I'm actually thinking of the domestic architecture that we take for granted, for example, there is a small row of houses on the south side of Gordon Road, just before the junction with the Avenue that probably ought to be listed. Many of the houses in Gordon Road and the streets around it are worth a second glance, before they are "improved". The borough failed to exploit the interest of American tourists who had seen "The Young Victoria" in 2009. They are now staying in hotels in Uxbridge Road, a few minutes walk from Gordon Road, but I doubt if there are any guides or leaflets available to tell them this, or about Pitzhanger Manor. In fact, as far as I know, the borough does nothing to promote tourism at all!There is also the issue of the Starlite Ballroom in North Greenford - a site with huge potential. In the year that marks its fiftieth anniversary it is at risk of demolition. I wonder at the common sense of the councillors in that ward who simply cannot see what saving and restoring it would do in an area that needs jobs and regeneration. The Mayor of London stated publicly that he would support the establishment of a music heritage trail through the borough - why won't they do the same? Because it would mean preventing the demolition of relevant sites! I'm afraid I have to agree with Tony Palmer who criticised the borough's councillors for their lack of genuine interest and support for culture. It is frightening to think that by the time they realise it might be in their best interests to save our architectural heritage most of it will be gone. In my part of the borough, Greenford, it is almost as though tourism is being deliberately ignored. If you have never done so I recommend that you travel to Greenford Station (with its curved post-war Art Deco facade), turn right and take a look at the Flemish inspired parade of shops alongside it and walk down Oldfield Lane to the subway under the A40. Beyond it you will find two 18th century buildings. Greenford Community Centre, formerly Greenford Hall, was the home of Thomas Earnshaw who played a part in establishing how to measure longitude at sea - during his tenure it was known as Longitude House - and also of the founder of "The Lancet". Further down is the Betham School House which dates from 1780 (this is listed but shown as being in Ealing rather than Greenford!). Opposite Greenford Hall is Holy Cross, parts of which date back to the fourteenth century. The graveyard alone is worth a visit. If you continue along Oldfield Lane you will come to the London Motorcycle Museum. A few minutes walk away is the former Greenford Granada, now Tesco, which for the moment retains its classic Art Deco tower and was the venue for gigs by bands including the Rolling Stones. This building faces drastic changes if Tesco goes ahead with its plans. All this is a bus or tube ride away from the hotels in Uxbridge Road but the council does nothing to encourage tourists (or even the borough's residents) to visit the area. My first encounter with the newly elected councillors in my ward has not encouraged any hope that this will change. I do not believe that those presently representing the Labour Party in the borough understand or care about heritage or the environment. I look forward to their proving me wrong.
Albertina McNeill ● 4311d