Forum Topics

£1000 Workers parking Tax in Hounslow borough

Who is in support of this unfair tax on workers? Why is it only Labour run councils implementing this draconian scheme, what do they hope to achieve ? Deter parking at work or raising millions ? Will NHS workers and school teachers be forced to pay ?

Philippa Auton ● 2824d6 Comments ● 2798d

Mobikes - Hounslow Council To Review The Scheme

I see from the front page story that Hounslow Council is to review the Mobikes Bike Scheme.I get that these bikes are really convenient to pick up and drop off anywhere but the vast majority of users seem completely unable to leave them is a sensible place.  Most of the ones I see "abandoned" are in bus stops, or perpendicular to the pavements or just lying around on the pavements.In my opinion the way they are left is just too dangerous for elderly or less able people, not to mention they are an eyesore on the streets.

Reg Ghosh ● 2880d33 Comments ● 2799d

Boston Manor Park public consultation - Saturday 23 February.

A public consultation event on designs for the park is on Saturday 23 February at Boston Manor House from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Neil Chippendale ● 2806d5 Comments ● 2800d

They're off...

Saw our Dear Leader hanging around on the corner of his street yesterday.  He was ebullient and smug, showing off to his friend, and he had me at a disadvantage as I was with my son and nephew and in a hurry to catch a bus.Sadly therefore I didn't get the opportunity to ask him whether he would be joining the new party, the announcement of which will inevitably follow the resignation of seven of his fellow Blairites from the Labour Party this morning.  I say inevitably because their egos, which flourish out of all proportion to their talents, will surely not allow them to stay out of the news for long.So will the DL be off?  Or would a stand on a point of principle be a sacrifice too far if it means having to depart the gravy train, suitcase in hand, at the next station?I think we should be told.  Maybe Guy can tell us?

Phil Andrews ● 2807d8 Comments ● 2801d

Goodbye

Hi all,Just to say that after over 16 years living here we're moving out of London next week (only to Newbury as heading back up north permanently would be problematic given the amount of projects I'm involved in around the south-east).  It may only be a short-term move, depending on how we find living outside of London, but then again I said 21 years ago after graduating from Sheffield uni that I was only moving to London for a year !.I'll still check in on these forums from time to time, and as always will be happy to provide planning advice etc., so I won't disappear altogether.  Hopefully at some point soon Chiswick cinema will finally come to fruition, and my apologies to some Brentford residents that my 'parting gift' seems to be a new KFC on the High Street...Thanks for all the discussions over the years, I know I'm quite blunt and stubborn at times but I hope my posts have helped people try to make head or tail of the 'wonderful' world of planning that my work forces me to inhabit !.Best wishes to all.Regards,Adam

Adam Beamish ● 2804d11 Comments ● 2803d

Brentford is closed!

From Brentford Today on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/brentfordtoday/permalink/374200276675074/?__tn__=K-RTHE GREAT BALLYMORE SILENCEBRENTFORD IS CLOSED. WE'LL TELL YOU WHAT'S HAPPENING – IN SIX MONTHS' TIME! AS ANGER AND SUSPICION GROW, THE TOWN GETS IMPATIENT.As half the high street turns into a ghost town, and Brentford people wait for snippets from on high, Councillor Mel Collins puts it succinctly: "The drip-drip effect just fuels anger and suspicion to the local community."Bang on, Mel.Cllr Collins adds: "We are in exciting times. Let us be open and celebrate the fact."Then he pleads rather desperately: "Is it possible to give a more comprehensive outline as to what is actually happening over the next few months?"Good question. So Brentford Today put it to Ballymore HQ. External Affairs Manager Jennifer Ball said: "Thanks for reaching out. In terms of further communications, we will be opening an information centre on site this summer, which will feature exhibition space and site models. We are working towards the launch of this amenity intended to engage and inform local people, and improve awareness of plans. More news on this will be available in the coming months."IN THE COMING MONTHS! THIS SUMMER! Are they joking? If they want to engage us, they are going the wrong way about it.Council leader Steve Curran seems as frustrated as anyone. He says: “I’m already in discussion with Ballymore to ensure that we have clear communications by the end of January.”However that's just a "discussion". Ballymore's official position refers to "summer" and "months".Surely Brentford deserves better than this. The south side looks like one of those Wild West ghost towns after the gold mines run out. It'll soon fall down on its own, with tumbleweed blowing along the footpath. You walk past shutters and barred doors and find the post office which bears a scribbled note: closed.Brentford's heart is in cardiac arrest.Well, if it's going to be redeveloped, you'd expect closures at some point. Understandable. What you don't expect is the utter lack of detailed information. It's rude, it's disrespectful. Look on Hounslow council's website. Almost nothing. Look on Ballymore's website. "Reinvention Meets Restoration," it says. "16,250 sq m of new retail floorspace, a 3000 sq m grocery store, a gym and leisure centre and an arts centre/cinema. Retaining several heritage buildings and thoroughfares…"Where's the detail? Where's the plan?Or don't ordinary Brentford people matter?Cllr Guy Lambert says they are "pressing our friends Ballymore to communicate more speedily!" Note the word "friends". Nobody wants to fall out. Ballymore are big and powerful but this is not some minor development on the outskirts. It is right at the heart of Brentford – half the high street is about to be knocked down – hence it is called Regeneration. It's not just a few flats. It's Brentford itself. The biggest change in a generation, perhaps ever.People are asking, quite rightly: "Why are we not being kept fully informed?" Otherwise confidence in the project is being undermined, day by day.Brentford Today stands with Cllr Curran. The people of Brentford need to be told exactly what is happening. And when. They need to be told very soon.

