Forum Topic

Is it something in the air?

I expect many of us dip into Chiswickw4 from time to time? now I do not wish to cast aspersions but don't you find that tw8ers are a more cheery bunch? I'm not sure if there is something in the water or it's collective paranoia in W4 but they seem to believe that the world is ganging up against them. Several people have remarked upon this to me.  

Vanessa Smith ● 7439d57 Comments

Crikey! That was just about worth reading all the way through. As usual, I come to the forum for information and stay for entertainment!

Holly Hodges ● 7019d

Is it me - or is it something in the air? might be the full question!I think some people need some sun!

Sarah Felstead ● 7021d

Our intermingling on the cyberspace discussion groups may evolve over the weeks to create stink-bomb fragrancies on some days...and intoxicating Georgio Armani flavours on others.Hopefully, cyberspace fences can be rebuilt with with a sniff of lavender or rosemary..(my favourites at the moment!)..or the sound of an opening box of chocolates...or the unwrapping of the chocolate digestive biscuit pack. Its a pity these nicer smells and sounds can't be posted on the Forum.  Ladies..you're lovely....keep tapping away!

Jim Lawes ● 7429d

AnnOh I see, shame on me ;-) I hope that his prowess won't be too deflated by the suffix of.......FOR HIS RETURN FROM SCOTLAND...

Gareth Evans ● 7430d

Watch it, Gareth!!!!"Screamed FOR HIS RETURN FROM SCOTLAND...."Does anyone know why the chronology of this thread is so cockeyed?

Ann S. Allridge ● 7430d

How proud Jim must be that women still scream for more from him ;-)

Gareth Evans ● 7430d

I’m not at all convinced that the Brentford forum needs to be more “combatitive”. From what I’ve seen the contributors to the Brentford forum are best described as constructive rather than combative.

Gareth Evans ● 7430d

Agreed that we all have the right to complain but far better to offer suggestions on how to improve the situation.

Gareth Evans ● 7430d

Yes there are fewer contributors to the Brentford forum than there are to the Chiswick forum. Both provide a valuable resource in terms of information and debate. I don’t buy into any concept which might suggest that the Chiswick forum is any better than the Brentford forum. The real difference with the Brentford forum is that if anyone puts up a posting on an issue which is outside of the pure geographical confines of Brentford, nobody submits a follow up posting asking what the original posting has to do with Brentford. Something I have often seen happen on the Chiswick forum. The place to really tackle the perception, real or otherwise, that Hounslow Council has been hostile to Chiswick, is at the Civic Centre, Lampton Road either directly or indirectly through your elected representatives. The lack of investment and the constant pressure on resources over many years is borough wide and not something which just affects Chiswick. If anyone can point to a case where millions have been pumped in any particular area of the borough while other areas have not received such funding, please advise.

Gareth Evans ● 7430d

Paul Thanks for your clarification. As we pay for services both directly and indirectly, provided by the local authority, what do you see as the answer to the problem? Surely it’s about the local authority setting reasonable and realistic targets which the local authority can meet and which meet or exceed customer expectations. ps – I’m not of the opinion that the level of office chat or internet surfing is any higher in local authorities than it is in any other area of the service sector. Unless of course, anyone can prove otherwise.

Gareth Evans ● 7430d

Jim.I daren't touch the topic title bar in case this goes in at the wrong place... I found an industrial protective clothing shop on the Ham road going in to Kinston - they do a great line in hobnailed boots....  ;-)

Sarah Felstead ● 7432d

Sorry I didn't express myself very well - obviously like most people I get my bins collected each week and pay a tax bill. What I meant by interaction is contact I initiate with the Council. This doesn't happen frequently but when it does it is usually a complaint of one kind or another - potholes, refuse collection missed or an unfair parking ticket. In most cases I've found the person I've dealt with appreciative that I've taken the time to alert them of a problem but sometimes you can get an obstructive jobsworth who I suspect has resents that some Chiswick whinger has interrupted their office chat or surfing on the internet. Hounslow Council operationally doesn't seem to be the worst in this part of London and people wouldn't bother complaining about things if they'd complained in the past and nothing had happened.

