hillingdon people march 2012

March/April 2012

Council tax frozen for a fourth year

Give golf a go

Swing into 2012A year of celebration

www.hillingdon.gov.uk

Hillingdon Carers work with the council to provide information and advice to support you. Contact them now on

01895 811206

Recognise yourself?Caring for a loved one can be demanding

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hillingdon people magazineMarch/April 20122

advertisements

Approximate line of

cutting shown on

consultation plans

Approximate line

of new cutting

contactsAny further developments

on HS2 will be posted on

the council’s website at

www.hillingdon.gov.uk/hs2

when they are available.

hillingdon people magazine hillingdon people magazine

March/April 2012

March/April 2012

18

19

hillingdon community


The council and residents from across

the borough have been campaigning hard

against proposals to build a high speed rail

link which would cut through Hillingdon.

The government made its announcement

in January, Hillingdon People tells you more

about what the council plans to do next.

In January, the Government

confirmed the preferred route

for the proposed High Speed

rail link (HS2), which will have

a major impact on Hillingdon.

The approved route included 12

changes to the original scheme,

including a tunnel in the Ruislip

area, but the proposals will still

impact on residents, particularly

in Ickenham and Harefield and in

due course, the Heathrow area.

The council, as part of the 51m

group, an alliance of 18 councils, is

now, as we did with the 3rd Runway

threat to our borough, taking

legal advice to consider the most

appropriate course of action in

the UK and possibly the European

Courts to safeguard Hillingdon’s

residents and environment.

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader

of the Council, said: “We are not

against the concept of high speed

rail, but we do not believe that this

proposed route is the best option or

that it is financially viable. We feel

that the current rail network needs

investment and improvement now

and if the HS2 proposals are not

reconsidered, we will take legal action.

“While the scheme has been

amended to include a tunnel in the

Ruislip area, it leaves both Ickenham

and Harefield under threat and

has worsened the threat to our

residents in the Heathrow area.”

He continued: “I am immensely

proud of the residents of Hillingdon,

particularly in Ruislip, Ickenham and

Harefield, who have campaigned so

well. Yes they are concerned with

what may happen in the area in

which they live, and why shouldn’t

they be, but they continue to time and

time again drive home their concerns

for others affected by these plans.”

The announcement, which referred

to the work Hillingdon has done on

opposing the scheme, follows one

of the largest national consultations

ever undertaken and then ignored as

the vast majority of individuals and

organisations opposed the current

scheme. All Hillingdon residents

were sent a postcard for them to

return to us, with 90 per cent of the

responses opposing the proposals.

Defending our people and environment

Cov er photo Courte s y of shu t ters toCk .Com

hillingdon people magazine March/April 2012 3

hillingdon contentsMarch/April 2012

Editorial and advertising enquirieshannah Collins 01895 250828

[email protected]

For a copy in large print or on tape, call 01895 250828

published by London Borough of Hillingdon © 2012Design phil Burton 01895 250670 Printed by Warners midlands pLChillingdon people, 3e/07 Civic Centre, high street, uxbridge, uB8 1uW.

products and services advertised in this magazine are not necessarily endorsed by the council.

Cllr Ray PuddifootLeader of the Council

In February, we experienced the first really

severe weather of the winter and our gritters were out throughout this period, making sure we kept the borough moving. Our focus is now on repairing the damage to our roads and pavements caused by the bad weather. We have committed extra money in this year’s budget to ensure we are able to tackle this and the new equipment we have bought for this purpose should ensure the repairs are long lasting.

As you will see, we have once again frozen council tax for our residents and at the same time, we are continuing to maintain services and invest in those areas you have told us are important to you. By the end of this year, we will have completed our library rebuild/refurbishment programme and now we have Environment Agency approval our plans to enhance Ruislip Lido will be well under way to improve this wonderful facility for our residents of all ages to enjoy.

Since the last edition of Hillingdon People, the Government has confirmed its proposals for a high speed rail link (HS2) through the borough and despite winning a major concession for a tunnel through Ruislip, your council will continue to oppose the plans. I would like to pay tribute to the many residents in the borough who have worked so hard to protect not only the area in which they live but also that of others both within and outside of our borough.

Finally, I would like to remind residents that there is still time to apply for a street party to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and take advantage of the very simple process we have put in place which means we will cover the costs of public liability insurance and road closures.

We continue as a nation to live in difficult times but in Hillingdon we are well placed to deal with this and as always, there is a lot happening in the next few months and I hope residents will take full advantage of the facilities and events that we provide. After reading, please

recycle this magazine

Deadline for advertising in the May/June is 26 March.

14 Cover feature: Get golfing in HillingdonSign up for the council’s golf courses

9 Older People’s PageGenerations work together to get online

10 Hillingdon celebratesPlanning a street party for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee? Take advantage of the council’s free public liability insurance and road closures

11 Council tax frozenCouncil tax frozen for a fourth year

12 Ruislip Lido upgradesLatest plans for the enhancement projects announced

18 HS2Council Leader promises to continue fight against the Government’s HS2 plans

24 Could you foster?With Mothering Sunday around the corner, have you thought about fostering?

26 Keeping anti-social behaviour out of the pictureWe need your help to keep reducing ASB in Hillingdon

Regulars4 News31 Hillingdon volunteers32 What’s on?35 Hillingdon contact numbers


Six month curfew for benefit fraudsterA woman from West Drayton has been given a six month curfew order after being found guilty of falsely claiming more than £26,000 in benefits.

Michelle Andre, of Kenwood Close, West Drayton appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court in January following an investigation by the council.

As well as receiving a curfew, Ms Andre was also has been given 200 hours of community punishment. She was investigated after a call from a member of the public.

Ms Andre was claiming income support, housing and council tax as a single parent with no income, but had failed to declare that she was living with her partner who was also in full time employment.

Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services, said: “Hillingdon Council investigates all calls we receive, and I am very pleased that another fraudster has been caught and sentenced.”

Anyone who suspects benefit fraud can contact the council’s hotline, anonymously, on 0800 389 8313 or email [email protected]

behave in such an anti-social manner, making life unpleasant for others living around you. It is totally inconsiderate and could result in you losing your home.”

Hillingdon has some of the lowest levels of anti-social behaviour in London and levels have fallen significantly

Noisy neighbour evictedA council tenant has been evicted for anti-social behaviour.

Amy Franklin, 21, of Pantile Walk, Uxbridge, was ordered to leave the property following an application to the courts by the council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Investigations team.

The case was heard at Uxbridge County Court in January. Ms Franklin was evicted from her property on the same day for ongoing and serious anti-social behaviour that was having a very detrimental effect on her neighbours. She did not contest the eviction.

The council first received complaints about her in August 2011.

Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Improvement, Partnerships and Community Safety, said: “We will take action against anybody causing misery to others. It is not acceptable to

over the last five years. The council is keen to ensure that ASB levels are kept low and that the concerns of residents continue to be addressed.

For more information visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/asb, or see page 26 of this edition of Hillingdon People.

