Longer term residents will be familiar with this one.
On St Mary’s Crescent since 1966
Though, no matter how long people have had the pleasure to live in Osterley & Spring Grove Ward, Hounslow’s largest and greenest, everyone should by now be aware of the scale of unnecessary cuts in government funding in name of austerity. Just 24% of the London Borough of Hounslow’s spend is raised by Council Tax.
Locally, mooted closures of Osterley Library have been fought off three times since 1992. Its and the neighbouring Osterley Bowls Club site being mentioned as potential for development on pages 43, 44 and 48 of this council document has again raised interest.
Late last month, the Osterley & Wyke Green Residents Association circulated this flyer that encouraged some 50 residents to a meeting at Thistleworth Tennis Club to discuss the possible fates of both facilities.
Osterley Library opened by past Labour strongman Alf King 50 years ago
It was explained at the meeting that whilst the site could be developed for housing, the property strategy document states Osterley Library would be relocated should this be likely to happen.
For where it is and what it offers, Osterley’s library is a valuable local resource and more people are encouraged to join and use it. The place offers not just books but newspapers, magazines, information, computers, quiet study space, regular activities for children and adults as well as a good reason for otherwise isolated people to get out of the house and see folk. Apart from our three parks, Osterley Library is the only council facility in the whole of Osterley & Spring Grove Ward.
Osterley Bowls Club may be another matter. Reduced and attempts to encourage new membership and other factors raised such as local parking controls within the Osterley Station CPZ give club officials cause for concern.
To assist, the possibility of revising controlled hours on St Mary’s Crescent has been discussed with the council’s traffic team. It has been agreed that residents there will be written to before the end of October asking whether they may wish the same controls as in Jersey Road (east of the Osterley Park main gate), Monday to Friday 10am to 12pm rather the current weekdays 9.30am to 5.30pm.
Osterley Bowls Club since 1936
To find out more about Osterley Bowls Club please go to www.osterleybowlsclub.org
A Friends of Osterley Library group has been set up and people are asked to write to info@owgra.org.uk to join.
Useful background, legislation and current policy on libraries can be found on this HM Government site.
TL 8.10.2016
Tony Louki's Report Back 