Council leader’s monthly update

Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, discusses the legacy of two dedicated local councillors, the launch of a new borough-wide enforcement team, and investments in housing and green spaces in this month’s column.

March was marked with the sad passing of two much-loved local councillors: Councillor Jagdish Sharma MBE and the Deputy Mayor Councillor Junue Meah. I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to their loved ones and highlight their service to Hounslow Council.

Cllr Jagdish Sharma was a devoted public servant, a pioneering leader, and a deeply cherished member of our community. He was among the early generation of Asian migrants to the UK - individuals who worked tirelessly to build new lives while strengthening the foundations of community and belonging. He was one of my mentors who encouraged me and many of my generation to run for council in 2010 for the pursuit of public service. He was a mentor, a guide, and a trusted friend to many, including my own family. Jagdish leaves behind an extraordinary legacy - one defined by service, compassion and community.

Cllr Junue Meah was also a pillar of the local community. He was also Hounslow’s first deputy mayor of Bangladeshi heritage. He was a successful entrepreneur and well-respected ward councillor. More than that, he was a man of incredible kindness and generosity, who put those values at the heart of everything he did. My thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time.

This month, in more positive news, saw major changes and improvements for residents across Hounslow. We launched an integrated enforcement team and you will start to see a targeted and visible presence on Hounslow’s streets. This dedicated team of officers have been tasked with tackling fly-tipping, littering, anti-social behaviour and parking offences.

We know many of you are fed up of fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and littering blighting the streets of Hounslow: we have listened to your concerns and now we are taking action.

Each area of the borough will have a dedicated team of enforcement officers, who will get to know the community and work to keep their local area clean and safe. The team will wear distinct new uniforms to increase visibility and will also be equipped with hand- held devices to respond to issues quickly and efficiently.

We want to support and educate communities on how to dispose of waste properly. However, if you break the law, we will catch you and fine you.

One strand of the new enforcement operation is cracking down on landlords who manage HMOs. We recently sent out a letter to all landlords who manage HMOs reminding them of their responsibilities and we will be stepping up unannounced spot checks on HMOs who do not comply with regulations. Many residents have got in touch with me to highlight their frustration with the negative impacts of HMOs: it is not fair that residents who respect their communities bear the brunt of the anti-social behaviour, waste issues and unnecessary noise. This action is putting these landlords on notice.

That said, we know for many residents HMOs are a low-cost and flexible option and we are committing to be building more affordable homes for residents. Last week, we gave the green light to build 182 new council homes in Brentford as part of our regeneration of Charlton and Albany Estate. We also pledged 900 new homes as part of our regeneration of Convent Way Estate in Heston. This is exactly the kind of regeneration we want to see in Hounslow: transforming estates, improving our public spaces and giving local businesses the opportunity to thrive.

Investing in our public spaces, will, and remain, a core mission for me and the council. I am incredibly proud that we have teamed up with the Football Foundation to invest £1 million to upgrade three sports facilities on three housing estates in Heston and Brentford. Working with Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, we aim to offer a range of sporting activities for all ages and abilities on these refurbished sites – supporting local communities to get active.

We also recognise the importance our green spaces play for your health and wellbeing. It is only last week we secured allotment holders’ future at Park Road Allotments in Isleworth after a signing a lease with Northumberland Estates for at least 24 years. Allotments bring so much joy to so many people. And, in a busy city like London, allotments can prove an oasis of calm where people can come together to connect with nature and grow healthy food.

I know many of you last week were celebrating Eid and I hope you had a blessed celebration with your loved ones, family and friends. As we look ahead to Easter, the council will continue working to support residents and deliver key services across the borough. I look forward to continuing to engage with communities in the months ahead.