Praise for ‘outstanding’ childcareSouth Ruislip Early Years and Children’s Centre in Queens Walk, South Ruislip has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

The centre was given the top rating after an unannounced inspection before Christmas.

It was praised for creating an environment where, ‘children blossom and flourish,’ and ‘play a full and active role in their learning, show great curiosity, desire to explore and are inquisitive learners’.

Jaz Balghan, a parent who was interviewed by the

Ofsted inspector, said: “I have two children at South Ruislip Early Years Centre - a baby who is nearly one and a soon-to-be three-year-old.

I believe that the quality of care that they receive at the centre is outstanding.

The staff are dedicated, caring and totally professional. My children are thriving in the nursery and I feel that the staff truly care about them as individuals and their development.”

Cllr David Simmonds, Cabinet Member

for Education and Children’s Services, said: “This is a fantastic centre that clearly offers a nurturing and stimulating environment in which young children can grow and I am delighted the hard work of all those involved in its running has been recognised.”

The centre is registered for 49 children aged between six months and five years and also supports children with learning difficulties or disabilities.

The full report is available from www.ofsted.gov.uk


hillingdon news

Could you be a governor?Oak Farm Infant School, Hillingdon, is looking for a Partnership Governor. Please contact the school on 01895 234375 for further details.

For more general information on governors, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/schools and select ‘school governors’.

Come for coffee!Residents in Heathrow Villages are being invited to meet other local people and get involved in the community at a weekly coffee morning. Running on Wednesdays from 9.30 to 11am at Sipson Baptist Church, Sipson Lane, Sipson, UB7 0JD. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Free tea, coffee, squash and biscuits will be available.

The group is organised by Heathrow Villages Community Development, working with Harmondsworth and Sipson Residents Association (HASRA). For more information email [email protected] or call 07726 694342.

One Stop Shop is movingHayes One Stop Shop (OSS) is moving to Botwell Green Sport and Leisure Centre in East Avenue, in April.

The OSS will be located in the library and will mean you can access more services in the same place.

The new facility will be open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

The Citizens Advice Bureau will also be moving and will remain within the OSS.

More information available online at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/oss

Gardens to develop more detailed plans for the house and gardens. The historic buildings at Eastcote House Gardens, the Stables, Dovecote and Walled Garden, together with the parkland trees, are part of the grounds of Eastcote House, demolished in 1964.

The project includes using the stables for community activities and a manager’s office, the Dovecote as an interpretation centre, and providing some

Funding boost for gardensThe council has been awarded £74,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund to improve Eastcote House Gardens. The money will help us to develop plans for the listed buildings and gardens. We now have up to two years to develop these plans, which will go forward as a bid for around £1m in the second stage of the application process.

During the next stage, the council will be working with the Friends of Eastcote House

supporting facilities to accommodate a small tea room and public toilets.

If the council’s second bid is successful, schools and other local groups would benefit from activities such as pond dipping, ecology walks and a natural playground. An archaeological excavation on the site of the former Eastcote House would also encourage local residents to discover at first hand about the history of this site.

inbrief

Eastcote House Gardens has been awarded funding


hillingdon news

Plans approved to upgrade poolThe council’s Cabinet has approved £4.5 million worth of work to improve Highgrove Swimming Pool.

Plans include:•replacing the existing

pool plant equipment (including boilers and pool filters);

•updating the changing rooms;

•redecorating the pool;•replacing the

pool hall tiling;

•a new entrance and reception area;

•extending the car park.

All the improvements will make the pool fully accessible for disabled people.

Work is scheduled to start after the Easter break and it is anticipated it will take up to eight months. Any disruption will be kept to a minimum.

Cllr David Simmonds, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “These are some of our most vulnerable and in-need children and it is crucial that we identify them at the earliest opportunity so the necessary support and protection can be put in place. Hillingdon has an extensive safeguarding programme and works with a number of agencies to provide a coordinated response to this issue and I am pleased it has been recognised in this way.”

The UK Borders Agency refers unaccompanied children to the council who they believe may be vulnerable or at risk from harm. The council then assess the young person to determine what the best care or next step should be.

For more information on what Hillingdon is doing to combat child trafficking visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk

Use your vote!The elections for the London Mayor and London Assembly will be taking place on Thursday 3 May and you need to be on the electoral register to be able to vote and have your voice heard.

The deadline for making sure you are on the electoral register is 18 April, so if you don’t think you’re on the register, or you’ve recently moved into Hillingdon or have just turned 18, please let us know.

On 3 May, you can vote in person at a polling station between 7am and 10pm. You can also register to vote by post and the deadline for this is

The council has been commended during a government debate for its work to combat child trafficking.

Hillingdon Council was praised by Immigration Minister Damian Green during a debate about human trafficking in February in the House of Commons.

During a discussion about the government’s new missing children and adults strategy, Mr Green said: “I particularly commend Hillingdon Council, which is one of the most experienced councils in this regard, as it covers Heathrow. In 2009, 12 per cent of unaccompanied children were going missing from its care; it has now reduced that number to 4 per cent.”

In 2010/11, the council worked with 241 young people who arrived at Heathrow, of which 98 claimed asylum.

The council also offers a 24-hour-a-day response service to engage with children and young people from the moment they are referred.

also 18 April. The ballot will be sent out from 19 April and you have until 10pm on the day of the election to return it to us. If you would like someone to vote on your behalf, you have until 5pm on 25 April to apply to vote by proxy.

If you need a form to register to vote, call us on 01895 250251 or visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/vote

Shopfront improvements head northThe council has brought its shop improvement scheme to Ruislip Manor after a successful introduction in the south of the borough.

Working with the council, retail specialists International Visual Ltd have held two free skills workshops where traders were given practical tips to improve the look of their shops and to help increase sales.

Businesses in Victoria Road, Ruislip Manor, were eligible to take part in the scheme. A ‘best dressed’ shop window competition, involving the shopkeepers who took part is being judged on 13 March.

The company has already helped improve trade for shopkeepers in Hayes with its four-week visual merchandising programme. The training, which is tailored to meet

the needs of a particular area, includes in-store coaching on how to maximise space and drive sales from professionals with more than 25 years of retail experience.

Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Improvement, Partnerships and Community Safety, said: “We are very keen to support local businesses and make our town centres a place where people want to come and shop.

“We had some very positive feedback from the Hayes traders and I am confident that there will be a similar feeling in Ruislip Manor. This is too good an opportunity for people to pass up.”

More information is available at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/towncentres

Trafficking work commended

Some of the seized counterfeit goods


hillingdon news

goods, especially when the items can end up in the hands of children.”

If you have information about counterfeit goods

Council seizes counterfeit toys inbriefDodgy booze seller has licence revokedA licensee has had his right to sell alcohol at three stores revoked after he was found with almost 200 bottles of bogus wine.

Karamjit Ajula was told by the council’s Licensing Sub Committee that he would no longer be able to sell alcohol at his stores in Yeading Lane and Field End Road, South Ruislip.

