The Heston and Cranford Area Forum meeting, held on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, saw councillors and residents discuss a range of local issues, with a significant focus on the Pride in Place funded projects and improvements to waste and recycling services. Key decisions included the allocation of funding for various community projects and the introduction of new waste management strategies for flats above shops.

Pride in Place Funded Projects

Mariam Abdallah, Area Regen Manager for Townsville Council, presented an update on the Pride in Place impact fund, a £1.5 million allocation from central government aimed at neighbourhood investment. Several projects across Heston and Cranford were highlighted:

• Heston Community Hub and Library: £5,000 has been allocated for outdoor seating.
• Brabazon Road Playground: A new inclusive playground is being developed with £150,000 in funding, split between the Pride in Place fund and the council's Thriving Communities fund. This project has been a long-standing community request.
• Way Avenue Allotment: Funding will support the installation of a much-needed compostable toilet, improving accessibility for elderly residents and enabling wider activities.
• Cranford Parade Greening Improvements: This project, in partnership with Transport for London, will focus on enhancing green spaces, potentially including cycle hangers, seating, and planting.
• Cranford Local Shopfront Improvement: Mariam Abdallah's team is leading this initiative, which aims to improve the visual appeal of local shopfronts through signage and repainting, encouraging more visitors and spending in the area.

During the discussion, residents raised significant concerns about anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, and drug use in areas like Meda Bank Alley and around Paddy Power. Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council, acknowledged these issues and pledged to work with ward councillors to address them. A resident questioned the rationale behind the funding allocation, and it was clarified that the fund was allocated by central government based on deprivation indicators, with projects then being identified through community needs and existing council programmes. The need for ongoing maintenance of these projects was also raised, with assurances that this was a key consideration from the outset.

Waste and Recycling for Flats Above Shops

Jim Perkins, Head of Waste Recycling and Fleet Services, provided an update on new waste and recycling services for flats above shops, a challenge exacerbated by new legislation introduced in March. The council is moving away from unpopular grit bins to a wheeled bin service to improve cleanliness, security, and recycling rates. New food waste bins are also being introduced.

• Wheeled Bin Service: This will replace grit bins, allowing for better separation of waste and increased recycling.
• Food Waste Bins: These are being introduced to maximise recycling and minimise landfill waste.
• Increased Collection Frequency: In identified hotspot areas, purple sack collections have been increased to five times a week.
• Grit Bins: Some grit bins will remain in use where bins cannot be accommodated, though they will be cleaner and more discreet.
• Purple Sacks: These will continue to be used where bins are not feasible, accompanied by food waste bins and appropriate signage.

The implementation plan starts in September, with services expected to be in place across the borough by the end of December. Residents raised concerns about communication, particularly with language barriers, and the need to start with hotspot areas. Jim Perkins assured that a full communications campaign, including pictorial signage and in-person delivery of caddies, would be undertaken. There was also a request for a clear escalation route for reporting issues with the new scheme.

Open Forum and Action Plan Updates

The Open Forum saw a wide range of issues raised by residents, including persistent fly-tipping, particularly along Church Road and in Henley's Alley, and concerns about the junction of High Street and the A312 in Cranford due to poor road markings and near-miss accidents.

Updates were provided on several items from the Area Action Plan:

• Heston Farm Estate Playground Improvements: The project is now led by the council's housing asset management team and is expected to be completed by April 2027, with a significant proportion of the £300,000 funding allocated to Heston Farm. Concerns about playground lighting were addressed, with assurances that lighting would be on a timer system, likely switching off between 8-9 pm.
• Avenue Park Improvements: Work is progressing well, with surveys completed and vegetation cleared along the River Crane. Additional funding of £416,759 from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and from the Environment Agency will support a new all-weather path, upgraded entrances, benches, bins, and environmental enhancements. Community engagement is ongoing, with activities planned to identify accessibility issues.
• Issues Behind Vicarage Farm Road Shopping Parade: Councillor Salvador Antonio Jose Pereira reported that multi-agency meetings had taken place to address waste, fly-tipping, and environmental issues. The council's special waste service and enforcement team will review commercial waste arrangements, and joint site visits are planned. Household waste collection frequencies have been increased, and new recycling and food waste services are being developed. Residents raised concerns about inadequate waste storage facilities for flats above shops and a lack of accountability for businesses.
• Brabazon Estate Children's Playground: Councillor Shantanu Rajawat and Councillor Lily Bath are leading this project, with a potential implementation date of March 2027. Residents will be consulted on playground design and improvements to the existing Mooga (multi-use games area).
• Church Road Road Safety: Councillor Shivraj Grewal is working with the Metropolitan Police to address illegal waste dumping and anti-social behaviour. A red route has been implemented, and Hounslow Highways is attending the road frequently for cleansing. Investigations are underway regarding businesses and privately owned sections of the road. Residents highlighted the ongoing problem of fly-tipping and the potential involvement of a nearby halting site. Attempts to install cameras on the road have been unsuccessful.
• Nitrous Oxide: A resident raised concerns about the increasing problem of nitrous oxide cylinders being found during litter picks, highlighting a recent fatality in Birmingham linked to its use. The issue had fallen off the action plan, and a request was made for it to be reinstated.

The meeting also addressed the Rectory Farm development proposals, with residents urged to engage with upcoming consultations and for councillors to maintain dialogue with residents and officers. Concerns were also raised about the lack of response from councillors regarding the Rectory Farm proposals and general communication issues.

The date of the next meeting was set for Thursday, 12 November 2026.