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St Paul’s Green - teenagers in the playground

Coming back from coffee and the shops, I saw around half a dozen teenaged boys (in school uniform, but sadly no identifiable blazer badges) playing very roughly on the zip wire in the children’s playground on the green. They were all well into their teens, voices broken, tall and (a couple of them) quite hefty. They were so rough that I feared they were going to break the equipment. Heart pounding, I decided to go for it and asked - nicely - if they would please be careful, as the playground was for little kids. Of course, there was a load of lip in return, including: ‘This is a public park’. Yes, It’s a public park, but the playground isn’t. You want public, go and play on the grass. Some tedious back and forth ensued. I used some choice language and walked off, only stopping to have a look at the Rules & Regs board by the gate, which stated that the playground was for under 11s. I pointed at the sign and one of them shouted ‘I’m blind’ - I shouted back that he was… well, something else more, ahem, ‘fundamental’, if you get my drift. (I’d like to point out that I do not merely spew filth - I enunciate clearly, like an effing lady.)As a child, I was always frightened of the older children when I went to the swings. (By older, I mean 9 or 10, not 15 or 16.) Perhaps I was oversensitive, but seeing older children roughhousing filled me with terror. I’m sure I wasn’t alone in that at the time or - indeed - now. It’s intimidating, makes the atmosphere horrible for children and parents and knackers the playground equipment. I don’t know I what - if anything - can be done. There’s obviously no funding for a full-time park keeper. Even if there were one, I don’t think that teenagers would take any notice of them. When I was little, park keepers were scary authority figures; now, they’re probably as intimidated as the rest of us. My poor husband is sure that I’m going to end up knifed, but I feel that sometimes you do have to call out this sort of thing. It may not be the hottest anti-social behaviour ticket, but it’s really not acceptable. Or am I just yelling into the abyss?

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 93d8 Comments ● 57d

To the Brentford Community – Re: Jim Lawes, A Message of Gratitude and Hope

Hello friends, neighbours, and fellow hearts of Brentford (where Jim lives) and Chiswick (where Jim grew up and I was born),This is Lucas Lawes writing to honour someone whose quiet strength and community spirit have carried more weight than most could know—my father, Jim Lawes.As Amanda Jane Goodall and I prepare to marry in June 2026, I would like to ask publicly, and lovingly, for my father’s blessing as Amanda becomes Amanda Jane Lawes. But even more than that - I want to say thank you.The last sixteen years have been difficult, complex, and at times unbearable for Jim's family, but especially for my Dad, Jim. Through it all, Dad has shown patience, resilience, and an enduring love that words barely capture.Jim Lawes has long been a pillar in this community - his dedication to Brentford’s history, his commitment to preserving stories and supporting neighbours, and his tireless efforts to celebrate local heritage have meant the world to many. To me, he is not just a father, but a living archive of heart, heritage, and humanity.So please, if you’re reading this - take a moment to reflect, to applaud, and to honour a man who deserves it. Jim Lawes.To my dad: thank you. For everything. I love you.A Message of Strength to Dad (recorded 6th April 2024)https://youtu.be/xVXb11a1m70Imagine by John Lennon by local Artist Phil Marshall - The Albion Pub on Bridge Road in Hampton Court/East Moleseyhttps://youtu.be/uKVDMxg2u0AWith hope, healing, and harmony,Lucas Edward Lawes

