Forum Topics

Sheep’s wool packaging for keen composters!

If anyone is interested, I have a quantity of sheep’s wool insulation suitable for composting. Once composted, it’s incredibly nutritious, enriching and good for the soil. We paid an absolute fortune for organic wool and bracken compost from the Lake District and I’d love it if someone could use this wool to make something similar for their garden! (We simply don’t have the space to do this, or we’d be composting it ourselves!)I’d put it in the garden waste bin, but the recycling instructions on the Hounslow website are… unclear. It does suggest that we make cosy insoles for our shoes. ‘Insoles’ is not the spelling which sprung to mind after I’d read it. Anyhow, if anyone would like a load of lovely wool for lovely compost, let me know here and we’ll talk!

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 170d0 Comments ● 170d

The Eco World development: Griffin Park.

Looking at the "6 storey" plansillustrated on this TW8.com website front page ... one wonders whether the residents of New Road, Braemar Road, Brook Road and Ealing Road will be missing out on acres of sky.In many cases views of the delightful Victorian homes will be silloetted against a backdrop of the Griffin Park "high rise" buildingsWalking westwards along Netley Road, for example, the delightful view of the Ealing Road terraced dwellings with be spoiled by these bulbous  new buildings behind them.Planners ... give it a rest surely!

Jim Lawes ● 191d7 Comments ● 178d

Bet your glad you voted Labour

I can't believe dear old Ruth Cadbury, one day after stabbing the old age pensioners in the back, has the gall to post how delighted she is to be appointed chair of the transport committee. Her reward, no doubt, for being a good little lap dog and towing the party line while her boss and the rest of his sponging parasites fill their coffers with freebees and huge salaries and while all the time the Labour faithful in her constituency are shafted. Worse still, Labour commissioned a report into what the impact that cutting the winter fuel payment to the old and vulnerable would be, but Keir blocked it being published as maybe the true cost in lives would be exposed.PS and I thought Boris was bad!

Robert Ayres ● 192d27 Comments ● 186d

Book Launch in Hewson Books Brentford

If you like good books and good wine, come along to the Book Launch of All My Precious Madness by Mark Bowles at Hewson Books Brentford (part of the new Brentford Project) this Friday evening, 27th September - hosted by Spiracle Audiobooks and Galley Beggar Press!We'd love to meet more of the Brentford and Chiswick Community! If you want to support your new local bookshop or the independent books scene, do come along! We've got special guests, great wine and it should be a delightful evening.For more information and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/book-launch-all-my-precious-madness-tickets-1015410107967?aff=oddtdtcreator

Antonia Stassi ● 189d0 Comments ● 189d

The BRENTFORD FESTIVAL in Blondin Park 2024. (?)

This wonderful Community Festival which has been held for some 20 years ... and in it's early days in Boston Manor Park ...is normally held on the first Sunday in September.The formitable Linda Massey has been the great Organiser with her team of volunteers.However ...the date is getting closeand publicity for the Event seems lacking this year.Is it happening ...do you know?

Jim Lawes ● 222d10 Comments ● 189d

Why not just be honest and say the Fountains Centre is closing?

I can understand why the council might want to soften the blow and show that they have looked into other options but spending a million on a consultants report is out of order.We all know that the end result will be that the Fountains Leisure Centre will be shut. It is too run down and energy inefficient to be refurbed and the model in which community facilities are paid for by building flats has broken down - see The Watermans. A bit of honesty would be appreciated here and actually who would blame the council if they said we can't afford to keep running the centre and we can't afford to rebuild it therefore it is shutting?The million quid could have been used to soften the blow by making the reduction in council tax support for poor families £3million rather than £4million.

Kenneth Seally ● 213d11 Comments ● 192d

Beware of some of our local bus drivers!

One can understand that sometimes, , frail old folk might fall onto the pavement when getting off a busBUT landing on the pavement when you're getting ONTO a bus is a joke too far!It happened to me last Thursday at 7.50pm at the westbound bus-stop (SS) outside the Tanning Shop.Two able bodied people got on firstand I followed with my walking stick and shopping trolley. I had one foot on the bus and my right hand on the opened door handle. I was lifting my left leg to the platform, and my trolley ... when the driver chose to close the entrance door.I was thrown off the bus and handed on my back, side and right arm on the pavement. I was stunned for several minutes and in shock.A member of the public asked if they should call an ambulance. I said no ... which was wrong of me. A Philipino couple dressed my wounds to stop the bleeding and several helped me get on the bus again ... at the second attempt.The driver didn't really apologise.In my daze I didn't know if I was on a 237 or 267. Later that evening a gentleman told me that the same thing had happened to his elderly mother.I'm just recovering from the shock.If an ambulance had been called and a Report made...the driver would have been "quizzed" by his employer.My advice is, when getting on a bus ... make sure the drivers sees you before you jump on board ...especially if you're semi fragile!

Jim Lawes ● 197d7 Comments ● 195d

Filming again???

Are we not able to get a part refund for our annual parking permit when we have days taken up where we are prohibited from parking and fined if we do in our road? 6 whole days and a big percentage of Netley road again suspended parking due to filming.I wonder where all the residents are expected to park. It seems incredibly unfair after paying £90 for the year and then 3 Weeks of it so far we haven't been able to use it. I just wonder who are the best people or department to contact about it. Apologies for the moan.

