Local councillor Sam Hearn's blog about his week

Cllr Sam Hearn who represents the Riverside ward inChiswick, is chairman of the Chiswick Area Forum. He has written this account of his week as a busy local councillor

Friday 10rd June: To Chiswick Business Park for a breakfast meeting of the Chiswick Business Forum at the offices of an amazing company called QVC. Mary Macleod handed the chairmanship of the forum over to James Cracknell. The theme of the meeting was the “The Future of the EU” and included a debate between Chiswick resident (and former councillor) Sir Gerald Howarth MP and Paul Kahn, President of Airbus Group UK.

Saturday 11th June: On the gate at Strand-on-the Green Summer Fair collecting entrance money and handing out programmes. The weather was kind to us and everyone was clearly having a great time. In the afternoon it was on to the Elmwood Road street party. One of the events was a performance of an abridged version of Macbeth by the St Michael’s Players. The weird sisters were outstanding but as my son pointed out, why should Macbeth rely on their prophecy of him becoming king when they do not even know when they will be meeting again.

Sunday 12th June: Queen’s birthday party picnic at St Paul’s vicarage, Grove Park. Heavy rain does not dampen spirits for what became an indoor event. There was a good turnout. I discover from an email that I have missed yesterday’s councillors’ surgery at Chiswick Library and am being roundly and quite rightly pilloried on the ChiswickW4. A diary malfunction I am afraid for which I can only apologise. I have a little more sympathy for the Macbeth’s witches who were at least trying to sort their diaries out …..

Monday 13th June: New trees have appeared as promised opposite the Station House pub. They will provide an effective screen for the railway line and the rather non-descript fencing. Well done SOGA and Gareth Jones, an energetic LBH officer. Phase two of this project is still in the pipeline. This good news contrasts with the problems being experienced by residents of Oxford Gardens who are being told that diseased trees that have been felled in their street will not be replaced. To Strand on the Green School Junior school for a Governors’ meeting. There is a full agenda and a great deal for us to discuss.

Tuesday 14th June: More phone calls and emails from a resident who wants to build on a plot of land in the ward on which two previous applications have been refused. I listen as politely as I can and offer suggestions for ways that he can seek redress.

Wednesday 15th June: Phone calls from a resident distressed at building works that have just started next door to her. I was not much use I am afraid – there are limits to what any councillor can do.

Thursday 16th June: To the Civic Centre to discuss the agenda for next month’s Pension Fund Board meeting with Hounslow’s Lorelei Watson. For some reason there are several people from Chiswick at the Civic Centre who I chat with briefly and come away much wiser or should I say better informed?

June 17, 2016