Sky TV is apparently filming down in Brentford at 6pm this evening, following the recent story over the sinking of ‘Deepwater’, one of the boats taken over by Hounslow Council when the owner eventually tired of attempting to legitimise his moorings at Watermans Park.
It has been a long-drawn out struggle with ignorance on all sides, over these moorings that used to belong to the old gas works, which were taken over by Hounslow when they turned the old works into a park.
Over decades, Hounslow has refused to legitimise those who wanted to pay moorings and Council Tax to be there, and the new “marina” plans they have approved for themselves have no place for any but the very wealthiest of the present incumbents.
http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/west-london-news/watch-historic-boat-sinks-thames-11192708
I was asked to contribute via an interview, but had no prior notice and am far away at present; however I have spoken at length with several of the boaters affected over the years, attempting to assist with understanding of the relative legal and practical issues, and they comprise some very articulate, professional media people, so I would expect them to make as good a showing as could be hoped for.
edit to add: have just been told that the theme of the Sky programme centres on the over-'gentrification' of Brentford, at the expense of the local inhabitants. That is certainly something that has been happening everywhere here, not just with the waterways.