keeping the faith - Hounslow Council

hounslow
MATTERS
KEEPING THE FAITH
The Hounslow Friends of Faith’s annual flagship event, the Multi-faith
Walk of Peace and Friendship, was held this year on 1 July, with more
residents than ever – of all faiths – joining in.
T
he walk took members and
visitors all over Hounslow, from
the Jewish Synagogue on Staines
Road to the Sikh Gurdwara in Alice
Way, then to the Bell Road Methodist
Church and finally to the Hounslow
Jamia Mosque and Islamic Centre on
Wellington Road South.
At each place of worship, a member
of the congregation introduced the
building, and the religion and community
it served.
Hounslow Synagogue
Manny Felberg, the warden of the
Synagogue, started the event by
explaining a little about the building.
“This has been a synagogue since
1948, so almost 60 years,” he said. “Prior
to that, synagogues were just in people’s
houses, but demand grew.”
He then explained the laws of Judaism,
which are written in Hebrew on a scroll,
kept at the synagogue.
“There are 630 laws altogether, all with
a high ethical content,” he said. “The rules
cover as much as possible about life itself
– man’s attitude to man, children and
parents, business and so on.”
06 May 2007 Issue # 01
Gurdwara Sri Guru
Singh Sabha
Second stop was the Gurdwara, which
was built in 1992. It serves a huge
community of 2,000 people, offering
many activities including education.
Abnash Singh Gujral, a teacher at the
Gurdwara, explained a little about the
Sikh world view.
“God is one. We are all his children,
and we’re brothers and sisters. Try to
put your mind on the right track, and
try to do good things – that’s what we
teach,” he said.
He then answered questions about
Sikh customs, such as the significance of
the beard for Sikh men.
Hounslow Methodist Church
The Hounslow Methodist Church was
built in 1879, and has a congregation of
60 on a Sunday morning.
Reg Germany spoke to the
congregation about the warmth of the
church services.
“We are a very friendly church,” he
said. “I feel that when I come to church
– being on my own – that I’m greeted
very cordially by 40 or 50 people. It’s a
great substitute family, and I love coming
here every Sunday.
“We have people in our congregation
from Ghana, the Philippines, Zimbabwe,
and Nigeria – all over the world.”
Hounslow Jamia Masjid and
Islamic Centre
The walk concluded at the Sunni
mosque, built in 1999.
When the crowd reached the mosque,
they were greeted by the imam, who
read a passage from the Koran.
“A true muslim is the muslim from
whose tongue and arms all others are
protected,” he said.
Tahir Aslam then showed the
congregation around the mosque,
translating the texts on the wall and
explaining how prayers are conducted
five times a day, and twice on a Friday.
WHO ARE THE
HOUNSLOW
FRIENDS OF FAITH?
Hounslow Friends of Faith (HFOF) was
established in 2000, and has around 40
regular members and contacts.
Members meet as individual friends, not
representatives of a particular organisation,
so meetings are very friendly and informal.
The HFOF hold open committee
meetings six times a year, with a different
group hosting the meeting each time.
They will be holding a One World
Week event on 14 October, 2pm-5pm,
at Lampton School, Lampton Avenue,
Hounslow. There will be food, discussion
and entertainment, and a chance to learn
more about faiths in the borough.
For more information on the Hounslow
Friends of Faith, email
[email protected], or visit
www.hounslowfriendsoffaith.org.
September 2007 Issue # 04
07
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
If you drive in a bus lane, park where
restrictions are in force, or fail to obey a
traffic sign, you could be caught on
camera and fined.
If your vehicle is caught on camera
8am - 6pm
➔
contravening bus lane enforcement,
parking restrictions or traffic signs, the
council is authorised to issue a penalty
charge notice to whoever seems to be
the vehicle owner.
No loading
at any time
To avoid receiving a penalty charge notice, make sure you obey the traffic signs and
restrictions that may be in operation. For more information, call 020 8583 6666, or visit
www.hounslow.gov.uk/parking.
hounslow
MATTERS
TRANSPORT AND STREET
SCHEMES BRING BENEFITS
Borough residents and visitors will soon benefit from several street and
transport improvements.
Designed by Hounslow Council, and
funded by Transport for London (TfL), the
works include:
n New bus and cycle lanes on London
Road at Brent Lea, which will speed up
bus journeys and create safer conditions
for cyclists and pedestrians.
n A comprehensive upgrade at Cressy’s
Corner at the western end of Hounslow’s
town centre, featuring improved waiting
areas for bus passengers, and a new
“contraflow” cycle lane.
n Major carriageway resurfacing, which will
provide a smoother journey for cyclists,
motorists and bus passengers at several
locations including Kew Bridge Road and
London Road at Brent Lea, and west of
Busch Corner. Improved cycling facilities
will also be installed at each location
when the new road surface is completed.