Justin Harris ● 7432d

Paul "At a local level the powers that be will have to accept that Councils and other agencies are primarily service providers and their interaction with the public is most likely to be in the form of a complaint."I'd say that you are wrong if you feel that most interactiosn between the local authority and it's customers are in the form of complaints. How many services do you feel you receive directly or indirectly from the local authority on a daily, weekly or monthly basis which results in you having to make a formal complaint to the local authority?

Gareth Evans ● 7432d

Haven't a clue Phil ! - I keep saying I really DO NOT UNDERSTAND how it all works!  And other frustrated comments on the forum suggest I am not alone?Me calling the Civic Centre the 'Fortress' is because it appears impenetrable?The suits haven't actually WORN suits on the days I have taken them on our 'days out' around the area.  Do they have their own keys or do they have to request to be let out?  They always appear very keen to come out on our trips - but we don't appear to get much further than that.  I decided that it was less expensive for the tax payer if I didn't interfere and left them inside, doing inside tasks, at their desks.One of our last trips I think, was 3 suits for over 1.5 hours to the garden centre land.  We must have looked like people traditionally do when there is a hole in the road?  you stop, and peer into it?When there was the last Gas leak at Gillette corner we counted 5 Gas vans and all the workers from the vans were standing peering into the hole in the same way, whilst one person was doing the work.Well, we stood peering at the torn up hedgerow and a pile of half burnt trees on a bonfire, amongst other things.  Since that 'day out' everything we discussed has got worse - and the hedgerow has almost completely gone (burnt on bonfires on the open land there, I believe).Got no idea how to get a job done, I'm afraid.  Always seems to be done for maximum time wasting capacity, and left so we can always come back and waste some more time talking about it again.I have already related on the forum how my neighbour watched some pavement being laid so badly he knew they would make a second job out of it - and they did.  I watched some slabs being laid with a gap underneath (picture how you crack a wall tile, it is much the same principle).Oh, goodness this is getting boring isn't it!  I even tried the Zec's office, remember.  Did I get a response from the elevated to complaints stage, letter?  What do you think?If the whole thing works only through standing up and shouting or holding banners up, then do you think that is why the Zec's photo disappeared?  Has it been replaced yet?  Hang it - if it doesn't work as a team with the rate payer an inclusive member, then it is never going to work anyway.I speak from personal experience.

Sarah Felstead ● 7432d

LoisA forum such as this is an excellent vehicle through which to air a grievance.  If you have a problem which is more likely to receive a response, a private letter written to a councillor or council officer or a complaint made publicly before a readership of hundreds?

Phil Andrews ● 7432d

I agree with you Vanessa over the important of 'participation' in local affairs rather than moaning about them.  But one person's moan is another person's constructive criticism!  Our forums do shed light on many problems......and a good thing it is, too.  However, far better if you can go to a general meeting and have your democratic say!  Unfortunately, there is much apathy around and there are only so many hours to each day.....far easier to sound off on the forum where someone in authority could read it.

Lois Westby ● 7432d

Oh - I assure you I do!

Vanessa Smith ● 7433d

Paul, I thought one of the most useful contributions on the W4 thread "Let's Fight" was from Peter Eversden who urged people to "let's participate", becasue that is the nub of the matter, we can, and do, all have a moan and groan but really in the final analysis how many people do something practical about what irks them, like going to the area meetings? Very few probably, but a large public gallery and the opportunity for the voters to speak as well can concentrate minds. As well as things not being done or done badly there also many services which are good and that should be recognised too, there is no large organisation that doesn't have problems. I do think criticism can be constructive and justified, and I was once told that Polaroid developed their most successful product by listening to customer's criticism, which any company interested in success ought to do. It just seems sometimes that there are a few people that never stop, and that whatever is done is never going to suit them!

