Local Correspondent Sonia Giga. Heston residents campaigning to save their local park from developers fear that well-meaning council regeneration plans will turn the area into another Gorbals. The row centres on Brabazon Green – located on the Brabazon Road estate – currently the home of children’s games, family picnics and quiet walks. Locals value the park for its safety: it is one of the few greens in Hounslow where children can play football and cricket until the sun sets and a place for people to go for walks or jog at night. Hounslow Homes have recently proposed that the green be converted into flats and houses: an announcement that caused uproar amongst residents who live around the park. As a result, the community action group Brabazon Estate Changes was set up and have been working with Hounslow Homes to reach a compromise that satisfies everyone’s needs. Hounslow Homes have been showing BEC their plans and in turn the BEC have been sharing them with the local residents. The new plans consist of half the park being turned into flats and the other a playground for children who live in the area. Though residents agree this is an improvement on the original proposals, they are still not satisfied.

“The new plans will cause a lot of problems. For example more cars, congestion and the children’s play area will be taken away. I would prefer it if instead of the flats there was a nice play area made for kids. Hopefully Hounslow Homes will listen to our feedback as they did before and alter the plans some more,” says local resident Shanti Keshwala.

Another local, Peter Taaffe says “I’m not happy with the plans, they are trying to over-develop the area. I’d prefer it if they’d leave the park alone as it makes the area feel open and gives a sense of space.” Mr Taaffe compares the council’s building policies to those that turned the Gorbals in Glasgow into one of the most dangerous crime-spots in the UK during the 1980s. Eventually, the 1960s regeneration scheme was accepted as a failure and in 1993 the Queen Elizabeth Square flats, designed by Sir Basil Spence, was demolished. People in Hounslow are afraid that history will repeat itself and the new development will lead to an increase of crime in the area and the community spirit will be destroyed as it had done then.

Though many people understand the need for more housing many can’t help but question why the need must cost the community. Many of the local residents hope that Hounslow Homes will continue taking their views into account as they have done.

There will continue to be meetings and events such as street parties on the Brabazon Green: locals look back on the last party, in early September, which was a day full of fun and laughter giving the residents a chance to socialize and get to know each other. The street parties consist of competitions, stalls, food and rides that keep families occupied for hours. So keep your eyes open for information about the next event that will hopefully take place soon and also the meetings to discuss what will happen next.