Hounslow Matters Newsletter: 11 December 2020

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London Borough of Hounslow
Hounslow Matters headline

                                  11 December 2020

Hounslow moves ahead with Streetspace engagement

Streetspace Hounslow

The next round of Hounslow's Low Traffic Neighbourhood and Streetspace engagement will start this month.

The online consultation will now be extended until 31 January 2021 to allow any further representation to be made following these engagement sessions.

The feedback gained during this engagement will be considered alongside other data, including road safety, air quality, and traffic data, in determining the future of the proposals.

Events will take place as follows.

  • 17 December 2020 19.00 Bedfont, Feltham, Hanworth, Heston, Cranford and Central Hounslow
  • 18 December 2020 19.00 Brentford
  • 21 December 2020 19.00 Businesses - boroughwide
  • 7 January 2021 19.00 Businesses - boroughwide
  • 8 January 2021 19.00 Chiswick North
  • 11 January 19.00 Chiswick South
  • 12 January 2021 19.00 Isleworth

Find out more


Shop safe and shop local this Christmas

Keep Hounslow Safe this Christmas

Tier 2 COVID-19 restrictions are still in place across Hounslow and the rest of London. It is vital we all continue to follow the rules.

If you are heading out this weekend to do some Christmas shopping, it's important to wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering and keep a safe distance from others.

Our ‘Keep it Local’ campaign is supporting local businesses in the run-up to Christmas. We are encouraging residents to do their Christmas shopping locally, and look after the Hounslow pound.

Remember to stay safe to help reduce COVID-19 infection rates and avoid further restrictions. 

More information


Leisure services phased reopening

Leisure centre reopening phase two

Last week, we welcomed residents back to two leisure centres and four public halls. We’re thrilled to announce that more facilities will be available to use on the following dates:

We appreciate residents' patience during these challenging times.

The dates for locations not listed here will follow soon, but we are working tirelessly to open our venues safely and at the excellent standard that you deserve.

  • Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, dry facilities – Monday 14 December
  • Feltham Assembly Hall – Monday 14 December
  • Brentford Fountain pools – Monday 21 December

To thank you for your co-operation, we would like to offer all leisure centre members free usage from December 2020 – January 2021.

More information


Brentford and Isleworth Libraries re-opening

Brentford library

Isleworth Library (separate to the leisure centre) has reopened for browsing, borrowing and returning. Opening times are: 10am to 3.00pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Brentford Library is in the process of being refurbished and will be an exciting new facility for the Brentford community. While the works are underway we are delighted to have opened the ground floor to the public for browsing, borrowing and returning. Opening times are: 10.00am to 3.00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

There are new measures in place to make all our libraries COVID-19 secure.

More information


Complete the COVID-19 Vaccine Survey

COVID-19 Vaccine survey

We want your views on a COVID-19 vaccine and what you need to make an informed decision. Have your say, so we can help the NHS understand what matters most to you.

After taking the survey, please share it with your family and friends who also live in Hounslow.

Complete the survey


Got COVID-19 symptoms? Get tested now.

Mobile Testing Unit

It is vital to get tested if you think you have symptoms.

And remember, you must self-isolate until you get a negative result. 

range of COVID-19 tests are available - you can:

  • Order a home test kit 
  • Go to a local walk-through test centre in Feltham and Heston, or 
  • Visit a Mobile Testing Site

You can't access a test without booking in advance online or by calling 119.

You should only book a test if you have symptoms or have been asked to book by the Council or a hospital.

More information


Flu myths busted

Flu facts vs fiction

This winter with the combined risk of COVID-19 and flu, it is important to get your flu vaccination. You may have concerns about getting your flu jab. Make sure you know the facts. Our myth-busting facts are also available in community languages.

More information


Teen Read Award launched

Hounslow Teen Read

Hounslow Library Service has launched its Teen Read Award, which challenges secondary school students to read, rate and debate six shortlisted books over the winter period. Award winning author, Steve Cole, officially launched the award by filming a special video recording for the school reading groups to watch

 

More information


Hounslow to trial e-scooters

E-scooter trial

Hounslow Council is joining major global cities such as Paris, Chicago, and Rome – all of which have scooter hire schemes – to take part in a ground-breaking trial of electric scooters (e-scooters) coordinated by Transport for London (TfL) and London Councils.

The trial hire scheme is expected to launch in Spring 2021. Personal e-scooter will remain illegal to use on roads and pavements.

More information


Christmas cargo bikes deliveries in Chiswick

Christmas Cargo bike delivery

The Council, in partnership with London Bike Hub and Our High Road, is offering free e-cargo bike deliveries this festive period to help residents shop local. 