Vanessa Smith ● 7433d

Jim - Do you mean 'twaddle'? I wasn't meaning to be critical or judgmental. The place where I live has been charaterised as being full of 'paranoid moaners' because some people dare to complain about aspects of their daily life, particularly the way they are governed. My contention is that this doesn't mean that people from W4 are 'up themselves' or all whiners as some people here suggest but that they have the most active and broadly used local discussion forum in the country. I would say that complaining can be a positive thing - just today progress has been made over the loos at Chiswick House simply because CiP were made aware of the lack of action and their own responsibility to do something about it by a post that was made earlier in the week. I'm currently participating in a thread about the possible closure of our local ambulance station (which may well serve you as well so watch out). I'm sure some people saw you as a 'paranoid moaner' when you were so active on our behalf on crime issues. Fact is you were vociferous on the issue, raised its profile and action was taken. I haven't seen our hooded friends on bikes for quite some time - so thank you.I think as Brentford develops it will become very similar to the Chiswick site. You may not like the pugnacious style of some posters but its a broad Church and you were no shrinking violet yourself when tackling the police. My own impression is that Brentford has more severe problems that need to be addressed and a lively, combatitive local discussing group with a wide spread of participation would be a great tool to achieve this.

Justin Harris ● 7433d

Right behind you Jim, AGAin.  Thanks on behalf of all Chiswickians......... who also stray to the Brentford forum.  Vanessa, you just don't understand us!

Lois Westby ● 7433d

1)"The Brentford forum doesn't really reflect the character of the area. Unlike the Chiswick one it is dominated by a few people with many of the exchanges being amiable enough but of little broader interest and often irrelevant to local matters" Paul: Do you mean we write swaddle?I feel I've been reading my School Report! but I appreciate that your observations have perhaps been triggered off by someone dropping stink bombs.When I last spoke to Brentford's webmaster, he seemed very pleased with the way the Brentford Forum had been EVOLVING over the past 6 months or so. Indeed he wanted MORE!!Activity,in Brentford's case has been whipped by friendly banter, and several Council type issues..but nothing too heavy or pugnacious.Thus after covering lots of introductory subjects about local history and amenities, interdispersed with odd and non odd humour, we couldn't wait to all meet up...which we did. Brentford's Forum may be young but it has already produced masterful postings over the short period.Hate to think that the small group who regularly contribute to this Forum are described as "dominating" the scene. We are the early settlers on this young Forum..and are friendly enough not discourage new "members"2) "Increasingly participation is going to broaden and I hope that the forum will develop the same culture as in Chiswick where exacting scrutiny of officialdom is leading to more responsibility and accountability"Its not for me to direct how the Brentford Forum evolves..but whilst Brentford is moving up in the league table of "number of postings per week", one sees it remaining as an affable website...with Contributors visiting Chiswick Forum for perhaps more heavyweight matters...and with protective clothing on in case there's thunder and lighting in response!

Jim Lawes ● 7433d

I thought that was a very fair and reasonable assessment although hostility by some to 'auslanders' isn't confined to Chiswick. I've already been described as an interloper for basically standing up for family and friends.These discussion boards are at there best when they focus on local matters. I avoid threads about global/national issues as the national press has informed intelligent coverage of this sort of stuff. At a local level the powers that be will have to accept that Councils and other agencies are primarily service providers and their interaction with the public is most likely to be in the form of a complaint. Instead of writing people off as whiners, Councils should look as it as an opportunity to improve services.Chiswick complains more at this stage because it has got more to complain about. A culture of spite clearly did exist towards the area in Hounslow Council and even if this has now changed the legacy remains.The Brentford forum doesn't really reflect the character of the area. Unlike the Chiswick one it is dominated by a few people with many of the exchanges being amiable enough but of little broader interest and often irrelevant to local matters. Increasingly participation is going to broaden and I hope that the forum will develop the same culture as in Chiswick where exacting scrutiny of officialdom is leading to more responsibility and accountability. The benefits to local residents have been very significant.When people start telling Brentfordians that they are paranoid whiners and 'up themselves' that will be a good sign that they are hitting the right targets.

Justin Harris ● 7433d

I think I said optimists NOT loonies!

Vanessa Smith ● 7437d

Right on, David, the one and only Lawsey has it sorted!Now you can all understand why I screamed for his return.

Ann S. Allridge ● 7437d

I saw Vanessa’s post yesterday and found it fascinating; I couldn’t wait to add my bit ;-)  Something cropped up and the reply had to go on the back-burner. I logged-on this morning and Jim had replied.The moral of the story is that if you’re a busy person and can’t find time to keep up with your posts, do something else and by the time you get back to the forum, Jim “The Maven” will have done all the hard typing for you :-)But, the bottom line is that Vanessa is basically correct.

