been one, so they use a wrench……

Sarah Felstead ● 959d13 Comments ● 916d

THE VERDICT premises have been.sold!

ie.. the ground floor trading space at the old Magistrates Court in Market Square.Sad news?What will become of the premises.Brentford seems busy with Coffee Shops already...and when the BRENTFORD PROJECT fully opens...the coffee shop trading activity could become swamped!

Jim Lawes ● 922d8 Comments ● 916d

THE C9 cycleway in Waterman's Park ...a white elephant.?

After all that expense...I've never seen anyone using it..have you?Cyclists would seem to be ignoring it and choosing to stay on the busyand narrowish main road.The construction of its continuationthrough Brentford High Street to Hounslow will cause much disruption.Is it worth it?

Jim Lawes ● 922d32 Comments ● 917d

Safe installation

Strange request, but here goes. Are you a handyman, or know of one, that can install a security safe? It’s nothing fancy, can be seen here https://www.simplysafes.co.uk/sun-em-015-fire-safe.htmlIt needs to be secured to the concrete floor of my flat, just one bolt, that’s all (supplied). Got quoted a ridiculous quote of £225+ VAT by one company. Wasn’t looking to spend anything like that as it isn’t really a big job, just one bolt into concrete floor. £225+VAT is more than the safe itself. Email: regal.drifts02@icloud.com

Bradley Taylor ● 922d2 Comments ● 919d

Online Consultations

Having a vested interest, I'm trying to fill in the Online forms in relation to the Brook Road South CPZ. Unfortunately, the system keeps on telling me "having answered No to question 6, what changes would you support?". Trouble is, I answered Yes to question 6 and it won't let me correct question 7. Anybody else wrestling with it? I may email Guy Lambert directly.

Mark Gormley ● 922d2 Comments ● 922d

Monster 5G mast in Boston Manor Playing Fields

So having been kicked out of Blondin Park, Three Mobile and EE are now hoping to put up a 60-foot high monster mast in Boston Manor Playing Fields instead.It’s interesting to see that the proposed mast relies very heavily on Huawei technology. One of the drawings submitted to Hounslow Council specifies the deployment of a Huawei BTS3900A cabinet.http://planning2.hounslow.gov.uk/NPSPublicDocs/00688507.pdfIn case you’re not familiar with it, the Huawei BTS3900A cabinet is the part of the system that deals with your calls, texts, emails and web searches. The technology in the Huawei BTS3900A also makes it possible to send all of this to Beijing so the Chinese government can see exactly what you’re up to. You can object here (link below) but only mention planning-related concerns, like height, overshadowing and loss of amenity. Spying by foreign powers does not count as a “material” concern.https://eforms.hounslow.gov.uk/ufs/ufsmain?formid=A086_PLANNING_COMMENTS&ALT_REF=00132%2FA%2FCOM1&CASE_NO=PA%2F2020%2F2091&ebz=1_1594408177409&ebd=0&ebz=1_1594408177409

David Marshall ● 1845d24 Comments ● 923d

Brentford High Line Meeting

Sad to have missed this but would be really interested to hear a report of proceedings from anyone who attended. There is clearly great potential for this site to become a real asset to the area.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 929d5 Comments ● 923d

Indian take away/delivery

I am looking for recommendations for an Indian take away/delivery in the Brentford/Northfields area.  We previously used India India in Northfields Avenue which closed last year.  We loved both the reasonable prices and the quality of their food. Look forward to receiving your suggestions. Thanks.

Pat Kingham ● 929d7 Comments ● 926d

Wales 20mph speed limit.

Wales are going to replace the 30mph with a 20mph in most places. Will England follow? On a recent visit to East Lothian I was surprised by how many towns now have a 20mph limit.

Nicholas Beard ● 941d11 Comments ● 927d

Where does Brentford start and begin near Kew Bridge.

In recent times the Brentford East Ward Bounderies have changed.Those imposing apartments  at Kew Bridge seemingly have TW8 postcodes but yet are part of the newish CHISWICK AND GUNNERSBURY WARD!Are those occupiers, many who would be newbies to the area, Brentford folkor Chiswickians?Has this been an Estate Agents and developers ploy to reclassify or upgrade their activities...or a political one to prop up the Conservative vote in Chiswick?

Jim Lawes ● 931d9 Comments ● 930d

Ballymore Site:  Fly-tipping

Please does anyone have any insight as to when this terrible, unsafe eysore is to be cleared?  The council don't appear to be showing any concern whatsoever. I'm sure it has been over a month since the original dumping occurred, and nobody seems to be showing any signs of clearing this rat-infested area?

Alison Smith ● 932d10 Comments ● 931d

Question for Cllr Lambert about Boston Manor cafe

From your blog: ‘This included Boston Manor Park where I took a pic of our swanky new cafe which is now a Park Hub (or will be when they finish it and find someone to run a café!)’Is there a plan for this? Is there contingency for the expensively rebuilt facility to remain empty for a certain period? One would hate to see potential custom go elsewhere.And what exactly is a ‘park hub’? I know Labour types love a rebrand but if it’s a cafe, call it that. If it’s something else you need to make that clear. Not everyone sits in on council cabinet meet.

Simon Hayes ● 949d21 Comments ● 934d

Circle. South Ealing Road

I hope nobody on the forum actually knows anybody who needs this but it's a drop-in centre for children with mental-health problems.https://www.hfehmind.org.uk/get-support/service-for-schools/support-for-children-young-people/circle/

Susan Kelly ● 934d0 Comments ● 934d

Physio recommendations

Has anyone been treated by a local physio whom they would recommend?  The issue to be treated is neck pain. Thanks.

Joan Adamson ● 935d5 Comments ● 934d

Eric Dicker

I know that Eric was known by a lot of people in Brentford and he sadly passed away in January 2021.  Eric used to fret about where I would have his Wake but because of Covid I was not able to have one.  I decide that a way for his friends to remember him was an Afternoon Tea on 28th January between 2.00 p.m and 5.00 p.m. at 6th Brentford Scout HQ where Eric spent a lot of his time. So I have an idea of the number to cater for please let me know by email janet.coles@btinternet.com if you are able to attend.

Janet Coles ● 935d0 Comments ● 935d

"Brentford Developments in the pipeline" (Front Page)

Whilst most of us are busy concentrating on family and the festive season...and quite rightly too...the list of flats flats flats flats proposed for building and developing in the Area beggers belief.Planners and developers are having a field day. Financiers and the Construction Trades too.Is there really control?The long list of new builds and their illustrations (RIGHT HAND COLUMN FRONT PAGE) suggests Brentford will become more like Milton Keynes every day.And don't expect to be able to walk around the new sites freely.The gated Communities and "Keep Out" signs will prevail.Enjoy the festive season... deal with these matters in the New Year!

Jim Lawes ● 946d30 Comments ● 935d

Former Princess Royal pub last night

Did anybody hear the noises coming from the ex pub yesterday until 11 pm?

Silvia Diaz ● 1143d40 Comments ● 935d

Solicitor recommendations

I want to update my Will.  Unfortunately two firms of solicitors in Brentford whom I have used in the past have gone out of business. Can anyone recommend a local company whose charges are 'reasonable'?

Joan Adamson ● 935d0 Comments ● 935d

EU gas buying platform

The EU is considering forming a platform to buy gas for all member states with the aim of reducing the price by massive bulk buying. What effect will that have on countries not in the EU?

Nicholas Beard ● 944d2 Comments ● 936d

Good news from East London!

  0-2 ! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯Up the bees!

Jim Lawes ● 941d5 Comments ● 936d

Are we twinned?  The small BRENTFORD, South Dakota, USA

Did you know that there is a small settlement in the USA called BRENTFORD?There only about 70-100 folk living there but they keenly follow us(!)in football's PREMIER LEAGUE.They watch the Bees enthusiastically and  wear the red and white kit.If you read the REAL BRENTFORD Facebookpage (on  which I overly indulge) you will see the story,pictures and more.A Brentford TW8 fan does visit them with BFC goodies.

Jim Lawes ● 938d2 Comments ● 936d

Did we miss the Ballymore.Open Day?  The Council didn't !

I've found the following texts on an obscure  Ballymote website... and the reference to Hounslow Council's leader Steve Curran makes me wonder whether WE/US are blind as bats.. and haven't a clue how our Elected Officers are dealing with the future of Brentford.WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF IT?Just bear with me.. I've uplifted this lot on a dodgy mobile phone.You may be aware that our Town is being extensively promoted abroad to Developers and Financiers, spectulators.and more... read on!......................ENGLISH 简体中文 繁體中文BallymoreWE ARE BALLYMOREARTS AND CULTUREIt’s hotting up at The Brentford ProjectTemperatures soared to the hottest day of the year for the launch of The Brentford Project on Saturday June 1, the new arts and culture summer festival of music, yoga, fun and food celebrating a new chapter for one of west London’s best-kept secrets.Nearly 1,000 local residents, joined by neighbours from nearby Hounslow, Chiswick and Kew, basked in temperatures of 27.6 degrees on the banks of the River Brent with music from Donel, this year’s runner up in The Voice talent show and Michael Rice, the UK’s contender in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.VIPs attending the event included the leader of Hounslow Council, Councillor Steve Curran, who proclaimed: “The Brentford Project is the rebirth of Brentford. We’ve been waiting a long time for this day, and I’m really excited about what this means for Brentford and for the future.“Without question, the Brentford Project will bring a vitality to the town, lots of people have been waiting a long time for it, and now it’s here I think they’ll be delighted. Brentford’s a special place. It’s a special place in South West London and it’s a special place in Hounslow.”He was joined by John Mulryan, group managing director of Ballymore, whose redevelopment of the yards and lanes between the high street to the waterfront will bring a lively mix of restaurants, bars and retail to complement a new residential quarter. John explained:“The Brentford Project is an initiative to try to engage with the community and bring people in, and make sure that as we develop the town centre, it’s done with the community”“It’s trying to get people to really help us to create this town centre. When you develop in a town like this, the key thing is that you develop in a way that encourages the spirit of the town to grow, by engaging in the community through culture, through arts, through creativity, through design.”It’s hotting up at The Brentford Project Chef Robin Gill serves up pizzas from the wood-fired oven at Rye by the WaterAt the launch, friends and families enjoyed delicious fresh pastries and sausage rolls from Brentford’s new bakery and restaurant, Rye by the Water, who turned out more than 1,000 specially-baked pizzas – with a little help from celebrity Irish chef Robin Gill who joined new head chef Ben Rand and Janine Edwards, head baker, in the bakery.Another big attraction was the classic car collection of the Duke of London with enthusiasts driving their own cars to showcase at the event.The following week on Thursday June 6, a Beer and Blues event will take place at Rye by the Water with a chance to sample some of west London’s finest craft beers served against a backdrop of blues by Brentford’s very own Robert Hokum.And on July 11 visitors can join a start-up masterclass with local entrepreneur Merlin McCormack, the man behind Duke of London who will share his knowledge, tips and tricks for building a successful business.Looking ahead to July 6, Zen in the City will feature yoga and mindfulness classes with RJ Mind Body while on Saturday August 31, the ‘makers of Brentford’ will be coming together for a showcase of the best arts and crafts the area has to offer, with creative workshops and an art exhibition curated by local artist groups.Finally in mid-August, the Changing Face of Brentford will peel back the layers of the area’s rich history revealing some fascinating insights with the Brentford & Chiswick Local History Society with a private dinner hosted in the beautiful surroundings of Rye by the Water.Visit www.thebrentfordproject.com/events for more information or to book your place.SHARERelated Articles“A community of creative people who want to help each other”VIDEOARTS AND CULTURE“A community of creative people who want to help each other”READ MOREBrentford Waterside gets the go aheadPROPERTYBrentford Waterside gets the go aheadCivic leaders have cut the ribbon on the commencement of work on one of the most ambitious and extensive regeneration projects along London’s waterside at Brentford.READ MOREARCHIVE STORIESNEWSOPINIONBALLYMORE PEOPLEPROPERTYUNDER THE SKINVIDEOARTS AND CULTUREWELLNESSABOUTOUR PROJECTSIN THE NEWSRESIDENTIALCOMMERCIALGET IN TOUCHCAREERSFACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM LINKEDINHELP HUBtwitter / BALLYMOREinstagram  / ASKBALLYMOREPRIVACY POLICYMODERN SLAVERYCOOKIESTERMS & CONDITIONSTAX STRATEGYBUILDING SAFETY PLEDGE © BALLYMORE 2022

Jim Lawes ● 943d12 Comments ● 941d

Running costs of Amenities

This must be a nightmare but indicative of how expensive and unaffordable the 'exclusive' facilities have become for the more well heeled of the Borough.But I wish the reporting would be clearer.  For example from the quote below:What do they mean by subsidiaries and how ?  Does that really mean robbing Peter to pay Paul? Or targeting other people with stealth charges or overt increases?It's very vague."According to the report, Lampton Group will recover costs from subsidiaries in full for the year and will therefore breakeven. Clive Palfreyman, executive director of finance and resources for Hounslow Council said, “While there is strong financial performance reported across the group the pressures emerging in relation to Lampton Leisure Ltd are significant and are likely to require the council to provide support in some form in the second half of the year."

Raymond Havelock ● 955d6 Comments ● 945d

So no buses today on Routes 111 and 267.

We'll survive hopefully.

Jim Lawes ● 948d0 Comments ● 948d

Sellotape zero plastic

At last!  Robert Dyas have this on offer at £1 a roll with free click and collect.

Sarah Felstead ● 950d0 Comments ● 950d

Virginia Fassnidge RIP.. Brentford at heart.

Thank you to the Editor for this front page news of Virginia's sad passing.She lived in the heart of Brentford and seemingly from there gave her heart to Brentford too.We witnessed her helping Linda Massey so ably at the Festivals...her lovely style so ably described by the Editorial.Virginia deserves a plaque or the planting of a tree in Boston Manor Park so that her help everywhere is never forgotten.

Jim Lawes ● 1559d12 Comments ● 955d

Incident in Brentford Lock?

I walked my dog down the towpath towards Brentford Lock around 4.30pm. We passed the Riverside Clinic and the other offices beside the clinic.  Where the towpath bends to the right, a policewoman was standing behind a ribbon barrier stopping people from going any further.  I asked her what had happened but she said she could not talk about it. Does anyone know what was going on?

Joan Adamson ● 1029d8 Comments ● 956d

Internet fraud.

A SERIOUS QUESTION. In 2019 Money Man Martin Lewis won a £3 million pounds settlement from Facebook for using his face and profile to defraud vulnerable people out billions of pounds. Yet every day dozens of these fake ads are still accepted by Facebook to rob the unwary. In 2021 alone  £11 billion pounds have been defrauded from people. WHY ARE THE POLICE OR OTHER AUTHORITIES UNABLE TO STOP IT. Has Martin Lewis accepted £3 million pounds from Facebook on condition that he doesn't sue them again?                                                                                                                                   FAKE HEADING.                                                                          "Thousands Flock to ATMs After Martin's Exclusive Interview."

Neil Milkins ● 957d0 Comments ● 957d

The Brentford Project  (Ballymore) and the new street names!

Part of the new development is now open to the public... in particular that entrance near St Lawrence Church.You can make your own judgement about what you think of it all.I wandered round recently looking for Sam's Coffee Shop. It opened some 10 days ago and is called SAM'S LARDER. It's in a street called KINGHAM AVENUE which is littered with overhanging structures thatyou may or may  not find overpowering.Another 'street' is called BRADSHAW YARD which was half expected.A tall block of apartments is calledHOLLANDBURY perhaps linking Frank Holland 's old Piano Museum with the project.What would our Nigel Moore RIP think of the new RIDGEWAYS WHARF I wonder.Hopefully it will be some kind of water feature to break up the sights all round.Last but not least so far..I noticed a new street called BRENT WAY!So Brentford will now have two of those !

Jim Lawes ● 977d10 Comments ● 957d

Waterman's Park C9 cycle track lanterns switched on...

There is now elegant lighting on the new cycle track as it passes through Waterman's Park ...by the riverside.Looking over the roadside wall...the lighting gives a very agreeable visa ...being amongst trees and falling leaves.Brentford getting brighter?

Jim Lawes ● 997d47 Comments ● 962d

Vintage Art and Craft Fair at the Brook Today

Just been helping a person load a car in the cold. She's doing a Vintage craft show at the Brook Pub this morning from 10 am.Promised I would give it a mention as this is a real local thing with local people and worth a look.Starts 10 till about 2pm at the Brook Pub in Brook road south.Excellent Pub so a nice place to peruse

Raymond Havelock ● 962d1 Comments ● 962d

Have a stroll around Brentford Dock estate?... .NO NO! KEEP OUT!

As we get older...we are encouraged  to walk walk walk ... but we can't seemingly go where-ever we like!After my walk around the 'opened for business part" of the Brentford Project..I ran out of walkway..but didn't want to have to turn around and retrace my steps.I merely wanted to access Dock Road via a gate and a short walk along the pretty Canalside of Brentford Dock Estate.KEEP OUT - PRIVATE  - CCTV CAMERAS ACTIVE -etc etc.I did finally get to Dock Road..but I felt I was intruding. I said 'good morning" to each person I met. I can understand security issues.Have the scalleywags around town and their crimes led to shutters go up/down making life in Brentford more restricted

Jim Lawes ● 977d9 Comments ● 963d

Happy St Andrews Day.... 30th November!

Wear blue  or tartan today?Many Scots in Brentford town?Do you ever hear bagpipes locally?I have family studying in Glasgow ..and others living on the Outer HebridesDo you have Scottish connections?

Jim Lawes ● 972d3 Comments ● 969d

Strictly come dancing …is on tonight!

Only just found out that Strictly is on tonight at 8pm and the results show is on tomorrow at 5.40pm …..pass it on ….

Sarah Felstead ● 970d0 Comments ● 970d

The old Brentford Toffee Factory!

On an old 1935 map of Brentfordthere appears to be a toffee factory near Brentford Bridge.Our brentford historian Neil Chippingdale directed us to a CHELSEA TOFFEE FACTORY which had been first established in Chelsea ...before it moved to Brentford.Lots of local history discussions on local Facebook pages. Years ago it used to be here!Everton FC are called the TOFFEES and they  play in blue .... as do Chelsea FC.

Jim Lawes ● 972d1 Comments ● 972d

Mudlarking in the Thames

I was not aware of this pastime. Obviously I did not know you needed a permit either. Are there any participants here? Also if there are I would like to hear their experiences.

Nicholas Beard ● 974d6 Comments ● 973d

Monkeypox

Cases in the uk are rising. Should we be worried. Not much is said about it, only number of cases. Would a GP recognise it etc?

Nicholas Beard ● 1167d41 Comments ● 973d

No eggs by christmas

Has anyone noticed the egg shortage? Lots of stories in the press.

Nicholas Beard ● 990d26 Comments ● 977d

Get well soon Guy Lambert ...

