Forum Topic

Boston Manor Park

I recently noticed an application posted on the park gates for a drinks licence, does anyone know if this is just for the Festival in September or is there something else planned ?

Pat Kingham ● 6878d32 Comments

Mr Hughes,You finally responded!This was a thread started by a lady making an enquiry about a drinks licence at Boston Manor.  Only the likes of you could use it as an opportunity to make disgusting insinuations and accusations about something that is not only untrue but also completely irrelevant to the thread in question.Your presumption in your previous posting is not well founded because I do not accept your apology.  You were irresponsible and nasty enough to state what you did, and pass it as though it were factual.  You did this despite not having any evidence.  The only reason you are offering an apology is because you have been exposed.Of the five questions I put to you, only 4 & 5 have been answered.  My first three questions are unanswered.  It will be interesting to see whether you are prepared to answer these, especially as some of your accusations remain.  When you answer number (3), you may wish to explain how the "campaign" has been manifested?In addition, I challenge you to answer the following:6. Which edition (i.e. date) of the Chronicle contained an article where I made a comment on this?It does not surprise me that the so called, "original person", has not yet gone public on any of his allegations against me.  He is clearly unpleasant enough to believe what he wishes, irrespective of the consequences.  However, he is not as daft as you to think he can pass various falsehoods on forums as being the truth.  Or is he an imaginary friend and these are really your endeavours alone?As for my previous fellow Councillors in Feltham North, they will have to try it on before I believe what you say about them.  I bet you that they would not be able to produce one example where I have done what you have accused me of.Finally, to regular users of brentfordtw8, these are exchanges that are not good for any forum.  I hope that if anyone makes reference to this exchange, they will accept that there was need for my participation in this thread in order make others aware that the allegations made against me were just lies.  No other person that I am aware of has made these allegations against the "Conservative colleague" and I.

Cllr Mark Bowen ● 6862d

Mark I may stand corrected on the petition and I am happy to offer an apolgy on that issue, I am sure you will have the good grace to accept my apology. I can not at the moment check the original story that I think was in the Chronicle news paper and other stuff related to this, but it was one conservative who was going around telling people that is what the labour party was doing it was repeated via another person and I checked with all Cllrs standing at the time was there any truth in this rumour being spread, I went to the original person to correct them and it was him who told me that was your latest campaign, I can not give you the names in public but would be happy to discuss the matter in private if you so wish.

Dave Hughes ● 6862d

DavidI think you must have forgotten about this one, so as a service to you I've bumped it backed to the top.Don't say I don't look after you.

Phil Andrews ● 6862d

Forgive me for the late response to all your questions - political and otherwise. Busy busy busy preparing for the festival - are you coming?  The Friends held a meeting a week ago to discuss amongst other things - the licence.  Approximately 250 local people were invited to the meeting of which less than the 17 objectors mentioned previously turned out.  The issue really was lack of information why they objected.  The Friends WOULD like to see a licence in the park but reduced to fewer events than that on the notice.  We have submitted our proposed changes which we understand are being addressed.  Even the objectors wanted us to have our Pimms bar to raise funds for the community cafe!  There WILL be a licence for the BRENTFORD FESTIVAL

Linda Massey ● 6864d

"Councillor Nark Bowen"Oops...no offence intended Mark!

Phil Andrews ● 6865d

Without knowing any of the facts of this particular matter, I would be interested to read Dave Hughes' response.  Knowing Councillor Nark Bowen as I do I would be extremely surprised if there was a grain of truth in this allegation.Taken in conjunction with the "ICG council officer hitlist" nonsense which has appeared on other threads, one wonders whether Dave's dramatic reappearance on this forum after a prolonged absence is indicative of something more sinister than simply the realisation by an outspoken ex-councillor that he suddenly has a lot of time on his hands.We have seen in recent years that smears and unsubstantiated accusations comprise an integral part of the Labour Party's political armoury in these parts.  However, with the imminent exposure of the "racist ICG" lie through our organisation's inclusion in the new administration one wonders whether this uniquely unprincipled local party has identified a need to look further afield for muck-raking opportunities.Working on the basis that there will always be some who believe there to be "no smoke without fire", is it being possible that Dave Hughes has been set up by certain of his more cerebral colleagues to front some of the more ridiculous allegations which his party has managed to dream up?  Allegations which, if they go belly-up, can be dumped unceremoniously at Dave's door without leaving a paper trail back to the party itself?I too would like to see Dave Hughes' response to Councillor Bowen's questions, but I would also be keen to learn the views of our regular Labour Party correspondents.  Any volunteers?

