Quick Update from Councillor Harmer

On St Paul's playground and Brook Road South

This isn't a full bulletin (you'll be relieved to hear) but just an update on a couple of things.

New playground at St Paul's Recreation Ground

Some readers wrote to me regarding the new playground proposed at St Paul's Recreation Ground, with some asking if any consultation had taken place or was planned. That was the first question I asked when I saw the plans about three weeks ago. I was told that the situation regarding the funding had made it necessary to get a move on. The full plan can be downloaded in pdf form.

That's fair enough but there are many users of the playground who will be able to offer suggestions. Some have, and thanks for that. I've arranged for one of the council's staff members with responsibility for the playground to come down to St Paul's Church Hall next Monday 6th December from 2pm to 3.30pm. If you are interested and able to come down then I look forward to seeing you there. If you are unable to come down then emailed contributions will all be passed on (if you've already done so then no need to do so again). Come down a little early, if you can, and have one of the excellent Open House lunches.

To be honest, we won't be able to start all over again but we will be able to refine the plans, which have, so far, been very well received.

Brook Road South - Double Yellow Lines

Others wrote regarding a proposal to put double yellow lines at the corners of some of the roads off Brook Road South. The borough has never consulted on these proposals in the same way that it does with planning proposals and time pressures prevented us getting an info letter out, as we have elsewhere. However I have received plenty of emails on this subject. The final decision will be made by councillors at a future Area Committee meeting. I don't know the date yet but will let people know when I know. The proposals originated from the consultation that resulted in a 'No' vote for controlled parking and I'm very well aware of the irony of residents choosing to not have parking controls being followed by plans to, er, control the parking.

The first location map is from Brook Lane North down to Clifden Road. The second is from Clifden down to Albany Road.

Last weekend's murder

Finally, you'll probably have heard about the awful events of last weekend, which ended in the murder of a local resident in New Road. Quite possibly like you, I've walked past the site too many times to count. Whilst we always need to be careful I hope that this won't lead to undue worry. Local police are stepping up patrols and are always available to speak with concerned residents at times like these. Let me know if you wish to put you in touch with them.

* Can I help? *

As a councillor, my first task is to try and assist residents with problems. Please get in touch if you think I can help, either by emailing matt@mattharmer.com or calling 020 8560 7033.
In the meantime, thanks for reading.


Matt Harmer
153 Ealing Rd
Brentford, Middlesex TW8 0LF
020 8560 7033

December 1, 2010