The Central Hounslow Area Forum meeting, held on Monday 12 October 2026, focused heavily on highways and cleansing services, with extensive discussion on fly-tipping, street cleaning, and road maintenance. The forum also addressed community safety, local business concerns, and the vital work of local charities supporting vulnerable residents.

Highways and Cleansing Services

Tim Hurley, Service Director of Ringway Hounslow Highways, and Sibyl Khan, Assistant Director for Transport and Parking, presented an update on the highways and cleansing services. They reported an increase in resident inquiries, which they viewed positively as an indicator of community engagement. Significant efforts have been made to tackle fly-tipping, with a reported reduction in incidents across most wards. This has been attributed to increased investment in cleansing, including a whole street cleansing program involving dedicated teams and mechanical equipment, as well as behavioural change initiatives.

The council has also invested in additional resources for street cleaning, including more barrow routes and heavy mechanical sweepers, leading to a predicted reduction in cleansing complaints. Weed management strategies have seen the reintroduction of glyphosate, alongside trials of non-glyphosate alternatives, resulting in a decrease in weeding complaints. The presentation also covered leaf fall management and highway defect repairs, noting an increase in potholes due to a cold snap earlier in the year, with ongoing efforts to address these through a servicing programme.

During the open forum, numerous questions and concerns were raised by councillors and residents regarding these services. Specific issues included the collection of green waste bags, the effectiveness of deep cleaning operations when cars are not moved, the condition of pavements, and the placement and collection of bins. There was also discussion about the challenges of enforcing parking regulations during street cleansing operations and the need for better coordination between highways and parking enforcement teams.

Councillor Paul Baker raised concerns about the condition of several roads in his ward, including Inwood Road, Inwood Avenue, and Stanley Road, requesting information on resurfacing plans. Councillor Ajmer Grewal highlighted the ongoing issue of fly-tipping, particularly on Kingsley Road, and the need for more visible signage as a deterrent. Councillor Charmi Parmar inquired about the progress of pavement repairs on Rosemary Avenue, near Beavers Park, noting difficulties for wheelchair and pushchair users.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around fly-tipping, with residents expressing that they did not see a decrease in incidents despite council efforts. Questions were raised about the proactive versus reactive spending on fly-tipping, the budget allocation for these services, and the effectiveness of enforcement. The council acknowledged that fly-tipping is a crime and highlighted efforts to provide residents with legal and convenient ways to dispose of waste, such as pop-up tips and free bulky waste collections.

Concerns were also raised about the condition of roads and pavements around Hounslow West Station, with reports of frequent damage and slippery conditions. The responsibility for these areas, whether managed by TfL or the council, was clarified. The issue of food stalls encroaching on pavements and the licensing of such businesses was also a recurring theme, with discussions on enforcement and the need for clear guidelines.

Community Safety and Local Businesses

Concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) were raised, particularly in relation to the alleyway behind McDonald's and the general safety of the High Street. The council highlighted its efforts to improve safety through increased police presence, the work of enforcement teams, and initiatives aimed at educating young people about respect and violence prevention. The importance of residents reporting incidents to the police was stressed to ensure adequate resources were allocated.

Local businesses voiced concerns about the proliferation of food outlets in Hounslow High Street, arguing that it was becoming difficult for existing businesses to survive. They questioned the licensing process for new establishments and pop-up stalls, and the impact on the local economy. The council acknowledged these concerns and stated that they were working with the licensing team and the Chamber of Commerce to improve the mix of shops and support local businesses.

Community Spotlight and Support Services

Reverend Sally Bailey from Holy Trinity Church provided a comprehensive overview of the church's extensive community work. This included the operation of a night shelter for the homeless, a crisis drop-in centre, support for refugees and asylum seekers, exercise classes for seniors, addiction recovery groups, and a food bank. The church's collaboration with the council and other agencies to provide essential services was highlighted, with impressive statistics on the number of people supported.

Shahida Malik from Muslim Hands Open Kitchen detailed the charity's work in providing free meals and support to those facing hardship. The organisation operates a daily walk-in service, serving nutritious meals and offering food parcels, hygiene kits, and emotional and mental health support. They also collaborate with the NHS and other agencies to address issues such as drug and alcohol abuse and homelessness.

Other Matters

The meeting also touched upon the proposed redevelopment of the Treaty Centre, the availability of public toilets, and the challenges of parking in certain areas. The council indicated that discussions were ongoing regarding the provision of public toilets and that residents should formally raise parking issues with their ward councillors.

The date for the next Central Hounslow Area Forum meeting was confirmed as 7 December 2026.