Community Life

Two new contractors have taken over the council's culture and leisure portfolio from the CIP group. A company that had been managing the portfolio since 1998 and was recently criticised for neglecting the borough's parks and cemeteries.

John Laing Integrated Services and Fusion Lifestyle will now manage and operate these services, after being awarded a contract worth 100 million pounds.

The leader of the Council Peter Thompson says Laing and Fusion will bring significant changes to the look and feel of Hounslow. He says:

“Both have proven track records of delivering excellence, innovation and quality. For every resident in this borough, this decision means major investment and massive improvement. People will see cleaner parks, better leisure centres, and enhanced libraries within a year. This is truly the beginning of a new era and an exciting moment in the borough’s history.”

The new leisure hubs will be formed in Heston, Isleworth and Feltham integrating present library and leisure centre facilities. Libraries in Hounslow, Chiswick, Isleworth, Heston and Hanworth will also be modernised. Parks that have been negelcted will be maintained say the council as will the cemeteries.

email ramaa.sharma@bbc.co.uk