Are Estate Agents really a scourge on Chiswick society?

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Love them or loathe them, agents do play a part in our community

Chiswick has the highest number of Estate Agents of any area in London according to a report that appeared in the Evening Standard this week. The article claims that the 27 agents situated on the Chiswick High Road and on Turnham Green Terrace are a rash ‘choking our high streets’ taking up vital retail space and pushing up rents.

However, love them or loath them, a fair few grateful schools and charities would attest to the fact that this industry does also give something back to their community.

St Mary’s R.C. Primary School, Our Lady of Grace & St Edwards Parish, Chiswick Choir, Grove Park School, St Nicholas’ Church, Cancer Research – the list could on of the organisations that have welcomed Estate Agents as generous benefactors to their cause. Granted the agents often get their company’s name emblazoned on boards outside prime Chiswick property announcing their good deed, but doesn’t that make it a win win situation?

Faron Sutaria, based on Turnham Green Terrace, is currently hosting an art exhibition in support of the Royal British Legion. Works by artist Jean-Philippe Ghiglione are on show and available to buy with donations of sales proceeds being made to the British Legion Poppy Appeal. Faron’s Christine Fox said “Farons have been part of the Chiswick community for over 20 years and we are always keen to help the community. We were approached by a Chiswick resident who asked us if we would be interested in sponsoring an event that would help the British Legion and we were happy to oblige.”

Andrew Nunn Associates recently sponsored a primary school Christmas fair – without displaying a single board - and also are loyal promoters of the Chiswick Choir with their charity donations running into thousands of pounds.

Whilst there will always be certain members of this industry that will perpetrate their unprincipled reputation, the charitable people of Chiswick would do well not to tar all agents with the same brush!

August 3, 2005