Forum Topic

Kew is creeping into Brentford, let's kick it back over the river!

I am sick of "Kew Creep" into Brentford. It's bad enough having part of Kew bridge, and Kew bridge Station in Brentford. Now we have the Kew Bridge development. We also have the Travelodge in Brentford High Street which calls itself "Kew Bridge" and the Premier Inn  also in Brentford High Street which calls itself "London Kew" even though it's on the other side of the river to Kew and more than a mile away. Now we have developers who want to build " Kew Bridge West" in Brentford High Street. Frankly I am sick of it, enough is enough. We have a rich history here in Brentford and it's always been a much more important town than the hamlet on the other side of the river. Hotels and developments in the town should start to reflect this history not be kowtowing to the middle class aspirations of another place. The developers of "K** Bridge West " must be told NO! Get a new name! And you can email the Premier Inn with your feelings at guest.relations@premierinn.com

Paul Slattery ● 4785d42 Comments

Isleworth Ait, when did the ferry stop? The history plaque on the wall by the steps gives a date but I cannot remember it. I think there was talk of restarting the ferry. Would it be financially viable? The Ham House ferry must make money? You must have many great stories to tell from your time on the river. Please share them here, Iain. PS I have not checked the lousy search on the site so apologies if you already have..

Iain Muir ● 4780d

Thanks, I don't think the one at Marble Hill was there, or in use at the time we used to cross at The Swan.  Only a big decision would have had him part with the rights to the crossing - I forget his name but I seem to remember one of his stories was his appearing as a ferryman in the film A man for all seasons.

Sarah Felstead ● 4781d

I think i remember that crossing. if i remember correctly it combined with the one at Marble Hill Park but i'll have an ask round some of my watery mates for you.

Marcus Gadd ● 4781d

S'cuse me for butting in dear Isleworth Ait - but do you know what happened to The Waterman who used to run the ferry beside the White Swan, in Richmond?

Sarah Felstead ● 4781d

i used to run the ferry between isleworth steps (near the Apprentice and Syon Park) and the Kew side of the river snd most of my customers needed what the Americans call a comfort break while walking the tow path between Kew and Richmond. I can't see that changing if the gate opens again due to the lack of parking on the Isleworth side. Also as you all know the Thames is very tidal and for some reason walking down the foreshore avoiding the mud and goose poo doesn't appeal. Finally, if the ferry doesn't go straight over without any deviations to either side the PLA insist that a waterman steers it and their daily rate is a wonderous thing to behold.

Marcus Gadd ● 4781d

I totally agree. Brentford has been allowed  to become such an area of decay that it is no wonder companies do not wish to be associated with it. I am becoming embarrassed to say I live in Brentford. LBH should be ashamed of how they have allowed an historical and potentially attractive area to turn into a slum.

Liz Price ● 4781d

"I'm not sure I'd like the name "Mogden Tesco" as it gives the impression of shit." I think that is perfectly apt for that particilar Tesco, because it is..... Which is probably why the Asda in TWICKENHAM Road is doing so well and seemly attracting so many of 'Mogden'  Tesco's customers. 

Steve Taylor ● 4783d

Or indeed a Brentford FootBridge Linking Proper Brentford with Brentford Gate.They could pay for that from the signs on the flats!

Michael Brandt ● 4783d

I agree Paul, though I wonder if there is a danger that while we're all fighting "Kew Creep", that Syon or Isleworth will sneak in behind our defences :)Incidentally, there is one bit of Brentford in Kew - the Brentford Gate at Kew Gardens. There was talk a while back of Kew Gardens trying to open up to the river more and of a cross-river ferry service starting up again - never heard any more though ...

Kyle Smith ● 4783d

Well is there not a Hounslow government Officer whom you can challenge in debate? These names have to be approved by them so as to ensure emergency services do not end up at the wrong address.And how serious is the 'Kew creep' physically. Perhaps it will come to an end soon. Hammersmith was a slum but it did not assume names associated with Chelsea during the process of the chelseyites moving out westwards.But market forces which are bringing in better off people are not going to change. It has been happening for a long time. Brentford I predict will be a very different place in 15 – 20 years. Remember Fulham was a dump some 40 years ago. Islington was not much better and as for Hackney Clapham and Streatham. And if you read about Brentford in British History Online it will be seen that Brentford in previous centuries was one of the worst of all places to livePerhaps there’s a chance for even Hounslow to acquire some different charms!

George Knox ● 4783d

That's the worst thing happening here.Born and bred locals displaced from Ealing and Chiswick fit in really well here, they embrace it and enjoy its history, but the influx of types who put those blinds up in the windows, have hge 4x4s and do not wish to be part of the community are really doing some damage, they are only here because Fulham and Notting Hill are too expensive.It's the demise of the well balanced society that Brentford has somehow hung onto for longer.  Such a shame.Time for a "Campaign for Real Curtains!!