Phil Andrews ● 6865d

"it was not long ago that Cllr Bowen and a fellow conservative claimed that the Labour Cllrs where turning Feltham Assembly Halls into a Islamic Centre, which was completely un-true and was running around with a petition playing on people`s fears."Mr Hughes,This is completely untrue.  To make such an allegation, with such a degree of certainty, you would surely have something that would resemble evidence.  I challenge you to answer the following questions:1. Who is the fellow Conservative?2. When did we claim that Labour Councillors were turning Feltham Assembly Halls into an Islamic Centre?3. Where, and in what form, did we make this claim?4. When were we, "running around with a petition playing on people's fears"?5. Has anybody actually stated that I have asked them to sign a petition on this matter?

Cllr Mark Bowen ● 6865d

Thanks Paul and Matt for looking into this for me. I guess we just have to wait and see what the amendments will be.

Pat Kingham ● 6875d

Thanks Paul and Matt it is nice to see you both taking residents concerns, do you think that a bigger community debate needs to take place so CIP can fully explain the intensions, would it be helpful so that groups using the park can convey their needs in terms of park use and to look at the events held across Hounslow so that we all get the best out of the parks?

Dave Hughes ● 6875d

Here is the latest response I have received from the Licensing Dept,Dear Cllr FisherI have been in discussion with CIP and am informed that a written alteration to the proposed licence for Boston Manor Park will be submitted to me today.  Once in receipt of this I will be writing to all objectors to relay the amended details to them.If I can assist you further please do not hesitate to ask.Kind RegardsGary O'Shealicensing Manager

Paul Fisher ● 6875d

Unfortunately the deadline for objections was 2nd August, but I think you will find that plenty have been received and the issues will get a good discussion.

Matt Harmer ● 6875d

Thanks Matt, that does make it clearer.  Would it be advisable to make an objection now, or would it be immaterial given that there has to be a hearing ?

Pat Kingham ● 6875d

I kindly suggest that you need to re-read the posts, yes I do have concerns as it was not long ago that Cllr Bowen and a fellow conservative claimed that the Labour Cllrs where turning Feltham Assembly Halls into a Islamic Centre, which was completely un-true and was running around with a petition playing on people`s fears.

Dave Hughes ● 6875d

Thanks Matt, you just beat me with your reply.Can I also just reassure David that his statement that "at the moment its very good for councillors to play to the fears of residents" is totally unwarrented.I offered to find out an answer to question from a concerned resident thats all.There was nothing of any political motive or intention in my doing so and you appear to be the only one inferring there is so.

Paul Fisher ● 6875d

I am  asking as the chair of a community project that is offering support to community based projects related to the parks. I have my concerns about what CIP are proposing as I want it to help not hinder activity in the parks and have questions related to what is being proposed.

Dave Hughes ● 6875d

PatriciaThat's right. Any event involving music, selling food, entertainment, whatever, neeeds to have a licence. These are now granted by local councils (in the past it was magistrate's courts). CiP's plan was to get one licence covering everything to save them applying for a different licence for every event. A good idea in principle. Unfortunately they have failed to specify an upper limit of events, causing people who live near to the parks to worry that scores of events are planned. Now, these worries are ill-founded, I think, but CiP should have made it ckear how many events they planned. Additionally, it's my own belief that midnight is too late a finish time if we are serious about encouraging people to use public transport. Now, becvause people have objected - and it only needs one objection - the licence panel will decide if this application can go ahead. This consists if three councillors - none from Brentford ward.I would expect CiP to amend their application quite severley in the light of these objections.

Matt Harmer ● 6875d

Is Cllr Lee`s remit CIP, as far as anybody can tell Cllr Lee`s is the voice of this group for the council, now if CIP are putting up notices on parks to have all year round events it must follow that Cllr Lee would be informed as to the intensions of CIP. There is a lot of confusion as the start of this thread suggests. at the moment its very good for councillors to play to the fears of residents but this does not help anyone understand what the position that is being proposed by CIP as there has been no debate on its merits, CIP is in a very difficult position as no doubt the next council budget will have cuts, CIP was charged to maximise the use of council assets but if it is unable to do this then what is Cllr Lee`s position or the tory position. As this is a problem that is across Hounslow is Cllr Lee going to inform debate at area committee level or will there be a debate at council, will residents be consulted in a constructive manor or are we to see more of speculation and rumour.

Dave Hughes ● 6875d

Paul. Thanks for your efforts in looking into this for me. Have I understood it correctly - the application is for a full licence throughout the year, but in view of the objections there has to be a hearing ? In that case can I make an objection now ? I really cannot see why Boston Manor Park needs such a licence, unless the Council has plans to have more events there.

Pat Kingham ● 6875d

Sorry David but you have completely lost me with your last posting.Why do you feel that Cllr Lee has to make a statement regarding CIP and also what petition is about to start worrying residents?

Paul Fisher ● 6875d

A friend has suggested a solution for me and my disabilty scooter to get to West Midd Hospital, I should do what they did in the Italian Job...come out of the back of a van and race off to the doors. As anyone got a white van I could use ?