David Johnson ● 7437d

"I expect many of us dip into Chiswickw4 from time to time? now I do not wish to cast aspersions but don't you find that tw8ers are a more cheery bunch? I'm not sure if there is something in the water or it's collective paranoia in W4 but they seem to believe that the world is ganging up against them." You leave sunny Brentford (and Chiswick) for a fortnight...and return to find that my honourable friend has dropped a mild verbal stinkbomb!!I'm no master of learned debate..nor a pupil of spin..but I think that the Topic and its message requires a little aerosoling!!Brentford TW8 is a relatively new Community Forum, and during the past 8 months has become particularly active. The humour, the jolly discussions, the many words of wisdom,jovial digs at local politicians..and much useful information...have been initiated and well stirred by Gerry and others to create a cosy and friendly Cyberspace commumity. A busy bunch of us who would probably shoot down anyone who seriously disrupted the "peace code". The word Brentford no longer means to me "that dowdy riverside township at the foot of Ealing Road".The TW8 Forum has opened my eyes to the interesting aspects of Brentford..its history..its wealth of Victorian architecture..the hidden gems..and the lives of the residents and contributors. Brentford is not overly troubled by local Government from Hounslow Civic Centre. Indeed with many Labour Councillors...the Brentford Community on the whole has got what it wants...it gives and it gets...its next door to Hounslow...driving from Brentford to Hounslow you wouldn't notice the boundary line...it somehow all blends in. Brentford has the bonus of having a newly established Commumity Forum website....friendly,informative and amusing sometimes. Forums like these EVOLVE....and at present..thank goodness.."we are a cheery bunch" So, I agree with Vanessa on that.Chiswick is different.Its not Hounslow. When in the 1970's Hounslow Council paid out money to have a roadsign erected on the London bound carriageway of the A316...near Chalkers Corner..on the approach to Chiswick Bridge...the irrition of being connected to HOUNSLOW was indelibled stained. "Welcome to Hounslow" the sign said ..as one was leaving Richmond territory and entering Chiswick.In my head,Chiswick is "connected" to Brentford...but its not connected to Hounslow. Local Authority wise, Chiswick ..a Conservative stronghold..must undoubtedly feel detached from the Civic Centre.  How can its interests be truly represented by  such an overloaded Labour Council...whose existence is promoted by the other end of the Hounslow Borough. Chiswick hasn't got what it wants...and it has the Chiswick Forum to express it disproval. The Chiswick Forum you will agree is formidible... some five years old.. and well established. The "Search Forum" reveals a history of many years of serious topics and debates. With a huge number of contributors it has EVOLVED into a major information and debating chamber..and does not suffer fools gladly.  There are all kinds of W4 correspondents...the vast majority very able and polished with wisdom. Perhaps they must be accomplished in some way to be able to afford to buy or rent a home there.Yes, there are Forum watchdogs and Forum critics. If you post a stink bomb..expect a reaction!You can almost anticipate the message response from a contributor...as soon as you read their name. Like moving pebbles on a beach...to Forum contributors are being shaped by the constant exposure and erosion by fellow scrogglings! (a newly created word!?). Not everyone has the confidence to post a message..but lots of Chiswickians seemingly do.Chiswickians are happy with their lives...thats why 90% voted "yes" in the Council's happiness survey..only to subsequently realise that the survey's results lowered their prospects of increased Police protection. Only 10% of Cranford residents were happy..so they got the Police's Safer Neighbourhood Scheme early.  But Chiswick are not happy with Hounslow. Brentford probably is.Brentford TW8 Forum is new and friendly. Chiswick W4 Forumis understandably older, bigger, and heavyweight. Chiswick has many fun threads...."Fish" was one!  but occasionally eggs may be thrown from the galleries.  You will be praised for a good keyboard performance..but you may get splattered if you say sometime silly.. or suspect..or opinionated twaddle.So: Chiswick is great too...but needs to be approached with caution.  There's nothing in the air. Its just that TW8 has got what it wants...and W4 perhaps hasn't..from the money rakers at Civic Centre.  Whistleblowers at the Civic Centre wanted....to verify Chiswick's suspicions..and good reasons for feeling "ganged up on"If only we knew how much of Chiswickians hard earned money..is being swannied by the confidential activities of the Council.  I'll return to the trenches!!

