Mel Collins
Councillor for Brentford
Mel has lived in Brentford since 1945. In this time he has spent 30 years working at Barclays bank, 15 years in engineering, and 31 years as a Governor of St Paul’s School. Now retired, he has served as a Councillor for numerous terms, and plays a leading role in many community groups and projects across Hounslow.
Mel has been passionate about healthcare provision since the 1980s, and has served on numerous bodies over the years, including the Community Health Council and its successors. He also supports a number of groups for disabled and other disadvantaged people including Disability Network Hounslow, Hounslow Community Network, a sports and social club for people with multiple disabilities, and a disability housing forum. He is the Chair of Heston and Isleworth’s Old People’s Welfare Luncheon Club, and also Chair of North West London Health Scrutiny Panel.
Some of Mel’s success stories from his time as a Councillor so far include the refurbishment of the external areas at Brentford library, including the provision of a PA system, and general maintenance of council estates across the ward. He has worked for nearly 30 years leading bids to secure generous external funding for innovative ideas to restore the Museum, House, and Sports Hub in Gunnersbury Park whilst protecting interests of local interests. He also worked as a key part of the team that bid successfully for funding to run a feasibility study for a major refurbishment of Boston Manor House.