The Bedfont and Feltham Area Forum met on Thursday 24 September 2026, discussing a range of local issues including the condition of Bedfont High Street, anti-social behaviour, and improvements to local parks and community spaces. Decisions were made regarding the ongoing efforts to address fly-tipping and improve public realm in Bedfont, and updates were provided on various action plan items aimed at enhancing community life and safety across the borough.

Bedfont High Street Improvements

Councillor Gerry Lieberman provided an extensive update on the ongoing issues affecting Bedfont High Street, formerly known as Staines Road. He highlighted the persistent problems of parking, pavement damage caused by tree roots, and the general run-down state of the area, illustrating the deterioration with a series of photographs dating back to 2008. Councillor Lieberman emphasised a new approach to tackle these long-standing issues, which involves bringing together all relevant parties, including council officers, private companies, business owners, housing representatives, councillors, and residents, to ensure a coordinated effort. He stressed the importance of residents reporting problems through the council's website or Fix My Streets, as the more people who report a particular problem or an incident, the more evidence there is to demonstrate that it needs to be prioritised. Councillor Adesh Farmahan added that recent efforts had already begun, with a ward walk identifying specific issues. This has led to a commitment from participating departments for immediate action on car parking issues, including vehicles on double yellow lines and pavements, and the reinstatement of disabled parking bays.

Anti-Social Behaviour and Community Safety

Councillor Alan Mitchell and Councillor Madeeha Asim provided an update on the Feltham High Street Engagement initiative, highlighting strengthened relationships and reporting routes across Feltham networks. They reported consistent multi-agency presence on the high street, with joint patrols involving the Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) and Safer Communities. A new Feltham Business Ward Panel has been established to provide a formal forum for businesses to raise concerns. Councillor Mitchell also noted improvements in collaboration with Youth Justice and adolescent services, aiming for a balanced approach between enforcement and intervention.

During the Open Forum, residents raised significant concerns about anti-social behaviour, including issues with street lighting, abandoned vehicles, and a general feeling that the council was not adequately addressing problems on local estates. Councillor David Kerr acknowledged the widespread problem of enforcing parking regulations and dealing with damaged or abandoned cars, stating that he was personally looking into it. An officer from the Safer Communities team, Farzana Wangde, addressed concerns about rough sleeping and associated issues such as public urination and the presence of needles and condoms near children's play areas. She acknowledged the complexity of the situation and stated that more resources were being allocated to the rough sleeping team. Councillor Tony Brown agreed with residents that resources were often disproportionately allocated to more affluent parts of the borough and committed to putting Feltham first.

Local Park and Green Space Improvements

Emily Miller provided an update on Bedfont Lakes Country Park, acknowledging that the site's facilities and infrastructure were in need of improvement. She highlighted ongoing efforts, including the relaunch of open water swimming and aspirations for larger site improvements. The Friends of Bedfont Lakes Country Park group has also been relaunched, supporting user-led initiatives. Councillor Russell Haynes discussed the use of Bedfont Green, noting that while informal football play by young children occurred, there was a need to balance this with the safety of pedestrians. He stated that Parks were monitoring the situation and would engage with young people to find a community-led solution.

Councillor Mitchell announced that the family area at Feltham Green was scheduled to officially open on 23 October 2026, following technical design and procurement issues. George, representing Friends of Feltham Green, provided further details on the delays to the children's playground construction, citing issues with suppliers and equipment.

Action Plan Updates and Community Initiatives

Councillor Adesh Farmahan provided an update on the Bedfont Pits action plan, noting that the site had been adopted and was now managed by the countryside rangers. Efforts are underway to reduce scrub and deter fly-tipping, with residents actively involved in monthly litter picks. Councillor Russell Haynes outlined plans to establish a Bedfont Community Stakeholder Group to encourage collaboration and develop projects that benefit the wider community, with initial ideas including a community carnival and heritage walks.

Councillor Muhammad Akram provided an update on the Baber Bridge Improvements project, stating that the project remained in the design stages, with a consultant being appointed. He noted that construction funding had not yet been secured, meaning no firm delivery date could be provided.

The meeting also featured a Community Spotlight presentation by ABX Martial Arts, who shared details of their work teaching children fitness and discipline.

Open Forum Discussions

During the Open Forum, numerous residents raised concerns about various local issues. These included the condition of roads, such as Sparrow Farm Road, where resurfacing is still awaiting funding. There were also discussions about the speed of cars on Staines Road, Bedfont, and the need for traffic calming measures. Concerns were raised about the lack of facilities for homeless individuals in Feltham, leading to public urination and the presence of needles and condoms near children's play areas. Councillor Kerr emphasised the importance of residents reporting issues to the police to generate data that would prompt action.

A resident raised concerns about the visual impact of washing displayed on balconies in Bedfont, describing it as unsightly. Councillor Russell Haynes stated he would follow up on this issue. George, a member of Friends of Feltham Green, expressed frustration over the ongoing delays in improving Feltham Green, but Councillor Mitchell confirmed the family area was due to open on 23 October.

Finally, a resident from Lower Feltham inquired about the replacement of a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) who had moved to Thames Valley Police. Councillor Tony Brown confirmed that the PCSO would be replaced, but the Metropolitan Police were experiencing recruitment shortages, making it difficult to provide a timeline. The issue of resources being perceived as favouring the east of the borough over Feltham was also raised.