Jim Lawes ● 7438d

Tetchy,moi?Mais non...not at all :-)

Keith Iddon ● 7438d

"Also scientific studies have shown optimists live longer - there's a lesson there I feel!"Well if that's the case then David Giles should make 150.  He's just announced on the W4 site that the Conservatives will win "the whole of Hounslow" at the next local elections!Bear in mind this is the guy who predicted that the ICG would come last behind the Liberal Democrats in the Hounslow South by-election.  Not for nothing do they call him Nostradamus.

Phil Andrews ● 7438d

Whilst I agree with the main thrust of your argument, I think we also have to bear in mind that consciously or otherwise human beings DO stereotype others and I don't think we can actually help ourselves, it's part of  a natural reflex action from millions of years ago probably to do with knowing friends from enemies? Anyway no-one would argue with the right to complain, but surely there are limits, I just don't understand what seems like a persecution complex, it is also the case that the other man's grass etc.etc. And I think this harks back to something we said on this Forum the ability to see a glass half full or half empty. Also scientific studies have shown optimists live longer - there's a lesson there I feel!

Vanessa Smith ● 7438d

I think it is wrong to stereotype ChiswickW4 posters because like anybody else they are a mixed bunch and, besides, some of their protests are not exactly without foundation (scandalous discriminatory parking charges spring most readily to mind).W4 is a very well-used forum and is inevitably going to attract its share of oddballs.  Some months ago somebody posted a very amusing link to a site which attempted to define some of the categories, such as the "Me Too" poster and the "Shouter" (always making his/her point in big bold type and with lots of exclamation marks!!).My particular favourite is that which I would describe as the Cyber Policeman, who spends hours at a time searching relentlessly for threads which he/she does not find interesting with a view to castigating the originator for launching them.  That "Where can I find an au pair?" and "Sainsbury's doesn't stock my favourite pot pourri" are themselves of limited interest to some of us rarely occurs to such types.W4 also has a small minority which delights in outing ausländers who dare to express a view or reply to a posting from a true Chiswickian.  I was once berated very sternly for responding positively to a comment to the effect that "none of the councillors from outside Chiswick are interested in what goes on here" - on the grounds that I wasn't from Chiswick!These come with the territory when you are dealing with a well-supported community forum.  I don't believe that the idiosyncracies of the few should be used as a stick with which to beat the many.  Chiswick is a proud community with a strong community spirit and it is not to the detriment of its residents if they complain when they are handed the messy end of the stick.

Phil Andrews ● 7438d

I'm not, Vanessa is old enough and eeeeerrrrr beauuuuuutifulenough to look after her young self, grovel grovel.And thats from a Brentonian living in Cheesick (as a certain councillor pronounces it)

Paul Allen ● 7438d

Spoilsport.

Sarah Felstead ● 7438d

What’s wrong with being stereotyped?When you a community group applying for funding and you are refused because the funder has heard through various sources that your area is filthy rich and doesn’t need any money.Which in the long run will hurt or back fire on the Local Council, as they try to obtain funding for a community project of their own in a pacific area in their borough, when they in turn get a similar answer back. 

Paul Allen ● 7438d

Tell you what - just put it down to there being something in the air.

Sarah Felstead ● 7438d

Sorry - still haven't a clue. I think you are having a go at me but can't work out what you are trying to say. I'm sorry I haven't lived in the area long enough for you to be civil.

Dan Evans ● 7438d

Well then, I'll talk slowly....take that board running down your back, out.  (Its Ann's job to remove the planks from the wardrobe, anyway.)... take a deep breath.  (Think of how lucky you are not to have to wear Jims kilt in the high winds today.)... and smile.