Lucas Lawes ● 95d6 Comments ● 83d

BRENTFORD CANAL FESTIVAL RETURNS ON SATURDAY 21ST JUNE 2025

Join us for a day of fun at the Brentford Canal Festival on Saturday 21st June 2025 to celebrate the town’s waterways. Recognised by Hounslow Council as the borough’s largest FREE festival, the festival is set to be an exciting day of fun for the whole community to enjoy. Spend the day strolling through market stalls, enjoying pop-up food and drink offerings, and sitting on the water’s edge watching live performances. Live music and dance will take place across six different stages positioned in Workhouse Dock, Brentford Lock West, Market Place, the floating stage at the Gauging Lock, Brentford Lock Piazza and The Beehive, from acts including Bandini, House of Jack and Babel Brass. There’ll be something to keep the whole family entertained too, including face painting, arts and crafts workshops and a magician in the Kids Zone, Morris dancing, floating markets and a showcase of car eye-candy from classic and supercar hub, Duke of London, who will be hosting its ever-popular classic and supercar car boot sale throughout the day, selling vintage clothing, automobilia, artwork and vinyls. Be sure to check out the free boat trips in the Brentford Basin along the Grand Union Canal, as well as the free kayak and rowing taster sessions.The festival will also welcome over 50 stallholders showcasing the very best of west London’s independent and local businesses - you’ll find everything from homemade jewellery by Merge Jewellery, zero water accessories by Ilke Usluca Design, and jams, chutneys and hot sauces from Condiments Kitchen. It’s also set to be a foodie heaven with deli treats, hot food trucks and delicious, sweet treats on offer. And that's not all, with local independent restaurants Sam's Waterside and Rottura guests can enjoy delicious food with beautiful views across Brentford and River Brent. So, grab your friends and family, and get ready to explore what this exciting west London destination has to offer – don’t miss out!  This is a free, non-ticketed event but to stay up to date with the latest news and updates, you can register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brentford-canal-festival-tickets-1343596476229?aff=oddtdtcreator

Megan Rees ● 108d3 Comments ● 106d

SuDS

Very interesting small comment in Guy Lambert's blog this week, regarding SuDS, Sustainable Drainage Systems. This was regarding people paving over their front gardens, many to enable them to park their cars there.One of the things that grinds my gears is the number of people who drive over our footpaths without the benefit of a proper vehicular crossover, in order to use the front garden as their own parking space. I have to say that LBH are appalling at any enforcement to put a stop to this - which contravenes The Highways Act 1980 Section 184. You should apply for a crossover from the Highways Authority - which happens to be your local council, this would also ensure that the council would be in a position to also ensure that any hardstanding installed to park the vehicle, was permeable or had sufficient drainage, thus helping us to save water. However, Hounslow's so-called 'Enforcement' seems to consist of maybe sending a feeble letter to any offenders pointing this out to them, then absolutely nothing happens. Apart from the damage to footpaths - what damage is possible to the services underneath them? Were LBH to actually enforce - this would bring in much needed revenue as they would be the people constructing the crossovers and possibly the hardstandings if a householder did not want to do that themselves. Why oh why LBH don't offer some sort of amnesty and a reduced rate to encourage the uptake - and make it clear if people don't comply - they will take the appropriate action?

Vanessa Smith ● 209d17 Comments ● 138d

Guy Lambert blog fact check

Some lazy assumptions this week, councillor.The Windmill Road junction does indeed see large puddles in heavy rain, although the genuine flood issues that plagued that part of the road some years back are long gone. However, to blame this on people’concreting over their gardens’ is a bit of a stretch.Perhaps you should ask the ever-reliable Thames Water to investigate the drains there. Given the appallingly shoddy construction of Performance Point on that corner the chances are that there’s a substantial amount of concrete and other debris blocking up the sewers. It’s happened before.You might also want to point the finger at your council’s own planning department. Just up the road is Reynard Mills, which has a vast expanse of tarmac and concrete approved by your planning committee. Contributing to those overworked drains, no?I look forward to the increased flow out of the Churchill House development when its concrete and tarmac are added into the mix.As for rowing in Brentford, well a lot more could be done to support Team Keane. One suggestion made to the brains behind the GSK redevelopment is to give the club space adjoining the canal so that more schoolchildren can enjoy the benefits of rowing and canoeing with them. While I don’t enjoy your continuation of the class war, I agree that as a form of exercise it should be more accessible for all. After all, Britain’s greatest tower didn’t have a private education. Perhaps you could pursue this.Other than that, it was a reasonable read this week.

Simon Hayes ● 198d7 Comments ● 167d