A 'RESCUE mission' is underway to save the horse trough outside the old Hanworth Library from decay.
Members of the St John Ambulance Division in Feltham have grown increasingly worried about its state as it has not been cared for since the old library building was closed down, more than two years ago.
The group are keen to have the trough moved inside the ambulance car park where they can ensure its upkeep and maintenance all year round. They will also replant it at no cost to the council and already have two trays of plants, flowers and compost at the ready.
Sally Cripps, unit manager at Feltham St John Ambulance, said: “I have suggested it be moved to just inside the St John Ambulance car park fronting the front fence so that we can maintain it throughout the year and enjoyed by all who go past.
“It would be a lovely project for the young people at St John Ambulance (some 43 badgers and cadets) to be involved in too. In the past these artefacts of our local area have been removed never to see the light of day again. It would be lovely to be able to keep this safe and well cared for.”
The move has been supported by MP for Feltham and Heston Seema Malhotra who went along with residents to the site where the trough is positioned.
After going back and forth between the council and its road contractors Hounslow Highways and John Laing Integrated Services (JLIS), the Chronicle can confirm it is the council that will make the decision on the future resting spot of the trough.
A council spokesperson said: “The council will be moving the ‘Hanworth trough’ from outside the old Hanworth library to a new site which is yet to be decided. We take our responsibilities to protecting the borough’s heritage seriously and will ensure it is maintained properly for residents to enjoy and for future prosperity.”
JLIS confirmed the site was no longer under their remit. A JLIS spokeswoman added: “The site is no longer under the remit of John Laing Integrated Services.
“When Hanworth library was moved into the new facility in Feltham Airparks the site was handed back to the London Borough of Hounslow.”
