Brentford Dock says it has received a "groundswell" of support from the estate's residents in favour of gates to stop outsiders entering the complex.

The installation of the gates has proved controversial and Hounslow Council served an order on Brentford Dock Limited (BDL) to stop the gates becoming permanent.

Planning chiefs applied an Article 4 direction which aims to prevent restrictions being imposed on public access to the estate.

The estate's management insists that the dock is private land and that it reacted after residents complained that non-residents using its riverside facilities were leaving litter behind.

Dock residents pay a service charge for the upkeep of the sprawling grounds of the estate which includes a riverside barbecue area and many green, tree-lined pathways.

In its monthly newsletter to residents, BDL said: "The board would like to thank everybody who has joined the groundswell of support to oppose London Borough of Hounslow's intention to impose additional planning requirements in order to interfere with Brentford Dock's ability to prevent use of its private grounds by non-residents.

"It is clear that the steps taken so far are mandated by considerable support from the estate and all residents and shareholders/leaseholders will be kept informed of progress separately to this newsletter."

Many have opposed the gates, saying the riverside should be accessible to everyone.

Jim Storrar, of Brentford Voice, has said: "For years we'd go down there, we love the walk that goes round the point, the most beautiful views of the Thames and over at Kew Gardens and so on, it is hugely valued by the community including, those who live in Brentford Dock…

"[It's] the idea that views of beautiful landscapes are not private property, they should belong to everyone, and we see that all the way along the Thames."

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