Forum Topics

Crammed public transport round Brentford

There have been numerous new developments along the Chiswick – Ealing – Brentford – Isleworth – Hounslow stretch of west London. A quick tour round the area shows that we’ve seen some fairly substantial new communities grow with a few still to be completed:- the Ferry Lanes development in Brentford – must be about 300+ dwellings- the Holland Gardens development in Brentford – 200-300 dwellings?- Great West Quarter – planned to be 900 dwellings- The Island & Brentford Lock – 300 dwellings- Blenheim Centre in Hounslow – looks like another 300 dwellings- Great West Gate in Osterly – 150 dwellings?Plus many, many more smaller developments – from a few flats (such as on Windmill Road near the Globe pub) to bigger developments of 50-100 flats such as on the London Road between Isleworth and Hounslow.How many more people? Perhaps over 3000 new houses and flats (although to be fair, mainly flats). Average say of 2 people per dwelling – so 6000+ new residents.On top of that the proposals for all new developments in Brentford over the next 5+ years show another 2000 dwellings.Here I need to declare a bias – I’m one of new comers living in one of the new developments. So I’ve absolutely nothing against new people coming to these districts to add to the communities, putting money into local businesses (we hope) and adding to our neighbourhood. (Ok - this is not about people spending their time & money outside Brentford, this is about the transport.)My concern is that this huge number of new people need to moved about. The vast majority will work and many will work outside our area. For example, say its only 20% that work in the centre of London. That’s perhaps over 1500 extra people to be shunted back and forth on the tube or rail. Where is the commensurate increase in travel capacity?Has this been raised before on the forum? Have we any way of trying to get something done to improve the situation?

Alan Clark ● 6476d11 Comments ● 6421d

The environmental backfire of the new recycling system

It must be red faces at Hounslow HQ. The new recyling system in Brentford seems to have descended into farce in record time.I have just got home to find foxes in daylight ravaging strewn emptied food boxes up the road, pavements as it darkens, mined with bags, boxes and litter and worst of all, finding a rat inside my food box which was on left it's side open (but emptied of sorts.)Clearly the staff are either too hard pressed or too slovenly to place boxes upright and closed after emptying. Everything down our street has clearly been chucked.Most boxes will be wrecked within a few months.I understand that the stuff was not collected till 5pm.Worse still is the no less then 3 vehicles carry out the task.The first is the traditional dustcart, a smaller one that manages to negotiate the small streets of Brentford, Then the crash and bang of the bottle recycling truck and now the three axled extra long wheelbase plastics and food truck. plus a load more operatives.What idiot ordered a vehicle too long for most residential streets? No wonder it fails to show up till 5pmAll three are diesels. Two are brand new. How come none are hybrid,electric or LPG powered?The recycling effort is well intentioned and a good idea, but the joined up thinking seems to have gone into the green bin. Peter has simply just robbed Paul.It's a mess and this still winter. The streets will stink if this carry on enters the summer not to mention the huge health hazard from vermin a spores from mouldy and rotting foodstuffs.What is it with this borough not being able to get it right?

Michael Brandt ● 6450d57 Comments ● 6425d

The Flood

In the year 2009, the Lord came unto Noah (who was now living in the London borough of Hounslow) and said:"Once again, the earth has become wicked and over populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me." "Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing Along with a few good humans." He gave Noah the blueprints, saying: "Lo! You have 6 months to build the Ark before I start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah Weeping in his yard - but no Ark. "Noah!," He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark ?" "Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed." "It turns out that I need planning permission.""I've been negotiating with Trinity House about the quantity and size lifeboats and we've had all sorts of other issues thrown at us by the Maritime safety board." "My neighbours claim that I've violated the Council planning laws by building the Ark in my back garden and exceeding the height limitations. We had to enter a formal application to the Council Planning dept. for a decision which has gone to committee for debate.""Then the Electricity Company demanded a shed load of money for the future costs of moving power lines, to clear the passage for the Ark 's move to the sea and the Council jumped in and said I couldn’t move any Ark which was over 16 feet due to the damage I might do to the trees. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.""Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the Greater spotted Barn Owl." "I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go!" "And when I started gathering the animals the RSPCA took me to court. They charged me with confining wild animals against their will. The Court gave me an ASBO" “Then the EU inspector told me the accommodations were too restrictive and contravened European law, and that unless I was French it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in such a confined space”"Then the Environmental Agency ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood!""I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew and I waiting for Immigration to check the Visa status of most of the people who want to work."The Unions insist I can’t use my sons – they say I can only employ Union registered workers with Ark-building experience."“The Coastguard insist I file my intended course with them and to make matters worse, the Inland Revenue seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally."“Health and safety won’t even let me start on the Ark until I’ve been on a flood awareness course so, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 Years for me to finish this Ark. ""Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky."Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "Oh Lord, you mean you're not going to destroy the world?" "No," sayeth the Lord. That Bastard Gordon Brown and his Government have beaten me to it."

