The Heston and Cranford Area Forum met to discuss local issues, receive updates on ongoing projects, and hear from community organisations. The forum addressed concerns about planning and development, waste management, and community improvements. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 October 2025.

Death of Councillor Sukhbir Dhaliwal

The forum began with a tribute to the late Councillor Sukhbir Dhaliwal, who had served as the vice chair of the Aero Forum. Councillor Gurmail Lal, Chair of the meeting, along with Councillor Gazzala Bhatt and Councillor Vickram Grewal, shared their memories of Councillor Dhaliwal's dedication and service to the community. A minute's silence was observed in his memory. Councillor Vickram Grewal said of Councillor Dhaliwal:

He was a very quiet man, as the Chair said, but when he spoke, everybody listened.

Heston in the Community

Amelia from Heston in the Community gave a presentation on the organisation's activities, which aim to support and educate people in the Heston area. The group offers youth clubs, homework clubs, youth football, and adult wellbeing football. Jessica spoke about the organisation's mission, vision, and values, emphasising inclusion, empowerment, and community commitment. Harshal detailed the specific activities offered, while Petula highlighted the positive impact on the wellbeing of service users. Toby, a junior coach, shared his personal journey from participant to paid staff member.

Councillor Amritpal Mann asked how the organisation measured its success, to ensure that it aligned with council templates for future funding opportunities.

Open Forum

During the open forum, residents raised a number of concerns:

• Metropolitan Open Land: A resident asked about plans to protect the metropolitan open land behind the Wheatlands estate, particularly in light of a potential expansion of the Brentford football club. Councillor Gurmail Lal said he agreed with the resident's sentiments regarding protecting the natural environment, and that he would seek a comprehensive answer from officers.

• Rectory Farm: Navdeep Deal from Heston Action Group raised concerns about plans for Rectory Farm, stating that the current proposal to extract gravel for 12 years before turning it into a park was unacceptable. He also criticised the lack of public awareness regarding planning applications. Councillor Vickram Grewal said that there was no planning application currently, but that the council would do its bit when the time comes.

• Brentford Football Club: A resident questioned Councillor Vickram Grewal about a perceived contradiction in his support for protecting open land, given his abstention on a vote regarding Brentford Football Club's purchase of land. Councillor Vickram Grewal responded that councillors have to weigh up the pros and cons of each issue, balancing the needs of the football club with those of the community.

• Out-of-Hours Support: A resident complained about the lack of out-of-hours support from the council, citing an incident where a tree was felled in a conservation area without approval.

• Anti-Social Behaviour: Another resident raised concerns about anti-social behaviour around licensed premises on Jersey Parade, including overflowing bins and street drinking.

• Eid Prayers in Avenue Park: A resident reiterated a previous concern about the lack of consultation regarding the use of Avenue Park for Eid prayers. Councillor Vickram Grewal said that he would support a re-consultation of that decision for future prayers.

Area Forum Action Plan

The forum reviewed the area forum action plan and provided updates on several ongoing projects:

• Heston Farm Estate Playgrounds: Councillor Aqsa Ahmed reported that the council is working to create a larger, more modern playground on the Heston Farm Estate, with community engagement planned to shape the design. The works are anticipated to be completed by April 2026.

• Avenue Park Improvements: Councillor Gazzala Butt said that residents continue to share ideas for improvements to Avenue Park, including a perimeter path, more bins and benches, and enhanced sports areas. Securing external funding is essential for these enhancements.

• Fly Tipping and ASB in Heston West: Councillor Karamat Malik noted a reduction in fly-tipping due to regular patrols and enforcement, with 21 fixed penalty notices issued. The council is exploring CCTV installation and working with the BP garage for coverage.

• Vicarage Farm Road Issues: Councillor Shivraj Grewal reported on road safety improvements, enforcement actions, and community engagement efforts to address issues behind the shops on Vicarage Farm Road. A WhatsApp group has been set up with residents and businesses to improve local monitoring.

• Church Road Improvements: Councillor Gazzala Butt said that overgrown vegetation has been cleared, fly-tipping is being addressed, and lighting columns have been installed on Church Road. A consultation on proposed red route restrictions is underway.

Other Business

Councillor Shivraj Grewal announced that the council is addressing the issue of flats above shops lacking access to food and dry recycling, with a pilot scheme planned and mandatory implementation expected by March 2026, funded by Defra¹.

A resident asked about the timeline for balcony works on the Heston Farm Estate, and another asked for a review of communication between the council and the community. Taz from Heston in the Loop announced the formation of a friends of Rectory Farm coalition to address concerns about the Rectory Farm development.