Reg Ghosh ● 2852d32 Comments ● 2803d

Cabinet Question Time

This is taking place at Brentford School for Girls next Wednesday 7.00.p.m. - 9.00.p.m.

Vanessa Smith ● 2812d3 Comments ● 2805d

Parking Levy

Recently I've read and heard that the Government could allow councils to place a parking levy on staff coming to work and park at their businesses in there cars. Does any one know if Hounslow are proposing this?

David Squire ● 2832d28 Comments ● 2807d

235 North Quarter

235 ceased till further notice bus with terminate at county court no further information given.

John William Selfe ● 2916d11 Comments ● 2808d

Good Bye And thank you Brentford Tandoori

Just found out that tonight is the last night for Brentford Tandoori and i've been told its making way for a KFC! as it been a fixture since i was a child i'm sorry to see it go!what i would say though is that the newly opened Leda resturant (which every time i drive passed is empty) is really good - had  a takeaway from them last night and really enjoyed it - I'd urge you to give it a go otherwise another local business will make way for another faceless chain (or worse nothing at all)

Jason Akin ● 2815d5 Comments ● 2809d

Cling Film, plastic bags etc

If people persist in putting the above items into their plastics box and the recycling chaps take it away, why doesn't that contaminate the entire lorry load?   Also seen filthy unwashed jars and plastic containers - it that acceptable?   Food in the wrong type of plastic bag has also been taken as well.  Why are most of us carefully rinsing and sorting our recycling if the men will in fact take everything regardless?   Delighted it's taken and not left on the street but...

Jennifer Selig ● 2851d22 Comments ● 2812d

Man with gunshot wounds London Road Isleworth Sat night

Ambulance service called out to attend man with gunshot wounds Saturday night.. What is happening to our area. The police and council seem to be unable to control our streets.

Richard Buchanan ● 2815d5 Comments ● 2812d

Google The Sun-Daily Mail- Fox News-The Times-Dark Son.

The big day is tomorrow, Tuesday 12 February on B.B.C.4 at 9.00 pm. Dark Son - The Hunt For a Serial Killer will be broadcast and will identify former Fulham, Puntney and Hammersmith resident Harold Jones aka Harry Stevens aka Harry Jones as the killer of 8 women in the Hammersmith, Chiswick, Brentford and Acton districts of London between 1959 and 1965.

Neil Milkins ● 2813d0 Comments ● 2813d

Uncollected Council Tax

It would be nice to find out how much(not a percentage) has not been collected by the council.. Maybe Mr Dennison should be paid on results,if this was a private company he would not probably been paid or a rise given ,if he was not goood at his job.

Richard Buchanan ● 2816d1 Comments ● 2816d

Cleaner Osterley

Any recommendations please?

Roger Foreman ● 2841d5 Comments ● 2816d

Burglary TW8

Just for info, I was away for a few days and discovered yesterday that I was burgled. I live opposite The Griffin. They smashed a double glazed french window at the rear, after some tricky climbing over garden fences and exited the same way. Cash, foreign currency and some of my late wife's jewellery stolen. Fortunately my laptops remain, probably as they could not carry them. All a pain in the rear. Police very efficient and insurers too, so far. I thought I was secure! so check on your vulnerability folks!