NEW STRATEGIC TRANSPORT
PLAN APPROVED
The Mayor of London has approved
Hounslow’s Local Implementation Plan,
which is the strategic plan for transport
and the street environment, required under
the GLA Act. Hounslow’s plan makes 44
proposals to ensure its streets are safe and
attractive, and its transport is convenient,
reliable and sustainable.
The full plan is available
to view on the council’s
website, and a summary
is available by emailing
transportplanning@
hounslow.gov.uk, or by
calling 020 8583 2270.
BETTER BUSES
Bus passengers are now
enjoying more frequent
services on several routes,
courtesy of agreements
between the council and
TfL, utilising contributions
from several new
commercial and residential
developments in the
Brentford area.
The H91 service now runs every 10
minutes on Monday to Saturday during
the day, while the E2 now runs every
six minutes during the day, and every 12
minutes in the evenings.
The weekday evening and Sunday
daytime frequency of the E8 has recently
increased to every 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, brand new buses are
now operating on routes 272 and 440
in Chiswick, as a result of new service
contracts recently awarded to NCP by
London Buses. The 440 service currently
terminates at Turnham Green, but talks are
underway between the council and TfL
to establish a more suitable site that will
hopefully bring this service within closer
reach of more residents.
MORE CROSSINGS ON THE A4
Following negotiations with the council, TfL
is to start the installation of new controlled
crossings across the Great West Road.
A pelican crossing will be installed west
06 May 2007 Issue # 01
of Lampton Road, to provide safe access to
Lampton School.
The Wood Street junction will be
redesigned to incorporate controlled
crossings across the A4 at this busy location,
and the council is also working with TfL
to design improved crossings at or near
Gillette Corner, with funding from the
recently approved expansion of the Sky
Campus, and the new Bonnington Hotel in
the old Gillette Building.
FELTHAM STATION ACCESS
IMPROVEMENTS UNDER
THE SPOTLIGHT
The West area committee recently had its
first look at proposals to improve access to
Feltham Station.
A range of improvements is being
developed, including new paving at bus
stops, and an upgrade of the alleyway that
runs between Bedfont Lane and the station
forecourt. Consultation will commence
shortly to gain residents’ views.
September 2007 Issue # 04
09
Transfer to
Secondary School 2008
APPLY BY 19 OCTOBER 2007
APPLY BY 19 OCTOBER 2007
Open Days and Evenings
Open Days and Evenings
Each school will hold an open evening in
September or October for parents or carers
and Year 6 pupils, and some schools will hold
an additional open evening later in the term.
Schools will also be open for parents or carers
to visit during the day.
Contact Hounslow Council’s School Admissions
Team on 020 8583 2649 for a brochure about
Hounslow’s secondary schools, and how to
apply for them.
For parents and carers who would like advice
on making their application, there will be a
meeting on 11 September 2007 at 7pm at
the Civic Centre.
Now you can make your secondary
school application online. Visit
www.hounslow.gov.uk/admissions
School
Open Evening
Time
Open Day
Time
Brentford
25 September
6.30pm-9pm
by appointment
Chiswick
27 September
6.30pm-8.30pm
2 October
4 October
9 October
9.15am-10.30pm
by appointment
Cranford
27 September
6.30pm-9pm
any weekday
during school hours
Feltham
20 September
6.30pm-8.30pm
21 September
22 September
9.15am-12.15pm
10am-12.30pm
Green
20 September
7pm-9pm
24 September
26 September
2 October
all days:
9am to 1.45pm
by appointment
Gumley
26 September
5pm-8pm
26 September
4 October
9.30am-noon
9.30am-noon
Gunnersbury
19 September
6pm-8.30pm
19 September
26 September
10 October
2pm-3.30pm
2.10pm-3.10pm
2.10pm-3.10pm
Heathland
4 October
11 October
6.30pm-9pm
6.30pm-9pm
any weekday
9.30am-2.30pm
Heston
26 September
6pm-8.30pm
1-3 October
by appointment
Hounslow Manor
20 September
11 October
6.30pm-9.30pm
7.30pm-9.30pm
Thursdays
by appointment
from 9.10am
Isleworth & Syon
25 September
6pm-8pm
Wednesdays from
26 September
9.30am-11.30am
by appointment
Lampton
3 October
6.30pm-9pm
by appointment
Longford
26 September
6pm-8.30pm
27 September by appointment
28 September by appointment
29 September open morning
9am-10.30am
9am-10.30am
10am-noon
St Mark’s
27 September
3 October
7pm-9pm
7pm-9pm
27 September
3 October
9am-11am
9am-11am
hounslow
MATTERS
youth MATTERS
YOUNG HOUNSLOW
DIRECTORY
If you’re looking for somewhere to go or something to do, or even help with a
problem at home or school, www.younghounslow.info is the site for you.
