I have just spent some considerable time reading this entire thread from end-to-end, and am struck by the determined negativity of those sensing the last gasps of a participant in a duel, and the determination to give the thumbs down to the arbiter determining the final death throws.It is sad, really sad that all the incredible amounts of energy are wasted in such ways. What have you achieved here? You have taken an issue that is clearly nation-wide (Times newspaper) singled it out as if it is only happening in Brentford, and hung our dirty laundry out on the line for all the world to see.Until this thread, the not-so-pleasant issues of waste management and uncontrollable youth were ours in Brentford to attempt to manage, but now, thanks to the malevolent rantings within this thread the whole world knows that yes, Watermans is a crap 60s design totally unsuitable for the purpose it was built for, and has seen better days. What chance does it have to attract visitors from outside the borough when this dribble ends up in the search engines?Despite attempts at remaining positive and offering cause to hold on to one of the few Brentford attractions, local councillors and Watermans’ representatives comments are just ignored, with every attempt to prove them to be liars being the primary cause for writing yet more turgid responses.If Watermans disappears it will be one less attraction Brentford has to interest it’s own residents, let alone those from outside its borders. What next? A bitch session that St Lawrence’s Church hasn’t been used in 25 years so it therefore must go as well?Under the guise of ‘do gooders’ people in a very determined manner, have struck through the heart of Watermans and twisted the blade, in an attempt to ensure recovery is not possible. But also sadly for you lot, there are people out there who are willing to put more than just finger on keyboard effort into saving the few attractions Brentford has not only for us but for all.Yes in retrospect Watermans could have gone to the community for 1 day voluntary cleanups such as has been done with the Thames and local parks, but the graffiti kids would be back again within days, such is the design of the building and its nooks and crannies, allowing numerous places to hide and be mischievous. And as far as the money is concerned, there is a huge degree of naivety as to how much it cost to run things these days. Our development of apartments (5 years old, 172 apartments) would last just over one year on £500,000 by the time staff costs, regular and unplanned maintenance are considered. Why is it seen as such a huge amount for such a facility?Come on people, get behind Watermans and see it into purpose built premises in the centre of the South of the High Street development, where it can operate as required according to the demands for art and culture of the day. If it is killed off before it gets there, it has no chance whatsoever.Sign the petition to restore funding to Watermans and back our local community !
Stephen Browne ● 5975d