Brentford residents shared their views and concerns about changes to the area when Brentford Voice held their Annual General Meeting with a 'Local Conversation', last Thursday evening.

Over 30 people attended the event, including two London Borough of Hounslow councillors and residents Guy Lambert and Michael Denniss, and Sally Smith from the Hounslow Chamber of Commerce.

After the business end of the evening was completed, the 'Local Conversation' began.

The lively debate covering a wide range of topics ranging from the importance of Thomas Layton's heritage, the future of Watermans, poor High Street provision, the absence of a town plan, lack of infrastructure and many other issues causing concern.

The objective of the 'Local Conversations' was to provide a platform for residents to express and share their feelings about their community, its issues, and how and what they'd like to see in the future.

Brentford continues to experience great change and the pace of this change will increase over the next few years.

Collectively what was recognised and voiced by those in attendance, was the need to coordinate and manage the provision of a wide range of physical and social infrastructure to meet this change and local needs.

This included: adequate transport, affordable housing, a thriving local economy and education sector, green and blue space, health facilities, Brentford's rich heritage and arts and culture facilities.

A Brentford Voice spokesperson said: "However, the overriding feeling of the evening was one of a community who care passionately and are hugely protective of their town, and most importantly who want to be listened to."

Brentford Voice said they were "heartening" to see and hear two LBH councillors partaking in the 'Local Conversation', as part of the Council's work around Covid-19 recovery was to review how they currently engage with residents.

Brentford Voice also said they are aware they as a group need to engage more effectively within the community and to be more inclusive.

They hope these conversations will do just that, by bringing the community together to develop ideas, projects and activities that will benefit all residents of Brentford.

They plan to hold 'Local Conversations' on a regular basis across a range of local topics and will keep residents updated in the coming days.

Anyone who would like to know more or would like to see a specific issue addressed, then contact, [email protected].