This new web directory for local young
people and their families will help you
find out more about what’s on offer
near you.
The Young Hounslow Directory is
going live in September, and brings
together a lot of useful information. This
will make it easier for you and your
family to find out what’s available,
whether you are eligible and how you
can use what’s on offer.
It will also contain a lot of information
on local events and activities, and with
more than 600 services for local young
people listed in the fully searchable
directory, anyone should be able to find
something useful for them.
Information will also be included on
services relating to:
n family and relationships;
n healthy living;
n special needs and disability;
n education and employment;
n leisure activities;
n sports;
n childcare;
n rights, money and the law;
n housing; and
n culture and community.
When you search for services, events
or activities, you’ll be able to see what’s
on offer, who it’s for and how to get in
touch with the people organising it.
The Young Hounslow Directory will
be updated regularly.
RESULTS RETHINK
Most young people spend the summer relaxing with friends or family,
enjoying the summer and generally forgetting all about school or college.
But for more
than 4,000
teenagers in
the borough,
there will
be a nagging
feeling of
anxiety at
the back of
their minds
as the day
when they finally get their GCSE, AS or
A-level results draws nearer.
Local students have performed
brilliantly over the past few years, and
many of them carry on in full-time
education after they turn 16, and
eventually go to university.
This is great for them, but these high
standards mean there’s the expectation
on students to do at least as well again.
This can create a massive amount of
stress as well as potential disappointment
when results are below expectations.
If your results aren’t what you hoped
for or need, don’t worry – there is
something out there for everyone, no
matter what their results.
Schools and colleges now offer a wide
range of vocational courses, as well as
traditional AS and A levels, and there
are also good training and employment
opportunities in the borough.
If you, or someone you know, need help
or advice about exam results, Connexions
Hounslow can help. Personal advisers
from Connexions will be available to talk
to anyone worried about what to do with
their results at the Brentford School for
Girls, Feltham Community College, and
The Attic in Hounslow Library.
For more information, visit
www.hounslowattic.org.uk, email
[email protected], or call
020 8577 5478.
If you have a subject that you’d like to be featured in Youth Matters, call
020 8583 2196, or email [email protected].
September 2007 Issue # 04
11
hounslow
hounslow
MATTERS
MATTERS
You & ME: DISABILITY MATTERS
After hours P10
DISABILITY STARS
PLANNED DAY CARE
CHARGES SCRAPPED
A borough-wide search has started to find inspirational
disabled people.
Proposed day care charges for disabled people living in the
borough of Hounslow have been shelved.
A potential charge of £1.50 per day was
put forward during the council’s budget
setting exercise for 2007/8, but following
consultation with disabled people and local
groups, the idea has been scrapped.
Cllr Pamela Fisher, lead member for
adult social services and health, said: “We
are a listening council, and feedback we
received has been very valuable in making
this decision.
“We thank everyone who made the
time and effort to take part in this
important consultation.”
BRIGHTEN YOUR
HORIZONS
In the borough of Hounslow, a new
catalogue of adult education courses
called Set A Course For Your Future
has been launched for the next
academic year, and there are literally
thousands to choose from.
The catalogue is available in large
print, Braille and tape recorded, but you
must request it in these formats.
Enrolment has started, and residents
are advised to sign up quickly to
guarantee a place.
For those with a physical disability, the
adult education centres and outreach
centres are generally accessible.
If necessary, adjustments can be made.
For more information about this, call
Elise Linwood on 020 8583 6055.
The council provides hearing loops in
its centres for those with a hearing
impairment, and for blind and partially
sighted residents, there is speaking
computer software.
Those who receive Disability Living
Allowance (DLA), or other means
tested benefits, pay a concessionary fee
for their course. For more information,
call 020 8583 6000.
BRIGHTER, BETTER INFORMATION
Three new leaflets that inform disabled
people about Disability Living Allowance,
and how benefits and tax
credits are affected if
they go back into parttime or full-time work,
have been published by
Hounslow Council.
