Forum Topics

Non compliance is threatening Morrisons

Last few trips to Morrisons have not been good.Why is it that so many seem completely incapable of wearing a mask properly?Why are so many children running amok around the store? Teenagers taunting the security chap and brazenly not wearing masks?Why are so many customers so hideously rude to the staff and other customers?I watched this morning, several of these people who were wandering around the store with their masks only part covering. They all placed them properly when at the checkouts.So they know they are not complying. It is wilful.But they go unchallenged.  Can anyone blame the staff for this?  They have to endure risk enough every shift.But not one PA announcement, nothing.Seems the management have simply given up.  But they need proper authoritative support, especially given that such a large proportion come directly from W7 and W13.Who actually monitors this?

Raymond Havelock ● 2091d10 Comments ● 2082d

Get your bloody facts right!

Did you get your missive from The Leader through your letterbox today? I was intrigued to see that he is urging people to use the Covid rapid testing facilities in Isleworth.'Isleworth Public Hall (from Tuesday 19 January onwards)'. You may have a wasted journey, as far as anyone is aware the testing is being held at Isleworth LIBRARY. So refreshing to know how well Cllr. Curran knows Isleworth, apparently his knowledge of our area only extends to his mate the Duke of Northumberland and his ill-judged plans to build all over Park Rd. allotments.

Vanessa Smith ● 2096d5 Comments ● 2082d

Getting to those falling through the vaccination net

There are quite a few very elderly simply falling through the net on vaccinations.If you know a neighbour particularly on their own it might help to check that they have had some form of communication and are not confused or unable to respond correctly.If you have a basic mobile phone ( which is very common in with over 70's) you will get a text message to call your GP. They will then call you back and take basic details for your suitability of the vaccine.(Sometimes texts come via audio texts on a landline. They are usually very hard to follow and understand.)GP practice can then set your appointment up for you and text you or call you with date, time and location.For this you do not need a smartphone or be online.But. If you only have a landline, you must call your GP and any other vital service and stress this to them so there is a clear note recorded to ensure you are either contacted by a person via landline or get a letter.Oddly many of the letters are being sent to over 80s inviting them to book online and at a location up to 45 mins away ( not including traffic deviations or volume)Completely housebound residents are being kept completely in the dark as are their regular District Nurses and Carers.If you know a housebound non ambulatory resident ( and a great many are hemmed in by  LTNs and are completely unknown. Check on them and make sure that their GP knows that cannot be transported.  A wrong assumption is being made with algorithm based data that a Housebound person can be transported.This has led to some being assumed to be refusing the vaccination by not being able to respond or having not stressed being totally unable to leave home.I noticed on BBC Breakfast how two spokespersons ducked and dived in avoiding questions about this very situation.It would be far better to either say they did not know or that the logistical issues are not resolved.  Transporting the Pfizer Vaccine is still a huge problem.A proper explanation would be far better, even if it's not particularly positive.

Raymond Havelock ● 2103d11 Comments ● 2083d

The Weir is supporting our local NHS

A small appreciation for everything you do 🌈🌈 NHS we love you 🌸.                   Free soup, home-made bread & tea or coffee.SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL NHS. Brentford community want to thank you for everything you are doing. We want to show our support by providing free hearty soups with home-made bread and teas and coffees for key workers and ambulance drivers at West Middlesex Hospital. Pop in to collect yours any Thursday to Saturday Midday – 8pm and Sundays Midday – 7pm.Just show us your West Middlesex Hospital NHS ID or London Ambulance Service ID and it’ll be on the house. You are welcome to come back as many times as you wish until February 28th.We appreciate you so much. Thank you for everything you do.The Weir & The Brentford CommunityTerms & Conditions. One soup, plus one coffee or tea per person, per day. Available Thursday to Saturday Midday – 8pm and Sundays Midday – 7pm from January 12th to February 28th 2021.

Jan Birck ● 2108d1 Comments ● 2083d

Look After My Bills Nightmare.

This is a post from today (Monday 8 February) put on the Facebook page, Look After My Bills Problem Reporting Page by B**** Orm***"After initially being attracted by the promise of finding consumers the best market deal and starting the registration process, I read some worrying reviews and immediately cancelled - told LAMB that I had changed my mind and did not want them to look after my bills. Subsequently I continued to receive emails saying I had been transferred, causing me grief and frustration. I again informed them that I did not want LAMB to look after my bills and also emailed my current supplier to tell them I did not want LAMB to transfer me and that I wished to remain with Coop Energy. LAMB continued to email me about my transfer. What a nightmare! Fortunately Coop Energy stepped in on my behalf. This was quite some time ago and I continued to receive email from them but I have blocked them. Neil I wish you luck. Once they get their claws in you they fill your life with worry and anxiety. Relentless!"                                                                                                                                                                     For some reason, Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis on Saturday 6 February urged energy users to use switching companies such as Look After My Bills to try to get cheaper energy.                               All I can say is, before you consider doing this look at the Facebook groups page Look after My Bills Problem Reporting Page and Trustpilot, Look After My Bills reviews before making a decision you may regret for months to come.