Jane Ansell ● 207d13 Comments ● 198d

RIP Herbie Flowers

Bassist extraordinaire and occasional tuba virtuoso has risen to join the heavenly orchestra. Born in Isleworth and a session musician on so man tracks. Best remembered though as a founding member of Sky, CCS and Blue Mink. Also notable work with Marc Bolan and T Rex. Rest in Peace Mister Bassman.

N V Brooks ● 203d2 Comments ● 198d

Could the Hounslow Loop be given to TfL?

Reading about the planned nationalisation of South Western Railway it occurred to me that this might be a good opportunity to bring the suburban part of that network under the control of TfL making it part of London Overground.This could lead to a significant reduction in ticket prices and a more joined up service.I'm sure rail nerds out there will provide good reasons why this isn't that easy to do but there would be significant benefits for Chiswick and Brentford.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 242d5 Comments ● 199d

Charlton House - Albany Road

Ive just heard that the Charlton House - Albany Road development Is to be multiple 9 level block of flats. Please tell me this isn’t so?The original plans shown in a showroom a few years back was similar to Brentford High Street.

Jai Williams ● 201d4 Comments ● 200d

Free local festival on the 21st Sept

Hi all!For the second year in a row, I’m helping put together a free local festival/open day hosted at the Brentford & Isleworth Quaker Meeting House, as part of Open House Festival. We’re opening up from 10-6 on Saturday the 21st September, inviting visitors to explore the building and grounds, learn a little bit of local history, and enjoy a variety of free arts, crafts and musical activities.The full programme can be found at https://bandiquakers.org.uk/open-house/, or on Open House  Festival’s website at https://programme.openhouse.org.uk/listings/2688 - featuring craft workshops, chamber performances and more. Everything is free to attend, and all are welcome - any age, any background, any faith and none.(Some events we ask for registration in advance if possible, to help us judge numbers, but feel free to turn up on the day!)There’s also a whole load of other interesting venues opening up over the two weeks of Open House - see https://programme.openhouse.org.uk/neighbourhoods/brentford for some local options, I’m hoping to visit a few!

Justin Treadwell ● 206d0 Comments ● 206d

Regarding Dial a Ride if you’re interested

Please remember this service is for people who cannot use public transport and do not have their own vehicle, and that the drivers of the buses are not volunteers.My solutions for Dial-a-Ride would be to start they must be better funded, they need the app to be clearer when bookings are confirmed, they need to speed up the recruitment process, they need a bank of drivers that they can draw on when there are staff shortages, they need to prioritise certain types of bookings, particularly those going to medical facilities, if this needs other types of bookings to be rearranged, so be it, another possibility could be to return to one passenger journeys most of the time, I know this sounds strange but it will speed up the process and enable them to take more bookings, I don’t have a problem sharing the bus with other passengers if their Collection point or destination is the same as mine or is on the way to mine or vice versa but that isn’t always the case.The backup system for Dial-a-Ride Is Taxicard However, They either don’t turn up or turn up late most of the time. I’ve missed Doctors appointments and was left for more than one hour in the street two weeks ago, they didn’t turn up due to a lack of availability. this is not unusual and happens regularly to me, just think about it, how long would you wait for a cab? Would you wait more than an hour? Even if it was a very cheap service? I think not! I have concluded that the simplest solution would be to give the contract for Taxicard to Uber. A more complicated solution is to give people who are members of the Taxicard scheme digital taxi vouchers, like a preloaded debit card and make all taxi companies and taxi drivers take them. that way, if one company can’t fulfil your booking someone else can. And you might be able to hail a taxi in the street sometimes as well as use a cab service.I’ve had to delete most of what I’ve written because it was far too much. So this is just the basics. And it still seems too much!

Patricia Feeney ● 260d3 Comments ● 208d

The Silence of the Lambert

I note that the latest lazy musings from Brentford’s resident funnyman include a reference to an ancient Toey politician called Wenest Marples and his ‘ethics’.I wonder if Guy Lambert might like to comment on the new Government’s winter fuel allowance and child benefit cap policies? I’m sure he can’t be happy that the Red Tories in Westminster have proved to be every bit as heartless as the Blue ones preceding them. Surely he must have some words of comfort for those residents in his ward that will be badly affected by these policies.Of course, he will say there’s no money. But then he might have to mention the Labour group meeting this week that revealed a massive hole in the finances (despite the persistent claims of prudence and good money management he’s made in the past). Seems that council tax will go up, and will hit the less well off in the borough most, around 7,000 on Council Tax support.But then Lambert is a socialist so absolutely nothing to say.

Simon Hayes ● 219d16 Comments ● 208d

This last weekend's CREATIVE MILE event.

As the leaflet said it was mainly an "Art trail at various locations in Brentford" that weren't generally un available for free access at other times.St Lawrence Church and Gardens were open ... and whilst the real purpose was to view the artwork by adults and local children ... it was a great opportunity to view the Church's interior architecture. The remnants of the Graveyard wereintroduced to us as "the gardens"which was a little disrespectful in my view.I missed seeing Plockers wine bar,and a visit to our Museums.Did you manage to pop along?Any reports on the other key event THE BRENTFORD FESTIVAL IN BLONDIN PARK ?

Jim Lawes ● 210d1 Comments ● 210d

This last weekend's CREATIVE MILE event.