A total of eight alcohol licences have been revoked as a result of a council initiative last summer.

Work to improve hall startsImprovement works have started at Winston Churchill Hall and are expected to last for around five months.

More than £300,000 is being invested in the front of house area and the main auditorium, improving the venue for the thousands of residents and visitors that use the hall each year.

Every effort is being made to keep disruption to a minimum, and any affected groups have already been contacted.

Last chance to have your say on waste planNow is your final chance to have your say on plans for West London’s waste up until 2026.

Hillingdon and five other west London boroughs (Brent, Ealing, Harrow, Hounslow and Richmond) are working on a joint plan for their future waste. Following

consultations last year a revised draft plan has been produced which:•Covers the period

up to 2026;•Identifies sites across

the six boroughs that could be used to manage all of west London’s waste;

•Contains policies to protect the environment and local communities; and

•Contains policies to promote waste reduction, recycling and composting, and combined heat and power.

please contact the council’s Trading Standards Service on [email protected] or call 01895 250164.

Consultation on this “Proposed Submission” version of the West London Waste Plan is scheduled to take place during spring 2012. Full details of the consultation will be given on the Plan website at www.wlwp.net, as well as on the council’s website.

During this period, comments on the Proposed Submission Version of the West London Waste Plan can be made on line at www.wlwp.net, or by using forms available from public libraries

and the Civic Centre. All those who have previously commented will be sent information directly. A final version of the Plan will be formally submitted to the Government later this year.

You can register your interest in the consultation by emailing [email protected]; calling 0800 389 4276; or by post to CAG Consultants, West London Waste Plan Consultation, Gordon House, 6 Lissenden Gardens, London NW5 1LX.

A market trader who was caught with a van load of counterfeit goods has been ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

Qayse Nori, 22, of Normandy Drive, Hayes, appeared for sentencing at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 31 January and was also ordered to pay £500 court costs. He pleaded guilty to nine offences at an earlier hearing on 17 January.

Nori had a licence to trade at a market in Southwark and a search of his van near his home revealed a quantity of counterfeit toys, fake designer handbags and other dodgy goods. The toys seized included Ben 10, Disney and Spiderman replicas.

Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services, said: “Buying fake goods supports serious crime and can put genuine local traders out of business. Hillingdon’s Trading Standards officers are working hard to protect residents from unsafe and fake

Left to right: Mufaro Mutaurwa, Fjolla Krasniqi, Cllr David Simmonds, Soila Apparicio and Tom Murphy


hillingdon news

available to residents for £10 a year by going to Source London (www.SourceLondon.net).

A past user from Hayes, said: “Test driving an electric car around town was a great experience. You get a smooth, cheap ride and lots of interest from family and friends; after all it is the car of the future.”

Electrifying Hillingdon

comforts, including CD player, air conditioning and electric windows.

As part of the trial, SSE has also equipped 10 local car parks with charging facilities for electric vehicles that feature some of the first fast chargers installed in the country. A permit to access these charging facilities and others across London is

(typically that means on a private drive or forecourt next to the outside wall of your home)

•be over 25 years old•have a clean

driving licence•either i) be an

existing customer of Southern Electric (or another SSE brand) or ii) be prepared to move to SSE for the three months of the loan period.

To apply for the trial please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/evehicles and download an application form that should be returned to Ford Motor Company Ltd. Applications close at the end of March 2012.

The trial vehicle is a five-seat version of the Transit Connect, with all the usual creature

Do you want the chance to trial an electric car? A scheme giving Hillingdon residents the chance to try these cars has now been extended until the end of 2013 you can apply to borrow a vehicle for three months at a time between July 2012 and December 2013.

The council has been working with Ford Motor Company Ltd and Scottish and Southern Energy for the last year. The trial is being funded by Ford, SSE and the Government, and the findings will be used to plan for future large-scale electric vehicle use.

To be eligible for the next phase of the trial you must:•be a Hillingdon

resident•have off-street

parking suitable for charging the vehicle

Young MPs elected The borough’s new young MPs have been welcomed into their new roles.

The three MYPs (Members of the national Youth Parliament) were elected in February, with 10,000 votes being cast online during the week-long election period.

Soila Apparicio and Fjolla Krasniqi met with Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services Cllr David Simmonds and Service Manager for Early Intervention Services for Children and Young People Tom Murphy at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge. They were also joined by their Deputy Mufaro Mutaurwa.

Cllr Simmonds said: “These are young people with lots to say. Their drive and determination to make their voices heard and

raise the issues affecting their age group show that the future of our borough will be in safe hands. The council is behind them and will provide any support or help they need in what is going to be a busy year. I wish them the very best of luck and look forward to working with them.”

All three were elected in February. Each had launched their bid to become an MYP at the Hillingdon Youth Conference in November, where they argued for what they felt should be the priorities for young people in the borough. Voting took place online and the results were collated by the council’s Youth Service.

For more, visit young.hillingdon.gov.uk/youthcouncil

The first electric car trial participants

contactsFor more information visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/telecareline or call Hillingdon Social Care Direct on 01895 556633.


hillingdon older people

Cllr Philip Corthorne, Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Housing, said: “Like most people, our older residents and those with disabilities have told us they want to be and to remain independent. This system allows them to do just that safe in the knowledge that assistance is on hand should they need it.”

Last year there were an incredible 100,000 alarm calls raised from the 5,000 TeleCareLine users needing assistance, demonstrating how valuable the service is.

Working together to get onlineSchools across the borough are working with older people to help them get online.

Age UK Hillingdon has teamed up with schools and colleges across Hillingdon to teach IT skills to residents over-60.

The first course ran at Stockley Academy, with year 12 students working on a one-to-one basis with older people, teaching them skills including emailing their friends, joining Facebook and EBay.

The project is expanding to include Northwood School, and it is hoped more schools will join in, meaning more older people can get involved.

If you are over-60 and would like to learn IT skills or improve on your existing skills please contact Sarah Millen on 020 8756 3056. Courses are free of charge and suitable for people at all levels.

TeleCareLine provides a range of sensors capable of detecting falls, fire, carbon

monoxide and floods that are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can also be activated in situations such as a bogus caller at the door.

When an alarm is activated, an operator based at the Hillingdon TeleCareLine Monitoring Centre will contact a nominated person who lives nearby, a member of the council’s mobile response team or the emergency services, depending on the circumstances.

Since April 2011, 750 new residents have had the system fitted and the council is on track to install more than 2,000 more over the next three years.

Grace Marks, who received the 750th system, said: “This system has given me and my family real peace of mind. I’ve always been an independent person and through Hillingdon TeleCareLine I can stay living at home but with the reassurance that, if something happened, help wouldn’t be far away.”

In Hillingdon, TeleCareLine is available free of charge to anyone over 85 and social care supported residents, subject to an assessment. It is also open to others for as little as £1.13 a week, depending on the level of support required.