12 May
September
2007 Issue
2007
# 01
Issue # 04
These attractive, illustrated leaflets are
easy to understand, and contain
useful contact details. Call Welfare
Benefits on 020 8583 5016 for
advice, or 020 8583 5014 to order
your own copies. If you have a
speech or hearing impairment,
call Minicom 020 8583 5013.
IMPROVING
ACCESS FOR
EVERYONE
ON THE
BOROUGH’S
Streets
Do you have problems getting
around your local streets?
If you have a disability or need to use a
mobility scooter or wheelchair, but your
access is hindered because of a lack of
dropped kerbs, condition of the footway,
lack of crossing facilities or resting points,
the council wants to know.
As part of the Mayor of London’s
Transport Strategy to improve local
accessibility, the council’s environmental
projects team is asking residents to let
them know of locations in the borough
where access is difficult.
The feedback will be included in a
submission to Transport for London, and
could lead to new projects being
developed to improve accessibility.
For more information, write to The
Environmental Projects Team, Street
Management & Public Protection
Department, Civic Centre, Lampton Road,
Hounslow, TW3 4DN, or call
0208 583 5555. You can also email any
comments to
[email protected].
The initiative – led by the Hounslow
Disability Forum – is designed to show
that disability doesn’t have to stop you
from leading a fulfilling life.
Anyone whose name is put forward
could appear in this section of Hounslow
Matters magazine.
Disability Matters agony aunt Daphne
will interview those people who enter.
She says: “We want to celebrate ability,
not disability.
“A disability shouldn’t be a barrier to
living a fulfilling life, so we want to spread
that message through printing stories of
disabled people in the borough who do
interesting and exciting things. Hopefully,
their stories will inspire others.”
Are you interested in being a disability
star? Write to Daphne at Disability Heroes,
Hounslow Matters, Corporate
Communications, Hounslow Council,
Civic Centre, Lampton Road, TW3 4DN.
BABY SIGNING
Disability Network Hounslow is offering
baby and parent signing classes – a
technique that helps babies to
communicate before they learn to talk.
Emma Garner, director of Disability
Network Hounslow, says: “We are very
excited about this project, because it brings
together Deaf and hearing parents in a fun,
interactive environment with their young
children.”
The classes are run by Laura Jones, who is
an experienced TinyTalk teacher.
They will be held in the newly refurbished
Sutton Lane Community Centre, on
Moulton Avenue, Hounslow, on Tuesday
afternoons, roughly during term times, and
will last about one hour.
The class is aimed at all parents with a
child aged between two months and two
years old.
It will be supported by communication
support workers, and all refreshments will
be provided.
For details, contact Laura on
020 8868 8774 or [email protected].
WHEELCHAIR
USERS’ GROUP
Do you have a wheelchair, or know
someone who uses one? Does the
current service reflect your needs?
Hounslow Council is setting up a
wheelchair users’ forum. If you’re
interested in taking part, call Fiona
Robertson on 020 8583 3164, or
Alan Stacey on 07944 394 270.
CARERS
URGED TO
SPEAK UP!
A nationwide web-based consultation is
taking place to engage carers in a debate
about what would improve their lives.
Carers are asked what changes are
needed on a wide range of topics,
including money, social life, and training.
Log onto www.newdealforcarers.org to
take part.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
DISABILITY USER GROUP
MEETINGS 2007
Brentford Mission Hall
Mission Square, Brentford
07944 394 270
[email protected]
PHYSICALLY DISABLED
GROUP
5 September, 3.15pm-5.15pm
BLIND & PARTIALLY
SIGHTED GROUP
26 September, 3.15pm-5.15pm
DISABILITY COMMUNITY
FORUM AGM
Civic Centre
(Conference Area)
Lampton Road, Hounslow
19 September, 7pm-9.15pm
Accessible transport is available
to those who need it.
For more information, call
Sundeep Kundal on
020 8583 2566.
Volunteers have kindly offered to produce audio tapes of this section for visually impaired
people. For more information, contact Alan Stacey at IAP on 07944 394 270.
September 2007 Issue # 04
13
hounslow
Seniors matter: Older people’s news
MATTERS
21 September
is World
Alzheimer’s Day
– a campaign designed to
raise awareness of this, and
other forms of dementia.
Getting dementia is frightening and
devastating. It begins with memory
problems, but gradually deprives
sufferers of their ability to dress,
speak and socialise, eat, or do virtually
anything for themselves.
The good news is that there are
some simple lifestyle changes they can
make to prevent it. Here are some
tips from the Alzheimer’s Society’s Be
Head Strong campaign.
BE ACTIVE
By moving your body, your brain has
to learn new muscle skills, estimate
distance and practice balance.The
Government recommends that we
do some physical activity for 30
minutes, five or more times a week.