As the leaflet said it was mainly an "Art trail at various locations in Brentford" that weren't generally  available for free access at other times.St Lawrence Church and Gardens were open ... and whilst the real purpose was to view the artwork by adults and local children ... it was a great opportunity to view the Church's interior architecture. The remnants of the Graveyard wereintroduced to us as "the gardens"which was a little disrespectful in my view.I missed seeing Plockers wine bar,and a visit to our Museums.Did you manage to pop along?Any reports on the other key event THE BRENTFORD FESTIVAL IN BLONDIN PARK ?

Jim Lawes ● 210d0 Comments ● 210d

Farewell to BA Williams

This Friday, BA Williams, the pharmacy located in Albany Parade and one of Brentford’s longest-established businesses, closes its doors for good, vacating their premises ahead of the demolition and redevelopment of Charlton, Albany and Osier Houses. Owner Mr Savani and his team threw a grand farewell party this evening, where a huge number of past and present customers came to express their thanks and say goodbye. It was truly standing room only and the warmth and goodwill was heartfelt and genuine.The team at BA Williams has taken incredibly good care of both my husband and me. They were always there to provide advice and kindness. The comfort of being able to talk to someone who was familiar with you cannot be overstated. I know that, over the years, they have done the same for hundreds, if not thousands, of other customers. They provided an invaluable community hub, and have always gone above and beyond to help those frightened, anxious or in need. It is a great loss for Brentford and we are the poorer for that loss. Forgive me if I am mistaken here, but several people with whom I spoke expressed surprise that none of our elected representatives appeared to be in attendance. I certainly did not spot either of our councillors (although I admit I would probably not recognise Cllr Yates unless she was pointed out to me), nor our MP who is frequently spotted out and about in Brentford. I can’t help but feel this was shabby. The shop is open until close of play on Friday. If you haven’t - and you’d like to - there’s still the chance to wish everyone well as they all head into their next acts.I cannot express how sad we are to say goodbye. We will miss everyone there terribly. Good luck, godspeed - and thank you. 

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 214d3 Comments ● 212d

Dave Wetzel

Thank-you for highlighting the sad news of the passing of Dave Wetzel. As one of the people lucky enough to serve under him when he was Leader of Hounslow council, I valued Dave as a friend and colleague who was a dynamic leader and retained the respect of both councillors and officers. Dave understood the value of public service and had also been an elected member of the GLC and a wonderful advocate for public transport. But more than any of his many achievements he was just such a lovely, lovely man, kind and very genuine, he enjoyed a long and happy marriage to Heather, also a former councillor. Sincere condolences to her and his daughters and grandchildren, he really will be missed by all of us who knew him, and will be remembered with great affection and many smiles.

Vanessa Smith ● 236d5 Comments ● 219d

(S)ime bikes

As someone who finds the blasted E-bikes a right pain in the backside - being dumped as they are all over the place this article from today's 'i' showed what can be done when you have a council with some spine and that is willing to listen, so unlike our own dear Hounslow! It seems that there is no London-wide policy or agreement with the various hire companies, all boroughs making up their own rules, which are pretty much ignored a lot of the time anyway. I think they've been taken for mugs.Melbourne city council in Oz have banned electric scooters and have given the rental firms 30 days to remove them! 'After hundreds of accidents and complaints from the public about too many people riding them on footpaths'. This is after a two year trial basis - would that councils here listened, and just think how much more space they have in Oz compared to us!!

Vanessa Smith ● 227d8 Comments ● 219d

A "THUMBS UP" for the Musical Museum, Brentford

I hadn't been to the London Musical Museum in Brentford for some yearsfor various reasons ...but the other day I attended there for a personal recording session (to do with local history etc).I was so impressed with the new lay- out of the exhibition areas, the entrance foyer ... and features in the corridors ... that I thought I should give them a little promotion.Spotlights and attractive displays gave a positive vibe.It was all so uplifting  and one congratulates the interior designer who planned the changes.Previously called the Piano Museumwhich was based at St Georges Church under the baton of Frank Holland RIP, the London Musical Museum requires a brighter future.The Museum is open on 3 days only.FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS.The 1st floor café is open 10am - 4pm on those days and it is FREE to visit.INFORMATIVE TOURS OF THE MUSEUMtake place at:10.30am,12.30pm & 2.30pm. Costing £7.50 for locals.(See website for other folk)I'm trying to establish whether one can tour the Museum for free ... if one is without the Guide.The various displays of GIFTS on sale caught my eye ... eg vinyl LP records of organistscosting only £2.50.There are areas for private functions, tea dances, silent film shows and more.WE must use it or lose it!The Museum needs funds to survive.

Jim Lawes ● 222d0 Comments ● 222d

Fly tipping

Whoever fly tipped the bed and mattress on our street at 1030 pm last night probably didn’t twig that they are fully covered by CCTV…. So when we are able to confirm where they came from, are the street residents allowed to lift it and put it back on their driveway?

Sarah Felstead ● 279d33 Comments ● 228d

Adli may be coming to Brentford as well

If you misread this headline and thought it was about a supermarket, don't worry, that's exactly what I did when I saw this story.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 234d4 Comments ● 232d

Developments on Commerce Road, Brentford.

Whilst all eyes and ears may be concentrated on the Ballymore development ...south of the High Street ... and perhaps on the skyscrapers rising to the east of Brentford ... near the Football Stadium ... there is evidence that Commerce Road is in for further changes too.The old factories have gone and new builds are already occupied and being referred to as Brentford Lock West.A brand new Bus Garage is now open which was much needed.Some of the new builds look most boringarchitecturally and are most uninteresting to observe.Another large "old factory" area on the west side of Commerce Road is currently boarded up ... and it's fate seems obvious. In addition we hear that Sega (on the Great West Road, opposite Gunnersbury Park) are moving to Chiswick ... which enables the  site to be demolished and replaced by buildings of greater volume.So many industrial buildings on the Great West Road have been adapted for residential use that the number of incomers in the next few years is going to be staggering and the pressure on local services should be of concern.I think that these future happenings are not known by local folk and the implications not understood.Are you alarmed?