Independence thanks to alarmMore than 5,000 older and disabled residents are living independently thanks to an alert system installed by the council.

contactsIf you want more advice on organising a street party during the Jubilee weekend, please email [email protected] or call 01895 556640 or 01895 556072



Hillingdon Council is once again playing its part to help you celebrate this summer.

If you’re planning to have a street party with your neighbours or family to celebrate the

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee over the Jubilee weekend (2-5 June), you can apply to the council for free public liability insurance, road closures, public notices and traffic management services. The deadline for applying is 16 April, so make sure you get in touch before then – all the details, including forms to complete can be found at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/jubilee.

Alongside this service for residents wanting to hold street parties, the council is hosting a range of events across the borough to celebrate this historic occasion.

Events will include: •the opening of commemorative

gardens in Swakeley’s Park•the planting of a Diamond

Jubilee Wood in Uxbridge, with

each school in the borough planting their own tree

•specially-commissioned Diamond Jubilee Gates will be unveiled at Eastcote House Gardens

•union flags will be flown in Hillingdon’s parks, at leisure centres and at the Civic Centre throughout the holiday weekend

•every school in the borough will be offered a framed portrait of Queen Elizabeth II

•Hillingdon’s libraries will be joining in the celebrations with events across the borough to mark this special occasion; from a unique display in Uxbridge Library, showcasing the Queen’s long relationship with the borough, to film screenings and tea dances - there will be something for everyone to take part in.

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council, said: “The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is an historic occasion and we are planning a range of events across the borough to enable Hillingdon residents to take part.

“Street parties are a great way to bring local communities together and I hope that by simplifying the application process and paying many of the fees we will ensure as many residents as possible make the most of the bank holiday weekend with a enjoyable street party.”

More information can be found on the Jubilee pages of the council website – www.hillingdon.gov.uk/jubilee

contactsIf you want more advice on organising a street party during the Jubilee weekend, please email [email protected] or call 01895 556640 or 01895 556072

contactsVisit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/counciltax

Residents enjoying the refurbished Northwood

Hills Library


hillingdon finance

Council tax frozen for fourth year

Cllr Puddifoot continued: “We have in this borough for many years been operating the council on a financially efficient basis and it has put us in a better place than many in these difficult financial times that we face as a nation. As we look to the next financial year and whilst I appreciate there is always more to do our key priorities remain the same – a clear focus on our people, our natural environment, our built environment and our finances.”

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council, said: “Our record of sound financial management

is allowing us to continue to protect and enhance the services that our residents tell us are important to them and to continue to invest in our facilities and our environment. As well as freezing council tax once again, many fees and charges, including parking charges, will not be increased for Hillingdon residents.”

In the coming year, the council will be increasing expenditure on road and pavement repairs by more than £1 million, completing our library rebuild/refurbish programme including a £2 million improvement to the Central Library in Uxbridge. A further £2 million will be spent on enhancing our environmental assets including Ruislip Lido and Highgrove Swimming Pool will undergo a £5 million refurbishment.

We have committed more than £126 million to providing new classrooms and schools for primary school children due to the London wide increase in the birth rates – every child in Hillingdon will have a school place as close to where they live as possible.

In Hillingdon we very much value the support of the voluntary sector and will be increasing our funding by £400,000 next year. There will be additional funding to open our libraries longer and we will continue to provide free burglar alarms and free swimming for the over 65s, with additional funding in community safety and children and families staff. We are committed to continuing with weekly waste and recycling collections and our Chrysalis Environmental Improvements Programme.

Hillingdon will once again deliver a zero increase in council tax for the coming year. This will be the fourth successive year that all residents have enjoyed a council tax freeze and the sixth year for those over 65.

ImpRovEmEnTS


hillingdon enhancements

Ruislip LidoRuislip Lido celebrated its bicentenary at the end of last year. To ensure that residents continue to enjoy the facilities there, the council has announced plans for enhancements on the site.

plans for the enhancement and improvement of the facilities at Ruislip Lido have

been announced and it is hoped that the majority of the work will be completed in the current year.

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council, said: “We have spent some time on ensuring that all the environmental aspects of the proposed improvements have been properly considered and now that

has been completed we can move ahead with these enhancements. The Lido is a popular venue for residents of all ages from all over the borough and even in these times of financial constraint it is important that we continue to invest in our environmental assets.”

Work has already been completed on the beach side toilets and changing room facilities and the additional enhancement proposals include:

contactsFor more information visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk and search for ‘Ruislip Lido enhancements’.

ImpRovEmEnTS


hillingdon enhancements

Children’s paddle boat areaThe council is considering recreating an enclosed children’s paddle boat area within the lake. Further investigation will be carried out throughout 2012 to assess the feasibility of this proposal.

AnglingProposals also include offering angling opportunities in designated areas for a range of age groups.

Site securityManagement, security fencing and appropriate lighting, will be reviewed during the development phase of the project to determine the most suitable options for the enhanced site.

Nature areaThe proposals for the enhancement of the Ruislip Lido site will continue to respect and provide quiet natural space for wildlife to flourish.

An overflow car parkThe proposed additional parking area is on the site of the previous overflow car park within the lido grounds. The additional 142 spaces will greatly assist with current parking problems in the immediate area. The re-submission of the planning application for the car park will take place over the next few weeks.

New public toilets (next to Willow Lawn)The necessary drainage and foundation work for the new toilets will be completed as part of the car park construction. Installation of the new toilet block is envisaged to take place in October 2012.

A new catering facilityBrand new catering facility to replace the existing facility will provide a much greater choice of hot and cold refreshments in a more pleasant environment.

A woodland/ education facilityWe propose providing a Woodland/Education Facility – built alongside the new catering facility, an education centre where visitors

can find out about the whole of the Lido site and the historical Ruislip Woods which surround it. The planning and procurement requirements will be progressed between now and the spring with a view to installation of the catering and education facility taking place by the end of December 2012.

Rain sheltersAlready purchased rain shelters will be installed in appropriate areas during the programme of works.

Ruislip Lido RailwayThis is a much enjoyed and valued feature of the Lido and discussions are taking place with the Ruislip Lido Railway Society to ensure there will be investment in this facility.

Beach swimming areaSwimming may be made available from a suitable enclosed area of the lake which will be accessed from the beach. The water will be tested for quality throughout 2012 and a decision made based on the outcome, at the end of that period. If it is safe to consider swimming the council will also look at enhancing the beach area

Ruislip Lido Enhancement project proposals

contactsFor more information on our Access3 pass and Golf Hillingdon facilities, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/leisure


hillingdon sport

The council now operates three of the golf courses in the borough – Haste

Hill, Ruislip and Uxbridge. As part of this new borough

ownership initiative we are launching our new Access3 golf pass which replaces the old season ticket. Access3 entitles you to unlimited golf* offering three diverse experiences, a 10 per cent reduction on guest

Access three times more golf

Ever thought of taking up golf or just want to play more of it? If so we may have the answer!

green fees with limitless guests**, a 10 per cent discount on shop purchases*** AND to show that we are Golf Hillingdon, a 10 per cent reduction on green fees at Stockley Pines** Golf Course.