What a tough time Guy has been having.Having read his article on the front page it's seems his injuries could have been much worse.Get well soon Guy. Recovery is a wonderful experience.

Jim Lawes ● 978d5 Comments ● 977d

Tonight Thursday 24th Rock and Roll Bingo!

At the Six Bells. It’s a great fun evening of three games, shout out the answers, sing along if you know the tune, ask if you don’t! Cash prizes for a line or full house. Arrive for 7pm to get a table.

Karen Morris ● 978d0 Comments ● 978d

Reggae and Ska night Sat 27th at The 6 Bells

Resident DJ The Meastro will be playing all the favourites. Get your skank on!

Karen Morris ● 980d2 Comments ● 978d

1934 - Father Christmas in Brentford on the canal boats

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10158633512881193&set=gm.1097189624324539&idorvanity=894233864620117

Paul Brownlee ● 978d0 Comments ● 978d

The saga of 235 bus terminus at Great West Quarter.

When the Great West Quarter was being planned some years ago.and permission for it's new development sought...the illustrations supporting the proposal featured a red London bus.The 235 has been a regular service up till recently. Access to the GWQ has recently ceased because the automated barrier that allows the bus entry has malfunctioned.The 235 bus currently terminates near Morrisons (the County Court)and that is not helpful to those Brentford folk who live on/ or off Ealing Road, on the GWQ, or the vast estate of Green Dragon Lane where several Sheltered Homes exist. Many now have a laden walk they don't wish for.It is said that spare parts are needy from Italy to repair the barrier. Worse still are rumours that the Great  West Quarter bosses no longer want the bus on it's property!!It's a surprise that this serious local issue has not featured on this  Forum before to alert Councillors and others.The story abounds on a local Facebook page.. so why not here?

Jim Lawes ● 1039d22 Comments ● 979d

Chiswick

Having lived in Brentford for 30 years I was always bemused by the Chiswick elite-set with their smug air of superiority. Well, they're quite cheesed off now with their restricted LTN's, High Street road restrictions, cycle lanes and congestion - particularly with "island" bus stops. What idiot committee thought of those? There's a tragedy about to happen there.Well - they live in Hounslow Borough - so we should have sympathy for them. What happens there will happen here in Brentford for sure. Don't call me a newcomer - I've lived in Osterley, Isleworth and Feltham over the years - since 1980 - so I know all about this local authority. It was a shower then, and it's a shower now. But people obviously vote for them (not me - never!) I've been trying to leave for years, but it's Hotel California!I've been a victim several times of their road fines - suddenly finding that I cannot drive down a particular road due to unexpected changes - but I paid them because the hassle of appealing was too much of an effort. It's only by good fortune that my petrol ICE vehicle is not older than 2006 otherwise I would have to pay a ULEZ charge just to visit the Townmead Road Recycling Centre in Kew. It really is intolerable whats happening in our corner of Middlesex (aka Greater London) and poor old Brentford is losing it's identity day by day. You can blame the government - but the rot festers in the council.

Paul Brownlee ● 1005d32 Comments ● 979d

How come we get no notification  of a Battle of Brentford WALK

Today ..early Tuesday...one reads that a WALK took place on Sunday LAST concerning the Battle of Brentford... perhaps of much iñterest to localsThe meeting place one reads was in Market Square at 10am ish.No notification of the key event on the Front Page here .... not even in the CALENDAR SECTION.Um. Perhaps this is not the site for historical matters. Just Flat Flats Flats.

Jim Lawes ● 994d5 Comments ● 979d

The double standards of the Ivan Toney case

He may have made some bad decisions but there is a good chance that Ivan Toney's career may be over.The rigid enforcement of the rule on betting for players contrasts with the willingness of the sport to accept money from betting companies. I know the Bees have benefitted hugely from this and it is a complex issue but it would be much better if players having a small flutter on games they weren't involved with got a slap on the wrist with the harshest sanctions reserved for those that were actually trying to make gain from compromising matchs.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 984d13 Comments ● 979d

Any Balleymore shop openings yet?

I plan to visit "south of the HIGH STREET today.We've heard that Sam's Brasserie is moving  in... has it opened yet?Sad to hear that the Verdict is likely to be a casualty.

Jim Lawes ● 980d4 Comments ● 980d

Local History Conference this Saturday

Tickets still on sale for our online annual local history conference, this time on the unusual theme of sporting history. We have great speakers: Simon Inglis, author of PLayed in London, Rob Jex on Brentford FC, Graeme Robertson on Harlequins, Caitlin Davies on Thames swimming and Philip Boys on cricket and other ball sports on Wandsworth Common. Join us!https://ticketsource.co.uk/west-london-local-history-conference/t-xmdyxpv

Valerie Bott ● 980d0 Comments ● 980d

This Thursday 24th Nov Rock & Roll Bingo 6 Bells

We are doing fortnightly Rock & Roll bingo. Starts 7 for 7.30. £3 per person per game. Cash prizes to be won. The more who play, the more we pay! It’s great fun, sing along to the ones you know and if you don’t know you can ask! Win win!!

Karen Morris ● 980d0 Comments ● 980d

Consultations on local walking and cycling schemes

Certain direct interest groups are lobbying hard to make sure that they participate in two consultations that have ripple effects and ramifications beyond the areas implemented.Notable is that this is not being circulated to many outside these groups and risks sidelining local people who stand to be affected the most and not have a say.Anyone who has had the indignity of getting soaked from both sides on a bus island really ought to have a say as much as those who are not agile enough to jump out of the way by speeding bikes in two directions and those who cannot stop in the wet.Too many are being frozen out and it is poor that this is not being circulated wider when it is to not so local groups who may or may not fully represent local people but pertain to.C9 Hammersmith ConsultationWe know many of our members have been using the new Cycleway 9 bike lane along King St and around the Gyratory in Hammersmith. Hammersmith and Fulham council have a consultation collecting views on this route - please respond here!https://haveyoursay.lbhf.gov.uk/safer-cycle-pathwayThe consultation will run from Sunday 16 October 2022 until 23:59 on Sunday 27 November 2022.We are accepting all forms of feedback such as in writing and in audio.If you wish to submit any written feedback, please use the following address:Smarter Transport TeamTown HallKing StreetLondonW6 9JUor by email to here:cycling@lbhf.gov.ukThe consultation closes on 27 November so make sure your voice is heard now.C9 Chiswick High Road ConsultationThere is a consultation collecting views on Cycleway 9 along Chiswick High Road. Please respond here! Construction works to upgrade part of the route have started and should be finished by the end of the year. Please respond now to give current views on the route and you can also respond later (up to 3 April 2023) to give views about the upgrade.Please Tell Others about the ConsultationsCycleway 9 along King St and Hammersmith Gyratory (by 27 November)https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/cycleway-9Cycleway 9 along Chiswick High Road - please with comments now.  You can respond again with more comments up until 3 April 2023. If you would rather not complete our survey, please submit your response to us in writing to:  Haveyoursay@tfl.gov.uk  (External link); or  by post in writing addressed to: FREEPOSTTFL HAVE YOUR SAY

Raymond Havelock ● 981d0 Comments ● 981d

Stray Dog Found - London Road, Isleworth (19 Nov)

Good morning all. The Animal Welfare Team at LBH are currently looking after a small white dog found on London Rd near Teesdale Gardens junction yesterday (Saturday morning). Microchip details are incomplete and we have been unable to identify an owner as yet. If you think that this is your dog then please call 020 8583 2000 when lines open at 9am on Monday or email animalwarden@hounslow.gov.uk.

Tony Bull ● 982d4 Comments ● 981d

Claypond Ave/ A4 junction pedestrian lights

Earlier this morning my wife was nearly hit by a white van jumping these lights, this is happening every day,I've witnessed these reckless drivers far to often even when children are crossing leaving Lionel School, painting a yellow box is not the answer.I believe camera's have been suggested before but there is always an excuse not to, will we have to wait until there is a fatality before there is something done and TFL or Highways Agency or whoever acts after issuing the usual glib response "lessons will be learned", because like many people I have no faith in any local or government department.There is always a consultation and majority views are always seemly ignored unless they jive with the what ever department is posing the question. So I'll wait without any expectation.

John William Selfe ● 987d9 Comments ● 981d

Lithium Batteries

I know electric cars and phones have lithium batteries. However I am now seeing throwaway Lithium AA size batteries on the market. Are we storing up a problem for the environment with these? Also is lithium in short supply?

Nicholas Beard ● 985d8 Comments ● 984d

Soup Club?

Might there be interest in beginning a local Soup Club? A friend of mine who lives in the Scottish Borders told me about a venture called Soup Club, which takes place once a week in their village hall. For a small fee, guests receive hot soup, a filled roll and a hot drink. It provides a focal point for the community, companionship and a nourishing lunch. Brentford Library is providing a Warm Space for local residents who are being very careful with their energy consumption. Could this be taken further? Is there a hall or room where a simple lunch of vegetable soup and a roll could be served to those in need, either free or for a small contribution?Does anyone know if this could work? If yes, I would be very happy to devote some time to making it happen. I’d be very appreciative if anyone could suggest who to speak to and how it might be done. Are there any words of wisdom from our councillors or community leaders? Is it possible that the people who run our local foodbank could advise? Perhaps something like this is already arranged or in the planning stages. If that’s the case, I wouldn’t want to tread on anyone’s toes. If not, is it something that could be a positive thing for our community at this difficult time?Thank you for reading. I look forward to hearing your feedback.

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 1007d21 Comments ● 991d

1st osterley scout group jumble sale

HI, can anyone give me a phone number for 1st Osterley Scout Group?  They are having a jumble sale this Saturday (Nov 12th). I missed the collection last Saturday, and also threw the leaflet away, so I want to find out if I can take my large bag of items to someone.  You may have the leaflet still - please take a look if you can.thanks

Rosemary Ford ● 993d1 Comments ● 992d

Is the TRAVEL LODGE Hotel Brentford back in proper use.yet.?

Facing Waterman's the Travel Lodge Hotel  does look a little inactive.They had a fire in recent times..when cladding on the old Piano Museum side of the Hotel  caught fire too.There seems to be a lack of cars and fat suitcases around the building.Wondered if it being used for the homeless.Strikes me it's a candidate for demolition and replacement by something much taller.Any info?

Jim Lawes ● 996d1 Comments ● 996d

Brentford's new Flats Flats Flats Flats Flats Flats  Flats

Reading the front page report of Hounslow Council Planning Committee activities... I felt indigestion coming on.Brentford will finish up as a dreadful place to dwell in... no greenery or delightful vistas.. just "keep out" apartment blocks,and a less opportunities to see the sky.In my current view... it's all just bonkers. Schemes created to provide profits for the greedy developers and their friends.We seem powerless to stop these happenings.

Jim Lawes ● 1033d25 Comments ● 997d

Albany Practice Brentford Health Centre

I seem to remember a thread from a little while ago which was critical of the poor service offered to patients as regards the reception and appointment service.I contributed to the thread as it was not a good experience when interacting with the reception staff either by phone or face to face in my experience, but now the story has completely changed I am glad to say.I have had several dealings with the surgery over the last year or so and the service has hugely improved, with the staff efficient,knowledgeable and courteous.Long may it contimnue.

Keith Iddon ● 1009d6 Comments ● 997d

Small lock up/industrial/workshop space advice

Hello everyone,We currently have a small business in the area but could do with some extra workshop space- it's essential it has power and water.150-200sq ft would be adequate, but would consider bigger premises at the right price.I've looked endlessly with agents but there is nothing suitable at a reasonable price so I thought I'd give this a shot to see if any advice or suggestions would come my way. Many thanks in advance.

Katie Fisher ● 3430d19 Comments ● 997d

Handyman recommendation

HI thereIs anyone able to recommend a good handyman please to help with leaking guttering- thanks

diane keating ● 1002d0 Comments ● 1002d

We see the RIVER Brent.... where does it flow from?

Up north somewhere?What streams flow into it?The Grand Union Canal is a separate thing..navigating it's way north towards Birmingham. In the case of the GUC's Paddington Arm..it goes around London to East London (Limehouse).So....where precisely does the Brent begin...long before it's arrival at Brentford Dock?

Jim Lawes ● 1008d8 Comments ● 1003d

Public footpaths on Private Land in Brentford etc

The alarming building developments in Brentford may be a cause for concern.It's shocking that we might losesome two thousand of acres of sky but what about access to pathways and lanes we walked in the past. It's probably too late now..to protest..because they'll already be building on it perhaps. The land has already been sold to themI'm exploring oddities with my camera and have stumbled across Lamb Passage behind the Jet Garage  near Ķew Bridge. Apparently  there used to be an abattoir located  there,a stable  still stands and a cobbled lane is there  too.I've been asked to delete my pictures on a face book page..because it's private land.If I wander down New Road to the old Church... opposite The Brook..am I being dodgy taking pictures there too?

Jim Lawes ● 1018d18 Comments ● 1003d

The Brentford FC's Training Ground in Osterley.

We are pleased to see and read of Brentford FC's current success in the Premier Division, their professionalism, their valued links with the Community...and their training and tactics activity at their Osterley location.When I first bought a house in Jersey Road..back in 1971, the Sports Ground was in  sole use by the prestigious St Paul's School.In later years the Ground was used by theLondon/New Zealand Rugby Club.The very likeable ex-Brentford player KEN HORNE (RIP)..who also lived in Jersey Road... would be delighted with the Bees progress and that they were expanding down the road from him.

Jim Lawes ● 1004d0 Comments ● 1004d

large double garage/lockup / work shop/storage

I have a small business looking for a workshop and storage space. Min 200sq ft and must have power and water.

Matthew Servini ● 1004d0 Comments ● 1004d

Tennis Clubs and Stringing Service around Brentford

Hi, I am going to relocate to the Brentford Dock, just wonder if there are any affordable tennis clubs that I can join? I found the Sports HIVE near Acton with reasonable membership fee. Any other recommendations would be welcome.I am a stringer and string my own rackets. However, my stringing machine is still under shipment from overseas. Would there be any stringing service nearby? I checked the shops in Ealing Broadway but the way they string is not the way that I prefer.

Ken Chiu ● 1009d4 Comments ● 1008d

Cod and Rock

I would just like to give a shout out to this great local chippy.Good quality food freshly cooked to order and the skin removed from the fish, essential if you want crispy batter.Very reasonable prices too.PS No, I am not getting a bung for this post !

Keith Iddon ● 1028d27 Comments ● 1011d

GENEALOGY TALK this Thurs 11.30 am

Do come to our talk - free and open to everyone - This Thursday at 11.30 am.  The speaker is Gill Thomas, who runs courses at the Society of Genealogists.  You will learn how to discover your ancestors, the areas they lived in and the political, social and cultural events that shaped them.  At The Friendship Club, Oxford Road North, W4 4DN.  ageconcernchiswick@outlook.com

Age Concern Chiswick ● 1016d2 Comments ● 1012d

Brazilian  bbq

Kitchen is open tonight from 6-10pm, Saturdays 1-10pm and Sundays 1-7pm. Traditional cuts of rump cap beef, beef ribs, pork belly with cassava and other sides. Come down and try something different!

Karen Morris ● 1012d0 Comments ● 1012d

TONIGHT ( Thursday) – BRENTFORD VOICE LOCAL CONVERSATION

Got this via a friend but not seen it publicised, I understand anyone can attend and join if they wish.TONIGHT – BRENTFORD VOICE LOCAL CONVERSATION, THURSDAY OCTOBER 20, 7.30PM AT THE BRENTFORD FREE CHURCH – ALL ARE WELCOME!Brentford Free Church in Boston Manor Road. Starting around 8 pm, will be one of our Local Conversations and provide an opportunity to comment on our work of the last year, and most importantly to contribute to a discussion of key tasks for the next 12 months. The meeting will end at 9.30 pm.We do hope you can come and help in the work to make Brentford a better place to live, work, study, or visit.

Raymond Havelock ● 1013d2 Comments ● 1013d

Junction 2 Boston Manor Park again

We've just received notification that there is an application for two weekend events, for three days but no specific dates mentioned. Given that the park has just been completely renovated I am surprised that the Council is even considering letting this event take place again. Is there a way to find out how much is paid by the event organisers for this?

Pat Kingham ● 1015d8 Comments ● 1014d

Brentford's Waterman's Art Centre needs your support.

You don't have to go to the Cinemaor to a live Artists Show,or a musical bash,or have to buy alcohol,or eat at the Restaurant/cafe,or have to attend the Art Gallery,or have quiet session on your laptop,But you can pop in and have a close view of the Thames, the Brentford Ait or Eyot or Isle (uninhabited except for wildlife)gawk at Lot's Ait and see they''re up to.At low tide you can observe hundreds of various birds having a meet up.with their mates.ULook.hard and you"ll see the pink building across the Thames..Kew Palace..where the late Queen Elizabeth had her 80th bash.You'll be refreshed with your short visit there..especially in that colourful lower area.You could even organise an Event there, display your Art even.Lovely staff..very chatable..but they are missing visits.Pop in,say hello,wander round.and say hello to the wildlife and Thames. In a few years I'll be Flkats Flats Flatz..#+ Keep Out sign

Jim Lawes ● 1026d9 Comments ● 1015d

JUMBLE SALE SAT 15TH OCT

Age Concern Chiswick is holding a grand jumble sale tomorrow from 10.30 to 1.30 at The Friendship Club, Oxford Road North, W4 4DN.  We have masses of clothing, shoes, books, bedding and other linen plus household items etc - all at bargain prices.  It's really not far from Brentford so do come.  Buses H91, 110, 237, 267 and 440.  Gunnersbury tube.

Age Concern Chiswick ● 1019d0 Comments ● 1019d

Handyman needed

I am looking for a local handyman to do some simple jobs in Brentford.  Does anyone have a recommendation?

alicia griffiths ● 1022d0 Comments ● 1022d

Rock and Roll Bingo - cash prizes!!! Starting  Thursday 13th October

Thursday 13th October we are doing our first fortnightly rock and roll bingo!!! It’s only £3 per person to play. It’s great fun - we play clips of music and you mark it off if you have it on your card - cash prize for a line or the house.

Karen Morris ● 1024d1 Comments ● 1023d

Market Square: Sunday Market  this Sunday.

The Organiser told me todaythat the Market will be held this Sunday 9th October between 11am and 2pm.Anyone wishing to have a Stall there should contact Deborah at07427 626 754.The Market intents  to be held on the 2nd Sunday each month.

Jim Lawes ● 1027d2 Comments ● 1024d

Swyncombe Avenue

So the restriction is now permanent to the complete surprise of nobody. The Swyncombe Avenue 'experiment' was the last straw for us, the only option to bid a very sad farewell to beloved Brentford. Now vindicated. We were Windmill Road, BTW: it's ruined.

Mike Paterson ● 1026d4 Comments ● 1025d

🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧  HM The Queen. RIP  🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

As we all know..today is the day of Queen Elizabeth's Funeral.A momentous  day in our lives.May the Lord Bless Her and Keep Her.God Save The King.

