Forum Topics

Grant Shapps and the £250 million

The more I think about Hounslow's plan of stopping us residents of South Chiswick from accessing all our roads, the worse I think it is.The Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps held out £250 MILLION to bribe Councils to improve road space for cyclists and pedestrians DURING THE COVID19 VIRUS.  He has had the wool pulled over his eyes.    Glaringly so in the case of South Chiswick which is a unique, peaceful residential "pocket" hanging south of the A4 down to the river hemmed between Kew and Chiswick Bridges.   LBH plans for South Chiswick are blantant and fraudulent, they are an excuse for Hounslow to grab a part of the £250 Million by pretending South Chiswick is strangling its walkers and cyclists DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC which is a downright lie. We already have a safe and good neighbourhood with ample room for pedestrians and cyclists to distance themselves (possible exception the tow path at Sot G and a few cycle lanes could be inexpensively widened).   The Government’s money, taxpayers money, is being fraudulently deployed in our peaceful green residential area.Yes, of course, it would be a good idea to curtail the RUSH HOUR  commuters from rat running through Grove Park/SofG but that is a separate issue and nothing to do with Covid!   While at it, ban all heavy good vehicles too, not that that is on the Council’s plans.   I have already made suggestions on another thread as to how both these issues can be dealt with and it does NOT involved keeping us locked into our homes.     Government money is being misappropriated.    Hounslow has divided S.Chiswick into small CPZs, their new plans are boxing South Chiswick residents within their own individual Zones and preventing them entering adjoining ones within the area.  LBH's plan does NOT add any additional road space for cyclists and pedestrians during the Covid 19 virus that is not already there and just brings misery to its residents.     The emergency funding Covid money is being misappropriated.   Grant Shapps immediately has to rescind any Governments approval permitting Hounslow to implement this fraudulent scheme that does not comply with his remit.   The money can be used more fruitfully elsewhere.

Jennifer Selig ● 2303d128 Comments ● 2295d

Black Lives Matter demo 'Silence is violence'

It's great to see wealthy white people out in the sunshine enjoying themselves, with a little bit of bullying thrown in.

Jane Kelly ● 2325d8 Comments ● 2295d

34C degrees on Friday is forecast . Keep your pets safe and cool

Please make sure your Dogs, Cats and all other Pets stay indoors with plenty  of water.

Loraine Pemberton ● 2295d4 Comments ● 2295d

Should people in North Chiswick now accept they live in Acton?

There always used to be a pub bore that would tell you that any part of W4 that was in Ealing borough was in Acton not Chiswick. History and geography was not on their side but that didn't stop them droning on. Most people recognised the Overground train tracks and Southfield Park marked a clear border as there was just one way to dive through between the two post codes. Now, however, the closure of Fisher's Lane creates an even more impermeable border further south along Bath Road and South Parade. When I look at how this will change my behaviour I realise that I will continue to do smaller shops in Chiswick either by bike or walking. It remains closer and you only need to cycle to Acton once to realise it is on the top of a hill. Chiswick continues to have a better choice of shops, bars and restaurants and wider pavements. However, for a big shop, Acton is now going to be the better option. Rather than nipping down Fisher's Lane and Belmont Road, I'd have to drive by the junction near Chiswick Park station which is often congested already and will be more so when the closure takes effect. There are better parking options in Acton and unlike Sainsbury's they are free even if you don't use a particular store. Chiswick may have advantages at the moment but they may not be permanent. The proportion of boarded up shops isn't likely to fall in the current economic situation and Acton can offer businesses much lower rents. Acton may have a cinema before Chiswick and if Marks and Spencer was to reconsider its decision not to move into the Oaks Shopping Centre even Bedford Park residents might start to see it as an option. Changes in footfall have the potential to transform a high street either for better or worse and if Acton and Chiswick are going in opposite directions then it may not be long before the former is full of swish delis and cafes and the latter has lots of discount stores and gaming parlours and an Acton address will attract a premium over Chiswick!


Kevin Howard ● 2299d37 Comments ● 2295d

Who likes wearing a mask?!