Neil Milkins ● 2085d0 Comments ● 2085d

Free books

I am in the process of having a clear out  and wondered if any organisation /charity could use unwanted books? They are largely what I guess would be classed as Chicklit, like Katie Ford, etc. There are also unused pristine colouring ‘mindful’ books, a small collection of  children’s books too. Only available for collection in a Covid-free household in Brentford. Saturday pm collection preferable. Thanks.

Neal Rollason ● 2103d9 Comments ● 2087d

money collections door to door atm

Just had woman collecting for charity at the door. Told her we gave huge food donation last Sunday but she kept asking. Asked her 3 times which charity she was collecting for, as it's tipping down and felt she was genuine, but couldn't understand her. Perhaps if someone else knows name of charity you could post it here so I can drop something off to her. Many thanks

Debbie Paradin ● 2087d2 Comments ● 2087d

Night owls and cricket lovers

Channel 4 will be showing the tests live from India starting on Friday.Marvellous news if like me, you love the game.

Keith Iddon ● 2090d3 Comments ● 2088d

The death of local democracy

We have all been so happy to finally see the peaceful transfer of power in the USA this week; the removal of a fanatical tyrant who ignored the interests of the people he represented, with often fatal consequences; and the commitment of the new leader to represent ALL the people of the country, including those who didn’t vote for him. Contrast this with our own local government and their continued anti-democratic denial of the right to have our views listened to and acted on by those who would pretend to represent us. Our local councillor is remarkably candid in admitting that the Streetspace / LTN roll-out will continue regardless of the massive continued opposition by the majority of those who’s lives have been affected – he has said he is happy to engage [forum 27/11], but that is clearly a politician’s promise – unless he is referring to the secret meeting just before Christmas that only 3 residents were able to find out about. He compares these changes to the fight against drink-driving; as though there is any comparison between a law that saves lives and the continued attack on freedom of movement that will probably cost lives – does he think we will be persuaded by such childish arguments? Ealing is pressing ahead with its own war against its electorate – this is despite a massive 77.5% negative feedback – two councils working together to heap misery on those who need to travel to work, shop or care for loved-ones. They would have us believe that these measures are pro-cycling and pro-pedestrian – was there ever a problem walking or cycling down the roads that have been closed? Would not a more pedestrian-friendly option be to reinstate school crossing patrols to protect our children on the way to school – there is plenty of money sloshing around to build cycle lanes – could some be diverted to safeguard children? But, of course, this policy was never pro-pedestrian – it’s simply anti-car. We might aspire to have Biden-like representation in local government, but we’re clearly stuck with mini Trumps building their walls and dividing communities whilst denying the obvious and real opposition of those who’s lives have been blighted by their pointless vanity project.

Graham Thorpe ● 2102d23 Comments ● 2090d

Funeral of Monica Robb | 28 January

This is taking place on Thursday 28 January at 2:30pm.  Please let me have your email address if you would like the link to dial in remotely.Thank you.

Caroline Joy ● 2098d0 Comments ● 2098d

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS.For some people it is not bearable to think about, or to plan for their own funeral or for that of their spouse. However in these uncertain times I believe it is a responsible thing to do to take some of the pressure and grief off family members by not leaving things to late. Myself and my wife have taken steps to leave very little for our family members to worry about regarding these arrangementsWe have taken steps to arrange Pure Cremation funerals which was catapulted into the news a few years ago by singer David Bowie. For instance, if I die first, my wife will contact a funeral director in Hampshire. They will take care of all the arrangements needed. I would be collected from my home or from anywhere else and taken to Hampshire to to the funeral director's own private crematorium for disposal. No flowers, no family present and no funeral service. Arrangements have already been made for a memorial service shortly after my death.The benefits of doing things this way is that the cost to my wife and family is minimal. If I die at home the cost of the complete funeral arrangement is £1195.00 or £1.445 if I die in hospital or nursing home. The average cost of a cremation funeral in the UK is £3,986, sometimes thousands more.Being a very competitive business I am sure that some funeral directors would charge less than £1195.00.Nobody wants to die, but time and unforeseen events befall us all. In the mean time wash your hands and socially distance.

