Council Simply Cannot Walk Away from Watermans Tragedy
Chiswick Homefields councillor John Todd reports back
Cllr John Todd
April 22, 2024
Waterman’s Centre Closure
The Watermans Centre is now closed. The CEO of the Arts Trust who run the building provided an explanation on the date of closure. A large £129k electric bill and diminishing income. The Arts Council provides the Trust with £122k until 2026 and Hounslow Council £100k plus with a minimal rent . Other benefactors and trading cinema etc brought their income to around £1m. The Trust accounts showed that the auditors confirmed they were capable of continuing as a going concern and the Board had taken steps to plan to deal with the cash flow issue.
With other Chiswick Councillors I attended a public meeting in Brentford. Eighty plus attendees all determined to prevent this closure. Not one councillor from Brentford attended. I had asked an emergency question at Council earlier but the Cabinet Member and Leader were devoid of options. The Council meekly advised potential rescuers that it would require a fully costed option before it would enter into negotiations. Protesters assembled outside the Centre on the day of closure were told by Cllr Lambert that ‘They were wasting their time.’
Recently the Cabinet approved a cash injection of £1m into our Leisure company Lampton to cover the cost of running our swimming pools. A Govt grant post partially covered that expenditure. The cabinet also subsidises our recycling company Lampton when the proceeds of waste collected paper metal etc doesn’t cover operational costs. That’s very cosy but its an arm length company that shouldn’t need such support. Finally another crisis, wholly owned company Coalo continues to struggle. New finance staff and blips in trading. Thank goodness dear old LBH comes to the rescue.
Our Cabinet member responsible for these companies performance was until recently Cllr Guy Lambert. Following our representations about the Lampton entities performance the Council Leader and Deputy Leader now have oversight responsibility too. The Watermans Centre played an important role in many residents lives any will not be replaced for many years. Cllr Tom Bruce told the Cabinet earlier this year that the replacement project had been given a red grade. This project should be rescued if necessary by short term funding. The One Hounslow project has a huge reserve and there are the Community Infrastructure Levy funds from the developers Ballymore available. LBH cannot simply sheepishly walk away from this tragedy
Hounslow Council Carbon Offset Fund
The GLA publish a yearly Carbon Offset Fund Report. Their latest report shows that only 36% of the funds by Councils in London has been spent. I sought Hounslow’s data. The current balance of the Hounslow Carbon Offset Fund is £3,512,449 and the amount allocated to date is £677,200. This figure is subject to a quarter 4 adjustment I’m advised. It’s been difficult to get further details. These carbon offset funds are paid by developers as part of the planning process if the carbon emission performance in a development cannot be fully achieved on site. Hounslow allocated a mere £150k of offset funds (£40k max per applicant) to their Hounslow Community Energy Fund (HCEF) in a scheme which closed to applicants in July 2023.
Schools, community buildings and social housing can benefit from the use of these funds. Its not clear as to why such an unspent or unallocated balance remains.
The original LBH guidance on this funding mentions a Ward allocation of such funding. This is not being applied.
I’ve written to Cllr Dunne the Cabinet Member asking her to review this most unsatisfactory situation
Hounslow’s Architects Panel
Our planning Department frequently seeks guidance from a panel of architects.
I can’t readily cite a modern exemplar property or building in the Borough. I’ve been on visits to other boroughs who attract awards for outstanding architecture. I’ve therefore nominated Peter Barber Architects. (No connection) (peterbarberarchitects.com/housing) as a suitable panel candidate.
He has a unique style and creates desirable houses and flats in a sympathetic attractive environment. A wonderful use of brick.
An example of Peter’s architecture
Dukes Meadows Footbridge
The new Footbridge wins another award from the Civic Trust.
The Judges say,
“Dukes Meadows Footbridge, nestled beneath the historic Grade II listed Barnes Bridge in Chiswick, not only connects two previously disjointed sections of the Thames Path but also addresses various challenges with an elegant and resilient solution.
"The bridge’s architectural design is a harmonious blend of form and function. The distinct bridge form, responding to complex geometric constraints, results in an elegantly efficient structure that provides an uplifting experience for pedestrians. The slender gull-wing type chords in the bridge trusses not only contribute to its structural integrity but also add an element of fun to the design, making it more than just a utilitarian solution. The materials chosen for construction are not only robust but also visually articulate, ensuring a long lifespan and resistance to damage. Commendable attention to sustainability criteria is evident in the reduced embodied carbon through material choices, efficient off-site manufacturing, and logistics for transportation and installation. The bridge is climate resilient and can withstand frequent submergence during extreme flooding events.
"The main structure is designed to resist hydrodynamic and buoyancy forces and the aluminium decking allows for free drainage. With the client’s unwavering support, vulnerable details were avoided through the specification of stainless steel and aluminium and the adoption of fully integral connections to the substructure at all but one of the piers. Laminated elastomeric bearings are used at the final pier, which is well above the most severe flood level. Accessibility is a fundamental aspect of the bridge’s purpose. By resolving a problematic detour on the Thames Path, the footbridge ensures that regardless of mobility, everyone can access and enjoy the scenic route safely, creating a vantage point for river views and providing a pleasant experience for all.
"The Dukes Meadows Footbridge’s impact on the community is multifaceted. It unlocks leisure options for the wider area, encouraging recreation and sustainable modes of travel.”
Riverside Drive W4
Multi deep potholes. Risk to pedestrians cyclists and motorists
Yet again that part of the drive road surface adjacent to the cricket club has fragmented. There are dangerously deep potholes which expand daily.
We were promised a new road surface some time ago. The surface is too poor for continued patching.
I’ve written to Officers demanding prompt action. Cyclists really are at risk. Lots of youngster use the sports ground facilities. Their safety is paramount.
Dog walkers Consultation LBH decision still awaited
Responsible Dog Ownership. Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO). A consultation on PSPOs for dog walkers was completed recently – details are here.
My understanding is that the Animal Welfare team have analysed the results and some initial recommendations have been made for approval. I’ve chased publication. I receive numerous complaints about the large number of commercial dog walkers who use the Stamford Brook Common. The consultation document proposed to ban these dogs from using this area.
Jewish Living Exhibition
This exhibition was postponed by LBH last year. It’s now scheduled to take place for two weeks at Chiswick Town Hall commencing on the 17 June 2024.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2024/25
Cabinet Meetings
Tuesday 14 May 2024 7:00 pm
6th Floor, Hounslow House, 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB
Council Meetings
Tuesday 28th May 2024 7.30pm - (The Annual Statutory General Meeting of the Borough Council)
6th Floor, Hounslow House, 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB
Open to the Public
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Monday 13th May 2024
6th Floor, Hounslow House, 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB
During weekends, residents can still access council services on-line or via emergency numbers:
To inform the council of an emergency, call 020 8583 2222
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 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 Gabriella Giles gabriella.giles@hounslow.gov.uk 07966 270823
Cllr Peter Thompson peter.thompson@hounslow.gov.uk 07977 395810
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