To be part of the best golf experience in Hillingdon this year, come along to Haste Hill Golf Course between Monday 19 and Friday 30 March to obtain your Access3 pass.

*7 day pass **Time restrictions apply ***On purchases over £10

Haste Hill Golf Course

Stockley Park Golf Course

Uxbridge Golf Course

Sales desk opening hoursMonday 19 – Friday 23 March 8am to 4pmSaturday 24 March 8am to 12pmMonday 26 – Friday 30 March 10am to 6pm

All existing ticket holders have had the opportunity to renew through a letter sent by the council. If you are a current ticket holder but have not received a letter, please contact [email protected]

Access3 type Price7 day unlimited golf £525.005 day anytime £399.00Senior (on income support) £150.00Student £250.00Junior £150.00

contactsFor more information on our Access3 pass and Golf Hillingdon facilities, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/leisure

Battle of Britain BunkerThe Group Operations Block was built in 1938 and it played a role of fundamental importance in the marshalling of this country’s air defence, which sustained victory in the Battle of Britain and in other key actions of the Second World War. The original plotting room remains, surrounded by operations and control cabins, which comprise the strategic heart of the building. The bunker and its associated structures will be retained as part of the scheme and will remain in use by the RAF.

Following the closure of RAF Uxbridge, the Battle of Britain Bunker is now open to visitors. Decisions taken at the bunker during 1940 were crucial to keeping the enemy at bay, and it was here, on 16 August 1940 that Winston Churchill first uttered the words “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed, by so many to so few.”

A ‘Friends’ association has been set up to help raise money, provide volunteers and promote awareness of the bunker. New members are welcome and benefits include bi-annual newsletters, priority bookings and invitations to special events. Guided tours take place Monday-Friday at 10am and 2pm, but places must be booked in advance.

More information about visiting the Battle of Britain Bunker or joining the ‘Friends’ can be found at www.raf.mod.uk/battleofbritainbunker or you can call 01895 238154.


hillingdon planning

RAF Uxbridge development

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council, said: “The development of RAF Uxbridge, approved by the Mayor of London, will be a huge benefit to Hillingdon. The base played a crucial role in the Battle of Britain fought in the skies over southern England in the summer of 1940, and was the command centre for several Second World War operations. We are very proud of the heritage we have in Hillingdon, and we are going to ensure the history of the base and particularly the Battle of Britain Bunker is preserved for future generations to enjoy and remember.”

plans for the development of the old RAF Uxbridge site have been approved

by the council, subject to planning conditions and a legal agreement which will provide an excellent range of facilities on and near the site.

The site will be redeveloped to include housing, a 1,200 seat theatre, a museum, a school and a large new park.

Several of the base’s unique historical parts will be preserved, including the Grade II listed Hillingdon House and the Battle of Britain Bunker

The site was visited by Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, in

January, as the plans were going through the approval process

If you and your family want to get involved and find out more about the project, visit your nearest children’s centre and ask for more information.


hillingdon families

SpreadAs part of the National Year of Communication, the council has been working with ICAN, a national communication charity, focusing on the importance of giving all the borough’s children the best start in life. This is part of a wider range of initiatives that have been planned and delivered by the council.

Step into storytimeStories, rhymes and songs are a key part in developing language, teaching us new words, building our understanding of language and concepts and developing our ability to imagine, create and begin to build complex and explanatory sentences.

The Early Years Inclusion team have been working with the library service to launch an exciting programme of storytimes into the borough’s libraries. Step into Storytimes is a six-week programme where children are encouraged to join in a story time and spend time playing. The sessions also gave parents an opportunity to explore effective ways they can support their children in developing the high level of language they will need to reach their full potential.

Successful sessions have been run in Yeading, Botwell and Charville libraries, with parents’ comments including:•I’ve learnt more about how to

communicate with my child and some things I was not aware of.

•I can see the development in my child since I have been taking part in this project, eg. playing with other children.

The council’s Early Years Inclusion team has joined up with a national project,

‘Spread the Word’, which aims to support all the borough’s children to communicate confidently and effectively. 25 Hillingdon parents were enlisted as Communications Ambassadors, with the aim of sharing tips and supporting families to access clear and accurate information so they can support their children’s speech, language and communication development.

Training sessions and events have been held at children’s

centres across the borough, and eight centres have joined the project. Cowley, Colham Manor, Cornerstone, Belmore, Charville, Harefield, Pinkwell and McMillan.

The project aims to ‘spread the word’ to 500 families, encouraging more of them to link with their children’s centre and use the services available to support their child’s early development.

the

While the Step into Storytime sessions were a pilot scheme, you can still enjoy a storytime session with your child at several of the borough’s libraries, for more information, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/libraries or ask at your local library.

contactsFor more information, you can visit the following websites:www.hillingdon.gov.uk/childrenscentres

Talk to Your Baby www.literacytrust.org.uk/talk_to_your_baby

I CAn www.ican.org.uk

Hello – national Year of Communication www.hello.org.uk

contactsContact the council’s Families’ Information Service on 0800 073 4800 for an up-to-date list of registered childminders for your area. See the Hillingdon website for more information about childminding.


hillingdon families

Is your childminder legal?Do you pay someone to look

after your child or children in their own home? If you

do, they must be registered on the Early Years Register with Ofsted before they do this. Failure to register is a criminal offence and illegal childminders can be fined.

There are around 500 registered childminders in Hillingdon. If you use one of these you may be eligible for tax credits to help pay for your childcare.

There are risks around using someone who isn’t registered. These include them not having had a CRB check or any first aid training; their house may not be safe for children. They will not be insured, so if, for example, they have an accident while driving your child or something happens to their house while they are caring for your child, their car or home insurance will be invalid.

All registered childminders

and everyone over-16 who lives with them will have been CRB checked, and their house will be safety checked by Ofsted. They will also have had first aid training and hold a certificate, and many of them will have official childcare qualifications. They are also required to follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, meaning they will provide activities that are appropriate for your child’s age and promote their development.

Anyone registered to childmind will have a certificate provided by Ofsted that you can ask to see.

theword

Approximate line ofcutting shown onconsultation plans

Approximate lineof new cutting



The council and residents from across the borough have been campaigning hard against proposals to build a high speed rail link which would cut through Hillingdon. The government made its announcement in January, Hillingdon People tells you more about what the council plans to do next.

In January, the Government confirmed the preferred route for the proposed High Speed

rail link (HS2), which will have a major impact on Hillingdon.

The approved route included 12 changes to the original scheme, including a tunnel in the Ruislip area, but the proposals will still impact on residents, particularly in Ickenham and Harefield and in due course, the Heathrow area.

The council, as part of the 51m group, an alliance of 18 councils, is now, as we did with the 3rd Runway threat to our borough, taking legal advice to consider the most appropriate course of action in the UK and possibly the European Courts to safeguard Hillingdon’s residents and environment.

