Local Area Forum is back

The new and improved Chiswick Area Forum has now returned to Chiswick Town Hall after an eight-month hiatus, with 60 free seats available to reserve online so residents can participate in discussions.

Featuring a more communityfocused, forward-looking agenda, and a refreshed layout, there will be Chiswick Area Forums this year in October and again in January.

Cllr Joanna Biddolph, a Chairman of the Chiswick Area Forum, said: "As we return to the area forums, I want residents to be sure that we Chiswick councillors really do want to hear from and listen to residents, business owners and people who work in Chiswick.

"This hiatus was a good opportunity to re-evaluate the format, and as this is the first area forum to be held in eight months, I hope it will inspire more ideas and change for other area forums in the Borough.

"Even the layout of the room will be different. When I attended area forums before I was elected, the gap between residents and the top table of councillors felt very ‘us versus them’. I have tried to soften that feel, social-distancing measures allowing. I have other ideas but making those changes is taking longer.

"I am so pleased that Nicholas Rogers AM, Age Concern and the Hogarth Community Centre can join us and am looking forward to gaining their useful insights on important local issues that have slipped down the local agenda.”

Councillor Biddolph said that the sessions in October and January will have full agendas, ensuring Chiswick residents have a public platform to connect with councillors and neighbours over the issues that really matter to them.

Seats must be booked to manage numbers due to social distancing measures. The area forum will be held in the main hall, the largest room at Chiswick Town Hall. Masks must be worn when moving around the room and the Town Hall.

To book a seat, please email chaspal.sandhu@hounslow.gov.uk.