Jim Lawes ● 256d8 Comments ● 233d

protest-rumours

https://hounslowherald.com/uk-riots-leader-of-hounslow-council-responds-to-protest-rumours-p25751-95.htm

Bernard Allen ● 236d2 Comments ● 236d

BRENTFORD CARNIVAL

I have lived in brentford all my life and we used to have a good carnival years ago and i think the last one was 2000. I tried getting on the commitee but they were very unhelpful.Its a shame we have lost our carnival many other towns like hanworth and hanwell have great carnivals and go to great length with them so why cant we.there are many talented people in and around brentford it could be fantastic esp the parade.I have been talking to different people around brentford and here is some of there views.1.The carnival should be before the kids break up for the holidays so that each and every school could take part by teacher nominating 2 pupils from each class to enter for the beautyqueen/princess or stud/king of Brentford which could be judged at the watermans art centre .and for every school to make a float and costumes to be in the parade with the best school winning a prize. and all the brentford residents to be invited to dress up in costume to add to the atmoshire and be in the parade. the parade is the most important part of carnival.2.All the pubs and clubs to take part with a float from there brewrys and to have teams for  tug of war between the pubs thats what we used to have years ago. and the shops to take part would be great and free advertising for them.3.Lots of competions with prizes and certificates Animal, Bouncing Baby, Dancing Best D.J best Break dancer five aside football etc some of the competions to be judged at the watermans a month before and the winners to perform on the day. and small prizes to go to all that attend the cometions to say thank you get all the local news papers involved on the day.and a disco with local d.js 4 The parade to be more colourful and flambouent costumes and proper canival calipso music little a mini notting hill and milatry bands and drummers and dancing in the streets whistle blowing and horns beeping like it used to be.5 A carnival workshop to make costumes through out the year and to meeting at.the Football ground,  watermans art centre,clayponds hall or mission hall would be good for this. Free advertising in all the local paper in the shops and schools not days before but a good month before.6. Volentry security of brentford people for the day. famous brentford person to open the new carnival.Stalls to be only £5 so everybody gets a chance to come and sell things and craft and art stall by local brentford people would be great. which could be done at the  carnival workshop. all clubs eg brownies guides scoutes and classes to be involved and all the local shops to donate money or goods for raffles and tombolas.7. Proceeds from the carnival to go to the special care premature baby unit at west middlesex hospital many of us are greatfull to the special care our babys born early recieve at west mid i have had 2 of my own children in the unit they are fantasic and need funding for more incubators and when you have had a premature baby born early you appricate all they do there without them my babys might not have survived. Also putting some back in to making the carnival suceed for the following year.8.To hire with the donations a bouncey castle and small fair rides and candy floss and popcorn machine  so we could charge a small amount rather than £1.50 for a candy floss many people said it was always to expensive at the carnival. when you have more than 1 kid its very expensive. pony rides 50p9. a news letter just about the carnival for school and groups and local places 2 months before and for stall holders. volunteers for all aspects of the carinival. The route and the time is very important people always want to give small change as the parade goes past so buckets would be helpfull or collection pots.10.To end the evening at the watermans art centre with a carnival themed costume ball  with balloons and decor done by myself  as im a qualified balloon artist and florist and costume maker, for cinderellas and princes allowed out past midnight and prizes for the best costumes and proper carnival soca , reggea salsa music for all who want to party through the night. After the carnival photos and costumes to be displayed at the watermans art centre for all to see what fun us BRENTFORD people can really have A big good Luck to Brentford Football club in ther games to come.If anyone has any views on the carnival or would like to do anything with me on it please do hesitate to get in touch i would be interesed to see if any one could get this off the ground.all the best and thanks for readingDebbie Dewar

Debbie Dewar ● 7338d20 Comments ● 248d

Chiswick and Ealing Isolation Hospital

A very interesting but sad story about the nurse killed by her father in the thirties on the front page currently. It shows honour killings are not necessarily a new thing.If I am reading this right there would have been quite a substantial medical campus reaching from the existing Clayponds site right up to the South Ealing Cemetery. What a shame all the land wasn't kept for NHS facilities.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 255d0 Comments ● 255d

Incessant thumping

If it’s bad for us, god only knows what it must be like for residents closer to the building site. We work from home and are going out of our minds. Anyone doing shift work or trying to put a baby down for a nap must be virtually homicidal. Does anyone know how long it’s going to go on for? It’s unfair and intolerable.

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 292d17 Comments ● 261d

APCOA Takes Over Local Boroughs' Litter Patrols

News item on this site.This could herald an improvement.  I'd like to know whether their contract includes residential streets and will they be reporting fly tipping and excessive littering?Any further info on this Councillor Guy?

