Cllr Crouch's August 2026 Update
Whilst it has been a typically wet August bank holiday, the period since my election in May has been marked by a long, hot summer. It is a reminder that climate change is changing the way in which we live. Hounslow Council will need to plant more trees to provide shelter and these will need to be species appropriate for our changing environment. Sadly, too many trees planted recently are already deceased and have not been planted correctly.
The heat has created a phenomenon known as ‘false autumn’ whereby trees shed their leaves earlier than normal due to distress caused by the heat. These dry, crisp leaves are accumulating on roads and pavements causing blockages in drains and the risk of flooding. I have raised this issue with the Council and urged them to bring forward the clearance of leaves not only in Isleworth, the ward I represent, but across the Borough.
In Isleworth, I have met many residents and organisations since my election. The picture above was taken when I visited the weekly Community Pantry at The Bridgelink Centre on the Ivybridge Estate.
Area Forums
Councillors and local residents take part in Area Forums over the coming months. It is a good opportunity to raise local issues, to contribute to the discussion and recommended if you are thinking of standing at a future election.
Councillors for Isleworth, including myself, and our neighbouring wards (Hounslow South & Osterley and Spring Grove) are taking part in the Area Forum which will take place at Isleworth Public Hall on Monday, 14th September
More details of all the Area Forums are available by clicking here.
Council News
At the last Full Council I joined other opposition councillors and opposed Labour’s increases in members’ allowances. It is right that councillors receive remuneration for their work. I accept that the Cabinet do additional work, however, the increases were extortionate and did not take into account the financial pressures local residents are experiencing. As Labour have a small majority on the Council, the increases were approved. I am donating the increase above the 2025/2026 allowance to the Mayor’s charity: Age UK Hounslow.
Whilst there are no primary school closures imminent, falling birth rates are an issue. I felt the leak of a letter between one Cabinet member and the Leader of the Council was deeply irresponsible and caused unnecessary anxiety before the summer holidays. I have received assurances that if and when necessary full consultation procedures will be followed.
In addition to Full Council, I am a member of the Health and Adults Care Scrutiny Panel. As a first project, we will be scrutinising the experience of adult carers in the Borough. If you are a carer for another adult, I would be interested to learn about your experiences. Please drop me a line.
Isleworth: a strong community
Since my election, it has been great to meet so many residents and local organisations which make Isleworth such a great place to live. I have met with the following organisations (links to their websites in case you want to find out more about their work):
The Friends of Northcote Nature Reserve
The Royal British Legion - Isleworth branch
The Old Isleworth Four Road Residents’ Association
The Isleworth Police Panel
The United Ivybridge Residents’ Association
I was also able to attend the Mayor’s unveiling of the new orchard themed mosaic at Isleworth station designed by children from two local primary schools. The Friends of Isleworth Station secured funding through Hounslow’s Thriving Communities Fund.
Casework
The most important task of a councillor is helping residents resolve problems. The casework I have taken on has been varied and has included housing issues, planning complaints, and problems caused by rubbish and flytipping.
My Labour ward colleague, Cllr Shaheen, and myself joined officers on a ward walk around part of Ivybridge estate. There were a number of issues, mainly relating to estate maintenance, that we are following up with officers.
If you need my help with any matters please do not hesitate to contact me. I also hold a monthly surgery at the St John Community Centre on the first Saturday of each month between 10am and 12noon. The next surgery will be on 5th September. I realise a Saturday morning is not convenient for everyone so I will be adding a weekday surgery soon.
Working with our Assembly Member, Gareth Roberts
In addition to being the Leader of Richmond Council, Gareth is the London Assembly Member for South West London, which includes Hounslow.
Together we have raised the issue of Thames Water losing 569 million litres of water each year: the equivalent of 228 Olympic sized swimming pools each year. You can read about it on our website here.
The Liberal Democrats are opposed to the expansion of Heathrow airport. Heathrow is important to our local economy but there is no case for expansion and the associated increase in pollution, noise and congestion. Along with other Council leaders, Gareth has written to the Government in this letter.
I am not sure why no Labour leader of any London council, including Hounslow, has signed the letter - I can only speculate!
Can you help?
Being the only Liberal Democrat councillor on Hounslow Council brings with it some challenges. Most, but not all, of my colleagues have been co-operative, however, I am keen to grow the Liberal Democrat presence in Hounslow.
If you are able to help in any way, please do let me know. Help could take the form of alerting me to issues affecting the Borough, helping deliver leaflets, or joining our campaigns. Donations to help cover the cost of printing are also welcome - you can donate by clicking here.
Additionally, if you would like to get involved with the local party, please do get in touch with me.
Kind regards,
Cllr Roger Crouch
Councillor, Isleworth Ward