BE SOCIABLE
Staying healthy is not only about
keeping physically healthy. It’s just as
important to be sociable and spend
time with other people, so that you
don’t feel lonely, or experience low
self worth. Changing your routine and
starting a new activity will keep you
mentally active. Even phoning a friend
can keep you alert.
EXERCISE YOUR BRAIN
EAT RIGHT
A Mediterranean diet containing lots
of fruits, vegetables, cereals, some fish,
moderate amounts of alcohol, and
little dairy and meat is recommended,
as it is low in fat, sugar and processed
food, and but has plenty of protein,
fibre and antioxidants.
Research has shown that keeping
your brain active can lower your
risk of dementia.Your brain’s fitness
depends on how much it is used,
and a modest amount of mental
stimulation can go a long way.The
best way to give your brain regular
workouts is to incorporate things that
you enjoy doing into your routine,
such as a daily crossword.
You can find out more about
preventing dementia online at
www.challengedementia.org.uk.
Please tell us what you think about Seniors Matter.
Call Steve Barnes on 020 8583 4509.
10 May
October
2007 Issue
2007#Issue
01 # 05
ask auntie sylvie
Dear Auntie Sylvie,
Since my father died,
my mother has become
increasing ly dependent on
us for her care. After
discussing it with her, she
ag rees it would be best if
she moved into a care home,
where she can get roundthe-clock care and have
an opportunity to make some
friends. What happens next?
I appreciate this must have been a
difficult decision. You have told me that
you live in the borough, but have not
mentioned where your mother lives,
so I will give you some general advice.
Finding a good care home that suits
your mother’s needs is vital.
I would recommend you speak to
the Commission for Social Care
Inspection (CSCI), the body that
regulates standards in social care
services in this country.
As well producing advice about
social care, CSCI publishes inspection
reports on every care service in
England, together with reports on
local council social services. For more
information, visit www.csci.org.uk, or
call 0845 015 0120.
hounslow
MATTERS
OPEN HOUSE LONDON 2007:
15 & 16 SEPTEMBER
For one weekend this month, more than 600 buildings in the capital will open their doors
to the public for free. In the borough of Hounslow alone, visitors will be able to explore 10
striking, unusual and historical buildings – where will you go this year?
art and architecture will be
held at 11am, noon, 2pm, and
3pm. Max. 40 per tour, first
come basis. Last entry 4.30pm.
Chiswick House is a glorious
example of 18th Century
English architecture, its design
heavily influenced by the
houses and gardens in the
suburbs of ancient Rome.
BOSTON MANOR HOUSE
(above)
Boston Manor Road
Brentford
Sat & Sun, 2.30pm-5pm
Visitors are welcome on a first
come basis.
Max. of 25 at one time.
This Jacobean manor house
was built in 1623. It is set in
beautiful parkland, with lake
and ancient cedar trees.
CAVALRY BARRACKS
Beavers Lane
Hounslow
Sat, 10am-2pm
Pre-book only on
020 8818 6757.
Tours guided by local historians.
Max. 20 per tour.
These are the oldest barracks
still in use by the British Army.
Many of the buildings are listed.
CHISWICK HOUSE
Burlington Lane
Sun, 10am-5pm
Tours on the symbolism of
Chiswick House hidden in the
06 May 2007 Issue # 01
CHISWICK PARISH
CHURCH
Church Street
Sun, 1pm-5pm
Tours at 2pm and 4pm.
Last entry 4.45pm.
This Grade II* listed church
has been on this site for a
millennium, with the tower
added in 1435.
HOGARTH’S HOUSE
(bottom right)
Hogarth Lane
Great West Road
Sat & Sun, 1pm-6pm
First come basis.
Max. 15 at one time.
This was the early 18th
Century country home of
artist William Hogarth.
OSTERLEY PARK HOUSE
Jersey Road
Isleworth
Sat & Sun, 1pm-4.30pm
Timed tickets may apply.
Last entry 4pm.
Max. 200 at one time.
This is stunning neo-classical
house designed by Robert
Adam, set in over 350 acres
of landscaped park, garden
and farmland.
ST GEORGE
HANWORTH PARK
Castle Way
Elmwood Avenue
Hanworth Park
Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun, 1pm-6pm
This is a beautiful medieval
church with stained glass
windows, dating from as far
back as 1100.
ST MARY’S CONVENT
2 The Butts
Brentford
Sat tours at 10am,
noon, and 2.30pm
Pre-book only on
020 8568 7305. Duration
approx.1 hour. Max. 8 per tour.