Sarah Felstead ● 7438d

"...we should now realise how very forutnate we all are."Well said VANESSA, I agree with you on this one. We are all extremely fortunate...them and us...especially when I see the news on TV of those thousands of survivors from the tsunami. I have to switch off now whenever I see those wretched orphaned children crying for their parents...just can't take it, its so painful. By comparison, all our ranting about refuse not being collected, dubious planning decisions at Council, poor supermarkets and incorrect spelling etc etc pale into complete insignificance. So do my comments about being all mouth, no money and monstrous mortgages, which I take back unreservedly! Like Bogey said to Ingrid..."they don't mount up to a hill o'beans."  ;-o

Gerry Tan ● 7438d

Sorry - haven't a clue what you are on about

Dan Evans ● 7438d

J---iiiiii-mmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!Where the bloody hell are you??????????????This Chiswick v. our posters is getting well out of hand.....

Ann S. Allridge ● 7438d

Ah well.  Vanessa's reply back up the thread gives you a bit more information to go on.  You have made an assumption borne from your perception - and in order to check your perception (and perception carries the variables which are the basis of discrimination, learned professor) you should have clarified your sight by asking a few more questions!Does that make good reading, old chap? (the 'old' being a throw away comment without any attachment to your age, as I know nothing about your age, (and surely age is a state of mind anyway), and I have no intention of asking the question which would clarify any mis-perceptions I may or may not have formed.

Sarah Felstead ● 7438d

I am far from "tetchy" it's just trying to find something positive "over there", instead of the almost constant - hard-done-by, forgotten people,wicked council things that seem to be meat and drink, is very difficult. Several TW8ers said they were going to resolve to be less curmudgeonly, and quite a few of us wanted to know what makes a moaning old git, (presumabaly to avoid becoming one) so I just thought that  perhaps a leaf could be taken from our book. For all our moaning and groaning, we should now realise how very forutnate we all are.

Vanessa Smith ● 7438d

How long exactly do you think I need to live here before I can 'go with the flow'? Perhaps you should just face that new people move in - they may have attitudes that differ from yours and they shouldn't be expected to change their views to suit you.As for making assumptions about people I can only go by what I read here.

Dan Evans ● 7438d

Crumbs! what a scope for a reply chaps ... Hey Dan!  I think one of the points that Vanessa might be making is if you have been around here a bit longer then maybe you might go with the flow a teensey weensy little bit?So, be brave!  What do you mean by a stereotype? mate?  If you can only come up with what is in the dictionary, then so be it!  I think you are making assumptions about Vanessa, mee-self!    ;-)  (dictionary of smiling faces says that this is a 'wink', I think?)

Sarah Felstead ● 7438d

"So, what is a stereotype?"Can I suggest a dictionary"what is wrong with being a stereotype?"Nothing as such - what is wrong is stereotyping groups of people. Obvious surely?

Dan Evans ● 7438d

So, what is a stereotype?    and what is wrong with being a stereotype?

Sarah Felstead ● 7438d

Wish I could say all the people in Brentford are lovely, positive, well balanced and agreeable. Sadly they are not yet I don't think that the worst people in an area should be used to characterise it.Paul is right when he suggests this kind of crude stereotyping is one of the building blocks of racism. In Brentford we take it a stage further with a standard question that you get asked when you meet new people in the area being - how long have you lived here? It drives me barmy when people make assumptions about me based on my length of residence in the area. People may be comforted by this kind of generalisation but it remains an attitude lacking in basic humanity. We should be prepared to consider everyone as an individual not as a type.We would hopefully all accept that it is wrong and potentially racist to stereotype a country. It is more debatable whether it is acceptable to stereotype a geographical area - the Spectator was forced to apologise for its attack on the people of Liverpool. Given that they published an anonymous article which was factually inaccurate this was appropriate but would it have been any more acceptable if they focused their invective on a particular suburb of Liverpool?

Dan Evans ● 7438d

Paul Vanessa didn't 'stereotype the French or Pakistanis as paranoid moaners'. I don't wish to speak for Vanessa, she is perfectly able to do so herself, but race or creed was never mentioned by Vanessa.

Gareth Evans ● 7438d

Most contributors to the ChiswickW4 site are very nice but some can also be so very insular.

