House building is a way out of crisis
THE housing minister is following the path of debt begun by Mrs Thatcher in 1980 by trying to get rid of council housing for rent.
The so-called right-to-buy produced nothing but debt, evictions, and a shortage of council homes.
Housing is in crisis, and the way out is to build homes for rent and create jobs.
This in turn increases sales of many goods for the home, thus improving the economy.
To date, the government has made at least 33 U-turns on policy.
No, Mr Shapps, your propaganda is a sham not welcomed by those who refuse to be conned.
ALF CHANDLER
Ede Close, Hounslow
Expansion is to meet baby boom
Your article, Expansion ‘will hit pupils’ education (Brentford Chronicle, June 15) did not give the whole story of the issue behind the proposals.
In recent years an increase in the birth rate across the borough has led to a massive increase in demand for school places.
To tackle this, we are creating additional classes in schools, permanently expanding some existing schools, and looking to build new schools to increase capacity.
For example, we are working with 20 schools across the borough to create another 600 school places for September, and we are consulting on expanding schools, such as Isleworth Town, to permanently increase the number of places available.
An expansion to a school will almost always involve building work and I know parents will have concerns about the disruption this may bring.
We aim to minimise this and try to make sure the changes offer the school other benefits.
We are at the start of a consultation process and we want to hear what local people feel about proposals, so we can work together to create school places for children now and into the future.
CLLR STEVE CURRAN
Cabinet member for education and housing, Hounslow Council
Rogue traders clear-out overdue
I’ve lived in Hounslow West for more than 30 years. Over this time the area has changed from a familiar shopping centre to a more cosmopolitan and populated High Street.
During the weekend, Hounslow West market attracts hundreds of visitors, most honest and genuine people looking for a bargain or two.
Unfortunately, outside the market a number of individuals are trying to take advantage of customers by offering items of dubious origin and, worse still, trying to deceive people with illegal fortune games.
It was a great satisfaction to see the police cleaning the area of these unwanted visitors last Saturday.
I am sure most regular shoppers that morning felt that the action was long overdue and more regular visits are needed to keep the area safe.
Well done.
Mr Silver
Hounslow West (via email)