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council, said: “We are not against the concept of high speed rail, but we do not believe that this proposed route is the best option or that it is financially viable. We feel that the current rail network needs investment and improvement now

and if the HS2 proposals are not reconsidered, we will take legal action.

“While the scheme has been amended to include a tunnel in the Ruislip area, it leaves both Ickenham and Harefield under threat and has worsened the threat to our residents in the Heathrow area.”

He continued: “I am immensely proud of the residents of Hillingdon, particularly in Ruislip, Ickenham and Harefield, who have campaigned so well. Yes they are concerned with what may happen in the area in which they live, and why shouldn’t they be, but they continue to time and time again drive home their concerns for others affected by these plans.”

The announcement, which referred to the work Hillingdon has done on opposing the scheme, follows one of the largest national consultations ever undertaken and then ignored as the vast majority of individuals and organisations opposed the current scheme. All Hillingdon residents were sent a postcard for them to return to us, with 90 per cent of the responses opposing the proposals.


Approximate line ofcutting shown onconsultation plans

Approximate lineof new cutting

contactsAny further developments on HS2 will be posted on the council’s website at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/hs2 when they are available.




Shelter supports borough’s homeless


hillingdon housing

Shelter supportsOffering homeless men a roof over their heads during the winter’s coldest nights, the borough’s winter night shelter has once again proved a success.

“I’d also like to say thanks to all the people who volunteered – we had more people offer their time than we needed, people have been cleaning, cooking, providing food and clothes, it’s been great to see.”

Cllr Philip Corthorne, Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Housing, said: “The night shelter has once again provided a roof and bed for some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents. I would like to thank everyone who gave their time to help with the running of the shelter, and to anyone who made a donation of clothes, food or other equipment.”

Billy and David added their appreciation to anyone who had given their time to help at the shelter.

Hillingdon Council in association with Trinity Homeless Projects, provided a Winter Night

Shelter offering a bed, food and support with eight bed spaces for six weeks through January and February over nights when temperatures were regularly below freezing.

The men were referred to the shelter through the council’s housing options team for short term accommodation. During their stay Trinity and the council worked with the guests to identify suitable long term accommodation. To date seven people have been rehoused. Trinity and other organisations will continue to work with those that have been re-housed to provide support and access to employment to ensure that the men don’t suffer the effect of being homeless again.

Billy, who has been staying at the shelter, said: “I’ve been on the streets since 2009, I found out about the shelter from a friend of mine. It has made a lot of difference to me.”

David, another homeless man who used the shelter, said: “Homelessness isn’t a nice thing – it isn’t for me. Everything at the shelter is nice natured, it’s a good environment. I got my place through a friend who was rehoused. The project has definitely proved its worth – the timing is definitely right.”

Annette Kirkeboe, one of the shelter managers, said: “We are working very hard to rehouse the men who are staying with us. It has been a successful year for this.

contactsIf you think a property is being lived in incorrectly, please get in touch. You can call anonymously on 0800 389 8313 or email [email protected]


hillingdon housing

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Homes reclaimed for those in need

Is the council house next door a bit too quiet? Are there different people coming and going all the time? Are you suspicious that the people living there shouldn’t be? If you have answered yes to these questions, the house could be sublet, or being used illegally, and you should tell us so we can investigate.

is either empty, or is not being lived in by the correct people, please let us know so we can investigate. Every set of keys that we can get back saves you money, and helps house a vulnerable person.”

Garry Coote, Corporate Fraud Manager, said: “I’d like to say thank your to all the residents who have been calling in to give us tip-offs. We investigate everything we are told so please keep letting us know if there is something you’re suspicious about.”

Hillingdon has a long waiting list for people who need council housing, and anyone

who is subletting their council property or isn’t living in it, is taking up a house that could be used by a family who need it. Temporary accommodation is more expensive than permanent housing.

The council has a dedicated team working to reclaim properties that are sublet or not being lived in, and since April 2011, 22 properties have been reclaimed and the keys returned to the council. These properties can now be let out to people who need them.

The team carry out spot checks, knocking on doors to find out whether homes are being lived in, and whether the residents are the official tenants. Often the team are tipped off by other

residents that there might be a problem with the house, through the fraud hotline or by email.

The government recently announced plans to make subletting a council home a more serious offence, meaning anyone caught doing this could face a prison sentence or a fine.

A family from Hayes has recently been rehoused in a property that the council claimed back from someone who was illegally subletting it.

They said: “We like it here, it’s quiet – the children are happy. We have been here two months and we have a lovely home. We are happy with Hillingdon Council and our new home, somewhere to live permanently.”

Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services, said: “If you have suspicions that a property

contactsIf you have an empty property that you want to bring back up to a liveable standard, email [email protected] or phone the Empty Property Unit on 01895 277429 or 01895 277438 or visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/housing

Case StudyA property which was owned by an elderly man, had become a blight on the local neighbourhood over the years as he had been unable to maintain it. The man got in touch with the council’s Empty Property team who were able to give him a grant to get the property up to a standard where he could rent it out. The owner has worked with the council and Trinity Homeless Projects to sign a long-term lease. The home is now lived in by four homeless people. The owner is very pleased as he now has a regular monthly income and is relieved of the financial burden of paying council tax.


hillingdon housing

An empty house is a wasted homeAcross the country more than 900,000 homes are empty. These are all homes that could be lived in by a family who need somewhere to live.

If you own a property that is currently empty, you could make yourself some money and

provide a home for a local family by working with the council.

We want to bring these empty homes back into use, and there are a range of options available to you. These include grants to help you pay for refurbishment and help to find suitable tenants through the Finders Fee scheme. You could also renovate the property and rent it out privately, sell it on to a developer to do the work and then sell it.

Empty properties can cost their owners more than £12,000 a year in lost rent, taxes, insurance and other charges.

Your neighbours will also benefit from an empty house being brought back into use - they can often feel more secure when the property is no longer empty, and if it has become an eye sore, it being lived in and improved can help with this too.

Cllr Philip Corthorne, Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Housing, said: “An empty property could provide a much needed home for a family, and an extra income for you. In Hillingdon, like many parts of the country, we have a housing waiting list, and would like to help you so you can help us reduce this list. I would encourage anyone who has an eligible property to get in touch so we can work together to get it renovated as quickly as possible.”

contactsIf you have an empty property that you want to bring back up to a liveable standard, email [email protected] or phone the Empty Property Unit on 01895 277429 or 01895 277438 or visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/housing

mayor’s Fun DayOn 14 April from midday, the Mayor of Hillingdon is hosting a Fun Day at Manor Farm Ruislip to raise money for her chosen local mental health charities. For more information, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/whatson which will be updated as more details are available.

A whistlestop tour of Hillingdon in a mayoral year

contactsTo find out more about the Mayor of Hillingdon and their role in the borough, visit the website www.hillingdon.gov.uk/mayor. You can still donate to the Mayor’s charity appeal for 2011/12 – details on how you can do this are online.


hillingdon mayor

busy, but she said: ”If people want to invite the Mayor to something they should invite them – we’re not too busy, there is a Mayoral team who can attend events.”