Iain Muir ● 2817d4 Comments ● 2817d

Brentford and its people in 1928

Since I found this site I have read so much about the town where I was born in 1928. It means quite a lot to me to read how Brentford as changed/grown since my family died-out in 1960's.At one point in it's history it was either owned by the 'Smith's''Luffrum's' and 'Brown's......….Smith's Yard was named of my Aunt'sFather who at one point owned the 'Ligherage' in the area -  and build the cinema Queen's Hall for his two daughters.Part of Brentford Football Ground was built on land that originally belonged to my Grandfather. My Great Grandmother organized a schoolin the Hall next to St. George's Church - for her 12 children and anyother children who cared to attend [but the did have to pay 1 penny a week to cover the cost of the 'slate and pencil' and also to ensure that the really wanted to learn.I started my education at 4yrs. at the 'Bluebird School' Clifton Roadthen on to St.Paul's Church School. Played on the Recreationground - as did my Son when a small child - when we returned to visitthe family......Of course I am 90 years old now but have led a fantastic life - I still work [unpaid of course] in the local churches - have been a Lecturer in the City of London - was in Berlin during the Airlift in 1948.  Even so still retain a great interest in local history - so if I can fill any of Brentford's gaps I would be very happy to help...….I am a published author [Non-fiction]Freddie Montgomery [Mrs]

Freddie Montgomery ● 2824d2 Comments ● 2817d

HEALING IN CHISWICK ON MONDAY

A reminder that the monthly healing centre at the London Buddhist Vihara, The Avenue, Chiswick, will be open ON Monday, 11th February between 11am and 1230pm.  Healing helps any condition, from stress right through to physical illness and no matter what is said on the television programme, it is not just a placebo!!!  There is no charge made for the healing (all the healers are working on a voluntary basis), although a donation would be welcome.There is no need to make an appointment or book but if you want any further information before coming please give me a ring on 0788 189 6449.

Pat Smith ● 2817d0 Comments ● 2817d

Prolific Murderer - Harold Jones?

Further to the B.B.C. 4 documentary Dark Son - The Hunt for a Serial Killer being broadcast nationally at 9.00 pm on Tuesday February 12.  South Wales Police are actively pursuing forensic opportunities to link Abertillery-born Jones to the murder of 12 year-old Swansea school-girl Muriel Joan Drinkwater, 3 months after he left the army in 1946. A third cold-case team are actively researching Jones' possible involvement in the murder of Ignac Ulycz in Putney in August 1965. See information below from my book "Who Was Jack the Stripper? The Hammersmith Nudes' Murders."(At 10.45 pm on Sunday 15 August 1965, Mr Ignac Ulycz was fatally stabbed outside his own front gate at 323 Upper Richmond Road Putney...........Maddalena Ulycz told the police the assailant was between 50 and 60 years old. (Jones was 59.) Another witness said that the attacker had run around the corner into Colinette Road and just seemed to vanish into thin air. (Jones had been living in 20 Colinette Road.)The Wandsworth Boro' News of Friday 24 September 1965 reported on the inquest into the death of Mr Ulycz.........."The man who killed Mr Ulycz........may have been insane or a psychopath who every now and again feels the desire to attack someone in this way" suggests the Coroner Mr Gavin Thurston.)The fact has now emerged that Jones was living at 20 Colinette Road Putney using the name Harry Stevens while AT THE SAME TIME registered as living at 51 Aldensley Road Hammersmith under the name Harry Jones.

Neil Milkins ● 2818d0 Comments ● 2818d

A call to postpone the Brentford Area Forum meeting this evening

Is it possible for someone to get in touch with the organisers and postpone tonight's meeting at the Blue School in Isleworth?It's already icy, the lunchtime news has predicted snowfall, the meeting's in the middle of nowhere, there's no parking and... well, at 7.30 pm we should all be at home and tucked up. Seriously though, the choice of location is supremely peculiar. It will be hell on toast for people to get there. Is there any chance of pulling it and rescheduling in a week or so at a more convenient venue?

Tracie Dudley Craig ● 2825d22 Comments ● 2819d