Neil Milkins ● 2098d0 Comments ● 2098d

Book a vaccination through the national booking system

Good Afternoon to Residents & Partner Organisations of Hounslow CCGPlease see important messages below and attached posterLetters are now being sent to NW London residents to book a vaccination through the national booking systemLetters inviting residents to register for an appointment at large vaccination centres have now started to be sent out by the national booking service to people in the first priority groups.The letters invite people to log onto the national booking system or call a national number to book their appointment at a centre within 45 minutes of their home address.More information about the national booking service here.The letter will include a unique booking code and individual NHS ID number to support the booking – these will be needed from the letter to book the appointment.Residents will not be able to book an appointment until they receive this invite letter, which will be sent when it’s your turn for  a vaccination.Letters will initially go to people in the top JCVI groups who are in reasonable travelling distance of the locations that are open, and who haven’t already been vaccinated through other NHS vaccination services.People will only be able to book into the large vaccination centres and pharmacies using this system.More large vaccination centres and pharmacies will open over the next few weeks, which will be added to the booking system.Residents are being reminded that if they have already booked an appointment with their GP they should ignore this letter.Public information is also available here https://www.nwlondonccgs.nhs.uk/coronavirus/nhs-covid-19-vaccination-programmeReminder not to turn up too early to ensure social distancingIf you have an appointment booked, please try to ensure that you arrive no more than five minutes before your appointment time.  This is to avoid you having to wait in long queues outside.When you attend your appointment, you'll need to:    bring a face covering, unless you are exempt from wearing one    wear a loose fitting top that lets you uncover your upper arm easily    bring your booking reference and NHS number, found on your invite letter, if your appointment is at a vaccination centreIf you need a carer you can bring them with you on the day.If you’ve not been invited for a vaccination yet, don’t worry.  The NHS will let you know when it's your turn to have the vaccine. It's important not to contact the NHS for a vaccination before then.For more information you can go to the website:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/Kind regardsHounslow CCG Communications TeamWebsite: www.hounslowccg.nhs.ukTwitter: @HounslowCCG

Bernard Allen ● 2105d9 Comments ● 2099d

Painting of mural on Ballymore's car park in Brentford

I hope that Ballymore are paying the artist for the work, I would hate to think that the council are paying for this !

Richard Buchanan ● 2109d6 Comments ● 2100d

Gunnersbury Bowls Club Succeed

Hopefully Councillor Lambert will support the re-opening of the Gunnersbury Bowls Club asap and demonstrate his commitment to the elderly in this Borough.

Steve Crelley ● 2101d0 Comments ● 2101d

Death of Monica Robb

Monica Robb of Lateward Road passed away on 12 January 2021 at the Meadow House hospice in Ealing at the age of 90.  She will be sadly missed by many people.The funeral is taking place on 28 January for restricted numbers but will be available via video-link for those wishing to dial in.  Please post your email address if you would like the details.Caroline Joy(Daughter)

Caroline Joy ● 2103d4 Comments ● 2101d

Wanted - Any old Comics/comic books/magazines going spare? (free, to collect).

Hi!I'm on the hunt for some old and unwanted comic books, magazines, kids comics etc to be used by a charity running a creative workshop with local community groups. If you have any old ones kicking around that you've been meaning to get rid of but don't want to go to waste I'd love to take them off your hands! (socially distanced/convenient collection, of course, and they absolutely don't have to be in immaculate condition or completely intact either)And if you have any suggestions for somewhere else to get ahold of some, I'd love to hear them too!

Lily O'Connor ● 2105d3 Comments ● 2101d

About time too!

