SoGA, Idling Diesel Trains and Disappearing Road Signs
Chiswick Riverside councillor Peter Thompson reports back
Have road signs on Thames Road been abducted by aliens?
April 19, 2025
Happy Easter
As we celebrate Easter, one of the most important festivals in the Christian calendar, I would like to take a moment to reflect on its enduring meaning for our community here in Chiswick. Across our local churches, hundreds of residents will gather to mark this season of hope, renewal, and new beginnings, rooted in the timeless message of faith, sacrifice, and resurrection.
This year brings a rare event: both Western and Eastern Christians will celebrate Easter on the same day, Sunday, April 20th. This alignment between Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox traditions happens only occasionally, making this year’s celebrations particularly significant. It is wonderful that the Orthodox Christian community will celebrate at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God and the Holy Royal Martyrs, here in Chiswick, on the same day as other Christians locally, a powerful sign of unity in faith.
Easter also reminds us of the rich Christian heritage that continues to shape our community. Our churches play a vital role, offering spiritual support, practical help, and a place of welcome for all. From food banks and social outreach projects to youth programmes and elderly support, they make a real difference to many lives across Chiswick, regardless of faith or background.
At a time when so much can divide us, Easter calls us back to what unites us: hope, renewal, and a sense of belonging. I would like to wish everyone in our community a peaceful, joyful, and blessed Easter.
Supporting Our Community: Reflections on SoGA’s Work
It was a pleasure to attend the Strand on the Green Association (SoGA) AGM and social event on 8 April, kindly hosted again by Fullers. It was a lively, well-attended evening, and a great example of community spirit in action.
The Committee’s report was a strong reminder of how vital groups like SoGA are to our local life. Their persistent engagement with the London Borough of Hounslow on the urgent need for repairs to the river wall is a model of constructive campaigning. I am particularly pleased to see how SoGA’s efforts, supported by councillors like myself and especially Cllr Giles, have helped to accelerate the council’s response. A detailed survey has been commissioned, and we continue to push for proper long-term maintenance without damaging the historic character of the wall.
SoGA’s work on parking restrictions also highlights their thoughtful approach to local issues. They are urging that the additional time restrictions in the Strand on the Green CPZ apply only on Brentford match days, mirroring the common-sense arrangements seen in Richmond. Daily restrictions place an unfair burden on residents with visitors, as well as on local businesses like our pubs and restaurants. Thanks to strong local campaigning, including a petition signed by over 400 residents, a review consultation is expected soon. Cllr Giles and I are proud to continue backing this campaign to ensure residents' voices are heard loud and clear.
SoGA’s vibrant programme of events, from community socials to the Photography in the Arch project, shows how much a committed residents’ group can achieve to bring people together and celebrate the life of our area.
Tackling Diesel Train Idling at Brooks Lane Footbridge
Recently, residents living near Waldeck Road and Regent Street contacted me about the growing problem of diesel freight trains idling for extended periods just before the Brooks Lane footbridge. Trains have frequently been observed idling for over an hour, causing significant noise disruption and understandable worries about air quality, especially with the Strand on the Green Junior and Infant School so nearby.
As both a local councillor and a resident of one of the streets in question, I raised these concerns directly with Network Rail. I referred to national guidance, which identifies sidings in residential areas as sensitive locations where diesel engine idling should be minimised wherever possible.
Network Rail has now responded. They confirmed that, with one exception, most freight trains are booked to stand for an average of 13–22 minutes. The exception, a service idling for 65 minutes every weekday morning, is due to cease soon as their contract ends, which should bring some improvement.
While diesel engines must remain running to maintain critical safety systems such as brake compressors, Network Rail has agreed to explore options for relocating trains if future idling times become excessive again. They also rightly pointed out the important environmental benefits of rail freight in removing thousands of HGV journeys from London’s roads.
I will continue to monitor the situation (from my bedroom window!) and to push for further improvements wherever possible.
The Curious Case of the Disappearing Road Signs
Every councillor expects to deal with potholes, planning issues, and parking headaches — but sometimes, a mystery comes along that would challenge even the sharpest detective.