From 10 December until 23 December deliveries will take place every Tuesday and Sunday between 4.30pm and 6.30pm.

Some stores will also offer a ‘shop in store and deliver to your house later’ option to save people walking around with heavy Christmas shopping.

The full list of participating stores can be found on the Our High Road website. If you are a retailer that would like to join the scheme, please contact support@ourhighroad.com.

Find out more


Christmas waste and recycling

Christmas recycling

This holiday period we want to help residents waste less and recycle efficiently by providing clear guidance on what can and can’t be recycled and some seasonal recycling tips.

If you're heading out to do some Christmas shopping this weekend, avoid buying shiny, glitter or foil wrapping paper as this can't be recycled. Why not use a paper wrapping or reusable gift bags or boxes. Even small changes can help create less waste this festive season. 

All collections of recycling, food and refuse will continue over the holiday period, however we will be running a revised schedule.

It is vital residents check when their collection dates are throughout the period and help to remind their neighbours of the changes. Some collections will take place earlier than the normal collection day. There will be no collection of garden waste or bulky waste during these two weeks. We are also offering a free Christmas tree collection service throughout January.

More information


Winter Warmth campaign will spread joy in Hounslow

Winter warmth campaign

Local businesses and residents in Hounslow are being invited to help spread the joy this winter by making a pledge to support their community. This could be anything from donating much-needed funds to a local charity, volunteering, supporting a neighbour with their shopping, or donating to a local food bank.

More information


Free online information sessions for carers

Support for Carers 16 December

The Council is offering free online information sessions for carers in Hounslow.

The next session takes place on Wednesday 16 December from 11.30am to 1.00pm.

The session will provide information on a range of topics including;

  • A carer's journey through Adult Social Care
  • Carers' assessments
  • Day centres
  • Carers' direct payments

More information

 


Employment rights webinar

Webinar graphic

Is your job at risk? Do you have questions about furlough? Do you know what your rights are if you lose your job?

On Wednesday 16 December at 6-7pm the Greater London Authority are hosting a free online jobs at risk webinar. 

Advisors from Trust for London’s Employment Legal Advice Network will explain furlough and redundancy rights. The advisors will direct attendees to further support and information about your rights if you are no longer needed at work.

The event is free and all are welcome and will be provided in several languages, including English, Bulgarian, Romanian, Russian and Spanish. 

Register here

 


Hounslow Food Box

Hounslow Christmas Food Box

This Christmas, Hounslow Community Foodbox is collecting food donations to help families in need across our borough. 

More people than ever will need help this Christmas. Hounslow Community Foodbox wants to ensure everyone has something to brighten up their Christmas.

If you’d like to donate, Food Box will be collecting at Morrisons in Brentford (228-246 High Street, Brentford, TW8 0AB) on:

  • Friday 11, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December

More information


Apply for your child's Primary School place

Primary school applications

If your child was born between 1 September 2016 and 31 August 2017, they will need a Reception class place in September 2021.

Applications close on 15 January 2021.

Don't miss out, it's quick and easy to apply online.

Apply now


Christmas concert at the Musical museum

Musical museum

The Musical Museum in Brentford is hosting its Christmas Concert this Sunday (13th December).

The show features the Mighty Wurlitzer and includes a glass of prosecco on arrival and afternoon tea served during the interval. 

In line with COVID-19 measures there will a select, socially-distanced audience. Visitors will be seated at tables and will be served refreshments. Tickets are £27.50 including all refreshments.

Book tickets here


Photography exhibition at Watermans

Brentford the shape I'm in exhibition

Local photographers from the ‘Better Pictures’ group are holding a free exhibition of their work at Watermans Arts Centre in Brentford from 4 December until 10 January. 

The photographs in the exhibition were all taken around Brentford by members of the West London photographic group. The group originated in a Hounslow Adult Education class and the students, local photographers of all ages and backgrounds, formed ‘Better Pictures’ as an informal and friendly way of continuing to improve their skills.

The works in this exhibition convey the fun and enjoyment of photography shared by the group. The pictures displayed represent this year’s theme of Brentford –The Shape I’m In.

More information


Explore Syon Park Gardens

Syon Park

If you're looking for activity ideas this weekend, why not visit Syon Park Gardens which will be open on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays until 20 December 2020.

Measures have been installed to enhance the safety of visitors and staff, including circulation routes, social distancing, and enhanced cleaning. Visitors must also book tickets to enter the gardens in advance. 

Book tickets here

Latest information

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The latest information on coronavirus in general is available on the Government’s website. 

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