I've lived in Brentford for 20 years and have never been enamoured of the place. I admit it has a significant history, and a degree of quaintness, but it was neglected and forgotten. Only in recent years with the development of the riverside has so much opinion been galvanised. There's lots of hot air here, but the reality is that the place was stewing in it's own cesspit - the High Street is a disgrace, and no encouragement to improve it has been forthcoming. What I want to know is can I see a doctor when I want one? Do I get value from my council tax? Does the loss of a police station and sub-post offices affect me detrimentally? Are my roads and infrastructure fit for purpose? Are some of the closed pubs a blessing? (The current closure of the Albany Arms is definitely a blessing for local residents). Is the public transport up to scratch? Is my rubbish collected regularly, are the schools able to function, is the A & E of my hospital going to survive? Are things better or worse since I moved here in 1994? The answer is a resounding "Yes". I regret the loss of the local baker, butcher, fishmonger et al, and I'm not an advocate of the new Brentford Market with it's artisan produce serving a certain elite metro clientèle - but the bottom line is that Brentford is a damn sight better than it ever was, and anyone who thinks different are wallowing in nostalgia - clouded and forgetting just how bad Brentford was. So bring on the new, keep the worthy old - but for God's sake move on and let this town breath and embrace the future with optimism. Whatever they do can not be as bad as the monstrous tower blocks of Green Dragon Lane. That was brutal planning and development. So bring it on I say. Change and architecture is subjective. What matters is quality of life. If that is enhanced then where's the beef?
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