AGAIN LABOUR COUNCILLORS BREAK RANK AND CHALLENGE CLLR STEVE CURRAN AND CABINET. This is the third time in three months – unprecedented since her took over.Two groups of councillors have called in Cabinet decisions to be examined by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The first call-in – next Wednesday – is supported by the 12 councillors below, with the lead being Cllr Unsa Chaudri. It concerns the Cabinet's decision to purchase affordable homes in developments in Brentford, Hounslow High Street and Feltham, at a cost of £82m.The second call-in – to be heard one week later – concerns the Cabinet's decision regarding Council Tax Support. It is led by Cllr Theo Dennison and proposes consultation on cuts of up to £7.8m in support for the Borough's poorest households. Fuller details of this call-in are not yet available.These follow one last November regarding traffic changes – when Cllr Richard Eason called for the resignations of two Cabinet members, Cllr Katherine Dunne and Hanif Khan.Details of next Wednesday's call-in became available today and are as follows:What Decision is to be Called-In: Council Housing Building Programme Update “ ...approved the following purchase schemes to be included within the approved Council Housing Building Programme:1. 50 homes from Network Homes in Fern Grove, Feltham.2. 55 homes from Barratt Homes at High Street Quarter, Hounslow.3. 164 homes from Berkeley Homes/St Edwards at the Homebase site in Syon, Brentford.”Whose Decision is being called in: Affordable Housing Committee (Councillor Steve Curran –Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Corporate Strategy, Planning and Regeneration)Reason(s) for Call-In (Continue on a separate sheet if required):1 Inadequate consultation with stakeholders prior to the decision;· This item did not appear on the Forward Plan for a clear 28 days.· There has been no consultation with ward councillors in respect of majorproposals likely to impact the immediate area.· The Ward location of one site was incorrectly stated.· The status of at least one of these sites is otherwise described in the LocalPlan and consultation does not appear to have been considered to begin to resolve this.2 Inadequate evidence on which to base a decision;· The report contains assumptions of outcomes from a yet to be decided planning application.· The decision allows for procurement, agreeing terms, associated costs, without detailing or showing these costs.· The report does not refer to any agreement for future costs and charges to the authority or potential tenants should the report be agreed.3 Contrary to the budget or policy framework;· This decision does not adequately explain the financial implications of these proposed purchases.· There is insufficient shared Background Information to explain processes, unit costs, specifications and the appropriateness of the mix of purchase being sought.A key decision but not treated as such;With an estimated cost c.£81.9m plus transaction costs and ongoing revenue costs this must a key decisionInsufficient consideration of legal and financial adviceThe report contains no information on future financial implications (revenue costs) of purchasing leasehold properties within a larger development There is no evidence of any legal advice on the implications of making this decision prior to the authority making a decision on Planning Permission

Vanessa Smith ● 2104d5 Comments ● 2101d

Offer of garden storage box

I have a friend who is anxious to dispose of a garden storage box with lock. Here is a link to description:https://www.diy.com/departments/keter-store-it-out-arc-plastic-garden-storage-box/653851_BQ.prd?ds_rl=1272379&ds_rl=1272409&ds_rl=1272379&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8bXfvaSo7gIVbIBQBh0q6Q-3EAQYASABEgKoL_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&storeId=1358It is free but would need to be collected from near Macdonalds.

Virginia Fassnidge ● 2103d2 Comments ● 2102d

Local Charity needs Access VBA programming help

I have developed an Access database for Age Concern Chiswick.  The basic design has been done and all the data imported.  To create an effective user interface I need the help of someone who knows about Access VBA programming.  I must stress that we have no budget for this work and that any kind whizzkid who helps would have to sign a confidentiality agreement.

David Lovegrove ● 2102d3 Comments ● 2102d

Gas and electric suppliers.

ENERGY SUPPLIERS.Because I haven't got a head for figures I have stuck with SSE Swalek for 47 years. But owing to Look After My Bills without my permission signing me up to Utility Point in October 2021, I have had the opportunity to try and figure out which energy provider gives the best deal. I have learned that using switching companies provides the worst deals and leave behind a trail of stress. For instance Look  After My Bills and Utility Point for 4 months have both blamed each other and both have launched an investigation into the mess they have dropped me in. And the situation has not been resolved with 2 BBC consumer programmes investigating hundreds if not thousands of complaints against these 2 companies.My energy provider for 47 years, SSE had suggested that I start off with them as a new customer and on 12-1-21 a contract was agreed with a customer service agent emailing me the following details."Good day Mr Milkins,This is to confirm the effective start date with Swalec-SSE is the 29 January 2021 to take over the gas and electricity supply.This means that you will only be charged from the date mentioned above going forward. All other charges will be applied by your current supplier until the date your supply starts with Swalec-SSE.Thank you.Regards,Yolanda."Hooray. Then I get the following  email from Jolene from SSE on 20-1-20."I understand that you have been sent an email regarding the dates the supply has come back to us and you were advised that you would not have a bill until SSE started [29-1-21], feedback is being provided to that adviser so this incorrect information is not given in the future, for this I can offer a goodwill payment of £30.00 for incorrect information given. SSE can keep their £30 !!!!!!!!!!I have now learned how easy it is to find the cheapest deal for gas and electric. Find a company offering a 2 year fixed tariff which I have done. To date, the best deal offers a 2 year fixed tariff.                                 For gas, the daily standing charge is 27 pence per day. The charge for gas is 2.952 pence per kw hour.For electric, the standing charge is 24.02 pence per day. The charge for electric is 17.42 per kw hour.These prices are considerably cheaper than my former supplier. If anyone can direct me to a better deal, please let me know as haven't signed up to EDF yet.

Neil Milkins ● 2102d0 Comments ● 2102d