Andy Herrick ● 265d6 Comments ● 261d

Pollution map

Just published - the Watershed Pollution Map.https://watershedinvestigations.com/home/find-out-whats-polluting-your-local-rivers-lakes-and-coast/"The Watershed Pollution Map reveals a huge range of potential pollution sources that can harm rivers, lakes, groundwater, coasts and more"

Andy Herrick ● 264d0 Comments ● 264d

GSK site could accommodate 4,000 new residents

Reading the report on the front page, the developer seems to be working very hard to play down the likely scale of this scheme with its touchy feely language but it looks set to be huge.I asked Chat GPT what the number of residents for a 5.4 acre site in this part of London would be and the answer, for a high rise residential scheme was 4,000. This takes into account the London Plan and planning restrictions.To be clear, this housing is needed and I don't buy into the argument that new people moving into an area causes problems with services other than transport. People in other parts of the UK, where population is falling can't get GP appointments - the issue is chronic under investment by the government.However, we do need avoid having the wool pulled over our eyes about how massive this plan is and to think carefully how this new neighbourhood appearing will impact the area.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 283d8 Comments ● 268d

Forum Comments

Please does anyone know how long it takes for questions/comments to appear on the forum?  I've posted a couple & nothing has appeared!

Alison Smith ● 269d4 Comments ● 269d

Councillor Guy Lambert's weekly Reports improving!

We must ... well I do ... give credit to Guy Lambert who has now relinquished his Hounslow Council 'Cabinet' role.His current Report (on the front page)reads well. Informative and with a bit of bite.He must now feel more relaxed in not having such an extensive portfolio ...and health permitting, he should be able to further concentrate on Brentford matters.I liked the informative reference to the Honeywell building and it's long empty neighbour across the road etc.It was a good read ... compared with some airy fairy Reports before ... which seemed to skip over feedback on the meetings he attended.So, an improvement is my view!Like others ...I wish him well.

Jim Lawes ● 301d12 Comments ● 274d

Brentford Canal Festival - visits to St. Lawrence's Church

As part of the Canal Festival on 22nd June, there is an opportunity to visit the interior of St. Lawrence's Church.Free entry will be available by ticket only, with one ticket per person. The tickets will be provided on a first-come first-served basis and will be available on the day from 12.00 noon at the Hounslow Heritage Guides/Local History stall at Brentford Lock piazza.There will be four separate timed visits, with a maximum of 30 persons per visit. The visits will begin at 1.00, 2.00, 3.00 and 4.00 p.m. and each will last about 30 minutes.

Jim Storrar ● 284d2 Comments ● 281d

ULEZ

I read this morning that 70% of fines are un-paid and one driver has over 200 unpaid fines which amount to £46.682 with all the cameras I find both 70% and 200 fines appalling. No point in having the ULEZ if you can't enforce it.

David Squire ● 303d15 Comments ● 289d

Watermans Fire - an opportunity?

This might seem like a desperate attempt to see the glass as half full but maybe the Watermans Fire was not the complete disaster it appeared to be at first sight. The centre was still technically occupied by the Hounslow Arts Trust and it appears nothing significant could have been done to the structure until their lease was up in September.Now remedial work needs to be carried out straight away and insurance presumably will cover much of these costs and perhaps an extra pot of funding could be found to upgrade and repurpose the building.On the other hand someone who is a 'glass half empty' person will tell you that before the end of the year the council will announce that the cost of repairing the centre isn't justified and complete demolition is the only viable option.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 297d13 Comments ● 290d

Stray Dog Found

Good afternoon everyone. A stray dog (a female, staffy cross) has been found on Green Dragon Lane today. She is safe and well and all owner claim enquires should be directed to animalwarden@hounslow.gov.uk - Many thanks.

Tony Bull ● 292d0 Comments ● 292d

Amazing news about Lidl

Really pleased to learn that Lidl will be taking over the old Morrisons site. I had been hoping it would be them. It is hard to say whether Morrisons have increased prices in the new store beyond what they might have done if they had stayed put but Lidl is much cheaper either way. I strongly recommend you sign up for the Lidl Plus card as it regularly gives you free stuff including a fresh baked loaf of bread every month.

Kenneth Seally ● 298d14 Comments ● 294d

Lost bag Glenhurst/Windmill Road 090625

Hello - unfortunately I have lost my black shoulder bag with a yellow wallet, earlier today in the vicinity of Glenhurst/Windmill road earlier this afternoon.  Hoping someone has found it, thank you

Paris Draghici ● 294d0 Comments ● 294d

Gillette Clock - scaffolding

Does anyone know why scaffolding has been erected around the clock face of the famous Gillette Tower?

Richard Atterwill ● 334d3 Comments ● 295d

Watermans( Hounslow  Arts Trust.) Guy Lambert to the rescue

Message removed at author's request.

John Richard Todd ● 310d13 Comments ● 298d

Most active Councillor on TW8 resigned from Hounslow Cabinet

I am surprised no one has commented on the sudden departure of Cllr Lambert from Hounslow cabinet. I will wish him well,although I don’t agree with many of his views or policies.

David Cook ● 322d58 Comments ● 299d

The APT Living Parkview scandal

Many of you will already be aware of the issues with this building but I'd recommend everybody take a look at this superbly produced video report on the subject. It's an absolute scandal and the film is particularly timely given the rush of applications to convert offices along the Great West Road ahead of the Article 4 direction by Hounslow Council to end Permitted Development Rights coming into force.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 318d1 Comments ● 303d

Pocahontas

I made a special stop today to inspect the vandalism to the Pocahontas memorial on London Road. The head and head-dress of the princess have been overpainted completely in black as have most of the flying feathers. It has been quite carefully done and I suspect is a deliberate statement against slavery or colonialism or racism or something. The usual, born of complete ignorance of a celebration which took place in 2017 with complete love and respect. Pocahontas was also celebrated at the same time in Gravesend and there was an international conference of academic historians in London too. I wonder what Claire Duncan, the local ceramicist who created this lovely piece, must be thinking? Does anyone else know anything about this? Are the police involved?

