Forum Topics

Local Plan Consultation - New rail routes ?

Consultation onhttp://www.hounslow.gov.uk/local_plan_consultation_low_res.pdfhas been opened for six weeks according tohttp://www.hounslow.gov.uk/index/environment_and_planning/planning/planning_policy/localplan/planning_policy_options_localplan.htmI was interested in the medium term aspirations for rail improvements. The idea of a Hounslow to Brent Cross overground service and a tram/train link from the centre of Brentford to Southall were new to me. :Improving orbital and Overground rail connectionsPromotion of a new passenger service between Hounslow station and Brent Cross via Old Oak Common, calling at Isleworth, SyonLane and Brentford. This proposed scheme relates to a broader aspiration to improve orbital transport provision from Hounslow andis connected to the wider business case for High Speed 2 (HS2), though the connection could be implemented earlier. The schemewould connect the borough to the proposed transport interchange at Old Oak Common, which will include links to Crossrail.Promotion of a new passenger service between Brentford (Golden Mile) and Southall. This proposed scheme would provide directlinks between the employment corridor and Great Western Main Line and planned Crossrail station at Southall. Currently thereare few options to access the site from the north by sustainable means. It is also feasible that this could also be extended to feedBrentford Town Centre and the South West Trains line, possibly via an on street alignment (e.g. utilising tram/train tech).Improvements to Piccadilly line accessPromotion of Turnham Green station as a permanent stop on the Piccadilly line; this would improve public transport accessibility inChiswick as the present timetable only serves the station in the early morning and late evening. In addition, promotion of improvedpedestrian access to the employment corridor located on the Golden Mile, providing links to the Piccadilly line. Developmentproposals should contribute to potential pedestrian links in this area.

Tim Henderson ● 4879d4 Comments ● 4875d

Can you make a big difference to someone's life? – Volunteer Mentors/Befrienders needed in Brentford

Equal Approach is searching for volunteer Mentors to support disadvantaged individuals, including those with disabilities and health conditions. The programme aims to enable individuals to achieve their personal aspirations and reach their potential by supporting re-engagement into employment or integration into local communities.Currently I am looking for a mentor for a Brentford based mentee. Mentor and Mentee will meet for one hour a week, on a 1:1 basis, for up to 12 months. The Mentoring & Befriending Foundation will provide training, support and contribute to expenses. The opportunity provides a rewarding opportunity for individuals from a variety of backgrounds. Visit www.equalapproach.com/mentoring.php for further information and to apply or ring Gary Draycott - Regional Attraction Specialist 07809 338756.

Gary Draycott ● 4878d1 Comments ● 4878d

Any bonsai experts around?

Our son has gone travelling and left us his bonsai tree to look after. Followed instructions, replaced soil and regularly fed and watered as directed. Needless to say the tree has started dropping leaves and looking very sad. Any ideas anyone?

Leigh Stops ● 4878d0 Comments ● 4878d

Plans to replace Hammersmith Flyover with a tunnel

I heard some exciting news today about plans to replace the Hammersmith Fly-over with a tunnel. http://www.lbhf.gov.uk/Directory/News/Tunnel_vision_to_replace_outdated_flyover.aspThe plans appear to be driven (excuse the pun) by Hammersmith and Fulham Council and have huge support from local residents. I wonder what the likelihood is of Hounslow Council leading a similar campaign to remove the M4 flyover and maybe link the two tunnelling projects? How amazing Brentford would be without the crumbling eyesore cutting our town in half and coughing out toxins 24:7.

Antoinette McGovern ● 4880d4 Comments ● 4878d

Doctors appointments

How long should one expect to wait for a doctor's appointment - is over a week too long ?

Pat Kingham ● 4883d21 Comments ● 4878d

Remember when Watermans had perfomances in the bar?

Well its happening again. The BIG DANCE WEEKENDER will have cabaret in the bar on Friday and Saturday, a childrens disco and a dance performance on Sunday and films, outdoors on the terrace at the end of the evening. Pick up a brochure when you are passing.

Leigh Stops ● 4881d4 Comments ● 4879d

Come to The Edge

Some years ago when coming into Green Dragon Lane from the Kew end there was a poem on the gable end of a house. It started off " Come to the edge we might fall ,,,,Can anyone remember the rest. Plus who painted it and why?

David Squire ● 4888d3 Comments ● 4880d

Re-cycling to Watermans

Watermans have just added some bicycle racks to the upper terrace. Hopefully this will be more secure than the car park and still provide some weather protection.

Leigh Stops ● 4880d0 Comments ● 4880d

Spafrtans Football Trial Day - ages 7 to 16

Saturday, 8th June 2013 9.00am and 11.30am, At Carville Hall Park North (Lionel Road North entrance,Brentford TW8 0BJSpartans Youth FC Under 16s have just ‘done the double’ – winning the Harrow Youth Football League Premier Division and the Challenge Cup in the 2012/13 season. Since Spartans started in 2006 the various teams have won many Harrow League titles and four County Cups, producing many players for QPR, Watford and Chelsea along the way.This session will be led by Spartan’s Founder and Chairman, Mark Stow, who is an “A” licenced qualified coach, and Cardiff City’s chief scout for the past two years, working on their promotion to the premiership this season. He has previously been chief first team scout at Southend, Watford (twice), and Exeter City, and prior to that plied his trade at Chelsea as a coach and scout.Spartans is a registered charity (number 1146272) – more information on the website: www.spartansyouth.orgCome and try out!

