Cllr Crouch's September 2026 Update
September always seems to me to be like a new beginning: a new season, a new academic year, and the start of a new political year with party conferences and, after the summer, the return of Council meetings. This autumn saw the arrival of several consultations: two from Transport for London and one from Thames Water. They all have implications for both Isleworth and Hounslow residents. Let’s look at them in turn.
West London Orbital
This is a proposal to create a new London Overground line, using existing freight lines, linking Hounslow to Hendon. It would take in Isleworth station and a new proposed station at Lionel Road, adjacent to Brentford FC’s stadium. More importantly, in terms, of connectivity the line would connect to HS2 (if it is ever completed!) and underground lines into central London at Old Oak Common. Increasing public transport options are welcome, although I acknowledge the issue of impacted level crossings at Wood Lane and in Acton needs to be resolved. The consultation page is available by clicking here.
Cycleway 9
Another Transport for London consultation is underway regarding the extension of Cycleway 9 from Syon Park to Hounslow town centre. My preferred method of transportation is my feet, but I also cycle, use a car, and regularly use the rickety H20 bus to get to and from work. Too often the issue of cycle infrastructure has become a battle between different methods of transportation. Broadly, I am in favour of the extension of Cycleway 9 but the purpose of this consultation, I hope, is to iron out problematic points, such as the Isleworth parade of shops on London Road, and to also consider alternative quieter routes. I often think that those who use the bus, and need quick, reliable services, tend to get overlooked in TfL’s plans. The consultation page and details of forthcoming consultation events are here.
More misery for Mogden residents
Thames Water are currently running “a targeted consultation” on changes to the proposed tunnel linking Mogden sewage treatment works to the River Thames at Ham: the Teddington Direct River Abstraction project. The construction will have a huge impact on residents: the scheme itself has the potential to become a multi-million environmental disgrace. My letter to residents is here.
Civic pride & anti-social behaviour
I have been working with residents who are concerned about increasing anti-social behaviour in Old Isleworth. I am pleased that some of the administration’s Cabinet members have talked about improving civic pride and the public realm. I am less pleased that it seems to be taking an age to sort out issues such as fly tipping and overflowing bins. These create conditions which attract anti-social behaviour.
To be blunt, there are insufficient police officers in our communities. My Liberal Democrat colleague and London Assembly member for Hounslow, Gareth Roberts, quizzed the Deputy Mayor for Policing on these points: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DdpGpEEM7Ct/
Party Conference Season
The Prime Minister’s commitment to electoral reform and finding a way to forge a closer relationship with the European Union are welcome. I suspect the Prime Minister will discover his party will find ways to frustrate him. Locally, the last Full Council, was a reminder that Labour’s instinct is to control, to avoid scrutiny and to cling to power. My party’s conference platform used words from our constitution, “no one shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity” and we are committed to “liberty, equality and community.” If you want to find out more, get involved or want to represent your community in the future, please do get in touch.
As ever, comments and replies are welcome.
Kind regards,
Cllr Roger Crouch
Councillor, Isleworth Ward