THE SECOND anniversary of the worst terrorist attack seen on American soil, in which over 3,000 civilians died, sparking two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, came and went last week, with little coverage in the newspapers or television.

A memorial to those who died in the Twin Towers 24 months ago, was unveiled at the American Embassy in Central London containing a piece of a girder from the doomed skyscrapers, but unlike last year, no national minutes silence was held.

The Times took to Hounslow High Street on September 12 to see how those living near the world’s busiest international airport thought the world had changed since 9/11.

Graham Tranter, 31, from Hounslow, said: "It’s certainly changed things. People are more aware and you see people asking more questions. Has it changed my life? I suppose it has really. It makes you realise the danger that one person can cause to the community."

Monsoon Moughal, 25, from Feltham, felt little had been learnt from the experience: "I personally don’t think anything’s changed. Blood’s been shed all over the world. I’m a Muslim and I went to my mosque yesterday to pray for all the people who died, but I think America didn’t learn their lesson. What can you do? Our voices are not heard. What we say or do will not change anything."

Michelle Beharry, 21, from Brentford felt more respect should have been paid: "I thought they would’ve done a minutes silence or something. I work in the Treaty Centre, and it would have been good just as a sign of respect and to remind us. It makes you feel all cold inside just thinking about it."

Fraser Handcock, 22, from Staines and working temporarily in Hounslow said: "The world’s become a bit more cynical and a lot less trusting. It affected the way we think but I’m not the sort of person who won’t travel into central London on the anniversary date. It’s not given me cause to reflect on my own mortality. It’s a problem that has not only affected my generation but will be with us for many years to come. In so far as there is something positive it made people think on the same wavelength.” Norman Walsh, 30, from Heston said: "I think the world’s a bit more paranoid. The slightest thing that happens now, people think terrorist. I phoned a friend yesterday because it was his birthday on September 11."

Geoffrey Hodgkinson, 61, who lives in France and whose partner lives in Twickenham said: "It’s changed very dramatically. I sell houses in France and one of my friends used to sell to Harrods but since September 11 business has gone right down."

He added that more people were choosing to live outside the UK: "The lifestyle here is not what they want. They’re looking for a better quality of life."

John Watson, 60, from Richmond, felt security now was over the top: "It’s exaggerated to make people more money. Do you see Bin Laden heading for Redhill?"