Karen Adams ● 4900d5 Comments ● 4881d

Cycle storage and superhighways

With the coming of cycling improvements and a dedicated western route, I just wondered what facilities exist to actually keep a bike in this district?We cannot even get a bike through the front door here and it must be the same for a great many in the older bits of Brentford.Are there no neighbourhood municipal bike storage facilities like in Holland around here?Seems a bit pointless if so many cannot own a bike.

Raymond Havelock ● 4985d52 Comments ● 4881d

See Behind the Candelabra for £5

Behind The Candelabra is Watermans bargain film this month. Every ticket is £5. Terrific performance by Michael Douglas. Opens Friday 21 June.

Leigh Stops ● 4882d1 Comments ● 4881d

The summer ball

There are still tickets available for Tuesdays summer ball ,a sponsor is offering the last few remaining tickets for only £35 they will donate the rest of the ticket price £4£.To good to miss

Tom Keane ● 4888d1 Comments ● 4882d

Brent Way Pavement

What's going on here, am I imagining things or wasn't this just finished? They seem to be digging it all up again!

Steve Bullman ● 4883d2 Comments ● 4882d

History of the Great West Road: Talk on Wednesday

"The history of the Great West Road"    Where: Gunnersbury Park Museum    When: Wednesday 22nd May 2013, 2:00 pm - 4:00pm    Admission: FREEAn illustrated talk by James Marshall, Local Studies Librarian for Hounslow and author of “The History of the Great West Road”. Visit the museum and see some of the products made in the famous Great West Road factories. At 2.00pm, join everyone in the Terrace Room to hear about the history of the factories, their architecture and their products. Afterwards, share your knowledge and memories over a cup of tea.There is no need to book.ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooJames Marshall's splendid book about the GWR is in short supply and sells on the second-hand market for over £80!

Jim Lawes ● 4912d22 Comments ● 4883d

Family Fund Day this Saturday at Brentford Children's Centre

This Saturday we are holding a Family Fun Day at Brentford Children's Centre from 10.00am-2.00pm for children under 5 and their families.We have lots of fun actvities planned, including arts and crafts, cooking, multi-sports and music - all of which are completely free!The centre is in North Road, on the site of Green Dragon School and we hope to see lots of families there.

Sandra Jones ● 4884d0 Comments ● 4884d

New 'Brentford North' CPZ - Enfield Road

Are any other Enfield Rd residents concerned about the fact that the pavement-mounted boxes have been painted way further out into the street than residents have been usually parking, making the road even narrower? The line painting took place on Friday 14/06 and over this weekend, I have already noticed larger cars and vans driving really cautiously to avoid hitting parked cars - I dread to think what will happen with rubbish collections on Wednesday and I certainly do not want any damage to my car!  I can only think that the council thought this would be better for pedestrians and also didn't think to measure where cars were already parking before they had to leave the street for line painting. I also have issues with the positioning of the yellow lines for passing spaces and also the general poor surface of the re-surfaced road with all the loose stone chips damaging my hall floor and also sore feet when trodden on, as the chips are carried into the house stuck into shoes soles.This morning I have emailed Amarpal Soor who is the named Senior Traffic Engineer for the council and copied in Matt Harmer - as the only councillor's email address I had to hand.  His direct telephone line is given on the letter but of course there is never any answer nor option to leave a voicemail. If any other residents have concerns, I am sure multiple voices could help us sort this BEFORE the actual CPZ comes into force on 1st July.   amarpal.soor@hounslow.gov.uk

Natasha Manganaro ● 4885d0 Comments ● 4885d

Hounslow Conservative Group defections to UKIP - are we being told the truth?

According to the statement from the Conservative Group that has been published on this site Councillors Williams, Hutchison and Stewart were facing disciplinary proceedings, the suggestion being that this may have prompted their resignation from the party.However I am reliably advised that none of them knew a thing about any disciplinary proceedings until they read the allegation in the Hounslow Chronicle - some time after their defection to UKIP.More spin and bullshine from Hounslow's fastest shrinking political party?  I wonder whether anyone from the Conservative Group would like to comment?

Phil Andrews ● 4896d8 Comments ● 4885d

Next Sunday's 10k Family Walk & Fun Run (Fullers)

Have you seen the leaflets?It's next Sunday 23rd June 2013 (FROM 10am) starting AND finishing at Fullers Brewery in Chiswick.It's for Cancer Charity..and there's a participation fee.Copy of the leaflet..with details..in next message.

Jim Lawes ● 4886d1 Comments ● 4886d

Restoration / Renovation of Casement Window?

Can anyone recommend a fine local tradesman experienced in renovating casement windows? Got an Edwardian bay window that we'd like some restoration work carried out on.. Any recommendations for preferably a Brentford-based tradesman would be appreciated. Regards Tony

Tony Griffiths ● 4894d5 Comments ● 4886d

Cat acquisition help?

Does anyhow know of a good cat adoption agency, that covers the area but is not HAWS? - They have recently rejected me due to the busy nature of Ealing Road (despite living in a terrace house and having a secure garden...)

T Tran ● 4888d1 Comments ● 4887d