The Chiswick Area Forum met on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, to discuss a range of local issues, including the management of trees and pavements, waste and recycling, fly-tipping, and concerns regarding Chiswick Back Common. The Issue Tracker was reviewed, with the addition of the Chiswick Post Office's future provision and the Duke Road pavement width for ongoing monitoring.

Managing the Balance Between Pavements and Trees

Tim Hurley, Service Director for Hounslow Highways, and Sebel Kahn, Assistant Director of Transport and Parking, presented an overview of the challenges in balancing the needs of street trees with the maintenance of pavements. They explained that while street trees are a valuable asset, their growth can lead to conflicts with footways, causing them to narrow and creating trip hazards. The council manages approximately 12,600 street trees and only removes them if they are dead, dying, diseased, or dangerous, with a commitment to replanting.

Several options for managing the conflict between trees and pavements were discussed, including tree removal (not the preferred option), building out the footway (which reduces parking), resurfacing the footway, or accepting the conflict and not meeting full accessibility standards. The council has an investment program for footway resurfacing and conducts regular inspections to identify defects. Residents raised concerns about specific locations, such as Garnersbury Garden, Chiswick Road, and Duke Road, highlighting issues with raised paving slabs, narrow pavements, and the need for prompt repairs. The importance of reporting issues through Fix My Street was stressed, with assurances that all reports are risk-assessed and addressed. The discussion also touched upon the aesthetic impact of repairs, with safety being prioritised over aesthetics, although efforts are made to use appropriate materials, especially in conservation areas.

Waste and Recycling Update and Tackling Fly-tipping

Councillor Amy Croft, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Enforcement and Recycling, provided an update on waste and recycling initiatives. She highlighted the upcoming introduction of free bulky waste collections in late autumn and discussed the rollout of new waste disposal systems for flats above shops, aiming to reduce the amount of waste on the streets. This includes the introduction of larger, lockable bins and lockable food waste bins where space allows. Trials for these new systems were set to begin in November.

Councillor Croft also detailed plans for community recycling and reuse days, described as pop-up tips or community skip days, which will involve caged vans for residents to dispose of unwanted items. These events will also incorporate a reuse and recycle facility, with repair cafes involved to promote a circular economy. Plans for community clear-ups to tackle persistent fly-tipping hotspots, including the installation of CCTV and locking gates, were also mentioned. A new initiative to establish civic champions to recognise and support residents doing valuable community work was also announced.

Concerns were raised about waste being sent abroad, with Councillor Croft stating that waste is sent to recycling facilities across the country and some non-recyclable waste is transported by train to Bristol. The exact destination of all recycled materials, which are sold to wherever they achieve the most value, could not be precisely detailed but she offered to provide further information. The issue of small electrical items being accepted in recycling lorries was raised, and Councillor Croft committed to exploring options for dedicated collection points in flats. The council does not dispose of everything in one large area, and residents are welcome to visit the Southall Lane Depot to see the separation process.

The problem of fly-tipping was a significant focus, with Councillor Croft explaining that many initiatives, including improved reporting systems and enforcement, were aimed at tackling it. The council is looking at increasing fines for fly-tippers, with the government having raised the maximum to £5,000. The approach to fly-tipping is focused on education and community civic pride, alongside tackling organised waste criminals. The council is also working with landlords and shopkeepers to improve waste management in flats above shops and address issues of transient populations and lack of information. The effectiveness of the Fix My Street app for reporting litter was reiterated, with more data helping to improve collection rhythms. The use of drones for fly-tipping enforcement is being considered, though proximity to Heathrow presents complexities.

Statement from the Chair of the Mid-Chiswick Society regarding Chiswick Back Common

Jackie Elton, Chair of the Mid-Chiswick Society, presented concerns regarding the development and use of Chiswick Back Common, a registered common land. She highlighted that the council, as landowner, has a duty to maintain boundaries and honour public access. Elton argued that the construction of buildings, including the paddle tennis facility, on common land without consent from the Secretary of State, as required by the Commons Act 2006, was unlawful. She stated that planning permissions had been granted by Hounslow Council officers without this necessary consent.

Elton also raised concerns about the operating contract with TFC Leisure (Rocks Lane), which she believes has not been applied correctly. She noted that paddle courts are being rented at high prices, effectively privatising a public asset, and that paddle courts are exclusively for paddle, unlike tennis courts which can be used for other sports. The noise levels from paddle tennis were also highlighted as a concern. Elton called for a halt to further development, a review of the contract ending in 2029, and a focus on genuinely accessible and affordable community sport.