Jim Lawes ● 1044d1 Comments ● 1027d

Local History talk 6th October at 11.30

We are hosting what promises to be a very interesting talk on the history of Chiswick given by Vivienne Bales, a historian and archivist and the Chair of the Hounslow Heritage Guides Association, at 11.30 on Thursday 6th October at our premises in Oxford Road North, W4 4DN.  The talk is free and open to everyone.  Light refreshments available.  More information:  ageconcernchiswick@outlook.com.  Buses H91, 237, 267, 110, 440.  Gunnersbury tube.

Age Concern Chiswick ● 1033d4 Comments ● 1027d

LOST RING

My elderly mother lost a treasured ring on Braemar Road yesterday morning.  Of huge sentimental value, it just slipped off her finger.  If anyone has found a ring on Braemar Road, please let me know.  I can give a full description.  Thanks.

Cathy Jones ● 1027d1 Comments ● 1027d

Sat 15th Oct Reggae and Ska night at The Six Bells Brentford

Our local and resident DJ The Maestro is doing a classic reggae and ska night on the 15th October - get your skank on and your two tones out for a stonking night out. All house spirits plus mixer double up offer £7 all weekend- EVERY weekend. Bira brazilian BBQ grill kitchen open Friday - Sundays too. Make The Six Bells your destination and don’t miss out on the House of Fun!!! 🎷🎶🎹🎤🎵

Karen Morris ● 1028d0 Comments ● 1028d

Gigantic phone mast on Market Place

Our town square is solidly inside the much loved Butts Conservation Area and hosts markets, the diners spilling out from Rosetta, Verdict's sunny terrace and the wonderful recent Canal Festival. But that has not stopped Vodafone putting in an outrageous planning application to put a 5G phone mast on our town square, taller than the clock tower and nearly as high as five double deckers stacked on top of each other. Incredible! Our local councillors all seem to be against it and Jim Storrar from Brentford Voice has put in a professional set of reasons why it should be rejected. I've also registered my objections. The more people who lodge their opinion the better. The Hounslow planning system ref is PA/2022/1952. Search for that and please leave your comments. I circulated my two page objections paper widely, including to local businesses round the square, now fired up to oppose it, and you can read or download it at https://chericbaker.co.uk/phonemast/mast.pdf  I'll leave it there until the application is rejected. But where will they try it on next? Coming out of the sundial by the canal locks? An extension to St Lawrence Church? Have they no sense of shame or even pleasing communities who cannot help but live in their (fairly low level) radiation washing through them? How dare they try to despoil a conservation area?

Eric Baker ● 1114d14 Comments ● 1028d

DfT revises minor road traffic estimates.

The Department for Transport has revised its estimates of minor road traffic between 2009 and 2019. The new data, which it says is more accurate, shows no change in traffic levels on these roads in London over that period. The previous data massively overestimated the numbers and was used as a prime reason for introducing LTNs and other restrictions.Of course Hounslow, a beacon of irrational decision making, won’t change its policies and has indeed informed residents of Swyncombe Avenue that the ‘temporary’ part closure of that key link road is to be made permanent. A decision that surprises nobody. At all.Still, the likes of Lambert and co will have to find some other made up stats to support more of their silly policies. Though doubtless pollution from construction will continue to be omitted from the net zero calculations.Read the report here; https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/road-traffic-estimates-in-great-britain-2021/minor-road-traffic-estimates-review-frequently-asked-questions#why-are-previously-published-minor-road-traffic-estimates-being-revised

Simon Hayes ● 1029d1 Comments ● 1029d

You look at a Brentford  Building thinking they're offices..but No!

I was aware that the smart Sky TV offices on the Great West Road are now seemingly accommodation for some.But when I was meandering around Brentford the other day.. I came across the old Janzen factory site on the Great West Road..near the Boston Manor Road junction...which appeared to be offices..or were.I couldn't immediately work out why there were so many cars parked there on a Sunday. So I investigated..doing a walking tour of the site. A friendly chap told me that they were all Apartments with rents going up..which he couldn't afford.Then I was passing the Inverness Club...and saw.a sign "Residents Only" A chap confirmed there were four flats on the top floor.With the soon to be occupied Ballymore Buildings..are we ready for this population growth. The landlords are loving it!

Jim Lawes ● 1036d3 Comments ● 1031d

Six Bells

Just dropped in for a pre-lunch drink. Welcomed by new Landlady, Jacqui, and her business partner, Karen.  Not forgetting Paddy, the pub dog.Absolutely lovely garden with comfortable teak furniture and lots of shade for those who want it.  I hope it will be a great success under new management.They have big plans for a pop-up BBQ over the bank holiday weekend.  Check their FB page for details Six Bells Brentford TW8.

Jane Martin ● 1087d8 Comments ● 1034d

Brazilian BBQ opening at 6 Bells

We have a new restaurant opening a Brazilian BBQ  and grill from tomorrow 30th September on weekends. Come along to end mouth watering meats and dishes and try something a little different and alternative to what else is in offer in Brentford. We willShorty be having a new wine list as well as our house favourites to accompany the dishes. First Saturday of the month (this weekend) we also have Texas HoldEm poker where you can come along and play or learn in the afternoon. This  Friday 30th September we have live music fromLocal artist Karena K - Camden KGBThis Saturday we have a classic disco from The Maestro with all your favourite tunes! Its going to be a fun packed weekend! We have other events and special offers on drinks throughout the week, and some competitions and games starting soon , where you can win CASH PRIZES!!! Don’t miss out, come and support us and make the Six BellsYour new favourite pub and destination. See you there!!!

Karen Morris ● 1034d0 Comments ● 1034d

Thames Explorer Trust needs more freelance teachers

This award-winning educational charity is looking for more freelance teachers to join the team that delivers its river learning programmes. We are particularly hoping to find someone for geography/fieldwork programmes for Key Stage 3 to 4 pupils, outdoors and indoors, working from our Chiswick Pier House site. There's also potential for more KS 2 teachers for other programmes. It is a great team to work with - full details of the roles and how to apply are on the charity's new website:https://thames-explorer.org.uk/who-we-are/work-with-us/

Valerie Bott ● 1036d0 Comments ● 1036d

Windmill Rd/A4 Junction

Has TFL finally put a camera across the yellow box at this junction?There's frequently a car sitting on it when the traffic is quite heavy

Mark Gormley ● 1042d3 Comments ● 1041d

Bridge across Canal

I'm no engineer. I thought they were putting a footbridge across to West Brentford Lock not a dual carriageway. What a mess.

Paul Lang ● 1050d14 Comments ● 1041d

Dog Walkers Beware Weed Killer Being Used In  Park

My partner was in Boston Manor Park today and saw a man spraying the edges of the paths. She asked him what it was he was spraying and he told her weed killer. She said she thought the Council only used salt water to which he replied we are not the Council we are contractors working in the park.She pointed out that chemicals in weed killer are dangerous to humans as well as animals and the park was used by children and familys to which she was told its not dangerous once its dried.So please be careful if you excersie your dog in this park.

Robert Ayres ● 1050d9 Comments ● 1042d

The Funeral Procession through  Isleworth,Brentford and Chiswick.

What a momentous day?Lining the A4 through Chiswick and on the Great West Road to watch the passing vehicles and VIP coaches..will be remembered by many for ever.Another great opportunity to speak with other locals in the crowds too.Those unable to leave their homes to see the action might like to ask for help to find the local Facebook pages.. where many many short videos were posted showing the multitudes along the GWR at Gillette Corner, Lampton Corner and towards Henlys Corner etc.If only those videos could be saved.It was an impressive turn out.I myself went to the top of Harvard Hill in Chiswick..some 150 yards from my birthplace.. and was enchanted by the groups children watching this big event with their parents.When Princess Elizabeth  became Queen in 1952 following the death of her father ..King George V1..she returned to London from Kenya..where she was on holiday..landed at Hesthrow..and then travelled down the Great West Road to Chiswick High Road... all before the Chiswick Flyover was built. So now we start a.new era.

Jim Lawes ● 1043d0 Comments ● 1043d

Gtech Community Stadium: a committee at work

How can we make the Brentford Community Stadium sound even more dull and uninspiring? Simple! Swap 'Brentford' for 'Gtech'. The dosh will come in handy, that's the main thing, eh. I knew that the idea of 'New Griffin Park' or similar was too much to hope for. But maybe Stadium or Arena might be okay. But no. We're going to crowbar the cuddly but four syllable monstrosity 'Community' into it if it kills us. Besides, call me old fashioned, but I feel the word 'Brentford' is more important than the word 'Community'. So Gtech Brentford Arena/Stadium/Park would be just about palatable. I suppose one could hope that people might start saying 'The Gtech' as in 'The Emirates'. Time will tell. Likely though, that signage, print etc is already on expensive order so a sober re-think is probably too late.

Mike Paterson ● 1096d27 Comments ● 1045d

Northumberland Arms

Is open again! Hoorah!!

Keith Iddon ● 1049d7 Comments ● 1045d

What happens to found dead family pets?

Greetings.  Northumberland Avenue, like many roads, has been badly affected by traffic taking short cuts to get to the A4.  The speed is supposed to be 20mph, but it is the style of driving that is so dangerous.  Foot to the floor, then brake.  The driver in the meantime is staring to the end of the road - not driving along the road - this is really bad on Northumberland Avenue and Wood Lane when the cars are trying to beat the railway crossing lights so have this glazed fixed stare from the moment the level crossing comes into view.The road space between where they start, to where they are looking, (end of road ,) is really dangerous for pedestrians, young and old, and family pets.  There are numerous schools and the children need to be free and safe to walk there.Son, on his way to work this morning came across a young black cat, recently hit and sadly dead.  It was about 3 foot from the kerb and the other drivers speeding along were  intent on squashing it flat.  My neighbours cat was squashed flat in the same area.  Son couldn’t get fluids on his work clothes so while he waited for me to come with a bag he tried to protect it.  The pavement was full of young children all walking to school and one driver was about 6 inches from her head.  What is it with the rush hour mentality? I always thought the dustmen ( who came about 40 mins after this ) had a chip reader to see if an animal is chipped, but I wonder if that is the case and what do they do when it is obviously a family pet?A trip to Youngs Vet in Lampton road and we found out she was chipped and they rang a distraught owner.

Sarah Felstead ● 1050d2 Comments ● 1047d

Cycling Councillor in red light jumping scandal.....

.....and not wearing a helmet either! I wonder who it might be? Spotted in Brentford and reported on Brentford TV Facebook page.Will the culprit own up on here?!!

Simon Hayes ● 1049d8 Comments ● 1047d

The Queen's (RIP) Cortege to Windsor  via GWR Brentford?

Local Facebook pages report that the Great West Road is being tidied up in view of Monday's procession to Windsor.One had anticipated that the Cortege would travel along the A4 out of London, over the Hammersmith Flyover and through Chiswick on the A4 (not Chiswick  High Road!) up over Chiswick Flyover..and continue on the M4 out to Windsor.But the serious weeding taking place on the Great West Road (not seen it myself..but others say so) suggests that the Cortege will leave the M4 early at Clayponds Lane.. near the old Beecham building..passing our local road junctions to Osterley and beyond.. and probably taking the Great South West Road to Staines by-pass.This route is not official..but a suggestion. Confirmation awaited. Weeding continues!

Jim Lawes ● 1048d6 Comments ● 1047d

Music at the Six Bells and Brazilian BBQ Restaurant opening soon!!

We have Brentford local resident Alix Anthony and his band playing Friday  23rd from 8pm!!! Then Sunday 25th we have R&B Soul music from Walking The Dog 6-9pm Friday 30th September we have another Brentford local playing with her band - the Camden KGB Saturday 1st October we also have our resident DJ The Maestro playing all the classics disco, reggae, ska and pop. ALSO on Friday 30th we will be opening with our new resident chef and the Bira Brazilian BBQ. He will be serving mouthwatering bbq meat and vegetarian options and a variety of Brazil dishes. If anyone was around the last weekend in June for The Brentford Canal Festival he did the pop up kitchen in our garden. Do come and give it a try! We look forward to welcoming you!

Karen Morris ● 1048d0 Comments ● 1048d

Enforced Grieving

I have posted this on another thread but thought it deserved an airing of its own:The stopping of activities is ludicrous, particularly in the lead up to the funeral. I can only surmise that the cancellation of the book clubs and needle and natter at Brentford Library in the week leading up to the Queen's funeral is because of her passing. What is it with this enforced grieving? Is one any less 'bothered', either way, whether or not you are sitting quietly discussing a book or doing a bit of embroidery? No policing necessary! Meanwhile, looking at the Leisure Centre sites, I see that all activities (yoga, pilates etc.) are continuing this week and on Monday itself the centres will still be open for pounding up and down in the fitness lanes while no doubt wearing a black armband. I don't mean any disrespect to the Queen or current events and will be watching the proceedings on my laptop and, if it is passing on the A4, walk to see the funeral cortege after. What I do find irksome is the inconsistency of closures and the cancellation of activities in the week leading up to the funeral instead of just on the day itself. It should also be remembered that for some public activities such as the needle and natter offer one of the only free and local activities involving a bit of social mixing to some otherwise quite isolated people.

Anne England ● 1048d3 Comments ● 1048d

shameful - Gunnersbury Park's latest music festival to go ahead

So, while thousands walk solemnly past the Queen's coffin to show their appreciation, and millions more follow the ceremonies respectfully at home, Gunnersbury Park has decided to go ahead with its latest music festival. I hope police resources much needed elsewhere to cope with the expected crowds are not being diverted to police thousands of millenials, many of whom will no doubt get high or/and drunk. Oh, it would be too costly to cancel, people would lose work, many would be inconvenienced, is the excuse given. So what about all the many events that have been cancelled - wasn't there a cost and inconvenience to those? But apparently money trumps everything at Gunnersbury Park. Even the funeral ceremonies of an amazing woman who dedicated 70 years of her life to the service of this country. Shame on you CIC! And shame on you, supine Ealing and Hounslow Councils for not standing up to them.

bela cunha ● 1049d8 Comments ● 1048d

Lord of Brentford?

The name of the distinguished Lord Sterne of Brentford has come to my attention... following some light reseach into Lord Hannay of Chiswick(Bedford Park) where he resides (still?).. and after listening to Lord Tony Young  of Norwood Green give a tribute speech at a Hampshire funeral yesterday.Lord Young is very well known in Norwood Green and his lovely wife too.The distinguished Lord Hannay of Chiswick has served the UK at the United Nations and lives/lived in Orchard Road W4.Lord Sterne of Brentford was born in Hammersmith apparently, went to Latymer.. and choose the Bees link. Was he aware of Brentford FC's elevation to the Premier Division!A serious enquiry..and with respect... what is the gentleman's link with Brentford?

Jim Lawes ● 1056d4 Comments ● 1052d

VINTAGE & CRAFT MARKET on 10 Sept

This event is now CANCELLED out of respect, due to the sad news of the Queen’s death yesterday.   The Market was due to take place on Saturday 10th September at The Kings Arms, Brentford.

Trish Burden ● 1054d0 Comments ● 1054d

Fatal accident Gt.West Rd./Boston Manor junction.

Was it necessary for the Police Car involved in this accident to be travelling at 73mph approaching a very busy junction, for what was a domestic problem in Hounslow.

Ron Curant ● 1080d19 Comments ● 1056d

Mosquitos bites in Brentford?

How come I've been attacked by mosquitos, having mini bits of my fresh removed...leaving an itchy red wound.?And golly they are annoying!We have a lovely clean River just down the Road.. and we are assured that Thames Water pays a lot of attention to keeping it clean following concerns and after key visits from Ann Keen and Mary Macleod our MP's.Are you suffering too?

Jim Lawes ● 1058d4 Comments ● 1056d

VINTAGE & CRAFT MARKET

The Vintage & Craft Market takes place on Saturday 10th September 11am till 3pm at The Kings Arms Pub, 19 Boston Manor Rd, Brentford TW8 8EA

Trish Burden ● 1057d0 Comments ● 1057d

🌻🌻🌻Brentford Festival🎻🎶🎻This Sunday 🌻🌻🌻Noon-6pm

It's at Blondin Park.Just up the Road!See the full programme on their website.Please support Linda Massey, her team of volunteers...the stalls..the musicians... and enjoy the Brentford Festival Experience! ♥️ 🎻 🌳 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 😊 🌿🕶 🐕 🐩 🌞 🍹 🍦 🍺 🎈

Jim Lawes ● 1061d4 Comments ● 1058d

Craft Market today in Market Place.

Apparently a Craft Market was held this morning and early afternoon in front of Verdict. Attendance was reported not to have been overwhelmingThe Craftmarket may only have been advertised  on Facebook. I spoke to a charming lady packing up her stall. She hadn't heard of this Website or Forum and so this is an invitation for her to promote the next event.

Jim Lawes ● 1067d4 Comments ● 1061d

Have you upgraded  to:  new.brentfordtw8.com  ?

It seems that several of these invaluable local websites have introduced a new version with new layouts and capabilities.The ChiswickW4.com website and Wandsworth are examples.Maybe some readers are already using the new version. Others may not be aware of it's existance.I'm grateful to Richard Jennings on the ChiswickW4 Forum for enloghtening me.Using the "new.brentfordtw8.com" tag...I was able to get access but I failed to be able to "Register" even lodging never before used password. Help!

Jim Lawes ● 1075d10 Comments ● 1061d

Shops opening

I see that Chiswick is getting Oree Boulangerie and Brentford Greggs.Good that Greggs is reopening in the former Barclays bank. I will know Brentford is on the up, when a branch of Oree Boulangerie opens here.

Chris Dakers ● 1098d19 Comments ● 1067d

Brentford Festival - an apology from the Event Manager

Apologies to those living in Brentford, Syon, Isleworth and beyond.  Normally we would deliver flyers to all letterboxes but this year, because we didn't go looking for sponsorship, were only able to fund 14,000 leaflets to be delivered around the Blondin Park site. Sorry that you did not get a personal copy but you can take a look at the website https://www.brentfordfestival.org.uk to see what it looks like, including the layout map and of course details on the bands that will be playing.  CAMRA are running one of the bars and there will be a variety of catering and stalls.  Hoping to see you there on Sunday 4th September after being away for two years.  Linda Massey  Event Manager

Linda Massey ● 1075d16 Comments ● 1067d

What next?

