Brentford regeneration crunched

They claim design work has effectively ground to a halt and have called on Hounslow Council to use the opportunity to safeguard historic buildings in the south side of the High Street.

Lib Dem councillor Andrew Dakers, chairman of the Brentford High Street Steering Group, said: "I am speculating, but we're probably seeing a delay of several years. This is very frustrating but I don't think local people will be surprised."

Cllr Dakers said it was vital Ballymore made several boarded-up premises available to local businesses for rent at a reasonable rate and that town hall chiefs began the process of gaining Conservation Area Status for the historic area.

The rallying cry has been taken up by the Brentford Community Council, which is currently drafting a letter to send to the council.

In May residents were hoping plans would emerge by the autumn, despite a series of setbacks. Preliminary designs showing a massive housing-led development had already appeared on the architect's web-site in December 2007 but were quickly withdrawn.

Ballymore spokeswoman Rebecca Paczek confirmed the project was under review and the design work 'on hold' but refused to put a time scale on progress. She also admitted it was unlikely an application would be submitted in the next six months in 'large part because of the current economic situation'.