Cllr Crouch's October 2026 Update
September's newsletter focussed on consultations and this newsletter continues the theme. Whilst the Cycleway 9 consultation has now closed, one remains open and a new one appears on an issue that Andy Burnham could close down using Prime Ministerial authority. Details below about the consultations and what I have been up to in October are below.
West London Orbital
The Transport for London consultation remains open and there is a drop-in consultation at Hounslow Library in Hounslow House this coming Saturday, 7th November between 11am and 2pm. I will be attending the drop-in with Liberal Democrat London Wide Assembly Member, Hina Bokhari. We are both keen to know what you think about the plans including suggestions that the line should be extended to Whitton and Twickenham.
Please find here our very short survey: West London Orbital
Heathrow Expansion
Heathrow Airport's consultation on expansion to include a 3rd runway has landed. The consultation page is here: Heathrow Expansion and there are a number of consultation events planned across Hounslow before the consultation closes on 22nd December.
The Liberal Democrats remain opposed to a 3rd runway. I was pleased to see Liberal Democrat led Richmond Council, along with other London councils (but not Hounslow), have stated their objections. Richmond Council stated, and I share the view, that they “...are concerned that the draft policy gives too much weight to expansion and not enough protection to communities already affected by aircraft noise, air pollution and congestion. We are particularly concerned about the potential for reduced noise respite, increased or concentrated flight paths, insufficient night-flight protections, worsening air quality, higher carbon emissions and increased pressure on local and strategic transport networks.”
To encourage the Prime Minister to put a stop to a project he seems ambiguous about, I encourage all residents to take part in the consultation.
Planning
Due to a series of errors, Hounslow Council held a Special Meeting to pass changes to the Council Constitution regarding the way in which planning applications are handled. This is required due to changes in national legislation. You can read more from me on the issue on the excellent Chiswick Calendar website: Planning reforms mean the public are increasingly powerless
Remembrance
Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day are important days in the national life of our country when we remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms. I was amazed by the generosity of shoppers when I joined the Isleworth branch of the Royal British Legion selling poppies at the Tesco Extra Twickenham.
On Remembrance Sunday, there are services across Hounslow - details here: Remembrance Sunday. I will be joining the service in Isleworth.
Short items
This month I joined residents and police on a walk on residential streets near South Street, Isleworth where anti-social behaviour is a concern. Lack of policing remains a huge concern for outer London boroughs.
I was very concerned that Hounslow scored very badly in the Children's Commissioner' report on children's life chances. Out of 149 English local authorities, Hounslow was placed at 148. It was later revealed that Hounslow had failed to provide all of the data requested by the Children's Commissioner. If the correct data had been provided, Hounslow would be ranked 84th. Not so bad but still concerning when compared with neighbouring authorities.
I am always keen to know what concerns you about Hounslow (or what you would like to celebrate). Please drop me a line. If you need to attend an advice surgery, please also reply to this email for more details.
As ever, comments and replies are welcome.
Kind regards,
Cllr Roger Crouch
Councillor, Isleworth Ward