COMPLEMENTING BEEHIVE AND MAGPIE PUBS. Ballymore have started work on brickwork and now they are seeking approval to change the colour along Brentford High Street. "The Ballymore masterplan in Brentford has undergone a change of colour palette to give it a more contemporary feel. It is now defined by the colour black or dark grey and can be seen in the revised design of the Block C building. The colour is seen as a unique feature that will make the new development singular and memorable like no other development in London." – planning application."Historic public houses punctuating Brentford High Street, the Beehive and Magpie & Crown, introduce the combination of black and red brick/terracotta colours as well as on the ground floor a precious plinth finish."More here: Planning application details (hounslow.gov.uk)

Vanessa Smith ● 1235d40 Comments ● 1067d

The Six Bells bank holiday weekend pop up bbq and music

Hello from The Six Bells! We have turned the pub back in to a more traditional venue. This weekend we have a BBQ pop up in the garden this evening from 4pm until 9pm serving upLow and slow cooked beef brisket, Dino ribs, butter smoked Turkey, pulled pork belly and pulled jack fruit, all with sides of potato salad, house slaw and pit beans. The BBQBiL boys really are pilasters, you’ll have to come down and taste it to believe it. When it’s gone it’s gone so don’t miss out!! Also tonight  live music from The Detonators from 8.30pm. Saturday we are taking a break from music and BBQ but would welcome you to come and enjoy a peaceful pint in our lovely sunny garden Sunday we have the pop up BBQ again from 2pm until 9pm and our resident DJ The Maestro spinning all the classic pure disco tunes from the 70s, 80s and 90s!! We look forward to seeing you!!! Karen and Jacquie

Karen Morris ● 1068d1 Comments ● 1067d

Book-keeper search – small children’s charity – help needed!

Hi there, We really need a book keeper to keep us on the straight and narrow including simple annual accounts preparation Can you help our small children’s charity (<£20k t/o) – DM if interested1Thank you!

Don Tanswell ● 1082d4 Comments ● 1070d

Dissertation Research Survey - The Brentford Community Stadium & Social Capital

Hello everyone. I am a master's student and employee of Havering Borough Council who is investigating the effects of the Brentford Community Stadium on social capital for my dissertation.In order to gather views of residents about project and its impacts, I would be very grateful if you would participate in a short survey to help me understand your views about how the stadium proposed has affected Brentford's local community. The survey will take approximately ten minutes to complete and all responses given will be entirely anonymous.Thank you in advance for your time and assistance.https://lsbu.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/dissertation-research-survey-the-brentford-community-sta-2

Kelvin Naicker ● 1077d6 Comments ● 1072d

Yard Sale

YARD SALE  at 15 Clifden Road Brentford TW8 0PB 11am till 2pm on Sunday 21st August. Lots of things on sale. Parking not a problem

Trish Burden ● 1075d0 Comments ● 1075d

"Come friendly rain clouds and fall on Brentford" !

John Betjeman"s poem comes to mind.Are we waiting for the joyful time when it buckets down?

Jim Lawes ● 1079d11 Comments ● 1077d

The Brentford Project

I am looking at buying a property in The Brentford Project and have lived in Chiswick for 12 years or so. I am scared to make the leap!What are your thoughts on residents of Brentford living there currently?More importantly (for me anyway!) what are your thoughts on The Brentford Project?Thanks so muchJ

Jenny Smith ● 1358d26 Comments ● 1077d

Lost Kilt

My Friend sadly left his kilt in it's kilt bag at the bus stop by the New Inn on South Ealing road on Saturday night. It was seen on Sunday morning but was gone by the afternoon. If you have it or know where it is please contact me on 07849265639, thank you!

Juri Felix ● 1078d1 Comments ● 1078d

Northumberland Arms Pub due to re-open.

This Brentford landmark pub, located close to the Brentford  Canal Bridge, announces in it'sfront window notice that it will be re-opening soon. Noting the current prices of pub beers,lagers and ciders etc one wonders whether they will all fare well. Hopefully yes.

Jim Lawes ● 1079d0 Comments ● 1079d

WMUH - Photographer in Residence

And this is a good use of scarce funds, how????????

Richard Collard ● 1089d3 Comments ● 1082d

Bird at Fountain Leisure Centre

Sorry to say that a bird (a magpie?) is inside the centre and can't find a way out. Yesterday it was flying back and forth near the heavy-duty perspex roofing. The only ways out are by a very limited number of doors which are at pool level. The bird will not fly down while the pool is in session (if at all) and obviously the doors can not be left open at other times. I fear the worst for this bird. Any ideas, anyone?

Anne England ● 1097d16 Comments ● 1082d

Benches

Hello.Am I the only one who is slightly puzzled by the location of the benches in Boston Manor Park?Do people prefer to look at the underside of the M4 as opposed to the amazing Cedar tree?I know it really isn't important in the grand scheme of things considering the skip fire this country is enduring at the moment.Would be nice to get something right though.

Paul Lang ● 1084d10 Comments ● 1082d

The delights of London..down the road!

London is on our doorstep really and access can be quite easy.The 91H or 267 is step One to Hammersmith Bus Station. Last night a short journey on the No.9 from there took our group to the "London's Village Hall"... the Royal Albert Hall.The RAH is celebrating it's 150th Anniversary.The floodlit building looked magnificent.Inside,   the corridors and eateries were a joy to promenade .. and then to step into the packed auditorium and look down at the Proms scene was jaw dropping.And it's  only just down the Road.Which trips do you recall and recommend?

Jim Lawes ● 1090d5 Comments ● 1084d

Power cuts and developments

With quite a few power failures occurring in parts of Brentford including another one last night in the Albany Road area, one wonders what may happen when Charlton House gets redeveloped and trippled in density and thus demand on services.Will the council come clean and be upfront and clear that both Electricity Supply and Water pressure and supply will be unaffected by the development?It appears these already lodged questions remain avoided.There's not an election now to be used to deflect the questions.

Raymond Havelock ● 1094d1 Comments ● 1088d

Power cut in brentford since 6pm

Electricity down since 6pm...anybody knows anything?

Silvia Diaz ● 1089d1 Comments ● 1088d

Sweetex / Stevia sweetener tablets

For years I've been hooked on the taste of Sweetex tablets .. having 2 in my preferred strong tea. (Yorkshire Hard Water tea)..but I have recently run out of stock.Today I went to Morrisons in Brentford...enjoyed the freshness of the place but found there was no Sweetex on the Sugar/sweetener shelves. A retired GP..of high ranking I understand..was attending that shelf too.He was keen on medical research..and was a diabetic expert too.We had a great 1/2 hour conversation!He told me that Sweetex had some nasty metalic ingredient.. and I should perhaps select the Morrison's Stevia brand.. for safety's sake at least.The distinct Sweetex taste is now missed... but this Stevia will do me fine...I think.Are there good and bad sweeteners? Which is recommended  other than Sweetex?

Jim Lawes ● 1110d6 Comments ● 1095d

God bless the 65 bus and it's route.

This dear bus service has been serving the Community for some 90-100 years...and it appears with regularity come rain or shine.I recall in the early 1950's jumping on the 65 at Kew Bridge and then winding down pleasant main roads to Kingston and beyond.We changed buses in Kingston so we could catch the 406 to Epsom Downs to join the model aircraft enthusiasts. I recall during the World War (WW2) in Chiswick we had to line our windows with black out curtains to hide our homes from enemy aircraft. My Dad couldn't afford such curtains but as he worked at Chiswick Works,repairing and maintaining London's buses..he had access to old and cast off bus destination blinds.They were fitted in my bedroom. When I woke up in the mornings and switched the light on... I recall that I saw "65 Chessington Zoo" in my sight!! Unforgettable!Funny now that 80 years later..I wander down to the Waterman's Park (I like the old Piano Museum bus stop) and along she comes... what a service!

Jim Lawes ● 1131d12 Comments ● 1095d

Dressmaker recommendations?

I wonder if anyone could give me a heads-up on a local (TW8) dressmaker who could carry out a small alteration on a frock?All suggestions gratefully received!

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 1099d2 Comments ● 1097d

Fridge 'doctor' needed

My fridge is not working as well as it should (I don't think it is anything to do with our recent very hot weather). I need to have it checked out - can anyone recommend someone who could check it and, if necessary, carry out the necessary repairs?  Thank you.

Joan Adamson ● 1100d9 Comments ● 1098d

36° at 7pm!

I noted that the temperature in Brentford for most of this afternoon was around 34.5  and I wondered if it would start getting cooler this evening... before watering some plants outside.But at 7pm it seems to be higher at 36°. No wonder the wildlife is hiding!(Foxes,squirrels, crows,occasional magpie, pidgeons, butterflies and bloody flies)!

Jim Lawes ● 1107d4 Comments ● 1100d

Grey cat injured near Half Acre Street

Is someone looking for a grey cat? A lady called Ana posted on Facebook she saw a grey cat running across the Half Acre street right in front of the Little Garden Day Nursery. One of its hind legs was run over by a car and it's likely very hurt. The cat managed to cross the street and jump into an open window of a ground floor flat right next to the nursery. The cat was probably scared and ran into the first place that looked safe and is now hiding somewhere in the building.  If you need more info about where the cat is likely hiding at the moment email to: anamm989@gmail.com

Maria Babiak ● 1103d0 Comments ● 1103d

APPRENTICESHIP

We are looking for a new apprentice. We are a locally based commercial plumbing and gas installation company. We do not have an age bar so older applicants who may need to retrain are welcome to apply.Please e:mail bob@promptservices.co.uk with a CV

Robert Ayres ● 1106d0 Comments ● 1106d

The local "Herald" newspaper

Many of us used to read the old Brentford and Chiswick Times (long closed) and the Informer etc.Regular free copies of the Metro and Evening Standard these days abound....but not for local news etc.It was in Morrisons today that I stumbled across the "Herald" newspaper which is seemingly only available  from large supermarkets in the Area. It's a good read...about events, news and articles on Council matters.Look out for it...and add to your local knowledge...perhaps!

Jim Lawes ● 1110d2 Comments ● 1106d

Fire safety defects

I see that on the front page that there are 21 buildings in Hounslow which have serious fire safety defects.I hope they don't find any in the proposed new apartment blocks going up in Brentford.

Barbara Dudley ● 1137d5 Comments ● 1106d

Hounslow environment planning

Did I read somewhere that heads were going to get together to plan the next few years environmental priorities?  If so, would this allow residents of the Borough to have input?

Sarah Felstead ● 1145d23 Comments ● 1107d

Brentford and London shamed by TfL incompetence

We went to the Womens Euros at the New Brentford Stadium last night. with some long time German friends who came over especially with their children.Pre match and during the match it was excellent.  Apart from the reliance on phones for tickets and a raft of bag restrictions not on the useless UEFA tickets app ( wonder if this was why Paris was such a disaster) it could not have been better. ( Apart from the result - I was supporting Denmark !!)Brentford FC played host and the organisation and presentation was second to none. Exemplary.But the whole evening was ruined post match.Yet again, the public transport was shambolic to the point of embarrassing.For those who do not know the locality, Public transport is key. Just like any event in almost any city. It's foolish to go off wandering a district in the dark which has a bit of a reputation and the Germans and Danes do have guidance that warn of this. It says use public transport.It's getting late, it's now dark and there's no public transport co-ordination whatsoever. Not one TfL or London Buses person in sight.  ( Completely unlike Pride which we also all went to last week when almost every second person was a TfL vest clad assister or reveller, as they all seemed to be enjoying it to the full.)So there's a 29 minute service on the 65 on a faulty Countdown display.App were not working properly either. Southbound buses were running almost empty but no northbound bus for 45 mins.Similarly 237 and 267 bus stop was equally chaotic and 267 running with the destination London Road - Chertsey Road. Where's that if you are not a local ?Delays boarding as almost everyone was asking where this actually was.  Short of Twickenham station - which is a recommended location for hotels and train services. Then with at least 80 people still waiting to board another 267 for Fulwell stops short of the stop, lets a few people off then drives straight off, missing the stop and leaving those waiting passengers stranded.  Bus was almost empty. Next 267 full and a third arrived able to load most , but not all on. 2 out of 4 267s terminated short. Similarly 237s were also short destinations.Meanwhile the 65 heading to Ealing queue was heaving mainly with Danes and Germans and with young children. Including us.When a bus finally showed up the driver stopped at the back of the queue - not at the correct marked position. A complete stampede ensued with a man on crutches pushed out of the way.Many boarded by the middle door ( common in Denmark and Germany ) only to find they could not pay. The driver left his cab and remonstrated with them. Then they found that the card reader would not function with their cards anyway. More delays for those lucky enough to get aboard.Another 65 came along completely full and did not stop.  The third one also near full, took just 7 passengers and was full to bursting. We got one the next one which was also full - by now 1hour and 10 mins after the game had finished.At last heading home with many worried that they may not make their hotels before the last trains and with tired and children and anxious wives.So barely up the road and roadworks blocking Brentford High Street and Ealing road.Who on earth scheduled white lining on an international match day event known for months?It gets worse. Arrive at Ealing Road / Great West Road and packed bus in front has been terminated there. Very angry German and Danes now trying to board a packed bus with another right behind also packed.Then another delay. A4 is snarled up as there are more roadworks to the left and it has jammed up the Junction roundabout.All in all almost 2 hours to see our friends off safely.Those German and Danish disgusted by the third rate public transport service. I asked a driver if Centrecomm ( who control buses ) were aware of the event. The reply was they did not want to know and did nothing other than terminate services to Ealing. No extra had been scheduled.The conversations were largely locals apologising and very embarrassed about the dire state of facilities for visitors.But this is rank unprofessionalism from TfL - who did know and did nothing.This is not the first time as last season was also marred with transport chaos at big games.But it was so bad that one wonders if this is deliberately engineered chaos to make a political point?  Who on earth sanctioned roadworks on not one but two key exit routes?Why were no extra buses laid on or existing buses not turned for the busiest section?Shamefully disgusting and ruined what was otherwise a great evening and hugely damaging to the district and the hosts for the event.

Raymond Havelock ● 1116d15 Comments ● 1107d

Policeman: "Excuse me Madam..."

When one is travelling along local roads and one sees flashing Police lights ahead..one wonders what incident lies ahead.A speeding or noisy car, a pedestrian suffering in some way or worse.Well this afternoon at 2.30pm ish on the Great West Road footpath between Windmill Road and Boston Manor Road...a fine looking lady (on her own) was walking along "topless" revealing the marvels of nature to anyone looking her way.A Police Car had pulled over to question the lady (aged about 30?).. and I wondered what they would say to her.Is the topless display illegal.. especially in today's hot sun.?She didn't appear to be carrying spare clothing so maybe one of the three Policemen loaned her their cap!

Jim Lawes ● 1115d4 Comments ● 1113d

Grand Teddy Bears Picnic tomorrow!

Passing  the north entrance to Gunnersbury Park today..in Popes Lane..I noticed signage about a Soho House Event.Marshalls were at the entrance indicating bulky equipment possibly arriving.Checking around I find that there's going to be a Grand Teddy Bears' Picnic in the Park tomorrow.That could well be an event local tots wouldn't want to miss.(10.30am till 4pm ish?).Has there been any local publicity? Gunnersbury Park being within  Brentford might possibly qualify for mention on this Website's front page or Calendar even.Anyhow..give your teddies an outing tomorrow.

Jim Lawes ● 1116d6 Comments ● 1114d

Boston Manor House

There's a programme on Quest tv (Freeview chanel 12) tonight at 9 pm about the restoration of Boston Manor House. Should be intersting.

Pat Kingham ● 1120d13 Comments ● 1116d

I can’t find a £500 table cloth.

This is really worrying me.  Around £150 is the best I could do.  A link if you know, perhaps? X

Sarah Felstead ● 1117d9 Comments ● 1116d

Germany on the attack in Brentford! 1-0

It was a treat to see some overseas flags flying around Brentford today.. and many smartly dressedyoung school-girls in thei mauve tops.. perhaps on their way to the game at the Community Stadium.Rather than being under threat from Leeds FC fans..the Kew Bridge area should be a scene of happiness tonight.The German Ladies  lead 1-0 against the Ladies from Denmark.

Jim Lawes ● 1117d0 Comments ● 1117d

Shapps and Khan. Hard to tell which is the bigger twit

Khan has presided over a top heavy costly TfL which had excessive costs long before the Coronavirus.  TfLs remit and policies reach far beyond the core of what it is supposed to do.It's been a mess with so much not being overseen and damage to infrastructure bt selling off vital sites for his housing policies is devastating for Transport Infrastructure and future proofing and whacking up overheads from dead mileage to staffing costs.Far too many consultants all paid to say what the policymakers want them to say.Too much political and managerial interference which has added £millions to the Elizabeth Line.Too many 'politicised' experts engaged to cause time wastage and headaches for engineers.Massive waste on Hybrid buses being imposed on Contracts that are now deemed more polluting than Euro 5 & 6 diesels.A ULEZ extension based on out of date data, falling way short of the revenue expected ( which has exposed it as a purely revenue based scheme) and leaving an infra structure carbon footprint that will take 11 years to recover. Would have been far cheaper to have run a proper and fair scrappage scheme for vehicles owned by GLA residents.Massive amounts of money squandered and too much with unsatisfactory results. Yet we still have filthy trains, too many messed up bus services , poorest ever bus worker conditions,too much crime and poorly executed works. And still one of the world's most expensive urban transport systems. ( That's as bad across the whole country)Then there's Shapps. Words fail me as to how he ever got to where he is.  Surely they can do better than him?Both need to have their heads banged together and get rid of their advisors.

Raymond Havelock ● 1139d12 Comments ● 1117d

Onward Christian Soldiers

He has appeared on the release list issued by Brentford FC so it looks like he is departing. He should go with the best wishes of every Bees fan.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1142d3 Comments ● 1117d

Isleworth bowls club

I was very surprised to see that this club has claimed to be encouraging young and old to bowl. As a member of Isleworth Bowls club before it was procurred Isleworth Working Mens Club. Looking at your photo of the children taking up bowls made me wonder how on earth they could bowl on thatm green! It has been destroyed by a lack of care. The whole point of bowling is to have a decent green. Im regularly at Redlees anf all i have seen from the outside was marquees, tables an chairs etc on this green space. Not very encouraging for anyone wanting to take up bowls or indeed return to this club.j

Ruth Barber ● 1124d3 Comments ● 1122d

Racing pigeon now at Youngs vets.

And now for something different …Neighbour brought a pigeon over to us last night as they had found it in the garden, having difficulty in flying.  It had rings on its feet, contact number on one leg and racing pigeon registration details on the other leg.We tried the contact number on one foot but must have copied it down incorrectly. I haven’t held a pigeon before but it was so lovely, really soft and not at all distressed in being held because he was obviously used to being held.Took it to the animal hospital at the vets in Hounslow and they said it was a young bird, registered this year, and looks like he’s flown into something as he has signs of a neck/head and eye injury.  A few hours later and he would have been the plaything for one of the evening cats.We hope to hear how he gets on as Young's vets will contact the owner or the racing registration people.Wonder how far he has flown and how off course he is?

Sarah Felstead ● 1130d3 Comments ● 1127d

Unsolved West London Murders.