During her year, she has been fundraising for mental health charities – Hillingdon Mind, Hillingdon Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services; Woodlands Centre, Alzheimer’s and Dementia unit; and Riverside Acute Unit.

Cllr O’Connor said: “The generosity of people is unbelievable – we have had donations for my charities from all ages, I get cards with cheques that are obviously from elderly people, who are giving their pension.”

She concluded: “It’s hard to pick a highlight – seeing children from our special needs schools take part in a sporting event at the Hillingdon Athletics track was lovely, they were all so competitive.”

Being Mayor of Hillingdon is a 24-hour, seven day a week role, covering the whole

of the borough, and attending a huge number of events and official functions. With the current Mayor, Cllr Mary O’Connor MBE, preparing to hand over her robes, Hillingdon People caught up with her to find out about her year in office.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my year – it’s been an absolutely humbling privilege to be the first citizen of our borough for a whole year,” Cllr O’Connor said.

The Mayor’s role includes attending official functions as the borough’s representative, and also fundraising for charities selected by the Mayor throughout the year.

Cllr O’Connor continued: “I’ve met the Duchess of Wessex, Prince Charles and Camilla, been to events celebrating the Royal British Legion’s 90th anniversary, I’ve been with the Mayor of Hackney on a tour of the Olympic Park, but nothing beats going round and meeting small groups of our residents.

“I’ve invested four beavers in the Mayor’s Parlour as well this year, as part of Scout and Brownie visits.”

Along with meeting and greeting residents, Cllr O’Connor has started a new scheme working with the borough’s schoolchildren to engage them in citizenship ceremonies so they get hands-on learning experience. She also gets involved with council staff in the Employee Recognition Awards which she attends every quarter.

She has often been told that people haven’t invited her to events because they think she will be too

Calling out for foster carers

contactsVisit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fostering, where you can find out more about fostering with us, and also register your interest.

The council’s Fostering team are running a series of evening sessions where you can find out more about fostering with Hillingdon.

The next sessions are:• 13 March• 17 April• 8 MayThe sessions are 6.30pm

to 8pm at the Civic Centre, in Uxbridge High Street.

Booking is essential – please call the Fostering team on 0800 7831298 or email [email protected] to book your place.


hillingdon care

With Mothering Sunday just around the corner, have you ever thought of being a foster parent for a child or children in need?

Their placement children usually stay with them for between nine months and a year, depending on their needs.

Hillingdon, like most other areas across the country, needs more foster carers to come forward

to care for some of the borough’s most vulnerable children of all ages and from a range of backgrounds.

Hillingdon People spoke to Jayne Verity, who has been a foster carer with Hillingdon Council for 11 years. She and her husband Ernie have fostered several children over the years, and they have all lived happily alongside their children in the family home.

Jayne said: “We both really love kids, my husband is from a family of five. We thought we weren’t going to have any more children after our first, so we looked into fostering. Then a year after we had our youngest son we decided to go for it and foster.

“We tend to take the little ones, younger than our 13-year-old, and they get on like ordinary brothers and sisters would – sometimes they argue, sometimes they get on well. We always ask our children before we take a placement.

“If you’re thinking about it, I think you should do it – it’s really rewarding. You watch these children grow and thrive with an ordinary family, just doing the usual things you would do with your children.

“We don’t regret it at all. The Fostering team are always there, 24/7, you can ring whenever you need support or advice.

“The weeks go so quickly, I do the school run, then playgoup, then take one of the children we’ve got for contact (with members of their birth family), then the next time I look it’s lunchtime.”

Jayne added that the hardest part of the job was always saying goodbye to children when they moved on, but that the sadness was always replaced with a new placement within a couple of days.

She said: “You can’t help but form an attachment to the children, but then the phone will ring a couple of days later and you are back in the system again.”

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Keeping anti-social behaviour out of the picture

26

hillingdon community safety


Feeling safe is important to all of us and is something that frequently tops the list of the most important priorities in resident surveys. Because it is a priority to you it is a priority for the council.

of ASB in Hillingdon, and to help ensure it continues to fall, we need your help – if you see any anti-social activity, please report it so we can address it.”

We, along with our partners, including the police, have continued over the past

few years, to drive down levels of anti-social behaviour (ASB). ASB is now at its lowest level for seven years and is continuing to fall. At the same time your satisfaction in how the police and the council are tackling ASB continues to increase.

Two years ago the council decided to make it a priority to ensure that ASB was taken out of the picture in Hillingdon with an intense programme of work, and at that time we asked residents to give us your views on the issue in Hillingdon People. We are now asking you to tell us your thoughts again to ensure that we continue to build on the encouraging results we have achieved so far.

Complete the short ASB survey online at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/asb or answer the questions on this page and return them to the address at the bottom of the page.

In the results of the 2010 survey, you said you wanted to read more about success stories about tackling ASB within Hillingdon

People magazine. Since then we have included regular updates about the council’s work to stop ASB from blighting the lives of residents. This has included stories of residents who have repeatedly broken noise abatement notices and were fined; new measures introduced to give on the spot fines to people dropping litter in our town centres and dispersal zones which prevent groups of residents gathering in open spaces which can be intimidating.

Reducing the fear of ASB remains a priority for the council, and we will continue to work with residents and our partners to tackle any areas of concern. Remember, you can report any issues online at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/reportit, and you can find out more about ASB at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/asb

Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Improvement, Partnerships and Community Safety, said: “We know that tackling ASB is a priority for our residents, so it continues to be a priority for us. Over the last two years, we have reduced levels

contactsYou can report ASB online at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/reportit where you can log-in or register and track all reports you have made to the council. Return to Hillingdon People, contact

details on page 3, by 30 April

Keeping anti-social behaviour out of the picture

27

hillingdon community safety


QuestionnaireWin a £30 Chimes shopping centre gift voucher1. Do you understand the terms

‘anti-social behaviour’ and ‘ASB’? Yes No

2. Were you aware of how many activities are classed as ASB?

Yes No3. Do you feel that ASB is a

problem in Hillingdon? Yes No

4. Should tackling ASB continue to be a major priority for the council and its partners?

Yes No5. Do you know how to report

ASB issues? Yes No

6. What would be your preferred way to report ASB if you encountered it?

a) Phone b) In person (to a

council officer or Safer Neighbourhood Officer)

c) Online (email or the council’s website)

d) Other (please specify)7. Did you know you could save

time by reporting ASB online 24/7 at your own convenience?

Yes No8. By reporting online did you

know you can track and monitor your ASB issue?

Yes No9. How can the council better inform

you about ASB? (tick any 2)a) Information and success

stories in the local mediab) Information and success

stories in Hillingdon Peoplec) Direct information on local

issues through your doord) More information on

the council’s websitee) Awareness posters and

notices across Hillingdonf) Another way – please specify: ______________________________ ______________________________

10. Finally, is there any information about ASB that you feel the council should publicise that it doesn’t already?

Contact details for prize draw:Name: ___________________Address:__________________ _________________________ _________________________Contact no: _______________

hillingdon proud


Do you love living in Hillingdon? Do you want to help others? Do you

have time to spare that you could spend volunteering? If you do, then there are a huge range of opportunities available to help you and your neighbours feel PROUD to live or work in the borough.

