The Continuing Potential of Chiswick
Chiswick Homefields councillor Gerald McGregor reports back
Cllr Gerald McGregor
November 4, 2023
Talking to my fellow councillors in Chiswick about the latest political developments, the creation of the New Parliamentary seat in Hammersmith and Chiswick is going to have a profound impact on the future of our residents. The political focus will be looking towards the centre of London and away from the baleful glare of Labour in Hounslow. The most unfortunate issue is that the Boundary Commission did not take a further step and include Chiswick Southfields ward in the new Parliamentary Constituency.
Counter proposals put forward by Conservative Councillors (including myself) would have created a more cohesive seat and one where the residents would have enjoyed a stronger local political identity.
The continuing popularity of Chiswick as one of the most sought-after areas of London is due to its location, links to London and to the green spaces that continue to provide living lungs to a difficult environment.
The failures at Greater London level continue with the Mayor in political difficulty with the leadership of his own Labour Party. Apparently, the Mayor believes that the Greater London Assembly needs its own foreign policy.
Ron Mushiso the Conservative candidate for Southwest London at the Assembly is campaigning hard alongside Susan Hall AM, the Conservative candidate for Mayor. The vigorous nature of their solid campaign and the respect and rapport they have created with Londoners is a very positive development. The mess that they will have to clear up is apparent for all to see.
In the other campaigns, the Conservatives have selected a candidate for new Parliamentary seat. This is Andrew Dinsmore a resident of the new seat and a lawyer by profession and a lifelong Conservative. In discussion with him the key themes of his campaign will be on domestic matters and home affairs affecting residents in their daily lives. Continuing to energise the economy, transport links, housing issues and the health service will all be part of his concerns.
Transport matters in Chiswick
During the last week it has proved impossible to make a timely and efficient journey across Chiswick. Contractors in Acton Lane excavated the bridge over the District line to Richmond. The utilities had agreed to have one way working and the Traffic team had warned residents of this event. The actual working team closed the whole road leading to diversions, none of which was less than a mile for vehicle traffic.
Regrettably the tin-eared local authorities in Hounslow and Ealing refused to reopen Fishers Lane to motor vehicles which would have provided a proper alternative route. Result was long delays and misery and continuing disruption.
The basic problem is the lack of capacity on Chiswick High Road caused by poor traffic management and poor policy that ends up putting one classification of road user above others.
Surgery at Chiswick Library
I enjoyed a busy surgery last Saturday morning. Cases included housing and employment issues, a homeless situation, a whistle blowing case about corrupt practice, housing repairs not properly completed, SEN and school admissions policy and landlords issuing notices to quit.
People are coming to see a councillor after failing to make contact with the council departments which are there to support residents. A couple of years ago Hounslow won an award as best Borough Council of the Year but no doubt Covid and working from home have taken their toll on the efficiency and effectiveness that won recent accolades.
Result is that more residents are not being listened to or dealt with because phone contact and interviews are proving hard to achieve.
Cllr Gerald McGregor
gerald.mcgregor@hounslow.gov.uk
07866 784821
HOUNSLOW COUNCIL DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Tuesday 7 November at 7:00 pm - Meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Tuesday 14 November at 7:00 pm - Meeting of Cabinet
Tuesday 28 November at 7:30pm – Meeting of Borough Council
CONSERVATIVE COUNCILLOR SURGERIES
Chiswick: Every Saturday from 9.30am to 10.30am at Chiswick Library (the eight Conservative councillors take this surgery in turn).
Gunnersbury: First Saturday of the month from 10am to 11am at The Gunnersbury Triangle Club, Triangle Way, off The Ridgeway, W3 8LU (at least one of the Chiswick Gunnersbury ward councillors takes this surgery).
CONSERVATIVE COUNCILLORS and CONTACTS
Chiswick Gunnersbury (was Turnham Green) ward
Cllr Joanna Biddolph joanna.biddolph@hounslow.gov.uk 07976 703446
Cllr Ranjit Gill ranjit.gill@hounslow.gov.uk 07976 702956
Cllr Ron Mushiso ron.mushiso@hounslow.gov.uk 07976 702887
Chiswick Homefields ward
Cllr Jack Emsley jack.emsley@hounslow.gov.uk 07977 396017
Cllr Gerald McGregor gerald.mcgregor@hounslow.gov.uk 07866 784821
Cllr John Todd john.todd@hounslow.gov.uk 07866 784651
Chiswick Riverside ward
Cllr Peter Thompson peter.thompson@hounslow.gov.uk 07977 395810
Cllr Gabriella Giles gabriella.giles@hounslow.gov.uk 07966 270823
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