Chiswick Councillor's Objection Halts West London Queer Project's Street Party

The West London Queer Project's plans for a celebratory street party have been thwarted following an objection from a Chiswick councillor.

The organisation, which emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic to foster a vibrant social scene for the LGBTQ+ community, has been recognised for its contributions through awards and grants from both Hounslow and Hammersmith Councils. Known for organising a diverse array of events, from drag performances to charity walks and networking gatherings for gay parents, the group aimed to mark its fourth anniversary with a street party on the Sunday evening of the August bank holiday weekend.

The proposed event was set to take place in Old Market Place, a location familiar to locals as the site of regular Sunday markets. The plan was to hold the party between 5 and 9 pm, with festivities continuing indoors at the Boston Room of the George IV pub. Both the George IV and the Old Fire Station bar and restaurant had expressed their support for the event, which was to feature a stage and performances by drag queens.

However, the application for the street party was rejected by Hounslow Council due to an objection from a local councillor. The council cited concerns that the location was unsuitable, noting that the road is a service road with a fire station and a busy car park. This decision has left Aubrey Crawley, founder of the West London Queer Project, perplexed. He pointed out that the road would already be closed for the Sunday market, and the request was merely for an extension of a few hours. Furthermore, the "fire station" in question is not an operational facility but a restaurant named after a former fire station.

The councillor responsible for the objection has been identified as Cllr Joanna Biddolph. Her decision has sparked disappointment among the organisers and supporters of the West London Queer Project. Crawley expressed his dismay, stating, "I'm very disappointed and disheartened with the objection to our street party. The West London Queer Project was founded in Chiswick, and over the last four years, we have brought a lot of business into the area through our Touch Rugby, Football, Drag & Comedy Shows, community walks, and film screenings/sing-alongs. Surely a street party that ends at 9 pm, and that everyone is welcome to come along to, should not be too much to ask for."

The objection from Cllr Biddolph is not an isolated incident. She has faced criticism from the Conservative Group for allegedly bringing the group into disrepute before the last local elections.

This followed a complaint from a member of the public who claimed that Biddolph had informed protestors against the C9 Cycle Lane that Hounslow Council's security officers had advised councillors to enter Hounslow House through the back door for safety reasons ahead of a key meeting in March 2024.

These incidents led to her suspension from the Conservative Group in March 2024 for a short period of time.

In an alarming pattern, Biddolph has been known to object to various local events and homeowner requests in the Chiswick area over the past year, often without substantial justification.

The West London Queer Project has appealed the decision, hoping to overturn the objection and proceed with their planned celebration. The organisation has been instrumental in enhancing the vibrancy of Chiswick, contributing to its reputation as a lively and inclusive neighbourhood. The addition of the four Sunday markets has further cemented Chiswick's status as a desirable place to live and visit, and the West London Queer Project aims to continue fostering a sense of community and fun for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.

The broader implications of this objection highlight the ongoing challenges faced by community organisations in navigating local government regulations and securing support for public events. The decision has sparked a conversation about the role of councillors in supporting or hindering community initiatives, particularly those that promote inclusivity and diversity.

As the appeal process unfolds, the West London Queer Project remains committed to its mission of creating a positive social environment for the LGBTQ+ community. The outcome of this appeal will not only impact the organisation's anniversary celebrations but also set a precedent for future community events in Chiswick.

In the meantime, the West London Queer Project continues to engage with local businesses and residents, advocating for the value of their events and the positive impact they have on the community. The organisation's efforts to bring people together and celebrate diversity are a testament to the resilience and determination of the LGBTQ+ community in the face of adversity.

The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and collaboration in overcoming obstacles and ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.