Are all the links between Abertillery double child killer Harold Jones and other unsolved murders just coincidences?Here are the facts.(1) Just before Jones was released from prison he repeatedly informed the prison authorities that he did not want to lose the desire to kill. That was the same desire that he admitted that he had in 1921 as a 15 year-old boy.(2) The governor of Maidstone prison from where Jones was eventually released stated in a report: "He is callous but would be the last to admit it. Sad as it may seem I can see no hopeful prospect for Jones in the future." The prison chaplain also reported that he felt Jones was a "no-hoper."Professor Mike Berry, (Consultant Clinical Forensic Psychologist.) visited Abertillery and a number of London locations during the filming of Dark Son - The Hunt for a Serial Killer over a 12 month period. His conclusion was that Harold Jones was the Hammersmith killer. (8 unsolved London murders that were the largest unsolved murders in British criminal history.) He stated that he believed after reviewing all the evidence that Jones after leaving prison had killed again and again,(3) Jones had lived 2 streets away from 3 of the 8 women murder victims in Fulham and Hammersmith as well as 50-100 yards away from murder victim Ignac Ulycz in Putney. The police in the 1960's were not aware of Jones' past and he was never a suspect in any of the murders until after 2008.(4) Jones' own daughter has stated that her father would leave her and her mother at home at the times of the killings and book into Rowton House, a  doss-house in Hammersmith whenever her parents would have a row. The daughter stated that she now believes her father would do this in fear that he may kill his wife in temper. Jones' own son-in-law stated that "There's no smoke without fire is there?"(5) One woman prostitute told the police that she had got into a punter's car with a man who showed her a London Metropolitan Police warrant card. She panicked and quickly exited the car. The man offered her some cash. Was the man Harold Jones using his father-in-laws police warrant card. (His father-in-law John Widdows was a retired London Metropolitan police officer.) The woman some time later became the 7th of the 8 murdered women.(6) Harold Jones stored the bodies of Abertillery murder victims Freda Burnell and Florence Little in Abertillery until it was convenient to dispose of their bodies. At least 4 of the Hammersmith victims were stored before being dumped at various London locations.(7) All Hammersmith victims were demure and childlike in stature.(8) Harold Jones had an oral fixation at the time of the Abertillery child murders. It is recorded by his then 13 year-old girlfriend Selina Mortimer that Jones had asked her to spit in his mouth. The Hammersmith killer also had an oral fixation by removing the teeth or dentures of his victims.(9) At least 4 of the Hammersmith victims had been stored (in an electricity sub-station on the Heron Trading Estate Acton) before being dumped at various London locations. Jones' daughter has stated that her father had worked as a sheet metal worker in Acton but wasn't aware of where in Acton. This is something only the police would be able to ascertain.(10) After Harold Jones was jailed for the murder of Florence Little he bragged about his ability to outfox the police during the earlier inquiry into the murder of Freda Burnell. He said: "The arrival of the men from Scotland Yard fascinated me. I had only read of Scotland Yard men before. Now I saw them in the flesh - and I beat them." I am convinced that Harold Jones went to his grave in 1971 knowing that he had beaten them again.I am in contact with adult children of 5 of the 8 Hammersmith murder victims. Learning of the deaths of their mother's has had an incredibly negative impact on them. They all feel cheated that it seems as though the police have no appetite for reviewing the case.I am also in contact with the families of 2 men that have been wrongly named as the killer. (Mungo Ireland and former world light-heavyweight boxer Freddie Mills.) They are also distraught that their fathers' good reputation has not been restored. Freddie Mills' daughter Amanda told me that owing to the stigma regarding her father that she hasn't told her teenage son that his father was a famous world champion boxer.THE SHOW MUST GO ON.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6BnF5FEmvQhttps://www.jarossi.com/the-hunt-for-the-60s-ripper/hunt-for-the-60s-ripper-on-youtube/?fbclid=IwAR0KLDA0Gs8jaaIHQM0MZcbMaZcu1RlMNswmJyiHLZXfp9wP1CwUQZAm_DY

Neil Milkins ● 1127d0 Comments ● 1127d

Plonkers !

There's a new Wine Bar in Brentford called PLONKERS ?How does on qualify for entry?

Jim Lawes ● 1129d7 Comments ● 1127d

EU to ban new petrol/car sales from 2035.

We will ban sales from 2030. Once again looks like we are being mugged. Hope we are all able to afford EV'S. I am not sure if the USA are banning new petrol and diesel cars sales. Does anybody know?

Nicholas Beard ● 1146d21 Comments ● 1129d

Half acre of farm land for sale in centre of Brentford!

As Vanessa would say..you couldn't make this up!I was fascinated to see an address advertising the Funeral Directors behind Goddards...as being Half Acre Lane, Brentford, TW8Half Acre Lane? I thought that's interesting (especially after Hugh and I's old Music Hall thread)and wondered if such an address came up on a Google Search.  And yes it does!It seems that the Rightmove property website has latched on to the sale of the Police Station (in Half Acre) and classified it as "Farmland for sale".View it before it's corrected?http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-40693651.htmlLuv it!

Jim Lawes ● 4279d9 Comments ● 1130d

Unsolved West London Murders.

PLEASE SHARE.                                      The show must go on. Now that Covid 19 restrictions have ended, I am now back on the trail of the person who killed 8 women in the Hammersmith district of London between 1959 and 1965. A new documentary is on the cards before again asking New Scotland Yard to review this greatest unsolved murder case in British criminal history. Below is a link to a recent Youtube documentary that clearly backs up my belief that Abertillery-born Harold Jones is the prime suspect for these unsolved murders. The pertinent part of this video is 35 minutes in by just sliding the bar to that time.                                                    https://www.jarossi.com/the-hunt-for-the-60s-ripper/hunt-for-the-60s-ripper-on-youtube/?fbclid=IwAR1iJ7RCdAhfJtr3EumpluwLBrUAFypNn43h9rLUcAiKwMNMKB-uL-G8Res

Neil Milkins ● 1130d0 Comments ● 1130d

£150 council tax rebate

Has anyone received theirs yet?  Applied for mine middle of May; application acknowledged and told should receive within 14 days.  Nothing arrived yet.  Are there delays does anyone know?

Alison Robins ● 1135d3 Comments ● 1131d

St Paul's Park Jubilee Event

What a lovely community event and thank goodness the sun came out to shine on us all.I'm not too sure who to thank but think it was, in the main if not wholly, the work of Brentford Voice.Thank you!

Anne England ● 1151d3 Comments ● 1131d

Thank you, Iceland!

On Tuesdays Iceland are giving people over 60 a 10% discount on their shopping. Of course, this means that on Tuesdays they are doing an absolutely roaring trade, much more than they would usually. A win-win situation for everybody. Well done, Iceland!

bela cunha ● 1133d1 Comments ● 1133d

Pat McCarthy's Self-serve Till Petition

The number of people signing the petition has risen even further from when the story was covered last week with 165,000 signing.I'm an enthusiast for the self-serve tills as it enables shopping to be done quickly and easily. The added benefit is that we tend to do more shops and don't overstock so wastage is avoided and we don't need to use the car as often.One thing that seems to be becoming apparent is an increase in the number of people using cash - a reversal of the trend of the past decade. It is hard not to conclude that this is being caused by the banks and credit card companies restricting more people's cards. Even when cash is an option on the self-serve it doesn't work that well so means people who are already struggling have another small humiliation. Tesco, and all the main supermarkets need to think how they will adapt to these changed circumstances.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1160d20 Comments ● 1135d

Log in Council tax site down

It took me 5 days to finally been told by a “human being”, the pay online facility was down.Didn’t stop them from flagging me as “account overdue” I did mention I had tried all other options but as I couldn’t log in to my account,  I was unable to get my 10 digit account number.Would have been so easy to just post a “site down due to maintenance or similar”Between that and the EHO, I’m not impressed.Useless box tickers we are paying every single month.

Nicolette Breitenstein ● 1145d0 Comments ● 1145d

Hamilton Road

Lots of cops- anyone know what’s going on?

Mark Gormley ● 1148d0 Comments ● 1148d

Clifden Road Street Party

Hope everyone had a fun and enjoyable day today! I’m pleased the weather improved :) Please could the organisers of the Clifden Road street party kindly inform the Brook Road South residents next time they intend to close the road. We still need access to our private road and parking (entrance located on Clifden Road) and is was not pleasant being heckled at when we were moving the barrier to simply get in and out of our parking area, which was at least 100 metres away from the party. Most of us had no idea the road was going to be closed as there were no signs, notices or letters informing us of the plans. Many thanks and enjoy the rest of the weekend

Priya Gill ● 1150d1 Comments ● 1149d

Watermans Park

Whilst I welcome the upgrades to the park, the ongoing vandalism to the playground before it is even properly open is a problem that the council need to tackle before it is totally wrecked. I overlook the park and am currently looking at around 20 older teenagers doing their best to do the wrecking. The increased fencing and the signs saying it is closed are no deterrent to this lot and all the others who have I have seen this week after the schools close.

Tim Seabourne ● 1215d14 Comments ● 1151d

Brentford Local History Month - Exhibition at the Musical Museum

As part of Brentford History Month, an exhibition is now open, until 26th June, at the Musical Museum. This includes display boards on the Life and Legacy of Thomas Layton and photographs of Brentford as it was in the early 20th Century. You will also be able to see a small collection of items from Brentford's social and economic history, and there is a quiz and other activities for children.The opening hours are 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. There is no admission fee to visit this exhibition although you may wish to give a small voluntary contribution to the Musical Museum. The cafe at the Museum is always worth a visit for good coffee and tea, and great views over the Thames.To whet your appetite, this site gives some idea of the importance of Thomas Layton in Brentford's history:http://thomaslayton.org.uk/thomas-layton-brentford/the-layton-trail/Brentford Voice is very grateful to those who have contributed to Local History Month, including the Brentford & Chiswick Local History Society, Karen Reader (Brentford Thru My Lens), the Musical Museum, and local businesses.

Jim Storrar ● 1159d6 Comments ● 1151d

A railway question for those of a certain age

I would be very interested to hear from anyone who remembers a particular Brentford landmark as it was in the 1950s/1960s.The railway line to Brentford Dock was opened in 1859 and was closed in 1964, the track being removed soon after. Maps from the 1860s to the 1940s clearly show that there was a pedestrian underpass in a short tunnel under the railway embankment.The western end of the underpass can still be seen in Hazel Close, opposite the eastern end of Hornbeam Crescent. At this point, garages were built into the underpass and those garages are still there. It's not so clear what happened to the eastern entrance to the underpass, which is on the western side of the bus depot in Commerce Road.Does anyone have any memories of the underpass, perhaps from your childhood? Many thanks in anticipation.

Jim Storrar ● 1158d1 Comments ● 1151d

Brentford and Isleworth Largely Spared in Bus Cull - Front page

Sorry but I thought the bus culls were done quietly without consultation during Covid?  I am sure I heard that the very busy bus route to Richmond - 37 - was reduced?  And what about the closure of the train loop line to Richmond via Whitton?  Wonder how many other routes were reduced or altered at the same time?

Sarah Felstead ● 1151d0 Comments ● 1151d

Car sofa - Front page Councillor Lambert weekly update.

‘I really fancy that car/sofa (apparently the lights work when you plug it in) ‘Reminds me of the ‘car sofa’ I followed on the A316 - somebody had built a sofa with a standard lamp and pot plant which drives as a car.  It looks amazing and I am sure it had passed all its roadworthy certificates as it drove at normal car speeds along the Chertsey Road.  The only thing the people who gave it those certificates didn’t do was factor in the trail of near misses it caused other cars and lorry drivers who spotted it, as they ALL did a double take….. Anyone else seen it?

Sarah Felstead ● 1152d2 Comments ● 1152d

Flypast today …

Last time there was a flypast the red arrows came over Brentford from The Palace en route to Beaconsfield.  They came over Gillette Corner..  Do you think we will see it today?  Cant find an exact route.  Due over 12.40 to 1.15.

Sarah Felstead ● 1153d6 Comments ● 1153d

Weed infested pavements

Is this a deliberate policy?If so it needs to be sorted and quickly.Many streets in Brentford are now a mire of Weeds and invasive vegetation.It might be very right on but it has serious and costly implications.  It does not take much for a rather delicate looking weed to displace the sub soil under paving slabs and walls and once well established can undermine kerbstones, drains sewers and electricity and gas ducting.It's not unknown for a front garden wall to collapse from the voids caused by uncontrolled vegetation of a seemingly harmless nature.But the cost could run into £££££££s and liability for neglect or deliberate neglect could be a real problem in a very short time.However, it's also the householders who may well be just as culpable, if it's a case of lack of council resources or staffing issues, should LBH not remind home occupiers of the risks and request that they look after at least the bit in front of their property?Streets have always been kept weed free for many reasons, some structural, some for public health and some for simply keeping streets clean and tidy.It was embarrassing showing a visitor from abroad around today who was aghast at the state of so many streets with wheelie bins and recycling boxes scattered all over pavements, weeds and blown litter.And a few days off from many street celebrations.

Raymond Havelock ● 1161d9 Comments ● 1154d

Ukranians and food banks.

It is being reported that host families are finding it hard to feed their refugees, and they are going to foodbanks what a disgrace. We have taken very few refugees compared to Germany. We have been less generous eg food allowence in Germany £516 per person per month, plus £180 for clothes at the begining. I did not realise our allowence, considerably less than Germany's is per household not person. A friend of mine took in a mother and daughter but only gets one allowence. He had to organise the girls education, no help from the goverment.

Nicholas Beard ● 1157d16 Comments ● 1154d

800 Police to attend a Brentford Football match!

It might be foolish to go for an afternoon stroll around Brentford East this Sunday afternoon.The sight of so many Police vans,Police horses might suggest a seige of sorts... and frail residents might be best advised to stay indoors and avoid any chance of clashing with booze-fuelled pedestrians in the area.Is this a negative view..or should I rejoice that Brentford will be in the news again..hopefully for happy reasons.

Jim Lawes ● 1166d8 Comments ● 1156d

Middlesex Day!

If the citizens of Brentford weren't in the slightest bit interested in celebrating Middlesex Day yesterday...why would the rest of the large old County be bothered either.They should have at least pay their respects to Brentford..their old County Town...even if it was the place of their ancester's incarcerations!I recall wearing a Middlesex Badge/shield on my old National Service uniform even.And if you happened to be good playing cricket..you stood a chance of playing for the Middlesex County team who play at the world famous Lords Cricket Ground!There's no need for replies...I cheered for dear Middlesex on my own!

Jim Lawes ● 1169d16 Comments ● 1159d

News

From Brentford TV Debate not Hate:NEW LEADER THANKS STEVE CURRAN. "I am honoured and humbled the Labour Group has elected me as their new leader and I am very grateful for the support of my colleagues." – Cllr Shantanu Rajawat last night (Monday).Cllr Rajawat added: "I want to thank Steve Curran, our outgoing leader, for all his hard work and fantastic achievements over the last eight years. Under his last administration, in which I proudly served, we built over 1,000 council homes, were independently recognised as having the best roads and among the best parks in London, and we won Council of the Year."I am committed to building on the best work of the last administration, working to tackle climate change and air pollution, improve our estates and communities, and build social housing."But I also want us to forge out in new directions to build an even better borough. Fundamentally, residents and businesses want a listening Council. I want to work across the borough for cleaner streets and more opportunities for young people in Hounslow."I want to give local people every chance for their voices to be heard on local decisions so that everyone in Hounslow, from Chiswick to Cranford has a seat at the table. I want us to be transparent in our ambitions for the borough and how we will go about realising them. Ours will be a borough for all our residents and ours will be an administration that is always on their side."Katherine Dunne was elected Deputy Leader.

Vanessa Smith ● 1176d3 Comments ● 1162d

Do Gunnersbury Park Really consult with local groups?

First I've heard is on this site. Nothing on the grapevine.But yet again underlines the pure contempt for it's local residents.The last major events left the park stunning of Urine for months and damage the former golf course and lower grassed areas . And left the park pretty much a no go.The Locality from Acton was a mess and full of traffic of all sorts.We have to endure the transport gridlock with Brentford's match days not so often 3pm on a saturday now that their premiership status leaves fixtures to suit TV, Events at Kew in Summer.So now Gunnersbury want to stuff up the little respite left in the summer with noise and traffic and all the problems that brings which they failed dismally to address with past high attendance events.The smaller events don't compare, so should not be used as a justification.It causes problems all through Acton, Ealing Common , Stuffs up South Ealing Northfields and Boston Manoe and leaves Brenford isolated and hemmed in.I hope this time the councillors take a tougher line with this overly commercial and upmarket marketing mad organisation who would rather the local people pack up and leave.

Raymond Havelock ● 1168d12 Comments ● 1163d

Residents parking permit code R

Northcote Road area - does anyone know what this means?  Would like to park for a couple of hours in that area but can’t find any pay and display so wondered what the parking restrictions are?  Thanks.

Sarah Felstead ● 1176d7 Comments ● 1164d

Horrendous traffic tailbacks

Does anyone know what is causing really bad traffic queues, particularly from London Road to the A4 via Syon Lane.  Also bad on Boston Manor Road from the A4 down to Brentford High Street. Walking my dog this morning, I noticed that traffic going west on the A4 was extremely heavy and slow moving.  Are there roadworks somewhere in the locality? Have tried to find out on the web but no joy.

Joan Adamson ● 1168d8 Comments ● 1165d

When is the Rose Community Centre returning to original use?

The work of Hounslow Foodbox is incredible and the Rose Community Centre was a very handy place to bring donations too particularly during the pandemic. Foodbanks are needed now more than ever but the council should be making provision in a way that doesn't require residents who are equally in need to give up important facilities.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1166d1 Comments ● 1165d

Thank You

I would like to thank the 226 residents of Brentford West who took the time and trouble to cast their vote for me. Also, I would like to say a special thanks to Mark,Sissra and Manjula for all their hard work and help.

Robert Ayres ● 1180d12 Comments ● 1168d

Brentford East Ward.... 81% didn't vote!

Any reason? Dead sure that Labour would win anyway?

Jim Lawes ● 1180d17 Comments ● 1170d

TW8:  Once stars of "World Topiary Day" !

I recall some 10 years ago that the Brentford area had many fine examples of front garden hedge cutting sculptures!For example those two WHALES that adorned Clifton Road (the old swimming baths road?). The most impressive one was at the home of the famed Artist Jason Bowyer (RIP) and his wife. Further down the road was another.From platforms at Brentford Station one could see a steam train and carriages in the form of a long hedge!There was another locomotive and carriage themed hedge off Eastbourne Road.. and nearby a 'row of teacakes'!My favourites were off Hall Road nearer Hounslow...a Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck!So World Topiary Day has reminded me of some fine specimens in the Area.Are some of them still around?PS: This is a serious subject! Shears for now!

Jim Lawes ● 1174d4 Comments ● 1170d

TEMPORARY LIGHTS HALF ACRE/BRENTFORD HIGH STREET

These lights appeared unannounced on Friday afternoon, causing chaos ever since. Does anyone know what is happening and how long this inconvenience will last. As usual no sign of anyone working.