A beautiful 18th Century
Grade II listed house with
original features.
VOYSEY HOUSE/
ACANTHUS L W
ARCHITECTS
Barley Mow Passage
Chiswick
Sat, 10am-5pm
Max. 20 at one time.
This former Sanderson factory
– now an architects’ office –
was designed and constructed
by architect C. F. A.Voysey,
between 1902 and 1903 – his
only industrial building.
WEST THAMES COLLEGE
London Road, Isleworth
Sat, 10am-4pm
Last tour 3.30pm.
Max. 15 per tour.
Formerly Spring Grove House,
this is a wonderful example of
late Victorian architecture and
interior design.
BEDFORD PARK TOUR
Victorian Society
1 Priory Gardens
Sun, 2pm
Tour lasts approx. 2 hours.
Bedford Park was the first
garden suburb, with some
400 homes, mostly in red
brick with red tiled roofs,
Dutchstyle gables, balconies
and artists’ studios.
EXEMPLARY WORKSPACE
Chiswick Business Park
566 Chiswick High Road
Sat, 10am-3pm;
Sun, 11am-3pm
Chiswick Business Park
has a flexible and spacious
structures, surrounding
a lovely central lake with
themed landscapes.
September 2007 Issue # 04
15
hounslow
MATTERS
Beyond heathrow
GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING
The Government is putting millions of people’s health at risk by failing to
acknowledge the damage that airports have on public wellbeing.
T
his stark warning was issued by
Cllr Barbara Reid, Hounslow’s
lead member for aviation, who
has written to Health Secretary Alan
Johnson, demanding that he take action.
“The Government is preparing to embark
on the biggest programme of airport
expansion this country has ever seen,”
said Cllr Reid, “and yet it has no idea
what damage this will do to the health of
millions of people living under flightpaths
in the UK.
“Many local residents already complain
that noise and air pollution affect their
health, and there is a growing body of
scientific research to support these
concerns. With a public consultation on
Heathrow expansion in the pipeline,
the Government has a brief window
of opportunity to start taking people’s
health seriously.”
Health problems believed to be caused
to residents by living in close proximity
to an airport include sleep deprivation,
insomnia, respiratory illness, stress,
depression, asthma and even fatiguerelated accidents.
The World Health Organisation (WHO)
stresses the importance of conducting a
‘health impact assessment’ (HIA) to look at
noise problems and air quality.
A HIA could also look at issues such
as safety, accidents and terrorism, soil and
water pollution, importation of tropical
disease and occupational health risks.
If you’re concerned about expansion,
add your voice to the council’s Say No
campaign by emailing
[email protected], or by visiting
www.hounslow.gov.uk/heathrow.
SHARE A CAR,
SAVE YOUR MONEY, AND REDUCE POLLUTION
Carsharing allows people to benefit from the convenience of the car, while
reducing the associated problems of travel costs and congestion.
There are many benefits TO
CARSHARING. for example:
■ Drivers save money, as they share the
costs of petrol, tolls and parking fees;
■ The less traffic there is on the road,
the less congestion;
■ It lessens the impact on the
environment and reduces pollution;
and
■ It can reduce the need for a private car.
The borough of Hounslow is part of the
West London car share scheme
www.londonliftshare.com, managed
by Liftshare.com – an organisation that
maintains a database of drivers and car
owners who share journeys.
Liftshare is the nation’s leader in
carsharing, with more than 160,000
registered members and more than
175,000 journeys logged on the system.
Those who join the scheme are
provided with a free account, connecting
them to thousands of like-minded people
who would also like to see a reduction in
traffic and to reduce their travel costs.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For more information on carsharing, call 08700 11 11 99, email [email protected] or visit www.londonliftshare.com.
20
September 2007 Issue # 04
hounslow
MATTERS
Central Hounslow
MEMBERS DRAW UP WISH LIST
Members have drawn up seven priorities to
guide their local decision-making, as part of
the borough’s Community Plan.
Following agreement from committee
members, the priorities for 2007-10 are
tackling crime and the fear of crime;
supporting better schools in the area;
environmental improvements including open spaces, greening the
area and the street scene; improving the health and wellbeing of
residents; improving community and leisure facilities in the area;
reduction in traffic; and development of the town centre.
HEALTH CENTRE AT BLENHEIM CENTRE
Members have expressed disappointment following Hounslow
Primary Care Trust’s decision not to take up use of the purposebuilt health centre at the Blenheim Centre. The committee has
asked the health and social care scrutiny committee to investigate.