Understandably there are medical reasons & exemptions of other sorts that apply. But the rules are that everyone else has to wear them in shops. For people to say that they don't LIKE wearing them because they are hot, uncomfortable, sweaty, glasses steam up, ghastly, restricting, unattractive etc etc. is ridiculous. Nobody LIKES wearing one, but we all have to get on with it in order to protect everyone else. Nobody enjoys wearing one, or would actively choose to wear one. You're not a special case if you don't like wearing one!

Gina Thomas ● 2300d27 Comments ● 2295d

For sale: HEMNES daybed

IKEA HEMNES daybed for sale. We've recently moved and no longer have any space for it.89cm x 202cm, but expands to 166cm x 202cmFind pics on my Nextdoor post:https://nextdoor.co.uk/for_sale_and_free/42560bf1-ae02-48ae-96cf-37eb9ed838d2?init_source=copy_link_shareDismantled and ready for collection from Bedford Park. £125

Caroline Benn ● 2295d0 Comments ● 2295d

Tracy Uys  Alexandra Gardens

If anyone knows or can contact Tracy, can they private message me through the forum as a parcel has been delivered to my Premises this afternoon.  

Bernard Allen ● 2296d1 Comments ● 2296d

Dog Missing

Maxi — Pomeranian puppy gone missing. Please contact Veronica if you have seen him on 07767 730426

Carolyn Horne ● 2296d0 Comments ● 2296d

Hahaha!

*** BREAKING NEWS ***EARTHQUAKE in MargateAn earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale hit Margate in the early hours, with the epicentre hitting the town centre. Victims were seen wandering around aimlessly, muttering "Fuuuckinell".The tremor decimated the area causing approximately £30 worth of damage. Several priceless collections of mementos from Ramsgate and were damaged beyond repair.Many locals were woken well before their giros arrived.  The gazette reported that hundreds of residents were confused and bewildered and were still coming to terms with the fact that something interesting had happened on  this day - Karen Karenson from Cliftonville , a 15-year-old mother of 5 said, "it was such a shock, my little Chardonnay-Mercedes come running into my bedroom crying. My youngest two, Tyler-Morgan and Victoria-Storm slept through it all. I was still shaking when I was skinning up and watching Jeremy Kyle the next morning".The British Red Cross has so far managed to ship crates of White Lightning to some of the stricken locals.Rescue workers are still searching through the rubble and have found large quantities of personal belongings, including benefit books, jewellery from Elizabeth Duke at Argos and Bone China from Poundland.HOW CAN YOU HELP?There is an appeal to raise money for food and clothing parcels for those unfortunate enough to be caught up in this disaster.Clothing is most sought after - items most needed include:Snap back hatsFull matching tracksuitsNike Huarachi trainersTartan pyjamasUGG Boots and any other items usually sold in Primark.Food parcels may be harder to come by, but are needed all the same.Microwave meals, Pot Noodles, Tins of baked beans, ice cream, Cans of Strong Bow or Special Brew and of course pies.22p buys a biro for filling in compensation forms.£10 buys B&H and a lighter to calm the nerves of those affected.£15 buys chips, crisps and Panda Pops for a family of 9

Georgina Flint ● 2297d14 Comments ● 2296d

Studland St W6

Studland st is closed to traffic. Stay well away traffic nightmare.

Paul Brown ● 2296d3 Comments ● 2296d

Crossing the Picadilly/District Lines by motor car

Am I right in thinking that when Ealing Council close the Fishers Lane underbridge on 29 July, the closest places to cross the tube lines by car in Chiswick, now that Turnham Green Terrace is closed, will be the Acton Lane overbridge and the the Goldhawk Road underbridge. These locations are one mile apart. Is this joined up transport policy  ?

Steven Trembath ● 2300d43 Comments ● 2296d

One to One/Group Training Available at Covid Discount

In these difficult times, it can be hard to know the best way to promote yourself and your business to get an edge on the competition, so I am offering 10% off on marketing, PR and  publicity advice, including cv writing and transcriptions all at this reduced rate for the next three months.  Strategic and tactical business advice included.  Fully qualified in the above, please DM me.

