CCTV cameras being installed in the gardens

Chiswick House and Gardens Trust are undertaking a project to upgrade the security to Chiswick House and Gardens.

This will involve installing CCTV and upgrading current security features. An application has been made to Hounslow Council for the installation of 2 additional columns for security cameras and 2 collapsible bollards.

According to the application, "The new proposal seeks to provide technical solutions to detection and monitoring of potential intruders to reduce reliance on a single security officer and/or a member of staff when the house is
closed.

"Security for Chiswick House is essential in order to safeguard the Grade I listed estate the House which is a scheduled ancient monument and the contents therein."

It is not known whether this is in response to recent incidents in the Gardens, one of which, a mugging of a teenager, is being investigated by police.

They say: "Many of the changes are upgrading existing equipment and has little impact to the Grade I listed property and gardens. Equipment has been selected which required as few visual and physical changes as possible. In the gardens, the only changes required are for the erection of 2 additional columns for security cameras and 2 collapsible bollards. All have been positioned to be sympathetic to the landscape and heritage.

"The project has been discussed with both English Heritage and the planning officer at London Borough of Hounslow.

"There is no impact on access in the gardens by the changes being requested other than that
intended. Ie the bollards will be raised when the gardens are closed to stop vehicles being able to approach the house from the west side of the lake."

April 20, 2019