Forum Topics

Martins on the High Street (next to food link and Quilliam

HelloWe have heard a few rumours about this old shop is going to be.  Can anyone confirm what exactly it will be?  The London Borough of Hounslow seem to have taken over the lease and have spent £££££££s refurbishing this over many months.Any councillors care to comment on what EXACLTY this will be?ThanksSimon

Simon Groves ● 2030d4 Comments ● 2029d

Birds

So few birds in our gardens now and they need running water to drink.   A small container on the ground with a regular supply of water will do.  So many houses used to have ponds for the wild life but it is rare to have a pond these days, and in this cold weather they will be frozen too.  Our feeders are packed with parakeets, who are messy eaters dropping the food which is picked up by ground feeding birds.  Our squirrel comes with a running mate in the shape of his own magpie who follows him around digging up any food he has just buried.  If we see the magpie, then we know the squirrel is in the garden.Great fun to watch.

Sarah Felstead ● 2038d5 Comments ● 2031d

Fresh attempt to develop Syon Park Allotments

I don't know how many people are aware, but there is another attempt to develop the Park Road allotments opposite Syon Park Gates by the Duke's Northumberland Estates. The proposal is to build 80 duplexes and flats on about two thirds of the allotments that has been green fields for centuries and allotments for over 100 years. This is at a time when allotment demand is increasing. Out of 33 mature trees, 23 will be felled, along with a multitude of fruit trees and bushes.  Great harm will be caused to the habitats of various wildlife.If you would like to submit a comment on this application, its reference on the council website is P/2020/4292 I have submitted an objection thus: Objection to Park Road Development Application The only good thing that can be said about these buildings is that they are not excessively high compared with other applications in the area. However, the very idea of building on this site, with the loss of 23 trees out of 33 and a multitude of trees and bushes over two thirds of the present site should be considered unacceptable per se. The site is Local Open Space, has been designated an Asset of Community Value, and demand for allotments is hugely increasing due to the population increase in London and its concentration in apartment blocks. Figures obtained by the National Allotment Society (NAS): 40 per cent of councils who responded to the survey saw a "significant uplift" in applications during April 2020, with a 300 per cent increase in one case. The NAS also saw a 45 per cent increase in requests for information about allotments through its own website.  In Brentford there are expected to be many more apartments in 5-10 years than exist now, with an extraordinary community dispute growing over access to private areas of Brentford Dock and Brentford Lock. The continuing existence of green space and allotments should mitigate against this unwelcome trend. It is not acceptable for the applicant to provide smaller plots and say that solves the problem.

Ian Speed ● 2057d7 Comments ● 2034d

Anns Cars Boston Manor Road

Does anyone know if Anns Cars are still operating?I went past today & it was an estate agent I think? I looked on Google and it is still listed?? I need a car next week and I found this company & their drivers just perfect!

Sharon Trevor ● 2043d5 Comments ● 2035d

Levelling Up

I really do not understand why on earth the government are not taking the opportunity to ensure that all women MPs are treated equally as far as maternity rights are concerned. If Johnson can rush through legislation for his mate Braverman then he could damned well use the time to make sure that that it includes everyone. It is an absolute insult in this day and age that this out of date codswallop even exists let alone that given the chance parliament won't as they say, 'level up'. This is 2021 not that you'd know it where our legislature is concerned. Stella Creasey is absolutely right it is 'a form of direst discrimination'.At least the stupid old fart heading up the Japanese Olmypics has resigned over his comments - Ye Gods, spare us!  

Vanessa Smith ● 2036d3 Comments ● 2036d

Why?

Hounslow's library service has been shut - apart from a few days - for almost a year. However, Richmond have managed to keep a service going with a 'click and collect' solution. So why can't Hounslow get their act together and follow suit?

Vanessa Smith ● 2037d0 Comments ● 2037d

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 ● 2047d10 Comments ● 2038d

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 ● 2051d5 Comments ● 2038d

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 ● 2059d11 Comments ● 2039d

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 ● 2064d1 Comments ● 2039d

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 ● 2040d0 Comments ● 2040d

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 ● 2058d9 Comments ● 2043d

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 ● 2043d2 Comments ● 2043d

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 ● 2045d3 Comments ● 2043d

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 ● 2058d23 Comments ● 2045d

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 ● 2054d0 Comments ● 2054d

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 ● 2054d0 Comments ● 2054d

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 ● 2061d9 Comments ● 2054d

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 ● 2064d6 Comments ● 2056d

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 ● 2057d0 Comments ● 2057d