The Chiswick Area Forum met on Tuesday, 24 September 2024, to discuss a range of local issues. Key topics included an update on plans for Hogarth Roundabout, a housing update on damp and mould, and ongoing concerns regarding waste from Mogden Sewage Works. The meeting also featured presentations on digital poverty and digitalisation efforts in Hounslow, as well as updates on local cultural initiatives and the Chiswick House and Gardens project.

Hogarth Roundabout Update

Transport for London (TfL) provided an update on the proposed changes for Hogarth Roundabout. Andrew Hatch and Timothy McKay from TfL reported that a public consultation on the proposals had recently closed, receiving approximately 1,000 responses. TfL is currently reviewing these responses and will publish a report detailing the themes raised and TfL's proposed actions. The primary driver for the scheme is road safety, as Hogarth Roundabout is identified as being in the top 10% of London junctions for road danger risk, with powered two-wheel vehicle users being particularly vulnerable.

Concerns were raised by residents regarding the accuracy and specificity of accident data presented by TfL, with one resident stating that the data did not clearly identify accident locations or causes. Mr Hatch acknowledged that some accident data was vague but assured that TfL uses multiple data sources, including camera footage and Stats19 police data, to inform their proposals.

The potential closure of Church Street to facilitate the addition of a fourth lane was also discussed. Timothy McKay explained that this decision was dependent on the results of a structural survey of the flyover, expected within a month. Residents expressed concerns about the impact of road closures on disabled drivers and the potential for increased congestion. TfL reassured that the A316 is a strategic route and the proposals aim to improve traffic flow.

Further concerns were raised about the complexity of journeys into Old Chiswick village, the enforcement of 20mph speed limits, and the cost-effectiveness of the proposals compared to improved signage. TfL confirmed that all schemes undergo a three-stage road safety audit and that more cost-effective signage options are also being considered. The potential impact of traffic light phasing and the addition of a dedicated left-turn lane were also discussed, with TfL stating that signal timings would be adjusted and the left-turn lane would be designed to improve traffic flow.

Councillor Joanna Biddolph questioned the necessity of seating on the roundabout, while Timothy McKay explained that data indicated the roundabout was a key interchange point for cyclists and that seating was considered for older residents using the subway. Councillor Biddolph requested to see the data supporting the roundabout's strategic importance for cyclists.

Housing Update on Damp and Mould

Oxana Stratan, Head of Tenancy Management, provided an update on damp and mould repairs across the borough. Between April 2022 and September 2024, there were 5,707 reports of damp and mould repairs, with 518 in the Chiswick area. Of these, 2,080 homes had been inspected, and 3,627 had remedial works completed. Ms Stratan emphasised the Council's commitment to ensuring residents live in safe, healthy homes and highlighted the introduction of a Healthy Home Taskforce in July 2023, with an additional £1 million invested to address damp and mould issues.

Councillor Gerald McGregor questioned the number of tenants withholding rent due to the Council failing to meet habitable home standards and asked about the standards used for damp treatment. Ms Stratan was unaware of any such cases and offered to provide technical details to the asset management team for specific addresses.

Waste from Mogden Sewage Works

Councillor Gabriella Giles, Chair of the Thames Landscape Strategy, provided an update on concerns regarding waste from Mogden Sewage Works being discharged into the Thames during rainfall. A public consultation on using treated water as part of a water extraction programme had taken place, but the results were not yet published. Councillor Giles confirmed the item would remain on the issue tracker.

A member of the public asked for clarification on the difference between untreated sewage from storm water tanks and the chemically treated water discharged from the sewage works. Councillor Giles explained that during heavy rainfall, Thames Water is permitted to discharge chemically treated water due to tank overflows. She also detailed a consultation focusing on tertiary extraction, where water would be taken from the Thames, treated, and returned, noting concerns raised about the potential impact of chemicals on local ecology and biodiversity.

Digitalisation and Digital Poverty

Joel Tiller, Head of Policy & Insights at the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA), presented on the organisation's work to eliminate digital poverty by 2030. He highlighted that 19 million adults in the UK face digital poverty, with significant barriers to connectivity and digital skills. Approximately 20% of adults have low digital capability, and 6% of households lack home internet access. Mr Tiller stressed that providing devices and internet access alone is insufficient, and a comprehensive approach addressing economic disparities is needed. The DPA collaborates with various organisations to develop strategies and initiatives, including their 'Tech for Schools' program.

James Carroll, Digital Adoption and Inclusion Lead for Hounslow Council, outlined the Council's efforts to improve residents' digital skills. Free courses and digital drop-in sessions are offered across the borough, with rotating locations to ensure accessibility. These sessions provide support for everyday digital tasks and longer-term learning, such as using Microsoft Excel. The Council is also seeking Digital Champions to help run more sessions. Mr Carroll acknowledged concerns about poor mobile signal and reception in Hounslow and stated that the IT team works with network providers to address infrastructure issues. He also noted that face-to-face training is preferred by many residents.