Elizabeth Price ● 1177d3 Comments ● 1173d

Storm damage.

Hi, I’m a Brentford resident caught between 2 councils. On Friday a massive tree was torn down in the high winds. This took out over 12 secure fence panels and my summer house and gazebo which is attached to the back of our home. The tree took out 2 other huge trees in its way down, we have been begging for someone to come out and see the damage it has caused so far, as it still has further to fall unless something is done. The tree is over 150 foot tall and we have been asking Ealing council to come and see see it for over 10 years.as some of the branches we already touching our home over our side garden which is at least 15/18 foot wide, the tree also had signs of wet rot and decay, I’m registered disabled and my husband is 74, the tree is owned by Ealing council and we are Hounslow tenants .after spending ridiculous hours on the phone to both councils we were told that no one can come out to look at the damage before the 4th of MARCH. the tree is currently balancing on a headstone in the grave yard, as when the trees came down it has destroyed several graves. We have written to some many councillors and are waiting for someone to help. The tree has mashed up several gardens and stretches over 140 ish feet tall and just as wide. It has also turned into some sort of tourist attraction with many people turning for photos. Please any ideas.

Teresa Brent ● 1252d9 Comments ● 1177d

Syon Park Peasants Revolt

I see there is an article in the Evening Standard on this today.  A good day to bury bad news?

Philippa Bond ● 1181d7 Comments ● 1179d

Storm damage.

Hi, I’m a Brentford resident caught between 2 councils. On Friday a massive tree was torn down in the high winds. This took out over 12 secure fence panels and my summer house and gazebo which is attached to the back of our home. The tree took out 2 other huge trees in its way down, we have been begging for someone to come out and see the damage it has caused so far, as it still has further to fall unless something is done. The tree is over 150 foot tall and we have been asking Ealing council to come and see see it for over 10 years.as some of the branches we already touching our home over our side garden which is at least 15/18 foot wide, the tree also had signs of wet rot and decay, I’m registered disabled and my husband is 74, the tree is owned by Ealing council and we are Hounslow tenants .after spending ridiculous hours on the phone to both councils we were told that no one can come out to look at the damage before the 4th of MARCH. the tree is currently balancing on a headstone in the grave yard, as when the trees came down it has destroyed several graves. We have written to some many councillors and are waiting for someone to help. The tree has mashed up several gardens and stretches over 140 ish feet tall and just as wide. It has also turned into some sort of tourist attraction with many people turning for photos. Please any ideas.

Teresa Brent ● 1252d1 Comments ● 1179d

Labour Party record on environmental issues

It is interesting to see in a recent posting how opposition to this council’s road closures is seen as anti-environmental – emotive phrases like “gas guzzlers” being used, as though this is indeed a “green” policy. What about LBH’s other policies – are they so green? What will be the environmental cost of tearing down Tesco in Osterley and rebuilding it less than a mile away – or Morrisons – or Watermans – or any or the other council-supported acts of architectural sabotage. Is the demolition of fairly modern, and perfectly fit for purpose, buildings good for the people of Hounslow? What about the scrapping of free garden waste collection – how many extra journeys to the council tip, and tonnes of carbon dioxide, has this generated – another “green” policy? Or what about LBH’s woeful record on recycling – this website ranks this borough as 21st out of 33 London boroughs, or 297 out of 345 in England, for the amount of household waste being recycled – an appalling failure.https://www.nimblefins.co.uk/london-recycling-rates-best-worst-boroughs-revealed#nogoThis Labour administration has clearly failed completely in its responsibility to environmental issues – it’s time to get rid of these dinosaurs from the last century and elect people fit for the challenge of 21st century life, with honest policies that will actually benefit all of us – rather than the LTN lies and relentless over-development that we have become used to.

Graham Thorpe ● 1187d7 Comments ● 1180d

Why won't candidates discuss this?

Seems to be a strong reluctance for any candidates or canvassers to explain whether or not the LTN plans ( see link below as it won't cut and paste) are to be implemented if elected.Have there been continuing meetings with LBH and TfL on how to push this along?Should it not be clearer if the intent ( or not) to proceed in campaign manifestos?We, the great unwashed really ought to know clearly what is afoot, surely?https://democraticservices.hounslow.gov.uk/documents/s164997/APPENDIX%201%20-%20CEX%20496%20Appendix%203%20-%20Attachment%20A%20LTN%20map%20from%2020102020%20Cabinet.pdf

Raymond Havelock ● 1182d11 Comments ● 1181d

The unaccountable council

With the local elections coming up I thought it would be a good time to try and understand the perceived unaccountability of Hounslow council and the decisions it 'forces' upon residents.I am a resident of Orchard Road and I along with many other residents are dealing with the unilateral decision of the council to close the Orchard Road carpark. I understand that this situation doesn't directly affect many residents in Brentford but the way the council have acted throughout the process should concern everyone in the borough.The loss of a carpark so close to Brentford station was going to have a huge impact on the local resident parking. The council started with the usual consultation process with residents. After voicing concerns through the consultation process the council decided to ignore those concerns and push ahead with the closure and redevelopment of the parking area. At this stage residents were forced to fund raise for a specialist consultant to engage with the council regarding its plans. The consultant managed to get some conditions attached to the planning approval regarding the loss of parking in the area.So far the council have not met with those conditions (though they dispute this) and have not provided the appropriate replacement parking solutions that were promised. One 'car space' that was provided was an extension to an existing parking bay of 3.9m when the minimum requirement for a car space is 4.5m. None of this matters because the council are essentially marking their own homework and declaring that contrary to the evidence provided by residents, they have met all the planning requirements and have gone ahead and started the redevelopment.This was a community resource, used by local residents, visitors and of course provided parking for people using Brentford rail station. What right does the council have to take this resource away? in my opinion it was not theirs to take, it was owned by the local residents.What is the point of consulting residents when the council just ignore the findings of said consultations? They have also decided to leave (after further consultation) the current CPZ times and restrictions in place. So for roads surrounding the station we are now finding that on weekends and after 1730 weekdays it is becoming almost impossible to find a car parking space.There really does seem to be no accountability from the council to residents. They do a box ticking exercise (consultation) ignore the outcomes and push ahead with what they want anyway. As local residents it feels that we are absolutely powerless in these types of situations.To be clear the residents were never against redevelopment we only ever asked to be compensated for our loss of parking with a suitable replacement proposal.

Jeremy Weekes ● 1187d23 Comments ● 1181d

Hounslow makes 'Private Eye' 3 times in a row

Another 'Rotten Boroughs' entry for L.B.H. this week. noting that Cllr. Puneet Grewal has been 'given the heave-ho' from Hanworth Park ward. Cllr. Grewal chair of the council's pension fund panel should have attended three meetings of the panel last year - and made none - plus she was supposed 'to have attended at least six council meetings' and managed - one! For this she pocketed £11.576 basic allowance plus £6.400 'special responsibility' for chairing the pensions panel. As 'Eye' notes not bad for attending just one meeting!

Vanessa Smith ● 1189d12 Comments ● 1183d

Another fine result

..not bad for the place known as a Bus Stop in Hounslow !Well done the Bees!   Stuff of dreams!

Raymond Havelock ● 1206d6 Comments ● 1183d

GPs in Brentford.

I have moved from Heston to Brentford on my latest move around the Borough.  As some will know I started off in Chiswick before WW2!Recently on Facebook (Brentford Friends?) there was much grumbling about GP's in the Area. Can you recommend a local GP I could apply to.PS: my body is not complicated!Thanks.

Jim Lawes ● 1188d12 Comments ● 1183d

Thatcher's Cider.. available in which pub?

On a recent trip to Kingston...I nipped into a pub there and much enjoyed a pint of that alcohol!If I wanted to treat myself to another Thatcher's Cider...where should I go?No joy at The Lamb or the Griffin. Help!

Jim Lawes ● 1189d5 Comments ● 1185d

Enfield Road

Unable to walk on the pavement in Enfield Road, due to dog mess!!  Really disgusted by anti-social behaviour of dog owner!

Debbie Paradin ● 1212d12 Comments ● 1187d

Hounslow Friends of the Earth asks all candidates to divest Council pension fund from fossil fuels

Hounslow Borough Friends of the Earth have been campaigning for Hounslow's Pension Fund to stop investing local workers’ money in planet-wrecking fossil fuels.Investing local pensions in fossil fuels is fueling climate change and air pollution, contradicting local, national and international commitments to tackle climate change. It is also putting members’ pensions in jeopardy as fossil fuel investments now pose a dangerous long-term financial risk to investors.Instead, to move toward a zero-carbon future we need to phase out the use of fossil fuels. This means we need to limit the extraction and production of fossil fuels as part of a managed and just transition. There are already far more known fossil fuel reserves than can possibly be burned to stay within globally agreed targets for limiting global heating yet the fossil fuel companies that our pension funds invest in continue to expand.Institutions, such as local government pension funds, can take practical action by moving their direct and indirect investments out of the fossil fuel industry.We think this election is the perfect time for our council to take their impressive climate leadership plans to the next level by committing to stop investing in the biggest polluters in the world, and plan how this money can be invested in the local economy instead.More than 300 candidates have signed the UK Divest pledge in all 3 nations. Support has come from across the political spectrum with candidates representing the Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Green, Plaid Cymru and Scottish National Parties.How many candidates from the borough of Hounslow will join these 300 candidates?Hounslow Borough Friends of the Earth is calling all candidates to publicly back the following pledge:“If elected, I will do all I can to ensure the council pension fund ends investment in fossil fuels and invests in a just transition to a zero-carbon economy.”Candidates can register their pledges here:https://airtable.com/shrnQTDQITfOpNMpc Hounslow borough residents who want to support the campaign and call on candidates to pledge to divest the pension fund from fossil fuels, can find all the resources they need here: divest.org.uk/elections-2022.

Mariette Labelle ● 1187d1 Comments ● 1187d

Heidelberg site plans

Was the architectural visualisation of the proposed development phoned in by a disgruntled draftsperson? Even by the dismal standards of Brentford’s Mondo New Build, this really does takes the cake. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything less imaginative. It’s truly bloody appalling. We deserve better. If our existing buildings aren’t going to be refurbished, which they should (remember, though, no VAT on new builds so it’s hey-ho with the wrecking ball - sorry not sorry, Brentford), the least they can do is provide something more inspiring than someone’s first go with a CAD program. It resembles Lego, only less attractive and fun. Congratulations, Hounslow, a new low. And that takes quite some effort. Impressive.

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 1194d10 Comments ● 1189d

Upcoming production at Watermans

Brentford’s award winning amateur dramatic group St Faiths Players are bringing their new show, ‘Dick Barton, Special Agent’ to the Watermans stage on May 18 and 19.The spoof musical by Phil Wilmott is set in 1940s London where super sleuth Dick Barton and his trusty companions Jock and Snowy attempt to thwart the evil Baron Scarheart and mischievous Marta Heartburn with their plans for world domination. A fun filled tongue in cheek adaption of the classic radio show.For tickets visit https://www.watermans.org.uk/events/dick-barton-special-agent/

Simon Hayes ● 1189d1 Comments ● 1189d

Eco unfriendly lib dems

Lib Dem counsellor candidate Robert Thorpe campaigning on ‘scrutinising’ (ie re-opening) church street pedestrianisation/closure in Isleworth. This is chasing votes of people addicted to their cars at the expense of a great and much loved throughway for cyclists and walkers. This can only be shameless opportunism and obviously contrary to whatever eco credentials Lib Dems say they stand for. I did occasionally vote for LD but this sort of opportunism is why I won’t now. I wonder if his party are aware of his pro gas guzzlers stance.

Graham Arnold ● 1191d5 Comments ● 1189d

Party Manifestos

We live on The Island and have not seen any manifestos for the candidates standing in the forthcoming local elections. There are no contact details on the postal voting forms.  Are any of the potential councillors interested enough to post a link to their party's manifesto?

Jane Martin ● 1195d5 Comments ● 1189d

Question to our local Councillors

As you profess to stand for the local community and the good of the residents, can I ask you to state if you would be willing to not accept the Councillors allowances and do this role for expenses only, your allowances to be used to help the boroughs poor in this time of huge fuel and food price increases ?.A simple yes or no will suffice .

Robert Ayres ● 1238d48 Comments ● 1191d

JUST TO BE CLEAR

I am standing as an independant. I am standing for the people of Brentford and our communityI am standing for decency and honesty and removal of sleaze in local governmentI am standing for the £1,063,488.41 paid to the Councillors of Hounslow to be used where its most needed in our communities and not used as a nice little earner I am standing to do what none of our so called councillors have done, reflect the wishes of the residents who elected them (ie: the road block fiasco,just one of many issues)I am standing because local issues should be dealt with by local people and the politics of the major parties have no place in local government About me. I came to Brentford in 1975. I owned and ran both Willfield Contractors and Prompt Services, both local companies before retiring.I have lived in other places but the best place I have lived is Brentford and that is because of the people who make Brentford truly brilliant and a local community spirit that must be preserved .

Robert Ayres ● 1210d25 Comments ● 1191d

Another Bowls Club to close

Hounslow Conservative Bowling Club has been forced to close by it's controlling Sports Club because they think they can make more money by using the green for something else.Another club gone because of financial implications and mis-management.So senior citizens have their main summer leisure pursuit taken away. So much for helping people with their mental health!

Trevor Douglas Grover ● 1203d14 Comments ● 1193d

Bus stops in Brentford high street

Where has the bus stop outside kfc in brentford gone , all shut off and bus stop closed long walk between syon and Morrison's surely we could have temp stop or is this council plan to kill off what is left of shops ready for next stage of development.

Jean Harrison ● 1202d15 Comments ● 1194d

Let's keep some perspective

A sovereign country is invaded, the aggressor country using outrageous lies to justify the invasion in the face of massive public opposition and zero provocation – civilian infrastructure is routinely targeted, and prisoners mistreated and not given the protections of the Geneva Convention. Putin in Russia or Blair (and Bush) in Iraq? Boris just went to a party – he shouldn’t have, and he’s been prosecuted for his error. But let’s get some perspective – nobody died because of the party. The only people keeping this non-story alive are those with a political axe to grind (incl. Guy Lambert). Boris hasn’t been our best Prime Minister, but he’s a long way from being the worst!

Graham Thorpe ● 1201d11 Comments ● 1197d

Recycle collection mess

How is it Brentford streets look worse off every time the recycle collections are complete?The mess of paper and plastic on the pavements and roads is incredible. Surely when the tender is put up there should be a clause stating the same company should provide a post collection street clean.

Jai Williams ● 1231d31 Comments ● 1198d

Grand Union Canal Walk blocked?

Hi all, does anybody know how long the Grand Union Canal Walk at the north end of Brentford Lock has been blocked by what looks like construction hoarding? I wanted carry on towards Boston Manor via the Brent and there was no obvious way to proceed. Unless I’ve missed the tow path, which is a possibility I suppose…

Craig Owen ● 1228d3 Comments ● 1201d

Hope you cheered when you saw today's result

Chelsea   1Brentford 4!

Jim Lawes ● 1214d8 Comments ● 1201d

Free GCSE Biology Lessons

GCSE BIOLOGY REVISIONSamia Mirza posted this on W4 and has asked that I post it on TW8. It seems like a fantastic offer to me:AT THE GARDEN MUSEUMAPRIL 2022Content covered will only include topics that AQA have statedwill be examined in Paper 1 and Paper 2 of the 2022 exams forboth Combined Science (Biology) and Triple Biology for bothHigher and Foundation tiers.Revision will include recap of topic, revision mats, past papersand model answers.There will be a chance to carry out a required practical:The effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesisAvailable dates: 5, 7, 11, 14 April | 12pm - 5pm12pm - 1.30pm Photosynthesis1.30pm - 2pm Break for Lunch2pm - 3pm Plant organisation3pm - 4pm Digestion4pm - 5pm Organisation of an ecosystemPupils can attend one session or the entire dayAddress: Garden Museum, 5 Lambeth Palace Road, SE1 7LB

Anne England ● 1204d1 Comments ● 1203d

Yet more baloney!

Hounslow's selection process has made it into 'Private Eye's Rotten Boroughs column yet again - two editions running!This time it concerns the re-running of the selection meeting that saw Jagdsih Sharma (87) de-selected, only for that decision to be overturned because of 'unspecified procedural irregularities'.'Colleagues believe Ms. Siddhu (the successful candidate) was "leaned on" to withdraw so that an "uncle" 50 years her senior could continue to have the council seat he regards as his birthright.'Needless to say the useless London Labour party have bought into the baloney that Ms. Siddhu made the decision and it was not made 'under any duress or influence.' Yeh right!

Vanessa Smith ● 1203d0 Comments ● 1203d

Boston Manor Park Canal Footbridge closed.

As of this morning Sat 23rd Oct the footbridge at the bottomof Boston Manor Park across the canal is closed,So anyone hoping to walk across the park from Boston ManorRoad and continue their walk along the canal will bethwarted *.I'm only posting this because the closure only becomes apparent once you reach the foot of the bridge on either side. Where to add insult to injury you're giventhe standard *advice* to use another route. (What elsewould you do ? Remain there in perpetuity/ ) When it would have been nice had someone thought to post notices of the closure at the gates of the Park to save people an unnecessary walk. As it happens all that's wrong with the bridge is that one of the plywood panels that forms the decking has worked loose. A half hour job for a man with a box of screws and a battery powered drill driver.However given the bridge is possibly a shared responsibilitybetween LBE and the relevent Waterways body this probably meansa 3 month consultation process followed by a report recommending that four of the plywood panels should be replaced. Now two men with their drill driver and box of screws taking four hours.Instead of which conultation and report total cost £20,000.Follwoed by 3 years of arguing betwen LBE and the Waterwaysbody as to whis going to pay for the four plywood panelsthe screws and the two mens wages for four hours.* The barriers consist of the standard 4ft brightly coloured plastic jobbies. The cross member across the bottom make them resonably scalable even by a reasonably fit 74 yrs old, Only don't try this at home childrenmichael adams  

Michael Adams ● 1375d40 Comments ● 1207d

Hounslow Public Transport Guide

I am looking for one or two copies of the guide. Before Covid there were lots of them in the local library's. Post covid no one has given me an answer as to what has happened to them. Are they in some storage area or recycled some where? I've asked staff and and no one knows. I just need one or two to show residents in a couple of sheltered homes where they can visit to get them mobile again. Yes it's on line but to big for the elderly .

