Hounslow Highways 'Slow To Respond' To Chiswick Locals

Residents frustrated at lack of information, say councillors

Tree felling, changes in scheduled road paving and a lack of a timely response to complaints and enquiries were some of the criticisms levelled at Hounslow Highways from local residents, the Chiswick Area Forum heard last week.

The Hounslow Highways website says that it has received over 65,000 enquiries from the community and dealt with them as efficiently as possible, with a 99.6% compliance rate.

Councillors at the Chiswick Area Forum said they had received complaints about Hounslow Highways tardiness in replying to Chiswick residents. Similar frustration has been expressed on the chiswickw4 Forum.

Cllr Sam Hearn said complaints from locals were filling his in-tray, and many of the complaints related to tree-felling. Residents were also confused at changes in proposed works on streets particularly when they were not kept informed. A member of the public said that the only way to keep up with the schedule was to read the Hounslow Highways website regularly and keep notes, as the situation could be very fluid.

Cllr Sam Hearn received unanimous support from fellow councillors to his suggestion that a representative of Hounslow Highways and a Council official attend a meeting of the Chiswick Area Forum to give an account of works for Chiswick. He was particularly keen to get some information on tree works. Half of the trees in the borough were in the Chiswick wards and people wanted information if they were being cut down as to why it was necessary.

A request will be sent to Hounslow Highways and Hounslow Council to that effect.

June 4, 2015