Michael Brandt ● 4783d

Many recent new residents would form a "Kew" to have the area's name changed and upgraded as they see it.

John Connelly ● 4784d

To be fair Paul, you kicked off with a rant. An attack on the middle class - who, if local - have done a huge amount to keep developers and their smartass tactics at bay, often using their own means and finances to bolster the support of those who do not.The County Of Middlesex and Brentford sign was reinstated after a campaign some 20 years ago by Russell Grant who fronted a save Middlesex campaign.The sign made it very clear that you were entering Brentford, Middlesex.It was temprorarily removed a few years ago when the bridge lighting was renewed and has not to date been returned. Where is it?I agree that local councils should take a stand when marketing and developers try to massage a placename. It should not be allowed and only names based on the history of the area should be instigated.I think Thomas Layton is very poignant at this location and Edward Vll as is the bridge's correct name - which never caught on.Kew Bridge is acceptable for buildings within the immediate junction but that should be it. Kew View maybe, but no more.So what would you do?

Anthony Waller ● 4784d

I've not long been a poster on this site and I can see why people would want to hang themselves after posting a topic, as any post just seems to attract a pile of rants that have hardly any bearing on the topic in question. I would give anything to read a positive comment about what we could do about the kew effect in Brentford but have yet to read even one.

Paul Slattery ● 4784d

I think you'll find the official name is King Edward V11 bridge, I believe there's a plaque in the middle of it. I totally agree about the Middlesex signs, although there is one on the A316 just over Chiswick Bridge.

Vanessa Smith ● 4784d

Kew is in Surrey. Surrey is South of the River.Time to put the Middlesex signs back up on ..KEW bridge!!

Michael Brandt ● 4784d

I wonder if they are planning to rename Brentford FC if and when it moves to Lionel Rd? Kew Academicals perhaps,or Kew Gardens Rangers ?

Keith Iddon ● 4784d

But surely there are no worries. Over the next few years Brentford Lock West (not a Kew in sight) will squeeze 520 properties in and around Commerce road. That's 520 more council tax revenues to be re-invested locally, which we know will happen. And 520 x (how many people per property?) new residents to spend, spend, spend their good money in the local shops. All these flats will need that trendy retro 1940's Goddard furniture, no? And that's before the promised £2m spend on local investment / infrastructure.Why are you people moaning - can't you see that all Brentford's problems are solved?

Alan Clark ● 4784d

This business of perceived 'posh' areas creeping into others has been going on for years, Chiswick has crept into Acton over the last couple of years as property prices have crept up and the snobs have moved in. I totally agree with Phil that the local shops are guilty of this inverted snobbery. Ivybridge parade and Tesco are in Isleworth and should say so, it really p***es me off to see 'Twickenham' plastered on things. On the subject of Brentford, the regeneration that was supposed to be isn't likely to see the light of day until and unless the recession is past I would have thought. I do think though that a lot of money is being wasted - I still can't figure out why there have been all these pointless roadworks on the Twickenham Rd. why have the pillocks of Hounslow Council shortened the median strip at the top of Dawes Ave.? This was originally lengthened to stop illegal and dangerous right hand turns off the Twickenham Rd.! Coming face to face with daft people doing an illegal entry - on one occasion a refuse lorry, on a dark morning was very hairy - not to mention the poor man on the corner who kept having idiots driving through his front garden wall, trying to miss them!

Vanessa Smith ● 4784d

Phil,You could equally say that it is a council's dream to have its clean up services privatised at zero cost.Perhaps we could get together and deliver their meals on wheels for them also to express our community spirit.I wonder why Chiswick does not have these ad hoc work parties to clean up? Perhaps Chiswick has councillors who are more pro-active in ensuring their wards do not become forsaken by both council and business.Chiswick also has a sexier footprint with the Civic Centre.It seems ok to forget Brentford,it being predominantely white working class.

Keith Iddon ● 4784d

If not through common endeavour, what other means are there through which to encouraage community interaction?  People sitting back and letting the council decide what does and doesn't happen in a community is a politician's dream, but then when something goes wrong (e.g. gawdy illuminations on Brentford towers) nobody is organised to do anything about it.Let local people and their organisations gather together for community clean ups, and if they manage to clean anything up consider it an added bonus.

Phil Andrews ● 4784d

I've already agreed with you Paul and these forums are for people to use how they please as long as the code of conduct is adhered to.If you don't like it,bad luck.

