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Grant Shapps and the £250 million

The more I think about Hounslow's plan of stopping us residents of South Chiswick from accessing all our roads, the worse I think it is.The Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps held out £250 MILLION to bribe Councils to improve road space for cyclists and pedestrians DURING THE COVID19 VIRUS.  He has had the wool pulled over his eyes.    Glaringly so in the case of South Chiswick which is a unique, peaceful residential "pocket" hanging south of the A4 down to the river hemmed between Kew and Chiswick Bridges.   LBH plans for South Chiswick are blantant and fraudulent, they are an excuse for Hounslow to grab a part of the £250 Million by pretending South Chiswick is strangling its walkers and cyclists DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC which is a downright lie. We already have a safe and good neighbourhood with ample room for pedestrians and cyclists to distance themselves (possible exception the tow path at Sot G and a few cycle lanes could be inexpensively widened).   The Government’s money, taxpayers money, is being fraudulently deployed in our peaceful green residential area.Yes, of course, it would be a good idea to curtail the RUSH HOUR  commuters from rat running through Grove Park/SofG but that is a separate issue and nothing to do with Covid!   While at it, ban all heavy good vehicles too, not that that is on the Council’s plans.   I have already made suggestions on another thread as to how both these issues can be dealt with and it does NOT involved keeping us locked into our homes.     Government money is being misappropriated.    Hounslow has divided S.Chiswick into small CPZs, their new plans are boxing South Chiswick residents within their own individual Zones and preventing them entering adjoining ones within the area.  LBH's plan does NOT add any additional road space for cyclists and pedestrians during the Covid 19 virus that is not already there and just brings misery to its residents.     The emergency funding Covid money is being misappropriated.   Grant Shapps immediately has to rescind any Governments approval permitting Hounslow to implement this fraudulent scheme that does not comply with his remit.   The money can be used more fruitfully elsewhere.

Jennifer Selig ● 2293d128 Comments ● 2285d

Should people in North Chiswick now accept they live in Acton?

There always used to be a pub bore that would tell you that any part of W4 that was in Ealing borough was in Acton not Chiswick. History and geography was not on their side but that didn't stop them droning on. Most people recognised the Overground train tracks and Southfield Park marked a clear border as there was just one way to dive through between the two post codes. Now, however, the closure of Fisher's Lane creates an even more impermeable border further south along Bath Road and South Parade. When I look at how this will change my behaviour I realise that I will continue to do smaller shops in Chiswick either by bike or walking. It remains closer and you only need to cycle to Acton once to realise it is on the top of a hill. Chiswick continues to have a better choice of shops, bars and restaurants and wider pavements. However, for a big shop, Acton is now going to be the better option. Rather than nipping down Fisher's Lane and Belmont Road, I'd have to drive by the junction near Chiswick Park station which is often congested already and will be more so when the closure takes effect. There are better parking options in Acton and unlike Sainsbury's they are free even if you don't use a particular store. Chiswick may have advantages at the moment but they may not be permanent. The proportion of boarded up shops isn't likely to fall in the current economic situation and Acton can offer businesses much lower rents. Acton may have a cinema before Chiswick and if Marks and Spencer was to reconsider its decision not to move into the Oaks Shopping Centre even Bedford Park residents might start to see it as an option. Changes in footfall have the potential to transform a high street either for better or worse and if Acton and Chiswick are going in opposite directions then it may not be long before the former is full of swish delis and cafes and the latter has lots of discount stores and gaming parlours and an Acton address will attract a premium over Chiswick!


Kevin Howard ● 2289d37 Comments ● 2285d

Hahaha!

*** BREAKING NEWS ***EARTHQUAKE in MargateAn earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale hit Margate in the early hours, with the epicentre hitting the town centre. Victims were seen wandering around aimlessly, muttering "Fuuuckinell".The tremor decimated the area causing approximately £30 worth of damage. Several priceless collections of mementos from Ramsgate and were damaged beyond repair.Many locals were woken well before their giros arrived.  The gazette reported that hundreds of residents were confused and bewildered and were still coming to terms with the fact that something interesting had happened on  this day - Karen Karenson from Cliftonville , a 15-year-old mother of 5 said, "it was such a shock, my little Chardonnay-Mercedes come running into my bedroom crying. My youngest two, Tyler-Morgan and Victoria-Storm slept through it all. I was still shaking when I was skinning up and watching Jeremy Kyle the next morning".The British Red Cross has so far managed to ship crates of White Lightning to some of the stricken locals.Rescue workers are still searching through the rubble and have found large quantities of personal belongings, including benefit books, jewellery from Elizabeth Duke at Argos and Bone China from Poundland.HOW CAN YOU HELP?There is an appeal to raise money for food and clothing parcels for those unfortunate enough to be caught up in this disaster.Clothing is most sought after - items most needed include:Snap back hatsFull matching tracksuitsNike Huarachi trainersTartan pyjamasUGG Boots and any other items usually sold in Primark.Food parcels may be harder to come by, but are needed all the same.Microwave meals, Pot Noodles, Tins of baked beans, ice cream, Cans of Strong Bow or Special Brew and of course pies.22p buys a biro for filling in compensation forms.£10 buys B&H and a lighter to calm the nerves of those affected.£15 buys chips, crisps and Panda Pops for a family of 9

Georgina Flint ● 2288d14 Comments ● 2286d