Mike Paterson ● 372d17 Comments ● 303d

Six Bells

To learn that The Six Bells has been sold  off by Fullers  is extremely upsetting. I have met so many  brilliant people over the last  couple  of years,  and  landlady Jacquie and her business  partner Karen have worked wonders to revive  the place and turn it into an essential  community hub. Amazing food, fantastic entertainment, and the staff are warm and genuine. Three weeks ago a Charity Event for Parkinson’s UK was organised, and £3000 was raised  on the day.  In this bizarre unpredictable world, we  need places  like The Bells.

Richard Blair ● 305d3 Comments ● 304d

Six Bells

So upsetting that our favourite place is  going.  Why?  Fat cat money people who  have no idea  of what has been created.  We are trying to hang on to our roots.

Richard Blair ● 304d0 Comments ● 304d

Former Morrisons

I was able to confirm last night at the Area Forum that the landlord of the former Morrisons store, L&Q, have concluded their negotiations with a new tenant. They expect to hand over the keys in February and it will be a retailer. I cannot reveal who it is, but I believe it will be a very welcome addition to Brentford.

Guy Lambert ● 468d61 Comments ● 306d

Question for the Council

I attended the area Forum last year and was very struck by what a teacher from a local school said in answer to a question about the acute lack of GPs. She said many of her pupils aspired to be doctors but could not get funding for the training which was said to be £250000 per student for a 5 year course. Could not we, the borough, put £5,000,000 a year into training these youngsters thus producing 20 new doctors every 5 years and 100 new doctors over the next 25 years. We would of course set a time period for them to work in the Borough to repay our investment. With the explosion in the local population we are going to need them.

Robert Ayres ● 356d52 Comments ● 314d

Litter Pick Brentford

I was impressed to see a group/class of young School Children earlier today involved in a litter pick near the steam museum! Well done to who ever’s idea this is. It certainly one way of impressing how important it is not to throw rubbish down and help keep the Borough cleaner in the future.

David Cook ● 314d1 Comments ● 314d

Brexitometer in Brentford this weekend

The European Movement is visiting Brentford on Sunday between 10.30am to 3pm asking if  Britain enjoy more prosperity, equality, justice, honesty, opportunity and security within the EU.If you want to share your views they will be in the Market Square

Jeremy Parkinson ● 324d0 Comments ● 324d

Golfrooms Brentford

Hi all, iv recently been over to the new Golfrooms facility in the Vantage London building by Gunnersbury park. Fantastic setup to learn golf, lots of kids coaching and very welcoming to beginners and non members. The golf setup is top class and after stick around for a beer and a game of pool and darts. Highly recommend and they are offering free 30 minute golf lessons or 60 minute family lessons

James michael ● 325d0 Comments ● 325d

Former Morrisons

I suspect someone has had great fun lighting a blue touch paper and standing back to see how the residents of Brentford react….   We have not disappointed😉.

Deborah Hall ● 331d0 Comments ● 331d

Brentford West by-election declaration time

Does anybody know when it will be?

Jeremy Parkinson ● 332d3 Comments ● 331d

Brentford West by-election declaration time

Does anybody know when it wull be?

Jeremy Parkinson ● 332d0 Comments ● 332d

LBH Cycling Club

Nearly all of the members of the London Borough of Hounslow seem to have it in their minds that everybody should cycle everywhere, with no thought  whatsoever in doing so they are extending the cycle lane the full length of the London Road going through Brentford and on through Isleworth and then ultimately through to Hounslow and beyond. In doing so obviously no thought whatsoever has been given to all of the emergency services vehicles, being able to navigate their way through the mayhem caused by the said cycle lanes.

Richard Atterwill ● 365d13 Comments ● 339d

Frank Field

Very sad to hear that ex Labour MP Frank Field has diedI was working for quite a while in Wallasey Merseyside back in the late 1980`s and always had the utmost respect for how hard he worked for his Birkenhead constituents and was lucky enough to meet him a couple of times and even though I did not agree with his politics he was always polite and had time to chat with anyone

Paul Fisher ● 341d7 Comments ● 339d

South West GLA vote - next week's only interesting election

I may be wrong but I can't see Labour losing Brentford West in the by-election and the Mayoral contest looks done and dusted. However, the local South West seat on the GLA could actually be quite interesting.The initial assumption would be that the Tories are bound to lose but they have a strong candidate in Ron Mushiso and he may benefit from residual anti-ULEZ expansion feeling. The Lib Dems must be favourite but Labour may hope that their strong national polling and the Lib Dems relatively weak performance will be reflected in this vote. I haven't seen any polling and presume there is none for assembly seat level voting but this looks like a genuine three horse race.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 339d0 Comments ● 339d

🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷  Happy Saint George's Day !

Celebrated today ... on the 23rd April each year... well we did in the old days!

Jim Lawes ● 341d6 Comments ● 339d

Brentford poem

I came across this poem - The King of Brentford's Testament = by William Makepeace Thackeray quite by chance just now. You may care to google it.

Anne England ● 340d2 Comments ● 340d

Taylor Swift in the Black Dog

Apparently the Black Dog pub is becoming inundated with Swifties it being the subject of a song in her new album. When I saw this first I thought they were all descending on the one in Brentford but apparently is another one in Vauxhall. Hopefully enough of them are confused to give a nice boost to income for the local one!