David Squire ● 1217d8 Comments ● 1209d

Vote of no confidence rules out of order

Steve Curran Leader of the council made a shock announcement to the Borough Council last night citing health reasons for standing down from the council. Theo Dennison was going to move a vote of no confidence - which was ruled out of order, but said what many of us have been thinking for a long time."STAGGERING ABUSES." MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE IN STEVE CURRAN DISALLOWED. CALL TO RESIGN BEFORE HE ANNOUNCES HE IS STANDING DOWN BECAUSE OF ILL HEALTH."I would like to request that it be voted on in a secret ballot to avoid any attempts to bully or intimidation of members." – Cllr Theo Dennison.Before Council Leader Steve Curran's shock resignation tonight, Tuesday, a motion was submitted to Hounslow Labour Group. It was ruled out of order by the chair Cllr Sue Sampson. Cllr Dennison decided to resign as a result.Here is the motion:This Group expresses its profound concern at the staggering abuses that have taken place at every stage of the candidate selection process and the actions of the unaccountable cabal who have been responsible for them.We note:• Whip and branch reports being written by people who are candidates with a direct and personal interest in the outcome• Trumped up charges and false allegations about sitting councillors and prospective candidates• Rigged interviews by what should have been independent panels• Spiking people who pose a threat to preferred candidates• The failure to stop people paying membership fees in return for the votes of members in key wardsThese abuses have denied party members a genuine choice of many able candidates and skewed the selection results in a significant number of wards.We express our serious concern at the breach of the trust and neglect of our public responsibilities symbolised by the mockery of holding the Labour Group’s consideration of the council budget just 60 minutes before the council meeting at which it must be determined - yet whipping all Labour councillors to vote for it.In stark contradiction to the our values and principles, the budget contains yet another move to reduce the help we give to some of the poorest residents of our borough via changes in the council tax reduction scheme which will mean a massive hike in their council tax bills and is presented alongside proposals for annual increases in councillor allowances.This is no way to lead a party or a council and we hereby resolve that that we have no confidence in Steve Curran and call on him to resign.

Vanessa Smith ● 1245d21 Comments ● 1209d

Waterman’s Playground Vandalised.

How many of us have an angle grinder to hand?Perhaps the criminals stealing catalytic converters  in the area are responsible for the vandalism in the park. No conscience just steal metal and sell it.

Maria Hastings ● 1209d0 Comments ● 1209d

Building award for Ballymore!!?

Poor  Brunel. He would be mortified and no doubt spinning in his grave.His works which have endured and meet functionality with aesthetic excellence and incomparable build quality are a rather perverse comparison to this building which carries none of the above qualities. It's a bog standard concrete and steel structure with cladding and nothing endearing and certainly not something that will last 200 years plus.But then this is an awards circuit that is funded by developers for developers, just another r bit of Ballymore's marketing budget which props up other entities for marketing purposes.Must think we were all born yesterday!

Raymond Havelock ● 1214d5 Comments ● 1210d

Free tickets for Dinosaur event..

... are being given away in Ealing Broadway today.Presumably, they will be doing the same in Brentford?

Raymond Havelock ● 1214d0 Comments ● 1214d

Armenian Community Centre

What was the Princess Royal pub and also the old Brentford Football Club shop have been bought and are to be an Armenian Community Centre. The man I spoke with yesterday said that the community centre would be open to all.I hope that the pub is given a good face lift and remodel first - it certainly needs it.Out of interest, I just googled and an Armenian Community Centre has also opened quite recently in Cardiff.

Anne England ● 1228d22 Comments ● 1219d

Brentford's Parks

I don't have anything to say re Gunnersbury Park, by and large because I rarely go there. Is the burned out cafe (or an equivalent) again up and running?I would, however, like to say that the two parks I do visit, St Paul's in Brentford and Redlees in Isleworth are well maintained and good community assets. St Pauls has been looking fantastic with the daffodils in bloom - yes, I know they were planted by volunteers (not sure where the bulbs came from though). I see that there is currently some construction work going on around the basketball area.The work in Waterman's Park is also looking fantastic after years, admittedly, of decline and neglect.  

Anne England ● 1230d7 Comments ● 1220d

Something to be really proud of...

The former public park known as Gunnersbury.Now the Junta running it not only want to screw you for using it's facilities from overpriced refreshments from over levied caterers, an over expensive sports facility, over expensive 'events' and late drinking licences no doubt selling overpriced beverages but now they are to charge £1 an hour to visit by car.To boot a 4 hour maximum stay.A public park.Is this management who do rather nicely from their 'impoverished' income answerable to anyone?Something those who created this nice gravy train for the few can be really proud of.I wonder which electoral candidates will be claiming such a masterpiece of cronyism?

Raymond Havelock ● 1231d6 Comments ● 1221d

The Kew Eye penthouse for sale!

This is a cyberspace tip off. Quick before an incomer snaps it up before you.An introductory fee welcome.(thanks to a gentleman on Brentford Friends Facebook page for the lead.Pity it won't be open to the public..as was once suggested (A champagne bar and all that)

Jim Lawes ● 1293d12 Comments ● 1228d

Repair Cafe Opening in Twickenham  & Ealing

https://www.swlondoner.co.uk/life/14022022-repair-cafe-opening-in-twickenham/Hurray - here's a Repair Cafe back where a volunteer will help you to mend your belongings.Ealing also has a couple Repair Cafes which are concentrating on mending/sewing.  They have a Facebook page and are working with Ealing Transition.

Philippa Bond ● 1259d7 Comments ● 1230d

North Brentford and South Ealing have become a car park

There is a very large sign on the A4 stating "Match Day Parking" with a very large arrow pointing up Windmill Road, when were our very narrow roads made into Football Parking Streets? I don't remember being asked! Anyone else? Or was I out that day.

Sharron Clarke ● 1256d13 Comments ● 1230d

Over-development versus rainwater run-off

I see another large development has been shoe-horned into a tiny piece of land on the corner of Windmill Road and the A4 – where there used to be a small car lot. The development looks totally out of place in terms of its character and size – I’m wondering what people would want to live practically within touching distance of the M4 flyover with the noise and pollution this generates. It wasn’t long ago that Windmill Road and the surrounding area was badly hit by flash floods – it would seem to me a good idea to use this parcel of land as an open area to help alleviate flooding, rather than over-developing the site which will only increase rainwater run-off and flooding. We often see accusations in this forum of those in the council who make planning decisions being in the pay of developers. I’m sure this can’t be true – surely not all of them. But one wonders what their motives are for allowing such inappropriate development – who do they think is being helped by these decisions? Not the poor people who will have to live next to a motorway fly-over, and certainly not the environment. I hope we can all send a strong message in the May elections to get rid of these people who would wantonly vandalise our communities. This is very much the thin end of the wedge – the Tesco and Gillette Corner developments dwarf this one – good to know that the council has ear-mark thousands of pounds of OUR money to fight the objections!

Graham Thorpe ● 1236d10 Comments ● 1231d

A VISION FOR BRENTFORD - PUBLIC MEETING ON 15 MARCH

This meeting, open to all, will take place at the Holiday Inn, Brentford Lock, from 6.00 to 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday 15th March.At the request of Brentford Voice, the meeting has been arranged by LB Hounslow. A presentation will be followed by an hour of discussion and questions. This will focus upon two documents - the Vision for Brentford and "Prosperity and Place". The latter is a recent draft place-based strategy from LB Hounslow.The Vision for Brentford can be read here:https://brentfordvoice.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/LBH-Vision-for-Brentford-Town-Centre-FINAL.pdfThis meeting is a rare opportunity for all of us, both residents and businesses, to learn something about current plans for our community. More importantly, it is an opportunity for us to shape and to influence a very significant part of our future.Brentford Voice await further background information from LB Hounslow and we will post this as soon as if it available.Please try to make it along to the event at Holiday Inn on 15 March. Our own "Local Conversation" on 29 March will provide an opportunity to reflect on what we learn and to discuss our priorities and next steps.

Jim Storrar ● 1235d0 Comments ● 1235d

Dr Bike - Sat 12 Feb - 10-12  outside Chiswick Town Hall;  Cycle Training & More

https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/info/20053/transport/1985/cycling_in_hounslowLots of info and help on getting yourself and your bike ready to go.

Philippa Bond ● 1263d4 Comments ● 1235d

York Road incident

Last Monday evening I went past York Road and there were lots of police there, along with an ambulance and other emergency vehicles. There were SOCOs putting on forensic suits who then went into a house at the Windmill Road end of the street.All week there seem to have been police present there, and a blue gazebo and portaloo have been in place. It looks like a major crime scene but I’ve not seen or heard anything in the local media about what may have happened.Anybody here know anything?

Simon Hayes ● 1249d6 Comments ● 1238d

Council elections

Anyone know where I can find a list of candidates for the Council elections in May? Thanks.

Pat Kingham ● 1239d3 Comments ● 1239d

Ukraine Emergency Appeal - link to justgiving

Please may I ask you to donate to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Emergency Appeal? To do so please copy and paste this link into your browser. Thank you.https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/latymer-upper-ukrainedecCharity Registration No. 1062638The purpose of the fund and further information is also below.Every pound donated by the UK public will be matched by the UK Government up to £20 million.£30 could provide essential hygiene supplies for three people for one month£50 could provide blankets for 4 families to keep them warm£100 could provide emergency food for two families for one monthIntense conflict in Ukraine is threatening the lives and livelihoods of civilians across the country, causing hundreds of thousands to flee. Homes have been destroyed or are unsafe to live in. Essential services have been hit. Families have been separated. People have been injured. Lives have been lost.DEC charities and their local partners are in Ukraine and across the border in the neighbouring countries. They are working to meet the immediate needs of all people fleeing with food, water, medical assistance, protection and trauma care.

Joy Griffiths ● 1244d2 Comments ● 1243d

Smartmeters

We now learn they will be obsolete by 2030 as 2g and 3g on which they depend is being pulled. Seems funny to me they are going to continue to be installed. I seem to remember there was a great push to reduce electronic waste. Well how does this help that!

Nicholas Beard ● 1286d21 Comments ● 1245d

Hounslow Cllrs Misogyny & Blatant disregard of our Democratic process

Attending the recent  Council’s Public meeting held last Thursday in Brentford, I was constantly interrupted by Cllr Tony Louki when given the opportunity to put forward my question to the Panel.  Cllr Tony Louki was  Chair at the meeting. His behaviour became increasingly aggressive when he left his seat to storm directly towards me and snatch the microphone out of my hand. Previously in attendance before their premature departure were 2 Policemen and 2 ladies from Ivybridge Anti-Domestic Violence Community Support Team who’d been invited by Hounslow Council to partake. The silence from the Panel  witnessing this misogynistic assault & blatant disregard against public participation  speaks volumes and most disturbing when there had been female Cllrs on the Panel, one a former Mayor; Cllr Sue Sampson the other a vocal campaigner  of Womens Rights and Cycling advocate Cllr Katherine  Dunne. Cllr Tony Louki had possibly felt emboldened to attack me as the Policemen and Ivybridge  Womens support group against Domestic Violence  had left, and considered his actions would be acceptable  by the Labour Councillors present. It was very intimidating not only to myself but also to the other women present in the public gallery and risks deterring their Democratic right to participation. My  question to the panel was to ask whether the Council was aware of the higher incidents of injuries and death  in Holland of cyclists and that rolling out a “Mini- Holland “ in Hounslow would invariably lead to higher incidents of Death and Injuries to Cyclists, particularly Children. Clearly it had struck a nerve.

Philippa Auton ● 1261d9 Comments ● 1246d

Disappointing from the Greens again

Yet another flyer from the Green Party. So many local serious issues and they turn out a piece of utter whimsy.  No evidence of any sort of pragmatism or common sense reality.This time on Boston Manor Parks pathways.If they stopped and thought for a few moments, it might occur to them why paths are being widened.Cleaning is mechanised, from sweepers & litter to leaf clearance. Cyclists use the pathways, so do pushchairs and wheelchairs and mobility buggies.Take one walk around Lammas park or Ealing showcase park to see how Bikes and cleansing trucks - even small ones have churned up all the footway edges into mud. Much of it is a complete mess slimy in winter and concrete hard and devoid of grass in dry summers.Plus the need for emergency service access.  In the 'olden' days paths were narrower simply because most maintenance was not mechanised and vehicles were much narrower and in the case of Ealing's Parks Adult cycling was not permitted . In fact, from 12 upwards. ( I was regularly thrown out for cycling by Parky) Stephen Clark, to be taken seriously needs to get some common sense rather than putting out stuff and nonsense.Din not see him kicking up a fuss about the loss of a Bowling green complete with herbaceous borders or the derelict lumps of Concrete in Gunnersbury Park. Or the completely unworkable paths in most of the southern half of that park. Rendering it inaccessible for so many.Surely Greens can do better than this - and publish flyers where one can ask a question rather than just agree?

Raymond Havelock ● 1250d4 Comments ● 1248d

Petrol station queues

Has any body seen any. I have heard people are starting to fill up!

Nicholas Beard ● 1250d4 Comments ● 1248d

Thanks a bunch Steve!

"Jenny Steen, sales director at Irish property developer Ballymore – which has several London projects – said she has noted increased Middle Eastern buyer interest in non-traditional areas such as West London’s The Brentford Project." – Arabian Business."Close to Heathrow airport and next to prestigious areas like Chiswick and Kew, Brentford offers people the chance to buy into great growth opportunities,” she said. “It’s an unusual place that is home to natural spaces, as well as proximity to great schools and employment opportunities at a lower price point. Middle Eastern buyers are looking at opportunities for growth in West London, which still have parks, green spaces and access to water in an appealing price bracket,” she said. “The Brentford Project appeals to owner-occupiers who would also like to rent out if they decide to.”MULTIPLE PURCHASES. Arabian Business also reported: "According to Barratt London (which is developing Hounslow Town Centre) 12 multiple property purchases were transacted in the last six months from Middle Eastern family offices, compared with one in the 12 months before. Between six and 10 apartments is the average number per transaction with purchasers. While typical purchase values are between £460,000 and £600,000."The property firm has seen a move towards Gulf investors purchasing more affordable outer London homes, which offer rental yields of around four percent – higher than central London at 3.6 percent."https://www.arabianbusiness.com/.../469671-why-gulf...

Vanessa Smith ● 1265d11 Comments ● 1254d

Lassa Fever

The first person in the UK has died of Lassa Fever. Are we prepared for this. I have not heard anything about it from the goverment!

Nicholas Beard ● 1263d5 Comments ● 1255d

Deceptive and misleading Syon lane flyer

Just had a rather odd flyer come through our door.'Support Syon Lanes future"But who is this actually from?It's not apparent but gives the impression it's from local Community.It's misleading even if you visit the website ( which if you do automatically registers you as in support.Full of utopia nonsense and devoid of details.As for Brownfield sites. They are not they are retail sites serving local populous not some derelict contaminated site in long disuse.Sneaky. Very sneaky.

Raymond Havelock ● 1258d5 Comments ● 1255d

Take Part:  UCL Home Appliance & Electronics  Maintenance & Repair Project

Do please take part in the Big Repair Project!  I know there are lots of people here who have mended or attempted to mend their home appliances and electronics. It would be really good if we moved to towards being able to make more repairs now that we have a Right to Repair.  Throwing away appliances when a small repair could be easily done if we could only find someone capable is such a terrible waste of resources.  More repair shops would also create employment and teach more practical skills. The UCL Plastic Innovation Hub is asking for participants: https://www.bigrepairproject.org.uk/

Philippa Bond ● 1263d9 Comments ● 1260d

New Highway code.

So we will have to use the DUTCH REACH when opening our car doors. Also cyclists will be advised to cycle in the middle of the lane when approaching junctions. I am still reading the changes especially the HIERARCHY of users.

Nicholas Beard ● 1281d18 Comments ● 1261d

Proposals for new cycleway in Brentford

What I don't understand is how removing bus stops and bus lanes and making the bus stops that remain less accessible will make buses run more reliably. Can anyone explain? Using the data published by TfL, the number of people using these cycle lanes will be a tiny fraction of the number of people using buses on the same roads, so how can disadvantaging the latter be a good idea?

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1301d46 Comments ● 1261d

Sewage dumping in Thames

It's good that a councillor - cllr Salmon Shaheen of Isleworth ward - is concerned about sewage dumping in the Thames. (Article 'Two Billion Litres of Sewage Dumped in Thames in Two Days'). But councillors should realise that they are actually part of the cause of sewage dumping. Thay keep giving planning permission for huge blocks of flats without regard to the impact on insfrastructure or services, be it hospitals, schools, transport or sewage.

Nic Ferriday ● 1284d7 Comments ● 1261d

Disposal of LED light bulbs

Does anyone know how we should safely dispose of used LED light bulbs? I have looked on the Hounslow site but cannot find any information on this.

Joan Adamson ● 1270d8 Comments ● 1264d

Keep your doors locked while driving

https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/london-crime-van-driver-dragged-23045579?utm_source=linkCopy&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar

Robert Ayres ● 1264d0 Comments ● 1264d

Midnight motorbike!

Has anyone else noticed that a quite noisy motorbike vrooms down Brook Road South at approximately 00.05 every night? (The Law of Sod says that it won’t happen tonight, but my husband and I can usually set our watches by it.)Any ideas on what/who it might be?

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 1266d4 Comments ● 1265d

Spotted on Facebook

Note: Anyone who posts a defamatory comment does so at their own risk and must take responsibility personally."Terrapin has a superb track record of helping our clients achieve successful planning consents right across Greater London." – Political lobbyist Peter Bingle, The Terrapin Group.SHOULD COUNCIL LEADER STEVE CURRAN HAVE ACCEPTED FOUR DINNERS WITH LOBBYIST PETER BINGLE? WHAT WAS THE BILL? Mr Bingle works for big developers including two currently active in Hounslow Borough – Fairview New Homes (Heidelberg site, Brentford) and A2Dominion (Hounslow West). As Council Leader, Cllr Curran oversees Planning and Regeneration. Hospitality is acceptable as long as Cllr Curran correctly declares it, as he did. But is it a good look?Some might think it would be more appropriate for him to meet Mr Bingle over a desk in Hounslow House where their discussion could be fully minuted. Instead Mr Bingle took Cllr Curran for dinner. Four dinners are declared across two dates, perhaps two of the meals being for Cllr Curran's spouse (who works for Hounslow Council). We are not told. It might have been in La Rosetta, Brentford (low prices). Or it might have been in Mr Bingle's native habitat around Parliament (more swish and expensive). How much did it cost?In his declaration of interests, Cllr Curran does not say. Perhaps he will now tell us the details.In Parliament Labour has been rigorously scrutinising any potential conflict of interest amongst Conservative ministers and MPs, even when it is declared. It seems fair to apply the same scrutiny to our councillors so people can make up their own minds with the May 5 local elections coming up.Recently Osterley & Wyke Green Residents' Association asked: "“Is it acceptable for the Leader of the Council (also Cabinet Member for Corporate Strategy, Planning and Regeneration) to accept hospitality at sports events e.g. international rugby and cricket matches, from developers who are submitting planning applications in the borough?”The Council replied: “Members are entitled to accept hospitality so long as it is declared in accordance with statutory requirements.”What exactly does Mr Bingle do, in his role representing Fairview and A2Dominion and others? His company says: "Terrapin understands the London political scene. Our consultants are experienced advisers who are able to derisk large, complicated schemes at the start of the planning process and then work with clients to ensure a successful outcome."It adds: "The relationship between London councils and City Hall is constantly evolving. Clients need advisers who understand that critical relationship and are able to assist them navigate through a sea of complexity."Terrapin Communications delivers the following services :"Political audits of individual London councils."Targeted political engagement programmes."Stakeholder engagement."Public exhibitions."Strategic advice on planning in London."Terrapin has a superb track record of helping our clients achieve successful planning consents right across Greater London. If you would like to discuss a potential assignment please contact : peter.bingle@terrapingroup.co.uk"Terrapin is a member of the PRCA and is a strong and public advocate for strong industry rules which are ruthlessly enforced. Public affairs is a force for good in the Body Politic. We therefore welcomed the creation of the Public Affairs Board and adhere to its rules. We are also registered with the Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists."Terrapin discloses all our clients on the PAB’s public register and expects our team to act with integrity and ethics at all times."There is no suggestion of wrongdoing. It is a matter of judgment.