Residents raised frustrations about the increasing digitisation of services, such as parking payments and GP appointments, with a preference for traditional payment methods and face-to-face interactions. Mr Tiller acknowledged the stress some individuals feel about being forced into a digital world and the need for training to alleviate anxiety. A resident also highlighted the importance of keeping local post offices open as an alternative for banking services.

Chiswick House and Gardens Project

Xanthe Arvanitakis, Director of Chiswick House and Gardens, provided an update on the Cedar Yards and Creative Campus project. The Trust aims to deliver more health and well-being initiatives for the community and is seeking to utilise unused buildings on the site. Plans include a community engagement program, 'Growing Together at Chiswick,' focusing on outdoor areas, and a two-acre kitchen garden. A new Learning Hub is planned, which could host educational activities, digital learning, yoga, and arts classes. Ms Arvanitakis noted that a third of the required funds have been raised and expressed confidence in securing the remainder.

Concerns were raised by a resident about potential increases in traffic on The Avenue due to the development, but Ms Arvanitakis stated that traffic management is being considered and a large-scale increase is not anticipated. The condition of the conservatory was also raised, with Ms Arvanitakis confirming that repairs are factored into future plans, though the Cedar Yards and Creative Campus project will be prioritised for quicker social and charitable impact. Councillors Amy Croft and John Todd declared their trusteeship of the Chiswick House and Gardens Trust.

Other Issues Discussed

Issue Tracking: Several ongoing issues were reviewed. The problem of abandoned e-bikes remains, and it was agreed to keep the issue on the tracker. The No Mow May initiative was discussed, with Hounslow Highways explaining that the service has been brought in-house and the Natural Summer approach in 2024 involved reduced areas of un-mown grass, leading to visible improvements. This item was removed from the tracker. The zebra crossing at Fishers Lane was noted as being included in the health centre development plans, with Councillor Biddolph to monitor its installation. The Fix my street app notifications were acknowledged as causing confusion, and Hounslow Highways will investigate solutions. The issue of contactless card parking machines in Chiswick was added to the tracker for investigation.

Gunnersbury Park Events: A resident raised concerns about noise levels and anti-social behaviour during festivals held at Gunnersbury Park. The Council stated that events operate within permitted noise levels, with technical officers monitoring decibel levels. Complaint numbers for recent events were still being compiled. Councillor Biddolph noted that changes to event layouts are made annually, and debrief sessions for residents are scheduled for October.

Bus Route 27: A resident requested the reinstatement of the number 27 bus route, highlighting its importance for north-south travel in Chiswick, including access to Paddington Station and St Mary's Hospital. TfL stated that the route was shortened due to insufficient demand but will continue to monitor usage.

Street Violence: Sergeant Gareth O'Donnell from Chiswick's Safer Neighbourhood Team addressed concerns about an increase in street violence, particularly against school children. He reported that perpetrators are often youths from other areas targeting children with phones and AirPods. Policing plans include plain-clothed and high-visibility patrols, and a Schools Officer is working with local schools.

Uber/Bolt Services: A resident reported difficulties in getting Uber or Bolt vehicles to travel to Thames Road due to restricted operating hours, with both the Council and ride-sharing companies pointing to each other as the cause. Councillor Giles stated she would ask the Assistant Director of Traffic & Transport to revisit the challenges.

EV Charging Points: A resident reported that EV charging points in Netheravon Road had not been working for some time. Hounslow Highways confirmed that approximately 80 charging points are no longer maintained by the operator and are temporarily decommissioned, with proposals to replace and extend EV charging coverage across the borough.

Theft from and of Motor Vehicles: Residents reported several break-ins and thefts of SUVs in Wavendon Avenue and Alwyn Avenue, expressing frustration at a lack of police response. Councillors acknowledged the issue and had met with residents.

Abinger Road Speed: A resident raised concerns about Abinger Road being used as a rat run and submitted a petition requesting measures to reduce speed and traffic volume. Councillor McGregor agreed to pursue the issue with the Council's traffic and transport department.

Hounslow PFI Update: Updates were provided on pavement repairs, with Hounslow Highways recommending reporting hazardous footpaths via the 'Fix my street' website. The priority order of roads for pavement repairs may be revisited by councillors. Concerns were raised about tarmac damage caused by trees on Dukes Avenue and confusing parking signage in Grove Park piazza. The replanting of trees on Regent Street was confirmed once funding is available. The complexity of tree cutting in Staveley Gardens was explained, with residents asked to provide their addresses for clarification of responsibility. Signage placement impacting wheelchair and disabled car users was also noted. Weeding efforts were discussed, with a suggestion for a foam stream system, which Hounslow Highways deemed not appropriate for the borough. The leafing schedule for 2024/25 will be published in mid-October, and a report on the Strand on the Green wall is being prepared for the Capital Strategy Board.

The meeting concluded at 10:05 pm.