Felicity Caborn ● 341d0 Comments ● 341d

Wareman's.

See the front page article.I wondered how long it would be before we were told the project was in doubt,despite being assured several times that we would have a new arts centre in the centre of town.Funny how inflation,shortage of labour,supply problems and all the other blather stated in the article that is proving problematic hasn't affected the building of all the other parts of the huge development.I don't kno about anyone else,but I'm not sure there is anyone with any clout is really batting for Brentford right now as regards facilities beyond a supermarket and more flats.What else has been provided for the community,except longer queues at local surgeries? Oh, there's all the extra council tax receipts of course,and the cycle lanes,and the 'temporary' traffic lights that seem to have taken root.

Keith Iddon ● 506d89 Comments ● 343d

Where are the Police

Yesterday at Osterley Garden Centre a gang were trying to break into a van,  a concerned citizen took their picture,  they then subsequently beat him up and smashed his car up tooCheck out this post on Nextdoor: https://nextdoor.co.uk/p/g4BgzXbcTPmY?utm_source=share&extras=MTc1OTIxOTE5NjkxNTY%3D&utm_campaign=1713522000854

Robert Ayres ● 346d3 Comments ● 343d

Brentford Towers Estate

Hello all, I had a call out of the blue to arrange an appointment for an inspection pending installation of new kitchens on the Brentford Towers estate, I did make an appointment for someone to come to make this inspection however it sounds a bit iffy. Anybody know if this is actually happening as it doesn’t seem all that long since we had complete kitchens installed in the Brentford Towers estate? The thing is, the call came from a withheld number. I don’t recall giving him any information. But I’m VERY suspicious as we’ve had no communication from the council.

Patricia Feeney ● 346d8 Comments ● 344d

Is Brentford now permanently a 'project'?

Hello forumAs someone born and bred in Brentford and who loves our town, for a few years now I've tried to ignore the hoarding-to-hoarding description of the south side of our high street as a 'project'.I've been looking forward to the day when these hoardings would be gone and the new development would be fully part of the town again.But to my utter dismay, the signs for the new roads leading off the south side of the high street have the new road name, and underneath, 'The Brentford Project'.Why? Are we now permanently a project? A project is something with an end. The south side of Brentford is NOT a project. Brentford is a whole community - north and south of the high street - and one half of it should not eternally be labelled a 'project'. It is a dangerous precedent. Am guessing these roads are private and don't need to have 'London Borough of Hounslow' and its crest on them, like (for e.g.) Catherine Wheel Road.I will be pursuing this with Ruth Cadbury to ask why this has been allowed, and for this writing on the signs to be removed or changed to LBH. We live in a major, thriving London borough, not a project.Angela Burton

Angela Burton ● 346d5 Comments ● 344d

Syon Park Music License application

Application has been made to LBH by Big Marquee Company Ltd for license to Supply  alcohol,Live Music, Recorded Music, Films, Dance and more. Timings Monday to Saturday 0800-midnight. Sundays 0800-2300. So 7 days a week. The Notice of applications have been posted at the bottom of Syon Park and on various small trees . There are no signs on London Rd, Brent Lea or in fact anywhere close to residents who would be dramatically impacted by the nightly noise. Many local people will only be aware once the music starts when it will be too late to complain. If you consider that this application is unreasonable please email licensing@hounslow.gov.org.uk There is one new notice on the gate by Brent Lea Rec leading into the park.

Joanna Russell ● 350d7 Comments ● 345d

This Forum must be nearly 20 years old ... !

It used to be so busy.What's gone wrong with Brentfordtw8.com?No photos these days as before?Little humour.Sad!

Jim Lawes ● 347d4 Comments ● 346d

Dark menace? Comments due by 15 April

It's only rumours, but we have heard it said that a dark kitchen is planned for the old Sauki restaurant premises. I can't think of a more ridiculous site for a hive of delivery motorbike activity. On the High St opposite a listed building, no parking anywhare near, just railings and double yellow lines. Also a heavily residential location. There is no planning request yet and local councillor Katherine reassured me that there are some planning controls possible (I believe it depends on the harm to local residents). But there is an alcohol licence application I've only just seen, with a closing date of 15th April, on a Sauki window. It talks about wanting an alcohol sales licence, in and outside, every day to 11pm and mentions take aways as well as waitress table service. Imagine the noise til after midnight. But look at the the plan at the end of the application - see the Unit 8 Brentford Lock application via https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/info/20071/licensing/1998/pending_premises_licensing_applications It is really alarming. It shows a before-plan of an open restaurant area and an after-plan (no planning application for such a radical change of use) of a very large area of closed off space for kitchen, cold and freezer rooms, storage etc and only a tiny bit one end labelled "BAR" No sign of a restaurant and no room for a real one. Whatever you think do make your views about Unit 8 Brentford Lock, High Street, TW8 8AQ, known to the council via licensing@hounslow.gov.uk Personally I think it's been far too secretive to be anything but bad news for Brentford and does not seem to have been notified to many affected residents. Luckily we don't live in one of the flats above.

Eric Baker ● 353d29 Comments ● 349d

Martin Lewis, Money Saving Expert.