Keith Iddon ● 4784d

What is the point of two of you prattling on about nothing when you could just as easily phone each other and chat about it? I have posted a topic about creeping kew in Brentford. If you want to make an intelligent and constructive well I would love to read it but up until now you have said absolutely zip about the topic in question. Can you just send emails to each other please as I don't really need to read the pointless stuff you have posted

Paul Slattery ● 4784d

Then we're back to that f***ing pointless game show!Night night

Ian Silver ● 4784d

That could be a winner

Ian Silver ● 4784d

"Home of the brave" was in jest, but as mentioned so often in history a reference to a breed that persists through whatever.

Ian Silver ● 4784d

The Grace Bros of Brentford? ;-)

Keith Iddon ● 4784d

and why doesn't "Goddard" himself look after those flower beds; it's his patch and he doesn't give a toss.Goddards, it's like something from a 1960's sitcom."Furniture for the modern home".....if you are destitute and live in 1940 eh?

Ian Silver ● 4784d

Why do you suggest it is the 'home of the brave'? Why is it thus more than anywhere else? I am not disinterested in the future of Brentford but it is difficult to sustain enthusiasm when the Council and developers seem to have abandoned their interest in getting any of the myriad of ideas for regeneration moving at all.Some of the ideas put forward have been inappropriate to say the least.I believe in 'trickle down' works better than shoving a burden uphill.The lead should be taken by the Council and by those who stand to make money from the future of the town imo.Asking pensioners to but on a pair of wellies and some rubber gloves for one afternoon is ridiculous and patronising imo.

Keith Iddon ● 4784d

And I didn't.I just find this tosh pretty pathetic.Brentford, home of the brave? Home of the totally disinterested more like.

Ian Silver ● 4784d

Not worth getting in a lather about it tho'.

Keith Iddon ● 4784d

I did. No reply.

Ian Silver ● 4784d

I would be intersted to know how much Proctors spent on this sponsorship and how the money was spent.Companies often sponsor activities to raise their profile,to show they 'care' and to be able to write the sponsorship money off their tax bill.I do not know if this is the case with Proctors.You will have to ask them.

Keith Iddon ● 4784d

A gang of pensioners would beat our local authority's guys hands down mate.And, if symbolic, why sposorship from Proctors??

Ian Silver ● 4784d

It's a patronising form of tokenism designed only really to make the organisers feel good about themselves and their 'efforts' to improve the environment.I would much rather the people who we pay to do the job  did it properly and if possible collared the berks who vandalised or graffitied in the first place to do the clean up.

Keith Iddon ● 4784d

These things are only ever intended to be symbolic, by means of setting a good example and inspiring community interaction.A gang of volunteers, many of them often of pensionable age, are hardly going to do the work of a fleet of council waste disposal lorries, recyclers, litter pickers, painters and builders in one session.

Phil Andrews ● 4784d

Ha, I forgot what I was going on about !!! Seriously, I understand the point being made. I'm just at a loss as to how things might be changed around Brentford or Isleworth, or anywhere really.I've lived round here for 35 years and seen it turn to shite. It's a shame but it is the world we appear to live in.For example, someone started a post about cleaning up Brentford High Street a little while ago. What happened on the day allocated? Nothing of any note.Apparently this "effort" was sponsored but the person who started the thread hasn't replied to "how much and to whom".I'm not sure how to change things. I wish I knew.

Ian Silver ● 4785d

Btw Ian I would have been interested to read the rest of your post.  Was there a power cut or did you drop off to sleep?

Phil Andrews ● 4785d

Maybe if they were obliged to call it "Mogden Tesco" they would be a little bit more supportive of the local residents who have to put up with the stink inflicted on them by the environmental criminals across the road and their friends on the council.But what's wrong with "Isleworth Tesco"?

Phil Andrews ● 4785d

You are absolutely right Paul. I hate this kind of petty bourgeous snobbery. Denial is not just a river in Egypt.

Keith Iddon ● 4785d

Anything that improves the impression of a location seems a good idea - I'm not sure I'd like the name "Mogden Tesco" as it gives the impression of shit.Blame the council. If Brentford was a nice place Holiday Inn et al would be happy to be more accurate but sadly it is a slum of derelict and decaying properties south of the high street and has been for many, many years now. Not much of a tourist attraction - not much of anything really except loads of wasted space that many people could use to work and make things.Bloody council.It beggars the imagination that whilst

Ian Silver ● 4785d

We in Isleworth have a similar problem with supermarkets and stores announcing themselves to be in Twickenham.  They set up in Isleworth, take their money largely from Isleworth people, yet are ashamed to admit they are in Isleworth.  I agree - Brentford, like Isleworth, has a proud character and identity of its own.  Maybe we should be doing something more to highlight this snobbery?

Phil Andrews ● 4785d