Walkabout in Stamford Brook and a Disappointing Area Forum No-show
Chiswick Homefields councillor Mike Denniss reports back
Cllr Mike Denniss
November 7, 2026
Whenever common themes emerge from issues in the ward it is helpful to meet with council officers and conduct a walkabout in the area. These allow us to communicate issues firsthand and inspect problems residents have long complained about including damage to local infrastructure.
Last month Councillor Linden and I met up with a senior housing officer and focussed on the north eastern corner of Chiswick Homefields and inspected the streets between Stamford Brook Road and King Street, particularly Prebend Gardens and Vaughan Avenue. It was helpful to point out the collapsed wall in Stamford Brook Common, pavement slabs, sticking up and presenting a trip hazard, that the council had marked but not yet taken action on, and to see whether street lighting at night was sufficient. Part of the exercise is to repair broken links in the council’s understanding of its assets; the officer, who was diligently taking photos and making notes throughout, was not aware that the council owned a car park near Stamford Brook Station.
Some issues can be effectively addressed in public meetings where councillors have a chance to hear the opinions of residents and earlier this week I attended the Chiswick Area Forum. Top of the agenda was the council’s proposal to make further changes to the pavements along the Cycle Super Highway 9 in Chiswick High Road between Heathfield Terrace to Duke’s Avenue in a scheme they have dubbed “Road Safety Improvements”.
The council had shared the plans, together with a detailed map, with councillors at the end of August and had sought feedback. The proposal involves the construction of new cycleway sections, changes to kerbs and changes to road markings. It boasts improved safety conditions and cyclists and pedestrians and improved accessibility for people with mobility impairments. However, it made no consideration of those who are blind or partially sighted.
Several representatives of the National Federation of the Blind of the UK (NFBUK) spoke convincingly of the difficulties they faced as a result of the cycle lanes. Their guide dogs are not trained to identify lanes separated by just a thin layer of brick from the pavement and this has led to collisions and near misses with cyclists who cannot be depended upon to observe even basic road safety. They also spoke about the dangers of floating bus stops and how blind and partially sighted people would carry on to the next bus stop in order to avoid the risks.
Members of Our Lady of Grace also raised concerns about the proposed reduction of the pavement outside of the church, particularly in light of funerals and weddings that are hosted there. Others spoke too and there was overwhelming support for rejecting the plan. Cllr Shaheen, who is the council member whose portfolio covers transport, had been invited to attend to listen and answer questions but declined to do so. In a borough where councillors are expected to put residents first this was extremely disappointing; I will write to him separately. We councillors voted to write back to the council rejecting the proposal, with Cllr Croft and Cllr Rowe abstaining. You can watch the whole meeting here.
We also heard from representatives of Chiswick Rugby Club (CRB), who explained how they had transformed a piece of land allocated to them into a set of playing fields. This was inspiring stuff, and just the sort of community spirit that I love about Chiswick. Their efforts had led to Chiswick Community College to putting rugby as an after school activity. As the students progress through their academic years, this could result in rugby becoming a regular sport for the school. I’m impressed by the progression of CRB, who, like Brentford Boat Club, add enormous value to Chiswick Homefields and to children in the borough.
Cllr Michael Denniss
Michael.Denniss@hounslow.gov.uk
DEMOCRACY: DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Anyone can attend public meetings of the council. Hounslow House is fully accessible. Hounslow Central tube station is not step-free. The 237 bus stops nearby. Parking in local roads is limited.
Principal meetings are broadcast live on the Council’s YouTube channel
CONSERVATIVE COUNCILLORS CONTACT INFO
Chiswick Gunnersbury ward
Cllr Joanna Biddolph joanna.biddolph@hounslow.gov.uk 07976 703446
Cllr Vickram Grewal vickram.grewal@hounslow.gov.uk 07904 184099
Cllr Ron Mushiso ron.mushiso@hounslow.gov.uk 07976 702887
Chiswick Homefields ward
Cllr Michael Denniss Michael.Denniss@hounslow.gov.uk
Cllr Jack Emsley jack.emsley@hounslow.gov.uk 07977 396017
Cllr Linden Grigg Linden.Grigg@hounslow.gov.uk 07779 436258
Chiswick Riverside ward
Cllr Gabriella Giles gabriella.giles@hounslow.gov.uk 07966 270823
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