Gareth Evans ● 7439d

Now-now Ann.  If Paul, Vanessa and Keith are getting itchy is because of those darn mothballs - I did warn you all.Moi?  Jealous?  Sable AND songs - pul-leese!  Did you see Gerry on TV at the first day of the Harrods sale?  He doesn't buy anything at the SALE of course, but Monsieur Al Fayed likes to show him off.  Gerry's credit card company are always concerned that when he has his 'day out' he might enjoy handling 'money' so they send along a minder to steer him back to the Rolex's.

Sarah Felstead ● 7439d

Sarah,Sarah,Read the thread from the start - I get the impression Paul, Vanessa and Keith are getting tetchy?As for my trench....jealousy will get you nowhere, just because I have the sable and two songs!But - be honest - don't you miss Jim too????????

Ann S. Allridge ● 7439d

Ann - I hope you take a bath before you try and climb back in the wardrobe - even though you have lined that trench with Gerry's sable (sniff) from Harrods (sniff) it still looks a bit smelly.Anyhow, where do you get the idea that there is bickering etc going on?  Anyone would think there is an Chis-wick-ian interloper stirring things up?      ;-)

Sarah Felstead ● 7439d

Jim Lawes,Please come home....we are all falling apart, bickering, criticising each other, etc.I'm moving from my trench dug-out, and taking up permanent residence in the Vyborg wardrobe.

Ann S. Allridge ● 7439d

Paul, If you don't think the things you have listed help  determine what type of person you are,pray what does?

Keith Iddon ● 7439d

Your point as I understand it is that people who live in Chiswick are paranoid compared to the cheery folk who live in Brentford. Not sure how my post proves that - in fact once again your willingness to generalise from the particular displays the kind of lazy thinking on which stereotypes are based. The contempt which Chiswick people were treated by their council did result in them massively rejecting the ruling group in Hounslow Council in the last election. Unfortunately the political make up of the borough means that these votes count for more or less nothing hence the frustration you often see in the area with how they are governed.If you would spend a bit of time looking properly at the Chiswick forum you would see that the overwhelming number involve local residents sharing views and being constructive. The picture I get from this is of a diverse group of people who usually genuinely and passionately care about the place in which they live. You are perfectly entitled to have a point of view but when it is transparent nonsense don't be surprised when you receive a robust rebuttal. If you were to stereotype the French or Pakistanis as paranoid moaners for instance would you accuse people of being over-sensitive if they pointed out that this was rubbish?It is a bit rich to lecture people about being negative on these forums when you initiated this thread with a post about your poor opinion of your neighbours.

Justin Harris ● 7439d

Paul..pssst..shush...between you and moi?      - but don't you have to use your spell checker before posting over there?

Sarah Felstead ● 7439d

Oh dear- I think you have just proved my point - how sensitive are you? I was merely making an observation, but clearly that's not allowed either, it would absolutely pointless and I'm sure I haven't got long enough left to live to even try and address all the complaints, is there nothing positive you can think of? I grew up in Chiswick so I do know the area pretty well but I can never recall people being as constantly ticked off as now. Why does everything have to be determined in terms of a fight? We live in a democracy, all that's needed is for people to get out and vote if they want to change things so badly, not jump down the throats of others. I hope that these forums won't just used for negative purposes because there are good things happening too.

Vanessa Smith ● 7439d

As one of those people who doesn't believe that the type of person you are is determined by where you live, the colour of your skin, your religion or how much money you earn I hold such lazy generalisations in contempt.The hostility displayed by members of Hounslow Council past and present to the Chiswick area is well documented and the facts (closure of facilities, lack of investment, using parking charges as a quasi-tax on the area) belie the charge of paranoia.This discussion forum is only really different to the Chiswick one in that it is used by fewer people. However it is gratifying to see that people are already actively using it to raise issues such as official indifference to the plight of local boatyards, the scandal of the way that Brentford High Street has developed, the supine attitude of the Council to overdevelopment in the area and many of the other issues which should quite rightly preoccupy local people.You will too be accused of moaning and paranoia by people who believe that local government is the preserve of a select elite if you keep it up but don't let that discourage you.And perhaps if Vanessa Smith has something to say about the people of Chiswick she should post it on their forum. 

Justin Harris ● 7439d