Chiswick
CHISWICK CAUSEWAY WINS
£20,000 GRANT
The Port of London Authority (PLA) had
agreed to repair the Chiswick Causeway, at
the foot of Church Street near St Nicholas’
Church – at a cost of £20,000.
Over the last 10 years, the structure had
been washed away, leaving the original early
19th Century stones on the river bed. Volunteers will form stonepicking parties to collect old materials to use for the repair.
STRAND ON THE GREEN GETS NEW PATH
Residents and visitors to Strand on the Green will soon be able to
enjoy the river views, when a new path is built at Strand End.
The works, which started in early June, are the result of lobbying
by the Strand on the Green Residents’ Association and local ward
councillors to raise the level of the river wall, and to make the area
more accessible and attractive.
Heston & cranford
SMALL GRANT AWARD
The area committee has agreed to award
£500 to the Sutton Lane Community
Centre, on Wesley Avenue, Hounslow, as
part of its small grants scheme.
The centre runs sports activities for
eight- to 18-year-olds from local housing
estates, as well as youth drama and dance
activities, a playgroup for younger children and several popular
adult education projects.
The Centre says the money will be spent on basic kitchen and
catering equipment.
NEW POSTER BOARDS AGREED
The area committee has also agreed to replace four of the eight
poster boards in the area, because they were either poorly
situated or subject to graffiti. To find out which four, check the
website (see right).
06 May 2007 Issue # 01
Isleworth & Brentford
FESTIVAL GETS CASH BOOST
The area committee has awarded a small
grant of £500 to the Friends of Boston
Manor (in association with CIP and the
Brentford Festival Committee) to help
promote the Brentford Festival on
2 September.
HEALTH TO TOP BILL AT NEXT MEETING
The Brentford Health Impact Assessment will be one of the topics
to be discussed at the area committee’s monitoring meeting on
30 August. Among the details to be discussed are the costs of
primary care in Brentford, and details of the number of GPs in the
area, and the number of patients they attend to.
PRIORITIES GO ONLINE
The area committee’s priorities for 2007-2010 have now been
published online. For details, see below.
West area
IMPROVED ACCESS TO
FELTHAM STATION
New measures have been proposed by
the council and the South West London
Transport Conference to improve access to
Feltham Station, and the area committee
wants to hear local residents’ views.
The suggested measures include
improvements to the footway from bus stops on Bedfont Lane,
and the introduction of new pedestrian crossings from bus
stops on Hanworth Road. The junction of Hanworth Road and
Hounslow Road could see new pedestrian crossing points, with
footpaths widened to prevent overcrowding at crossing points.
There are also proposed changes to the station forecourt with
landscaping, new lighting, a taxi rank and motorcycle parking to
improve accessibility.
For more information, visit the new area committee section of
the council’s website (see below).
?
HOW DO I
FIND OUT
MORE?
For details about forthcoming area committee
meetings, turn to What’s On, page 19. All area
committee meetings are open to the public, so
come along and find out more about plans for
your area.
For further details about the five area
committees, including meeting minutes and
contact details, visit their website at
www.hounslow.gov.uk/area_committees.
September 2007 Issue # 04
21
hounslow
MATTERS
Housing MAtters
HOUNSLOW
LANDLORD
FINED FOR FAILING TO REGISTER
Kewal Singh Kajla is the first landlord in the
borough to be prosecuted for failing to
license a shared house.
K
ajla, from Cranford, admitted the
necessary. We mean business.”
offence at Brentford Magistrates’
Under the Housing Act 2004, the
Court and received a £500 fine. In
council had to introduce a licensing
addition, he must pay £250 prosecution
scheme covering HMOs of a certain size
costs and is still obliged to pay for a
and occupancy.
licence, at a cost of £910.
The measure was introduced to ensure
Magistrates heard that Kajla, who lives
the landlord or manager was fit and
on Firs Drive, failed to apply for a licence
proper, and to guarantee the health and
for a house in multiple occupation
safety of occupants.
