This petition serves as a way to collectively show local interest and support for bringing a charity shop to Brentford, so that Hounslow Council can clearly see resident backing for this specific proposal. Brentford residents have repeatedly raised concerns about the number of vacant council-owned units on the new Brentford High Street and the lack of diverse, community focused uses in the area.

Despite this, Brentford currently has no charity shop at all. While the High Street has other businesses, including coffee shops and restaurants, many residents feel there is an opportunity for a charity shop that  reflects Brentford’s community spirit, values, and identity.

Alliance Arts, a registered local charity, has been operating in Brentford for over 15 years and has received numerous awards for its work in the community. They have a strong track record of supporting young people, improving confidence, mental health, and overall fitness, and creating safer spaces that help steer them away from negative influences. Previously, Alliance Arts received positive feedback from the council for a proposal to open a modern charity shop. With units still empty, there is now a clear opportunity to revisit this in a more flexible and constructive way.

At a recent Brentford Area Forum, the council stated that it was keen to find solutions for these vacant units. Residents are now asking the council to act on that commitment.

If you live in Brentford, please state that you are a Brentford resident when signing, this helps show the council strong local support!

We are calling on Hounslow Council to:

• Offer a vacant council-owned unit in Brentford to Alliance Arts, a registered charity, to run a modern, community-focused charity shop
• Provide an initial 12–24 month lease, with a clear pathway to a longer term arrangement subject to transparent and proportionate review criteria agreed in advance

This structured approach allows the Council to:

• Reduce vacancy
• Demonstrate support for social value enterprise
• Trial a sustainable High Street activation model
• Transition to a long-term asset if performance and community impact are evidenced

Brentford deserves active shopfronts, accessible retail, and community-led enterprise, not prolonged vacancy.