Forum Topic

Paxton Road clean-up

Perhaps you read the inspiring story of three young girls (aged 9 & 10) who spent time cleaning up Paxton Rd recently and raised £600+ for the DEC Ukraine appeal. A wonderful initiative - and the young showing the apathetic older generation what can be done both to benefit Ukraine and Chiswick. Are any other roads in W4 willing and able to follow this lead? The area is fly-blown enough at the moment and it is literally years since a human street cleaner appeared.

Robin Knight ● 1653d21 Comments

A couple of points, Robin. First, congratulations and thanks to the three young ladies who showed their energy and generosity by their admirable actions. Second, you don't encourage people to do something by insulting them. The fact that some young people did something admirable doesn't make the older generation 'apathetic'; members of other generations are probably doing what they can, such as sending money or useful items to collection points - not so obvious, but equally important. Finally, I don't see the area looking 'fly-blown'. I live in the Grove Park area, and to me the neighbourhood looks pleasant and spring-like, particularly on such a beautiful morning as this.

Colin Jordan ● 1653d

The 'apathetic older generation' are opening their homes and have donated millions of pounds to this absolute horror taking place in Ukraine your ridiculous comments are just an insult to the people in this and all countries who desperately want to help.  I'm not sure how you have linked not having streets cleaned with a world crisis maybe open your mind and perhaps your home which would be more thought out.

Helen Whitman ● 1653d

Oh come on you sensitive flowers! I litter pick all the time and NEVER see any older people doing the same thing. Get off your backsides and DO something.Incidentally, like many (especially in this community the Vicar of Turnham Green church) I have done what I can to help Ukraine where I have friends. Really, the deplorable state of the streets in Chiswick and helping Ukraine should be the issue, not a thin-skinned reaction to a supposed insult.

Robin Knight ● 1653d

You and David are insulting to others who are doing what they can anddon't expect praise for it, I'm afraid your attitudes may well put people offfrom doing more.

Janice Evans ● 1653d

Janice, I doubt very much Robin is expecting praise. I know we don't even though you're convinced of it.But I think you're contention that people would be put off by it is a bit precious. As if Robin and I (no offense Robin) would have that power. And even if we did, then I'd say the intent at the other end wasn't that genuine in the first place. Rather, it was simply looking for the easiest possible way out.

David Lesniak ● 1653d

I litter pick regularly on Duke Rd, the Back Common, Chiswick house grounds etc.  And I’m not on the right side of 60. Just because you can’t see it happening, Robin, doesn’t mean that it isn’t happening.And no, I don’t have a fat backside either.

Marie Power ● 1653d

I help others all through the year David, don't just wake up when there is a disaster.

Janice Evans ● 1653d

It has always been surprising the number of people who don't see the rubbish in the street especially when it is theirs.  Maybe it's just not there in which case what's the worry?  I see no reason to be so prickly.  Congratulations to the young ladies who have tidied their road up and let's hope their efforts will encourage others to do the same.  It can be a very satisfying community action.

Philippa Bond ● 1653d

Would anyone like to join Ron Mushiso, Jill Spencer and their loyal volunteers : the 4th Sunday of every month?  We are now into our 4th year....PLEASE MEET US AT CHRIST CHURCH, TURNHAM GREENON SUNDAY 27 MARCH AT 2.30 PM FOR 60 MINUTES OF LITTER PICKING FOLLOWED BY TEA AND CAKEEQUIPMENT IS PROVIDED BUT IF POSSIBLE BRING YOUR OWN PROTECTIVE GLOVESDATES FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2022 ARE:24 APRIL / 22 MAY / 26 JUNE / 24 JULY / 28 AUGUST 25 SEPTEMBER / 23 OCTOBER /27 NOVEMBER

Mitra Alam ● 1653d

This is quite ridiculous. I simply would like to see far more people in Chiswick take responsibility for the cleanliness of their streets given that the Council does not appear to regard this as a priority. If raising money for Ukraine helps such efforts, great.The idea that I'm seeking praise is pathetic. So is the thin-skinned attitude of some.

