Here Be Dragons

The Big Lunch

What is the Big Lunch?

“Basically, it’s a party in your street, in everyone’s street. On 19th July we’re asking the people of Britain to stop what they’re doing and sit down to lunch together. Why? Well for lots of reasons really but mainly just cos we think it’ll be fun.”

Visit the Big Lunch website here

Bus & Tram Fare Discount Update

A visit this morning to Hounslow Jobcentreplus and as always a revelatory experience. “Go away” the bouncers(yep – they have bouncers!) said, “no signing on today due to office re-organisation, you will be paid on your usual day(wish I could rely on that but having experienced failure to pay twice this year already I am not confident)”. Would have saved me a couple of hours in time and a couple of quid in fares if they could have been bothered to ring me beforehand.

On enquiring as to the availability of an application form for the Bus & Tram fare discount, which is being extended to those in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance for over thirteen weeks by the London Mayor, I am met with a blank stare. “We only have forms for those on Income Support” I am told. The floor manager very kindly offers to telephone Glasgow Benefits Centre on my behalf to make enquiries and bingo, they are aware of this and will send me a letter which should enable the Post Office to issue me with the appropriate Photocard.

I wonder why information on this scheme is so hard to come by, why don’t they make it easy for people to enjoy this excellent provision.

Cunning Ploy by John Thompson & Partners

Seemingly with the cooperation of Hounslow Council, jT have submitted a revised planning application for the Kew Bridge site the only difference being that the number of residential units is reduced from 170 to 164.

Could it be that the real reason for this amended application is that all objections to the original application of 19 June 2008 will no longer be considered for the superficially amended application and consequently all those who objected will have to do so again within 21 days of 19th March 2009 if they wish their voice to be heard?

Is this a ploy designed to reduce the amounts of compensation which may be payable to those most affected by this development?

What part are Hounslow Council Planning Department playing in this?

Jobcentreplus Tell Porkies

On my next visit to Jobcentreplus in Hounslow I decided to revisit the travel expense situation based on my research having failed to uncover any evidence of this change in policy and requested a referral to a manager. Suddenly a travel expense form materialises for my signature and payment is promptly made.

No doubt about it – I was told a barefaced lie by my personal adviser.

The lesson to be learned? Don’t beleive anything jobcentreplus tells you without first checking the veracity from an independent source.

Now Broadband go tits up!: Jus…

Now Broadband go tits up!: Just received a letter today from Now Wireless Broadband cancelling my broadband conn.. http://tinyurl.com/b5qhda

Now Broadband go tits up!

Just received a letter today from Now Wireless Broadband cancelling my broadband connection.

“It is with regret that, due to operational reasons, I have to inform you that we will be withdrawing the now wireless broadband service in your area. We will be switching off the sites in the area on Tuesday 21st April 2009 and therefore your service will finish on that date.”

Anyone have any information if this applies to all now broadband customers or only selective areas. Will be a shame to see them go – they provided a decent service at a decent price.

Just had a letter from Now Bro…

Just had a letter from Now Broadband, they are discontinuing service in my part of West London. Bye bye Now Broadband.

From 01/04 TfL will offer half…

Win some…
From 01/04 TfL will offer half price bus fares to those who have been claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance for a minimum of 13 weeks.

Hounslow Jobcentreplus tells m…

… lose some.
Hounslow Jobcentreplus tells me that travel costs will no longer be reimbursed when attendance is required on days other than signing on day.

Times must be hard.

Shopping News

Update – Waitrose will open in Chiswick on 14th December.

Woolworths in Chiswick has now closed and will reopen as a Waitrose store.

The Co-operative Group and Somerfield recently announced that they have entered into an agreement for the Co-operative Group to acquire Somerfield for £1.565bn on a cash-free debt-free basis. If you wish to avoid the rush for membership of the Co-operative Group when Somerfield changes to Co-op go here and click on the join button.