Gary Speed RIP

I heard about this terrible news earlier this afternoon.  As my football friends will testify, I was very sad when John Toshack stood down as the Manager of the Welsh National Team.  But I was always clear that I welcomed and supported the appointment of Gary Speed.  He was an incredible servant to his various football clubs – Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton and Sheffield United – and also to the Welsh National team, for whom he was always one of my favourite players.  He was an incredible professional and role model for young people.  He was the type of player who would give 100% every game and be sure to shake hands with the referee and opponents afterwards.  A real gentleman and a deep thinker.

My family and I had the incredible privilege to watch the Welsh National Team train the evening before their game against England at Wembley Stadium back in September.  The highlight was when Gary Speed came over to speak to the various children.  One of the ladies with us had gone to the game against Montenegro at Cardiff the Friday before and a number of us were saying how hugely excited we were about the future of Welsh Football.  I remember my son being very excited and jumping up and down.  We had the following exchange:

Me [Speaking to my son]: Calm down Aidan!
Gary Speed [smiling]: He is fine.
Me: He is one for the future.

Gary Speed smiled again.  He was simply so nice and so kind.

Here is a picture of Gary Speed with two of my children.  I will always treasure it and the one time we had the terrific experience of meeting a wonderful man:

Gorffwys mewn Heddwch Speedo!
Rest in Peace Speedo!

On the street

I sometimes find myself in two minds posting environmental issues that I have picked up on the blog because some find it boring.  Others like to see it so lets give it a go.

1) Potholes in Northumberland Crescent

Opposite 115 and near numbers 150 & 195:

 

2) Knocked over utility opposite 10 Target

3) Tagging on streetlights in Peninsular Close, Bedfont

 

Will report all of the above on Monday.

 

Game On

A writ has been moved and a new Member of Parliament for Feltham & Heston is required after the very sad passing of Alan Keen.

I am fighting the seat for the Conservative Party again and the date of the election is 15 December.  More info here.

Third time lucky, I hope!

Cabin near the Arena

Yesterday, I was asked about a cabin with a window and door (office type) that has appeared on the site of the former running track near the Arena.

I received the following today:

“This area is being temporarily used for filming. This was organised through the Council’s film liaison officer, Jan Henson, using Reel Film Locations who undertake negotiating contracts for filming within the Borough. As I understand it there will be a fee but as this is a documentary this is not a significant sum.
The company filming should be off site by tomorrow.”

St Giles Hotel Planning application

I have previously posted about the above and it was featured in the most recent Half Year Report.  Here is the application that will be considered by the Sustainable Development Committee tomorrow.

Planning considerations aside, good news to see this investment in a prominent Feltham business.

Former Crown & Sceptre Pub

I have recently received some enquiries about what is happening with regards to the above.  My response has been that we are largely dependent on who owns/acquires the land and what planning applications arise.

Here is what I have found.

I have today asked why this has not been determined since it was submitted in February.  Reference 1185227.

RIP Alan Keen

I learnt early this morning that Alan Keen had passed away.  Very sad news and I made some comments on here.

Yesterday was the first time I recall that Alan was not present at the Remberance Sunday in Feltham.  It is extremely sad that his passing was the reason.

RIP.

Update on River Crane

I have received the following this morning:

“Just to update you on the situation on the River Crane.

The source of the pollution has now stopped and the natural recovery of the water is beginning.  We have been monitoring the progress of the pollution.   The levels of oxygen and ammonia in the water show that the pollution is moving downstream and  is being replaced by fresh water.
 
We are returning to site today to continue to monitor the river and effect a clear up.  Our fisheries staff will  be working   with Thames Water to recover fish carcasses  and our ecology team will be assessing the ecological damage to the river.”