Robin Knight ● 1652d

Robin, we get fed up with people picking on the elderly, they have all doneplenty in the past and still do what they can and also get upset that they cannot do what they used to as they like to be independent, it will come to all of us one day if we live long enough what with current situation.

Janice Evans ● 1652d

My views are shared by many others. I found this notice pinned to the fence on the Grove Park side of Chiswick station - a notorious litter spot:"Don't litter drop here please.Your discarded can, bottle, cup, crisp packet, takeaway box, dog poo bag has been making everyone miserable (and angry). So two of us Grove Park residents decided to take action and coincidentally bumped into each other litter-plucking along this approach to the station.We have made a good start, and intend to keep an eye on the area, hoping commuters and passers-by like you using this approach are enjoying and maintaining a cleaner, nicer vista.We have been campaigning for a litter bin to be supplied by the Council which can be attached to the railings which may encourage better habits. In the meantime, please do deposit your litter in the nearest bin outside shops on Grove Park Parade or at the station - both platforms have them.Thank you!"Well done to these anonymous people! If more Chiswick residents followed suit, things would soon improve.Question: Why does the Council make it so hard to get new bins installed?

Robin Knight ● 1647d

Litter and bins are done by Hounslow Highways. There is hot debate about putting in bins because they seem to attract fly tips. I suggest you take photos of the problem and report it via Fixmystreet and request a bin because this is an ongoing problem. If you don't get a reply within 10 days, pm me with the enquiry number and I will take it up. Litter pickers go around every two weeks

Iris Hill ● 1647d

I think we should expect more from our Councils on litter picking.  They seem to find money for some things, but often not the essentials.  I would say we're mad to put up with it, but we don't actually have a say on most things these days. Roll on May

Maggie Dodge ● 1645d

Maggie, take one look at the grit bins Labour's Guy Lambert shoved onto the pavement. They aren't fit for purpose and the foxes make a mockery of them/him every night. The High Road is an utter mess and the grit bins have done absolutely zero to mitigate the situation.Side note - the garbage trucks use the cycle lane to collect from them assuming there is anything left inside.

David Lesniak ● 1644d

Hounslow Highways slogan - Delivering Better Streets😂 by encouraging unpaid supporters, clever !Hounslow Highways is proud to support residents and community groups in arranging community litter picking events and provide equipment such as litter pickers, gloves, bags and collection of rubbish.  Hounslow Highways also provides this support to clean up events outside of the KBT events, and so as a valued community partner, we are very grateful to everyone’s who is involved in organising clean-up events and working towards making Hounslow a great place to live.

Maggie Dodge ● 1644d

Providing litter bins always seems like the simple answer but it often doesn't work because they do often then encourage people to leave stuff that doesn't fit in the bins there ie they fly-tip.  People will even leave cups and cans on top of and beside bins instead of putting them into them!

Philippa Bond ● 1644d

Well the Council needs to come up with a solution.  Be more proactive. Making it easier and cheaper to dispose of household items perhaps. If we’re encouraged to give up our cars then the issue becomes worse as going to the tip is off the table.  Ealing of course closed the small local tip, sold it off I think.  Madness !! Bins should be supplied and who ever empties them takes responsibility for any and all small items left nearby. The answer can’t be to expect groups of volunteers to do their job for them.

Maggie Dodge ● 1644d

Always uneasy about volunteers in effect underpinning budget cuts and putting people out of work and generally letting the powers that be off the hook when they reduce services. Same with food banks masking totally inadequate welfare provision, and support for refugees left to 'the innate kindness of the British people' rather than to their government.

Peter Evans ● 1644d

That's why fly-tipping should always be reported and seriously investigated and litter ie escaped and accidentally lost waste is a different thing.Motorists and their passengers can often be caught on camera throwing rubbish out of cars.  And before you go on about cyclists I'd imagine it is harder for them to eat on the go but there are bound to be some idiots who try.

Philippa Bond ● 1644d

Yes and they can get a bit full of themselves , these volunteers, if you’re not careful

Maggie Dodge ● 1644d