Dave Hughes ● 6876d

By the time I got to west mid on my scooter it would be time to go home again, I would not want to upset the residents at Amhurst. I have to get a taxi. My Grumble with West Mid is the cost of phone calls which is a scam and pay for TV on some wards as a lot of elderly should be given a reduction in cost here.

Dave Hughes ● 6876d

Looking at the posts again you where answering the first question, however the answer from the officer seem sharp as if the enquiry had another purpose may be I was reading into things, then jim decided to take me out of context which has not helped. This has been a hot topic but could be solved if we new what the council policy is and CIP policy as this would help there should be public debate in an open and honest manor because CIP are needing to do something in which the business plan of CIP  needs to go forward on, I somehow dont think CIP have evil empire intensions for Hounslow but equally we have not had a statement from the executive or Cllr Lee in his role. It is easy for any politician to get a petittion and start worrying residents into believing that great evil is upon them in order to secure votes and this is not to suggest this is what is going on. The new adminstration has a duty to inform public debate of both sides of the story so as to be able to come to the right decision for Hounslow, this sometimes also makes you un-popular with sections of the voting public.

Dave Hughes ● 6876d

David,I think you missed the point of my post slightly.It was in fact an answer to a question Patricia asked about which I promised to look into for her.

Paul Fisher ● 6876d

Do you park it on Amhurst Gardens and then walk to the W.Mids. Some people will do ought to avoid a fee!!!

James Kirkby ● 6877d

Thank you for your concern about my leg jim, I hope it gets better soon having spent Xmas, new year and then my birthday in Hospital, I have to hope the bone graft takes if not its back in for another graft. The staff at West Midd have been wonderfull. I now have 4 wheeled scooter to get about on and its great racing the other old people on theirs around tesco car park I sure there are some people making good money on the bets placed.

Dave Hughes ● 6877d

Hi JimI am sure Cllr lee is busy, however Cllr Fisher has concerns about an event to which he has posted a reply but not the question.I was trying to answer the orignal post as to what is  or now may not be going on sept 3, however the orignal questions show a sub-context about policy of the council, as a concerned resident of Hounslow may be Cllr Lee could go on public record as to his views on this issue as it has been a hot topic, I am sure with your conections you will be able to ask Cllr Lee to respond and make a  public statement on policy and future direction of CIP in relation to public events in parks.If not to answer me but help Cllr Fisher and all others who have posted on this issue.

Dave Hughes ● 6877d

""Maybe what was posted relates to CIP so you may want Cllr lee to explain CIP position as this his in his remit.""Dave,I'm sure that the very busy Cllr Adrian Lee will be excited to hear that you are back on the Forums..after your disasterous showings on the W4.com a year or two back...under the tag Cllr Hughes!Maybe an enquiry to Cllr Lee direct would be an idea..as he may not have time to read every message on every Topic on every local Forum.Many of us have great respect for the activities of Adrian Lee..and for his polished performances in the Council Chamber. I trust that you are referring to him in a respectful way..having just ready your "T-shirt" report on another thread.Nonetheless, we were sorry to hear of your accident..and trust that you will make a full recovery.The Boston Manor Park event was tremendous last year..and we hope that the weather is kind again this year too. People will no doubt attend ..whatever.

Jim Lawes ● 6877d

I dont think the Friends group want a festival for a year its a bit to much to sustain, I think they only want an afternoon. Maybe what was posted relates to CIP so you may want Cllr lee to explain CIP position as this his in his remit.

Dave Hughes ● 6877d

Not quite as we all thought it seems.I have just received this reply from the Licensing Dept at the Council and requested that I could post it which was granted.Dear Cllr Fisher I have been passed your enquiry regarding the above. The application was made on 5th July 2006 and is requesting regulated entertainment, sale of alcohol and late night refreshment for every day of the year from 10am until midnight, apart from late night refreshment which is until 1am.The consultation period ends today, I would therefore respectfully request that any representation you may wish to make is e-mailed by midnight tonight.  However, there are 17 other objection to this application and undoubtedly in view of this and given the recent problem with the Gunnersbury Park application there is likely to be some sort of reduction proposed by CIP, although I cannot state at this stage what (if anything) that would be likely to be.  In any event there must now be a hearing, which could only be dispensed with following a full retraction in writing of every objection, this will only occur if CIP can reach an amicable agreement with all objectors.Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further assistance. Kind Regards Gary O'Shea Licensing Manager London Borough of Hounslow Civic Centre, Lampton Road, Hounslow TW3 4DN 0208 583 5144

Paul Fisher ● 6877d

It is for the Brentford festival in Sept 3, as far as I can see. I hope to have a couple of bands playing and will be providing a PA system.

Dave Hughes ● 6878d

Thanks.

Pat Kingham ● 6878d

It may be an application for the forthcoming Brentford Carnival but I will check with the Licensing Dept.

Paul Fisher ● 6878d