Harley Buckner ● 6429d2 Comments ● 6426d

Thames Water works affecting Windmill Rd then Ealing Rd

Thames Water’s Victorian water mains replacement programme continues:30 March to 15 May 2009Replacement of water mains in Windmill Road from its junction with A4 Great West Road to the junction with Murray Road. During this time Windmill Road will be made one-way northbound. Traffic will be able to enter Windmill Road from the A4 but all southbound traffic will be diverted via Little Ealing Lane, South Ealing Road and Ealing Road and A4. Any traffic exiting from the side roads into Windmill Road will have to turn north and follow the diversion. Minor changes will be made to the traffic signal timings to cater for the additional traffic that will be using Ealing Road. Waiting and loading restrictions will also be introduced alongside the works area to ensure the northbound traffic can flow unhindered.1 June to 17 July 2009Replacement of water mains in Ealing Road from its junction with A4 Great West Road to the junction with Occupation Lane. During this time Ealing Road will be made one-way northbound. Traffic will be able to enter Ealing Road from the A4 but all southbound traffic will be diverted via South Ealing Road, Little Ealing Lane, Windmill Road and A4. Any traffic exiting from the side roads into Ealing Road will have to turn north and follow the diversion. Changes will be made to the traffic signals timings on the A4 to cater for the additional traffic that will be using Windmill Road, and a new right-turn phase will be introduced at the Popes Lane / South Ealing Road junction to make it easier for traffic to turn from South Ealing Road into Little Ealing Lane. Waiting and loading restrictions will be introduced alongside the works area to ensure the northbound traffic can flow unhindered. Also, some restrictions will be required on Windmill Road to ensure that the diversion route is clear of any obstructive parking.Some delays are expected to occur on the diversion routes, but with a combination of widespread advance warning signs and changes to the signal timings it is hoped that these will be kept to a minimum.________________________________________________ Chris Calvi-FreemanHead of TransportLondon Borough of Hounslow

Chris Calvi-Freeman ● 6431d7 Comments ● 6427d

Brentford - our local football club

I'll put my cards on the table from the off - I am a Brentford Football Club Season Ticket holder and have been for over a decade.However, if you are a lapsed Brentford fan who left because of our performances under Terry Butcher, then I recommend that you get your self back down to Griffin Park as soon as possible.  Under Andy Scott's management, we are witnessing the greatest comeback since Lazarus and the football is a joy to watch.  Oh, yes, and we keep winning.If you have never visited Brentford, I can assure you it is a friendly, welcoming place and you will have an enjoyable day out.  Our crowds hover around the 4500-5000 mark so there won't be any danger of your being crushed in a crowd of 60,000+.  Griffin Park, the stadium, is a bit shabby and you'll have to avoid some puddles if it's been raining and probably queue for the loos at half-time.  But believe me, you will be more than compensated for those minor problems with the amosphere and the sheer accessibilty of the place.If you would like more details about the Club, then visit the official site here http://www.brentfordfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Welcome and don't forget to visit the best fans forum on the internet, The Griffin Park Grapevine here http://www.griffinpark.org/.If you have always wanted to go to a football match but have been put off by extortionate ticket prices, the hassle of getting there or the crush of people, head to Griffin Park.  My Dad and I would be happy to meet you there and we won't boo if you want to leave at half-time.

Allison Franklin ● 6831d19 Comments ● 6433d