Six months of silence, rubble and rust — while hundreds walk through daily The Harvard Hill underpass, a busy pedestrian route beneath the A4 in Chiswick, remains in a state of dangerous disrepair—with hazardous rubble, loose metal panels, and a growing hole in the ceiling. Despite repeated complaints and photographic evidence, Transport for London (TfL) and Hounslow Council have failed to act for over six months.
Contractors on site even refused to remove the rubble, claiming it might contain asbestos—a serious public health risk. And yet, the debris remains, TfL claims that this does not contain asbestos, so is not a priority. Barriers have been left in place since 2024, and structural rust is visibly worsening.
Local councillor Gabriella Giles has led the calls for urgent action. “Hundreds of people use this route every day,” she said. “The council’s inaction is putting public safety at risk and giving residents the impression they’ve simply been forgotten.” Conservative councillors are demanding clear timelines, proper repairs, and full transparency.
The underpass is not a back alley— it’s a vital link for children, parents, commuters, and elderly residents alike.