Vanessa Smith ● 1271d3 Comments ● 1266d

Local Council elections 5th May 2022

Oh well, somebody has to start the conversation and my first leaflet is from Osterley & Spring Grove Conservatives.  It’s actually the second leaflet but the first was so bad I wrote to them and binned it.I enjoy getting these newsletters in the run up to an election and do wonder how difficult it is for candidates to compete with sitting Councillors, especially when the sitting Councillors are as good as ours are.This ‘’Osterley and Spring Grove” newsletter doesn’t give me hope about what the Conservative candidates can do.The comments about Tesco/Homebase and the opposition to the development do not reflect the hard work of our Ward Councillors, Councillor Tony Louki, Councillor Unsa Chaudri and Councillor Richard Eason, working with OWGRA.  The Councillors letter to The Secretary of State and its follow up to the Planning inspectorate are top notch.The newsletter ends with “Please let us know the one thing which most concerns you in your local area” and gives me a box to fill in.  The newsletter itself is headed with 3 photographs and my ‘one thing’ is in the first photograph.  I got quite excited when I saw the photograph but there is no mention of anyone with local knowledge identifying the problem, nor any mention of ‘taking action’. It is, like this newsletter, just a photograph.( If I say the photograph is of the Gillette tower … can anyone guess what is wrong? )

Sarah Felstead ● 1278d23 Comments ● 1266d

TFL Cycleway extension consultation

There's good and bad in this so imperative that local people get their say and not a repeat of people from afar do not dominate matters.https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/hounslow-brentford-walking-and-cycling-changes?cid=hounslow-brentford

Raymond Havelock ● 1268d1 Comments ● 1267d

Freya Summersgill to contest ward in May local elections

Freya is standing for the Brentford East but does she know anything about this side of Brentford,it is the forgotten part of Brentford as on the other side of the A4. The redevelopment is only in the west area of Brentford  I think the residents would like to know what she will offer Brentford east

Julie Brooker ● 1278d5 Comments ● 1272d

Bizarre scenes at McDonalds

5.15 Friday Evening at McDonalds by Ealing Road.Rode by and sat at lights.  Something odd.  Not a single Moped delivery rider in sight. Usually heaving with them on a Friday early evening. Rode around the corner and as I passed there was the answer. A handful of Police Officers making checks - only just one kid on a pushbike and one other, there to check.But where were the usual throng? And why did they all vanish en masse?And who tipped them all off to stay away?All very odd.

Raymond Havelock ● 1277d0 Comments ● 1277d

Well thanks for the drink but how much is it going to cost me

Now that Hounslow have given us ratepayers £20 each for a drink. I cant wait to see how much the council tax will increase this year.

Robert Ayres ● 1281d6 Comments ● 1277d

Removing plastic "windows" on card & envelopes - help

I am posting this copied from Chiswick W4 Forum."No you don’t have to remove plastic windows (from card and envelopes) or staples."Are you absolutely sure that LBH recycling can deal with these items?   I'm sure I've seen/read conflicting advice on this matter, possibly from Cllr Guy Lambert Cabinet Member Recycling and Waste etc.Apologies to Guy if you didn't say this but I am confused.  There are 2 separate places, there's the Lampton 360 brand new vastly over budget  sorting centre where most of our recycling goes and then there is the Waste Centre used by surrounding councils and some flats in LBH who do not have kerbside sorting.   Clarification would help.  My area has kerbside recycling.

Jennifer Selig ● 2578d13 Comments ● 1283d

5G inviting an aviation catastrophe over West London?

Is this really only now being revealed?I recall this being dismissed by paid advisors vehemently overtime it was raised.The fact that ATC over Heathrow Northolt and City Airport approaches already have the added issues of high rise buildings and interference as do digital TV signals which requires extra technology to safeguard, has this been tested to absolute safe parameters or circumvented?Anyone in the know on this?

Raymond Havelock ● 1288d11 Comments ● 1285d

Fourth Covid Jab

Just read Denmark to offer fourth covid jab. When will we be getting a fourth?

Nicholas Beard ● 1288d7 Comments ● 1285d

Door step parcel theft

Parcel deliveries which are being left on doorsteps are going missing in the Brook Road South and Hamilton Road areas.  Some torn open parcels have been found dumped near the railway footbridge with contents removed.  Residents of Hamilton Road have reported that their parcels are going missing.Please ensure that you are in to receive your deliveries or that you have organised with your neighbours or to have items delivered to your local shop to avoid theft.

Mark Skuse ● 1286d1 Comments ● 1285d

A tough month ahead for the Bees?

Brentford's footballers must be wondering how they will survive the next few games.Our dear Brentford FC are playing Liverpool! / Manchester United! / Wolves / Everton!/ and Manchester City!Challenging times... but we must be proud of our local Club moving in such circles. Your thoughts?

Jim Lawes ● 1293d3 Comments ● 1286d

How to make your phone ring even when it is on silent …

A tip from Moneysaving expert …If you lose your phone, there's a way to make it ring – even when it's on silentIf you lose your phone and realise you've it set to silent, you often despair and think it's pointless trying to ring it to locate it. Luckily, this isn't the case. There's a way to help you find it that could save you having to shell out on a new one or having to pay any insurance excess. If you're an iPhone user, you can use the Find My iPhone service on iCloud to make it ring.Go to Find My iPhoneLogin to your iCloud account (you must have one), select the device you want to emit a sound and click 'play sound'. Your device will ring whether it is on silent or not.If you've an Android phone, you can make it emit a noise with Google's Find My Device service, provided you've set up a Google account with the phone.Go to Find My Device, Login to your Google account (you must have one) and click 'play sound' on the device you want to ring. Your device will ring whether it is on silent or not

Sarah Felstead ● 1295d8 Comments ● 1286d

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

So, I looked up the Jubilee medal to check out who qualifies for the award and I found thishttps://www.royal.uk/jubilee-medal-be-presented-token-nation%E2%80%99s-thanks“ To mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a special commemorative medal will be awarded to serving frontline members of the police, fire, emergency services, prison services and the Armed Forces. ““ Acting as a token of the nation’s thanks, the Platinum Jubilee Medal follows a long history of awarding medals to mark Royal Jubilee’s,…..”Made of nickel silver and being produced by at Worcestershire Medal Service in Birmingham, the medal will be awarded to:Serving members of the Armed Forces that have completed five full calendar years of service on 6 February 2022.Frontline emergency services personnel that have been in paid service, retained or in a voluntary capacity, dealing with emergencies as part of their conditions of service, and have completed five full calendar years of service on 6 February 2022.Prison services personnel who are publicly employed and are regularly exposed to difficult and sometimes emergency situations that have completed five full calendar years of service on 6 February 2022.Members of the Royal Household with one year of qualifying service.Living individual recipients of the George Cross.Living individual recipients of the Victoria Cross.I must say I like the list of who will qualify.

Sarah Felstead ● 1288d2 Comments ● 1288d

Telecoms mast on Layton Road by GWQ

I have just been informed by a neighbour that there are parking restrictions in place this week for a cherry picker to begin construction of a 'potential' telecoms mast on Layton Road.The residents have not received any communications in regards to this from the local authority or any company involved. However, there is a note on a few lampost mentioning the parking restrictions.When a neighbour contacted a local Councillor with their concerns, they were informed that "Planning law gives local authorities (and residents) little power to resist the erection of telecoms masts but there is normally, nevertheless, a planning application and a consultation exercise".My main concern is that there has been a large increase in the density of population with the GWQ and Baltic Avenue developments and to construct a mast here so close to residents will increase public health risks especially those residents that are elevated. Can anyone advise if we have any grounds as residents to resist this please? Thanks for reading.

Steve Allum ● 1295d8 Comments ● 1290d

Building Brentford’s community?

I may be late to this party, but bear with me…I was watching the news item on the proposed Ballymore development for a 51 storey tower block (with only one stairwell) near Canary Wharf this evening. They included a clip of the 19 storey Ballymore development in East London where a fire took place last May. In the corner of the screen, I spotted a branch of Johns & Co, the same estate agent that opened in the High Street a few months ago. I had a lightbulb moment. A quick Google revealed that Johns & Co was founded by the former international sales director of… Ballymore. I found this: -‘But John Morley is looking to change all that. Previously head of international sales at Ballymore, Morley set up his own management company, Johns & Co, to help take care of the growing number of investor landlords he felt were being dealt a bad hand by the market.One way he set out to differentiate himself was to provide management of the property ahead of completion. “Investors can buy off plan up to three years ahead,” he notes, “so we do a lot of hand holding.” He helps landlords with important decisions along the way to do with finishes, insurance, and tax. Morley also arranges handovers, checks snagging and arranges furnishing, before finding a suitable tenant.Having sold more than 1,000 apartments to buyers in Hong Kong, Singapore and China, Morley had a good understanding of the support those investors needed. Yet while the majority of buyers were once overseas investors, he says the market has changed significantly since 2012, and now around half of buyers in need of his services are UK investors.’ - City A.M. Thursday 12 May 2016Draw your own conclusions, but - unsurprisingly - the notion that Ballymore is striving to build a vibrant community in TW8 rings pretty hollow. It seems to confirm that it’s all about overseas investment leading to transient occupancy and a dormitory town centre. Meanwhile, the Duke of London community - a diverse, organically-grown collection of interesting small businesses (and EXACTLY what the area needs) - is due to be flattened, in order to build yet more flats and unaffordable retail units. In all probability, they will never be occupied. It’s just horribly depressing. 

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 1292d5 Comments ● 1292d

Congratulations Bev Tremayne

British Empire MedalCivil DivisionCentral Chancery of the Orders of KnighthoodSt. James’s Palace, London SW101 January 2022THE QUEEN has been graciously pleased to award the British Empire Medal (Civil Division) to the undermentioned:B.E.M.Beverley Susan Jill TREMAYNELeader, Brownies and Guides, Hanwell, London Borough of EalingFor services to Girlguiding and Trefoil, particularly during Covid-19.Hounslow resident Bev has been running Brownies, Guides at St. Thomas the Apostle, Boston Road for close on to 40 years, a well-deserved honour for someone who has kept a programme active during the pandemic.

N V Brooks ● 1305d3 Comments ● 1295d

Wakey wakey.. this website!

I recall very enjoyable evenings listening to traditional jazz at the Brewery Tap... now owned apparently by the Duke of London's empire.Information of events don't seem readily available.I've just checked the "Brentford Services..PUBS ETC on this website. ..and the information is so out of date.Pubs that I know are closed..are listed as being open.... and pubs I know are open are shown as being closed.Same with Restaurant listings.I know it must be tough being an Editor/Moderator but someone needs help!PS: Where would I find music listings in Brentford or at the Brewery Tap... Covid19 permitted?

Jim Lawes ● 1308d3 Comments ● 1296d

History of Middlesex Court, Glenhurst Road

I've often wondered what this building was originally. I know it's flats now but it has a grand bricked-up entrance and what looks like an old clock tower in the middle of its roof.  Has it always been flats or does anyone know its history - was it a court or am I reading too much into its name?!

Sarah Boulding ● 1300d16 Comments ● 1297d

Gunnersbury Park Debacle Rides On.

Neglected by two boroughs who could not manage to tie a shoe-lace together for decades, handed over in an appallingly formulated way to a Cop-out CIC, then packed out with Cronies of like mindsets and connections, a TfL approach to funding where even a tuft of grass is fiscally overpricedSome good stuff, but from a a lot of grant funding which is unaccounted for and overseen with sort of knowledge that would make an IKEA shelf priced at £2500 plus fitting seem "very reasonable". Much core infrastructure for a public park remains as poor as it has been for 25 plus years. A complete contradiction to 'Community Interest Company " and with not even a freedom of information clause - which needless to say this management wriggled out of. Because it's overseers, both Trustees and Councils, deemed it irrelevant.Even a Velcro shoe strap is too challenging for this CIOC who only know how to bully and manipulate with help from their 'friends'Loss of cheap affordable to all public park amenities and replaced by exclusivity with a patronising faux front of inclusivity.Change is welcome, but that will only be change for the better if ALL the existing league of cronies and those at the trough are not involved in any form.  A completely new broom of more open and honest management put in place properly answerable to the local people of Ealing, Acton and Brentford who seem to be considered as irrelevant unless they can afford it. Community groups must be on the board and as trustees, not just selected politicians and 'preferred' individuals.Local people, not council officers with close connections, or politicians who seem to have failed with Gunnersbury time and time again, need to be far more in control of a Park that was purchased at a knock down price on the premise that it was for the well being of All the local people of Ealing Acton Brentford and Chiswick.Will this be any better? With how things are carried out in our name?I doubt it. It seems more like another move to making it a pay to enter venue like Syon or Kew and not what it is supposed to be, a Public park owned in trust by two boroughs for it's inhabitants.

Raymond Havelock ● 1306d4 Comments ● 1297d

Waste and recycling

We are really pleased with how Hounslow maintains the collections through bank holidays, with minimal disruption.  With the additional difficulties of Coved, how are things going this year?

Sarah Felstead ● 1303d3 Comments ● 1298d

Demons in Brentford

I went into a second-hand record shop to buy a present for a friend who is learning blues guitar. I bought an LP from 1984 called Demons in Brentford, which has a map of Brentford as the album cover. It is marked with their favourite haunts: La Rosetta, The Beehive, The Red Lion etc. The Dew Drop Inn I'm guessing became Sami Spice. Demon Records themselves are marked on at the end of Harlequin Avenue. Anyone remember them?

David Lawson ● 1317d4 Comments ● 1306d

Night Sky

Does anyone have any idea what the red glow is in the north East sky at night. Viewed from Brentford

David Squire ● 1320d3 Comments ● 1306d

Covid Booster

When will get a covid booster. Available in America soon. Today the government warns  you may not be considered fully jabbed by some countries without a booster.

Nicholas Beard ● 1440d22 Comments ● 1306d

Tesco/Homebase

Michael Gove has decided that the Tesco/Homebase development should go to a public inquiry, this is a real boost for the OWGRA campaign and the three local councillors who fought this development from day one. Brilliant news.

Vanessa Smith ● 1342d6 Comments ● 1307d

Compliments of the Season

A Very Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2022 to ALL.

Vanessa Smith ● 1312d4 Comments ● 1307d

Missing Tortoiseshell cat Gunnersbury Park Area

£50 reward offered for 'Pissik' who has been gone for two months from Gunnersbury Park Mansions. More details on Pets Reunited

Alison Howard ● 1309d0 Comments ● 1309d

B&CLHS Christmas meeting this evening

There are still a few places left for a sociable evening with 4 short local history talks! Meeting starts at 7.30pm. Full details here: brentfordandchiswicklhs.org.uk. Book a free place through Ticketsource before 6.30pm www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/t-dnnnzl. All are welcome!

Valerie Bott ● 1317d0 Comments ● 1317d

Purge

KNOWN FOR HIS INDEPENDENCE OF MIND: NOW APPEALING AGAINST VERDICT. Cllr Richard Eason is facing deselection by the Labour Party. It means he is unlikely to be a Labour candidate for Osterley & Spring Grove ward at the Council elections in May, a seat he has held since 2018. His case has been considered by London Labour's Interview Assessment Panel which concluded he was not "a good Labour Party representative who would continue to contribute as an effective member of the team". Central to this is his call in November 2020 for the resignation of Labour colleagues Cllrs Hanif Khan and Katherine Dunne over the implementation of the cycleway through Chiswick.

Vanessa Smith ● 1321d4 Comments ● 1320d

Volunteers Needed !

Age Concern Chiswick is a local charity and our aim is to support older people in Chiswick, Brentford and nearby areas.  We operate a Friendship Club and you can find out more via our website :-https://www.ageconcernchiswick.org/We need more volunteers to help run our kitchen on Mondays and Thursdays.  The work involves helping to make light snacks and tea or coffee.  We are seeking people who are either able to make a regular commitment or who can be available on call with a couple of days notice.  To progress an interest please email us at :-ageconcernchiswick@outlook.comVolunteers must be fully vaccinated.

Age Concern Chiswick ● 1322d0 Comments ● 1322d

Mulberry @ St Paul's, Brentford on 15th

copied from front page - do come along to find out more:Members of the community engagement team from the Mulberry Centre will be at St Paul’s Church in Brentford on the 15 December from 10 am to 12 pm.They will be able to answer questions you may have about the services the centre provides. It is a cancer information and support service based in the grounds of the West Middlesex Hospital which offers a variety of support to anyone affected by cancer, whether as a patient, their carer, their family and friends or anyone who has been bereaved due to cancer.The event is part of the centre’s ongoing programme of engaging with the local community to provide information about how the Mulberry Centre can help anyone affected by cancer.

Anne England ● 1325d0 Comments ● 1325d

Save an English Rose from Hounslow Council.

Residents at The Old Police Station in Isleworth, an original  Victorian property, owned  by the Council, have collectively paid thousands of £’s in compulsory  Service charges over the years,  yet have seen  zero maintenance to both the property and the communal garden.Now with broken Asbestos tile flooring in the communal entrance & stairwell, a fallen cast iron drainpipe, weather  rotted  original sash window frames  now pose a risk to the Public,  should glass panes fall out, Rising Damp throughout the ground floor, loose fitting  & missing roof tiles has led to a damaged  supporting beam. Both Leaseholders and Council tenants living in this Heritage property have repeatedly been fobbed off by the Council, yet it clearly stipulates in their contract with them and backed up in English Law, that the responsibility lies with the Council to maintain both the Property and garden. Growing tall is a magnificent flowering  Rose tree  ,  much admired by local residents. Following  a 15 minute inspection inside and out made by a Council property Surveyor, it had been determined the Rose must Go and will be removed by their Maintenance Team ASAP, there has been no correspondence received as yet as  to when more Urgent maintenance work is to be carried out. Another example of  one of London’s Rotten Boroughs.

Philippa Auton ● 1364d8 Comments ● 1326d