These are referred to as boxes but are actually big steel slabs with a telephone mounted on one side and an illuminated rolling advertisement display on the other.

They are being promoted and installed by BT and are clearly principally a means of raising revenue while purporting to provide a public service. They are usually mounted across and therefore blocking the footway. We have complained to the Council about these and hope any future applications will be refused. Similar applications for several of these in Putney have recently been refused by Wandsworth Council.

Nominated for a  wooden spoon award

Transport for London TfL is progressing its Better Junctions and Cycle Superhighway proposals for the Broadway and Town Centre in conjunction with the Council’s Highways Department. There have been concerns raised over various issues including bus lanes in Beadon Road and further consultations are due to take place at the end of June.

The long term ambition for the Flyunder is still part of the Local Plan but needs further and more committed engagement by TfL.

Preparation is still in progress for the major repair works scheduled for Hammersmith Bridge next year : No dates for the repairs and related closure have been announced yet : The Hammersmith Society have asked to be consulted on the colours and lighting of the bridge.

Again, we have previously reported on the development of the Local Plan for the Old Oak and Park Royal Development area.

This has to follow the same standard national procedure and consultation timetable as the H and F Local Plan. We commented on the initial plan in some detail and OPDC are due to publish their next stage Plan, which should incorporate and respond to comments made.

Members of your committee will be examining and commenting on the revisions.

The cinema has now been demolished but work has stopped.

Cineworld Hammersmith demolished

We are waiting a statement from the Council as to what is happening on the Town Hall project.

We have reported on the progress on the new Hammersmith and Fulham Local Plan over the last two years.

The revised Plan incorporating several of our comments and recommendations will now be the subject of this Inquiry by a Government appointed inspector. He will be assessing the soundness of the plan and conformity to planning law including the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the London Plan. The hearings will take place in the Council Chamber of Hammersmith Town Hall over a period of six days, commencing on Tuesday 13th June.

For years the long held ambition for a continuous riverside walk from Chiswick to Putney Bridge has been thwarted by the presence of Queen’s Wharf and Riverside Studios involving a detour along Crisp Road. At last the final section in front of Queen’s Wharf and the new Studios has been completed and opened.

The statue was finally unveiled at a ceremony on a glorious afternoon on 24th May in front of an invited audience. Unfortunately the original Guest of Honour Sir Roy Strong was unable to attend due to ill health but the organisers were delighted that Gilly Drummond, Chairman of the Capability Brown Festival Celebrations 2016 was able to take his place, together with Cllr Michael Cartwright in his role as Mayor. Gilly is also Chairman of the English Heritage Historic Parks and Gardens Panel and President of the Association of Gardens Trusts.

The Leader of the Council Stephen Cowan, MP Andy Slaughter and the sculptor Laury Dizengremel were also in attendance. Celebrations continued in the Blue Boat Pub nearby.

Capability Brown Statue unveiling – Richard Jackson

Hammersmith Society Committee: Capability Brown Statue

Capability Brown Statue unveiling

Capability Brown Statue unveiling

Capability Brown Statue unveiling

The location of the statue is on the newly adopted riverside walk at Distillery Wharf, but unfortunately the statue has been removed temporarily to rectify a slight wobble, but will be returned in about two weeks.

Congratulations especially to our Committee Member Richard Jackson for making the project happen, raising the necessary funds and overcoming so many obstacles along the way.

Following the success of this statue, it seems that plans are now afoot for another statue to commemorate William Morris. Watch this space!

We are delighted that the new Mayor, elected on 17 May, is Cllr Michael Cartwright. Michael was elected as a Councillor in 1992 and represents Broadway Ward. He was Deputy Leader from 2014 – 2017. He is a member and long term supporter of the work of the Hammersmith Society. We understand that Cllr Mercy Umeh will continue in the role of Deputy Mayor.

We also wish to congratulate Rosemary Pettit on her appointment as Mayoress and Consort to the Mayor. Rosemary has been on the Hammersmith Society committee for several years and was Chairman from 2012 to 2015.