Several residents and councillors spoke in response. Some supported Elton's concerns about transparency and the need for affordable community sport, while others defended the paddle facility, highlighting its social benefits and the popularity of the sport. There was debate about the ownership of the land and the financial arrangements between the council and the operator. The council provided a statement acknowledging concerns, recognising that necessary consent had not always been secured historically, and stated that steps were being taken to address this, including a review of historical approvals and the progression of retrospective Section 38 Commons Act applications. The operator was being asked to provide information to support this process.

Open Forum

During the Open Forum, several issues were raised by residents:

• Vehicle Noise: A resident from Whitston House raised concerns about persistent extreme vehicle noise, including motorcycles, cars with modified exhausts, and unnecessary horn use, particularly at night. They requested support for the installation of an acoustic enforcement camera on Chiswick High Road near Chiswick roundabout. Councillor Croft and Councillor Biddulph acknowledged the issue and committed to looking into it.
• Electric Vehicle Charging and Cycle Bays: Concerns were raised about the placement and overcrowding of electric vehicle charging points and electric cycle rental bays, particularly at the top of Staveley Gardens and near Chiswick Station. It was noted that the cycle bays were often blocking EV charging points. Councillor Grigg and Councillor Croft acknowledged the issue and stated it had been raised previously.
• Cycle Lane between Turnham Green and Dukes Avenue: Councillor Croft clarified that she was not the cabinet member responsible for traffic and had forwarded queries to Councillor Shaheen, who is responsible for traffic. Councillor Biddulph confirmed that he had discussed the matter with Councillor Shaheen and Sabiel Khan, and a meeting was planned to discuss the cycle lane. Residents expressed significant concern about the proposed cycle lane's impact on pedestrians and local businesses.
• Library Opening Hours: A resident inquired about proposals to extend library opening hours, potentially to 24 hours, with some unmanned periods. It was confirmed that this was open for consultation and residents were encouraged to respond.
• Road Degradation: A resident of Park Place, off Gunnersbury Avenue, reported that their road had not been resurfaced for 34 years and was now potholed and flooded, requiring urgent attention. This was taken up as casework.
• Electric Hire Bikes: Concerns were raised about the littering and obstruction caused by electric hire bikes, with a lack of enforcement against companies and users. Councillor Croft and Councillor Grigg acknowledged the issue and stated they were working with Councillor Shaheen on solutions.
• Disabled Parking Bays: A disabled driver reported a perceived disappearance of disabled parking bays in Chiswick, particularly outside the old post office, and highlighted the need for wider bays to accommodate mobility aids. Councillor Croft stated this was within her portfolio and she would raise it with officers.

Issue Tracker

The Chiswick Area Forum's Issue Tracker was reviewed. The following items were added or noted for continued monitoring:

• Chiswick Post Office: The future provision of a Post Office in Chiswick was added to the tracker due to ongoing concerns about its premises.
• Duke Road Pavement Width and Overhanging Trees: This issue was added to ensure progress was monitored, with an update requested for the next meeting.
• Enforcement of abandoned e-bikes: This issue remains on the tracker for continued monitoring.
• Notifications from 'fix my street' app: This issue remains on the tracker until communication improvements are made.
• Installation of a lift at Turnham Green station and request for the Piccadilly line to regularly stop at Turnham Green station: This remains on the tracker.
• Recycling from flats above shops: This remains on the tracker.
• Gunnersbury Park Events: This remains on the tracker for continuous monitoring.
• Chiswick House & Gardens Conservatory: This item will be kept on the tracker for monitoring.
• Hounslow Highways schedules: This includes issues such as glyphosate spraying, weeding, and leafing, and has been added to the tracker.
• Chiswick Village Development: This remains on the tracker for monitoring of building works.
• Cycle Superhighway 9 (CS9) on the pavement: This was added to the tracker due to significant resident concern.

Other Matters

• Mulberry Centre Gala Dinner: Councillor Croft promoted the Mulberry Centre's 25th anniversary gala dinner on 26 September, a charity supporting cancer patients and their families.
• Chiswick Preservation Society and High Court Ruling: Councillor John Todd commented on a recent High Court ruling in favour of the Old Chiswick Preservation Society regarding a planning decision, highlighting the importance of identifying and rectifying errors in decision-making.

The next meeting of the Chiswick Area Forum was scheduled for 4 November 2026.