Claire Moran ● 2297d9 Comments ● 2297d

No Immediate Reopening for Borough Leisure Centres

Why can't the swimming pools reopen, please?  Especially for CHILDREN in their summer holiday? IT'S NOT FAIR! The pool contain chlorine compounds and other disinfectants. The sidewalks and changing rooms are cleaned regularly. It makes absolutely no sense from an infection-control point of view to keep them closed!In contrast companies owning pubs are being encouraged to reopen to sell alcohol - which encourages obesity, as Boris Johnson conceded recently. The messages from Gove are completely nonsensical.And it is so unfair on kids!Please, Hounslow, give Fusion money to re-open the pools!Thank you.

Una-Jane Winfield ● 2298d16 Comments ● 2297d

Bus driver deaths

I have been shielding and had to travel by bus yesterday to attend an appointment, I travelled on four buses, the drivers on all four buses were not wearing a face mask, how can they complain they were put at risk when they are not covering up themselves, one particular driver then had an argument with me as I was not wearing a mask as I am exempt, I showed the driver my exemption card issued by TFL, but he still continued to argue at which time I then asked the question, and where is,your mask which he wouldn't answer, double standard, hypocrisy at it's best. So please drivers get your facts straight, learn the,rules and wear your masks, you cannot expect to keep whining when you are failing yourselves

Julie Greenjam ● 2297d5 Comments ● 2297d

Late night dungeon

Im now offering a 10% covid discount on my late night dungeon training All eqipment and clothing supplied for all sizes including heels upto size 7 and 8" respectively. PM for details

Julian Pavey ● 2297d5 Comments ● 2297d

Half Price One-To-One Puppy Training Available

I have a client who wishes to share a private R+ Dog Training Puppy Start Right Course beginning week of August 24th. 7 sessions will be in her garden in The Avenue and 1 session will be out and about getting the puppies used to their environment.  The cost of the course is £375 per person/puppy. Each participant will receive a free Welcome Pack and sessions are backed up by plenty of written information. e-mail and telephone support is provided between lessons.Want to get your puppy off to the best start in life possible at a bargain price? First come, first served! PM me or get in touch on info@dogsnet.org

Charlotte Kasner ● 2298d10 Comments ● 2297d

Breking news

All spanish islands are now on the 14 day list

Julian Pavey ● 2297d1 Comments ● 2297d

Rough Sleepers

If council /Gov have dealt with rough sleepers/beggars well doneBut in reality there are more on Chiswick high road than before so our great council /gov have not finnished doing there job

William Leask ● 2298d22 Comments ● 2297d

Keys found Strand on the Green

Keys found at Strand on the Green - to reclaim respond here.

Felicity Langton ● 2298d2 Comments ● 2298d

Hounslow's tone-deaf licensing fees

For all the talk of healthy streets and current measures being taken to provide for distancing, take this into consideration when wondering why businesses remain shut, continue to shut or don't avail themselves of outdoor space: Hounslow hasn't changed its pavement licensing fees.Their only concession is to reduce the consultation from 28 days to seven. All other fees remain as they were before the pandemic. Translation: pay what you normally would but don't use it to the same extent. Info I had to struggle to find. Other councils have loads of easily available info to help businesses recover, maximize potential and provide distancing. Not so LBH.Westminster abides by the current draft guidance kindly shared by Michael Robinson on another thread. Venues can pay a flat £100 fee for a 12-month pavement license. Available adjacent space can also  be accessed be it pavement or roadway. This mimics the policy in New York City.Just this week, Hammersmith publicised its "Our Space is Your Space" scheme allowing, among other things, venues to spread out across neighboring frontage to provide distancing and/or more tables. I have yet to learn what related fees are in LBHF.For comparison, the cost to use two square meters of pavement for 12-months in LBH would be £462 versus the £100 flat fee equivalent in Westminster. Take a look around, folks. Two square meters allows for nearly nothing in normal times, even less now. A table for two uses roughly two square meters. So to provide outdoor, socially-distanced seating for ten requires a minimum of 20 square meters. Perhaps more. Fees in Hounslow are as follows: £123 for application (6-month license) and £54/square meter used. So, for a twelve-month license it would run any Hounslow business £2406 per year. It would cost any Westminster business £100. This from an outer borough. At a time of crisis.Do the math.It doesn't add up.

David Lesniak ● 2307d63 Comments ● 2298d