(HMO) in Berkeley Avenue, despite
A house of three storeys or more that
efforts by Hounslow Council to notify
is occupied by five persons or more who
him of his responsibilities.
form two or more households must be
Encouraging and
licensed. Any house
enforcing a well
irrespective of
regulated,
storey height in
professional and
Chiswick,Turnham
high quality private
Landlords who fail to license Green and Central
rented sector is an
Hounslow that is
their properties run the
objective of the
occupied by five or
risk of tenants applying to
Hounslow Plan,
more persons who
recover the rent they’ve
Hounslow Council’s
form three or more
paid to live there via a Rent
four-year vision of
households must
Repayment Order.
development and
also be licensed.
improvement for
Landlords who
the borough.
fail to license their
Cllr Mark Bowen,
properties run the
deputy leader and
risk of tenants
lead member for strategic housing, says:
applying to recover the rent they’ve paid
“Landlords who do not license their
to live there, via a Rent Repayment
properties demonstrate they are not
Order. Without exception, Hounslow
committed to high standards, are
Council will prosecute any landlord who
unaccountable and are prepared to break fails to apply for a licence for a building
the law. While we are determined to
that is licensable. If you wish to report an
work with landlords for good-quality
HMO, would like to apply for a licence or
private sector housing, and the vast
enquire about Rent Repayment Orders,
majority are law-abiding and cocall 020 8583 3870 / 3871, or send an
operative, we will prosecute where
email to [email protected].
DREADFUL
FLAT MEANS
FINE FOR
OBSTRUCTIVE
LANDLORD
A Hounslow landlord has been fined
£2,000 after he rented out a flat with a
catalogue of horrifying health hazards.
The flat in Whitton Road (see below)
was riddled with damp, had virtually no
ventilation, and poor drainage.
Kuldip Singh Deol was given an
opportunity by Hounslow Council to
sort out the deficiencies following an
inspection, but ignored an order.
At Feltham Magistrates’ Court in
May, Deol was fined and agreed to pay
£1,000 towards the council’s
prosecution costs.
❝
❞
LANDLORDS’
DROP-IN SESSION
Landlords have an opportunity to
quiz council officers at special weekly
drop-ins. Any landlord operating in
the borough can come along and ask
questions about tenancy issues,
planning, licensing and funding. The
drop-in sessions will begin in
October. To find out more, call
020 8583 3871.
If you’re a tenant or landlord, please report an HMO to [email protected].
uk. To report an empty property, email [email protected].
22
September 2007 Issue # 04
:
hounslow
PLANNING MATTERS
MATTERS
ADDING A CONSERVATORY/CANOPY:
WHERE DO YOU STAND?
Are you planning to add a conservatory or canopy to your home? Hounslow Matters
explains where the law stands on planning legislation.
n there are no other buildings within 5m of
the extension; and
n the property is a single family dwelling
house.
It is important to make sure that your
property has permitted development rights
before the work starts. Even though many
properties in the borough have permitted
development rights, some have had them
removed, especially those built since 1970.
Further restriction will apply if
your property is:
n in a conservation area;
n covered by an article 4 direction; and/or
n a listed building.
DOES MY CONSERVATORY FALL
UNDER PLANNING LEGISLATION?
Yes. It will be assessed as an extension.
DO I NEED PLANNING PERMISSION
FOR A CONSERVATORY/CANOPY?
You may be able to add a conservatory
or canopy to your property without
planning permission (under Permitted
Development) if:
n there are no other extensions;
n the proposed conservatory measures
no more than 50 cubic metres in
volume (for a terraced house), or 70
cubic metres (for a detached or semidetached house);
n it is not closer to highway than the
original house;
n it does not cover more than 50 per cent
of the original garden plot (including
space taken up by any other building
works, e.g. outbuilding/garage);
n it is no more than 4 meters high, within
2 metres of a boundary;
Even if your proposal falls under Permitted
Development, it is advisable to obtain a
formal confirmation from the council by
submitting an application for a Certificate
of Lawfulness.
If your proposal doesn’t meet any one
of the above-mentioned criteria for the
Permitted Development, you will need full
planning permission for the conservatory.
If you are proposing to add a conservatory
or canopy to the rear of an existing
extension, planning permission will normally
be refused.
Please note that you may also have to
comply with building regulations in order to
build your conservatory.
For more information, call:
Chiswick
020 8583 4998
Isleworth/Brentford
020 8583 4970
Feltham
020 8583 4940
Hounslow/Heston/Cranford020 8583 4965
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further advice on building control, call 020 8583 5404, email [email protected], or visit
www.hounslow.gov.uk/building_control.
06 May 2007 Issue # 01
September 2007 Issue # 04
23
Domestic Rubbish,
Green Box Recycling
and Garden Waste
Collections August Bank
Holiday 2007
Normal collection day
Revised collection day
Monday 27 August
Tuesday 28 August
Tuesday 28 August
Wednesday 29 August
Wednesday 29 August
Thursday 30 August
Thursday 30 August
Friday 31 August
Friday 31 August
Saturday 1 September
For information about your rubbish collection,
call Cleansing Services on 020 8583 5000.
For Green Box and Garden Waste recycling,
call ECT Recycling on 020 8813 1331.