I am beginning to wonder whether M.S.E. founder Martin Lewis is  actively involved with the biggest fraud in British criminal history. He allegedly received £3 million damages from Fakebook more than 5 years ago because Fakebook had illegally used his name and image to scam people out of billions of pounds with the Bitcoin scam. Lewis claimed he gave the £3 million to charity. Why dozens of times ,every day over the past 5 years has Lewis allowed Fakebook to carry on using his image and name to continue the scam?

Neil Milkins ● 354d10 Comments ● 353d

Labour Candidate For Brentford West Is Not Even From Brentford

You could not make it up. How more insulting can Labour be to the residents of Brentford West than to field a candidate who does not even live here but comes from Bedfont. What does she know about local issues it really is taking the local electorate for mugs.

Robert Ayres ● 360d24 Comments ● 354d

Gunnersbury Park Grime Protest song

By Bowie the Bengal. It's actually pretty good.

Mark Evans ● 374d1 Comments ● 359d

Solar driveways

Does anyone in Hounslow have a solar driveway?

Sarah Felstead ● 360d0 Comments ● 360d

Brook Road South - front door kicked

Shortly after 9.00 this evening (Friday 22/04) someone struck or kicked our front door. The noise was horrible and it gave us one hell of a shock. Apparently it’s a social media challenge thing. At least I hope that’s what it is and not something more sinister. I contacted a couple of neighbours and it hadn’t happened to them, which is good. I wonder, as it happened to anyone else? If it has, do you know anything about it? I hope no one else experiences this. It’s very frightening and my heart has only just stopped pounding.

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 373d5 Comments ● 360d

Covid Tests

Rather late in the day but if anybody could do with a boxed set of 7 Covid test kits (expiry date today), nose job only, please get in touch. They are left from an ONS research study which was curtailed rather suddenly. I should think like all things, there is some margin in their usefulness - although maybe not.

Anne England ● 368d3 Comments ● 364d

Cleaner needed

We are looking for a reliable and trustworthy cleaner for our flat (3 bedrooms) in Brentford,to come every 2 weeks, for 2/3 hours. References required. Please call 07813 708153 if interested.

Tamsin Kemmis ● 372d2 Comments ● 365d

Baltimore Bridge

I was surprised to hear the river is used for coal exports. Green agenda? We should open our mines and export our coal, a good boost for our economy.

Nicholas Beard ● 369d6 Comments ● 368d

Support Watermans 100% - Urgent appeal

** A message from Watermans – please forward to friends in Brentford and West London that you think would support the campaign. We need to get to 1000 signatures as fast as possible.  Andrew **--------------------------------------------------Watermans has been threatened by the Arts Council with the loss of its grant. This would come into effect almost immediately so we would have to make immediate cut-backs in our programme.The people of West London will lose nearly £500,000 that would be spent on Participative Arts, New Media Arts and Asian Arts.We have been advised that the Arts Council is on very shaky ground with this decision and a large show of popular support will help our appeal.If you would like to see Watermans get its grant reinstated please support us by lending your name to our campaign by signing online:http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/support-watermans-100%20or by cutting and pasting the slip below into an e-mail and sending it to us at E: info@watermans.org.uk--------------------------------------------------------------------/I support Watermans 100%/Name:Tel No:E-mail:Thank youThe Watermans TeamWatermans 40 High Street, Brentford, TW8 ODS Box Office: 020 8232 1010

Andrew Dakers ● 6308d144 Comments ● 369d

Sex discrimination

Ladies getting preferential rates ie none to join Ealing Chess Club.

Robert Colwell ● 372d0 Comments ● 372d

the end of LTNs?

The long awaited guidance from the Department of Transport regarding LTNs was released yesterday:"It aims to ensure that LTNs are only introduced where there is clear local support for them and where they are well designed and do not cause undue problems for drivers, emergency services or other road users."I wonder if this will cause LBH to rethink their unpopular changes that were so clearly and decisively rejected, and remove the concrete blocks that divide our communities and cause gridlock and increased pollution on our roads? I suspect not.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/implementing-low-traffic-neighbourhoods/implementing-low-traffic-neighbourhoods

Graham Thorpe ● 377d13 Comments ● 374d

Boston Manor Park "Meadow"

" The meadow down near the Brent/canal was looking really stunning "Guess who ?In fact "the meadoew" is largely under water consisting of two or three large ponds.When that area was cleared the plan as posted on this very forumillustrated by the ususal impressive diagrams envsiaged "orchards" to replace the abundant blackberry bushes that covered the site up until that point.Clearly it never occured to designers of this site that it was the abundant covering of bushes and other vegitation etc which soaked up all the moisture and prevented the ground becoming waterlogged and subsequently turning into pondsPresumably these are the self-same experts who having had free reign on the NW corner of Gunnersbury Park for two whole years so as turn it into "state of the art sports pitches" have managed to turn that whole area into a quagmire as well. Contrast that with the totally untouched loam of the former pitch and putt course, which soaks up all the rain and can still be walked across So much for the "experts".  While the councillors all sit thereopen mouthed, bedazzled by the slick presentation and nodding away. After all they can't be expected to know everything can they ? Leave it to the experts. And its lunch in 20 minutes anyway.michael adams  

Michael Adams ● 380d12 Comments ● 375d

Recycling

Does a Council person wander along the street rummaging through the paper recycling box just before the refuse lorry comes along?This morning a man with a yellow waistcoat was looking through the paper bins as if he was checking them.  There are other reasons , not so honest, he might have been looking, so I wondered if anyone knows?

Sarah Felstead ● 376d2 Comments ● 375d