Recently, the one-way priority signs on Thames Road, by the railway bridge, simply disappeared without warning. One day, they were there, helping drivers safely negotiate the notoriously narrow bridge. The next day — poof — they had vanished. No warning, no official notice, no sign of removal crews.
Had they been stolen? Taken away in error? Abducted by aliens? We may never know. What we do know is that the council had no record of any authorised removal.
After a few phone calls and quite a bit of head-scratching, replacements have been ordered, and the signs will soon be back where they belong.
In the meantime, thank you to local drivers who have been navigating the bridge carefully and for avoiding a daily game of chicken under the railway! If anyone has any leads on the original signs’ fate, I’m all ears.
Broken Promises and Growing Problems in Hounslow
As Leader of the Conservative Group on Hounslow Council, I attend Cabinet meetings under open invitation. Sadly, last week’s meeting once again confirmed that Labour’s big promises continue to fall short for residents.
Homelessness in Hounslow has tripled since 2019 — giving us one of the worst records in London — yet Labour’s new Housing Strategy offers little more than vague ambitions with no firm delivery plans or new funding. It speaks of retrofitting homes, expanding enforcement, and delivering new housing, but with no detailed costs, timelines, or targets. Meanwhile, thousands of families remain stuck in overcrowded flats, waiting years for a suitable home. Family-sized housing, so desperately needed, gets only a passing mention.
Labour’s £253,000 Enforcement Review won’t be fully delivered until 2027. Residents grappling with fly-tipping, antisocial behaviour, and street crime need real action now, not another round of internal reviews and reports. Hounslow Conservatives will continue to hold them to account and fight for a council that delivers real results.
Cllr Peter Thompson
peter.thompson@hounslow.gov.uk
07977 395810
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2025
Anyone can attend public meetings of the council at Hounslow House which is fully accessible. Most meetings take place on the 6th floor of Hounslow House which is at 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB.
Council Meetings - Borough Council
- 27 May 2025 7:30 pm - Annual Meeting of the Council
- 22 Jul 2025 7:30 pm
There is public access for these meetings via a direct lift from the ground floor to the Council Meeting Room
6th Floor, Hounslow House, 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB
Council Meetings – Overview and Scrutiny Committee
6th Floor, Hounslow House, 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB
Council Meetings – Audit and Governance Committee
- 15 Jul 2025 7.00pm
- 4 Nov 2025 7:00 pm
6th Floor, Hounslow House, 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB
EASTER HOLIDAY SUPPORT
Important Current Local Issues
During weekends and regular Public Holidays, residents can still access council services on-line or via emergency numbers:
To inform the council of an emergency, please call 020 8583 2222
CONSERVATIVE COUNCILLOR SURGERIES
Chiswick: Every Saturday from 9.30am to 10.30am at Chiswick Library (the eight Conservative councillors take this surgery in turn).
Gunnersbury: First Saturday of the month from 10am to 11am at The Gunnersbury Triangle Club, Triangle Way, off The Ridgeway, W3 8LU (at least one of the Chiswick Gunnersbury ward councillors takes this surgery).
CONSERVATIVE COUNCILLORS and CONTACTS
Chiswick Gunnersbury ward
Cllr Joanna Biddolph joanna.biddolph@hounslow.gov.uk 07976 703446
Cllr Ranjit Gill ranjit.gill@hounslow.gov.uk 07976 702956
Cllr Ron Mushiso ron.mushiso@hounslow.gov.uk 07976 702887
Chiswick Homefields ward
Cllr Jack Emsley jack.emsley@hounslow.gov.uk 07977 396017
Cllr Gerald McGregor gerald.mcgregor@hounslow.gov.uk 07866 784821
Cllr John Todd john.todd@hounslow.gov.uk 07866 784651
Chiswick Riverside ward
Cllr Gabriella Giles gabriella.giles@hounslow.gov.uk 07966 270823
Cllr Peter Thompson peter.thompson@hounslow.gov.uk 07977 395810
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