You don’t have to give up much of your time – whether you have half an hour that you can spare, or hours free every week, there is something you can get involved with.

Rita Kiss volunteers in the borough and has featured in posters around the borough, explaining why she feels PROUD to live in Hillingdon. She is a member of the Grange Residents’ Association and a street champion.

Rita, who has lived in Hillingdon for more than 50 years, said: “The green spaces and facilities we have on offer are what make me feel proud to live in Hillingdon.

“People should take pride in where they live – it brings the community together. They should take time to join in more and find out what’s happening around them. Our libraries are great for helping people get involved especially with our new and refurbished facilities.”

to live in Hillingdon

Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Improvement, Partnerships and Community Safety, said: “Anyone with any spare time can get involved and help us improve the borough and make it somewhere we can all be proud to live and work in. Our Street Champions scheme gets very positive comments from those involved, and we have lots of groups who work in our parks to keep them looking beautiful.”

Street ChampionsWith more than 4,800 Street Champions signed up, the Hillingdon scheme is the biggest of its kind in the country. Street Champions are volunteers who act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the community, reporting problems

to the council so we can resolve issues and improve the local area.

You don’t have to commit to anything by joining the scheme, but if you do spot things that aren’t quite right, you can report it to the council using your Street Champions number and track the work being done to rectify it.

In a recent survey of Street Champions, 79 per cent of respondents rated the scheme as good or very good. Many of them commented on how quickly their reports were dealt with and how being a Street Champion had helped them improve their local area.

If you’re interested in signing up, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/proud and follow the links.

There are plenty of reasons to feel PROUD of living or working in Hillingdon – we are one of the greenest London boroughs and home to several sites of historic importance. Through Feel PROUD, everyone who lives or works in the borough has been encouraged to get involved in their local community, suggesting improvements and working together to make these changes.

contactsMore information is also available online. Visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/greenspaces then select ‘green spaces volunteers’.

Ward budgets – give your ward councillor your suggestionsThrough the council’s ward budget initiative, each of the borough’s 22 wards have been given £15,000 to spend on improvements to their local environment.

You can have your say on what you would like the money to be spent on by getting in touch with your ward councillor.

For more information visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/proud

hillingdon proud


Friends groupsMany of the borough’s green spaces have got friends groups who volunteer to help keep the parks clean and tidy. These groups meet regularly to carry out work including planting, pruning, litter picking, nature conservation and more volunteers are always welcome.

Highgrove/River Pinn Volunteers meet every first and third Tuesday of the month. Please contact Dragana for more information on [email protected] or 01895 277534. Work includes coppicing trees and removing invasive species to litter picking and nature conservation work.

Yeading Brook Volunteers meet the second Tuesday of the month. The group is working its way along the brook from Field End Road to West End Road. Wellies are a necessity. Contact [email protected] or 01895 277534 for meeting point information.

London Wildlife Trust – Gutteridge Wood, where there is river plant planting taking place on Wednesday 4 April from 10.30am to 2.30pm. For more information on this opportunity contact Jane at London Wildlife Trust on 07837 576786 or email [email protected] or Andy at London Wildlife Trust on 07891 004098 or email [email protected]. Wellies should be worn! Tea and biscuits will be provided.

The Friends of Eastcote House Gardens Volunteers are a group of very friendly people who love Eastcote’s ‘Secret Garden’. Working together to improve the 17th century walled garden. All are welcome, no experience is necessary. There are plenty of experienced gardeners around to give advice, do come and join us.

We meet the first Friday and third Thursday of every month. Meet in the car park at 9.30am. Tools, refreshments and very good company provided.

From April there will be a session on the second Saturday of each month start 10.30am. For more information contact Lesley Crowcroft on [email protected]

contactsFor more information and volunteering opportunities visit www.do-it.org.uk. For advice call Hillingdon Association of Volunteers on 01895 442730.


volunteer inprofileJean Bird, Ruislip Citizens’ Advice Bureau

Want to volunteer?•Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust in Uxbridge is looking

for female volunteers to befriend a deaf mental health service user.•Cornerstone Centre in Yiewsley needs volunteer Gardeners to assist and

maintain garden grounds in schools around the Hillingdon Borough.•Citizen’s Advice are looking for volunteers to fill a number of roles in their

offices across the borough.

How did you get involved?A neighbour was a CAB volunteer and suggested that I get involved when I cut back my working hours and had some spare time. That was 12 years ago and I have never looked back.

What are the benefits of volunteering?I feel that I am doing something useful and interesting. I like working with all sorts of people who I probably wouldn’t get to know otherwise. I have made many good friends, and personally, it keeps me young at heart.

What would you say to potential volunteers?Just do it. It’s rewarding and it’s nice to be part of the very friendly volunteer community. In the CAB, volunteers are the backbone of the service and it couldn’t run without them.

Where do you volunteer?I volunteer at Hillingdon Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB). I am based at Ruislip and there are also offices in Uxbridge and Hayes.

Citizens’ Advice is an independent charity providing free, confidential, impartial advice and information on a wide range of subjects including debt, welfare benefits, employment and housing.

What are your day to day activities?I am a Generalist Adviser helping people who come in to the CAB with questions about anything. We use a very good information database, provided by Citizens’ Advice nationally, to provide the answers. I volunteer two days a week, usually from 9.30am to 4pm.

Age UK Hillingdon will also benefit from increased funding including supporting recruitment of volunteers.

A small grants programme is being developed to help groups who need money at short notice to implement or develop new initiatives.

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council, said: “While many other councils are cutting the funding they give to the voluntary sector, in Hillingdon we are increasing the amount of money that we put towards this vital work. The extra money is going to boost the work of several of the borough’s voluntary organisations who provide valued services to some of our most vulnerable residents.”

In another example of Hillingdon Council bucking the national

trend, the council’s Cabinet has approved an increase in the support given to local voluntary sector organisations from £1.4million to £1.8million.

The extra £400,000 funding will be given to organisations to deliver direct services that residents value. These include: Homestart, Northwood Live At Home Scheme and Shopmobiilty.

In addition specific provision has been made to support two groups meeting the needs of victims of domestic violence and a scheme through WRVS to use volunteers to support sufferers of dementia.

Hillingdon boosts support for voluntary sector

Women volunteers neededHillingdon Women’s Centre is looking for women who can volunteer some of their time to help the services they offer. The centre needs volunteers who can offer ten hours a month, anytime between 9.30am to 5.30pm

Monday to Thursday and some evenings. For more information contact Jill Lynch on 01895 259578 or email [email protected]. More information on the centre is available at www.hillingdonwomenscentre.org.uk


With spring arriving, there are activities and events all across the borough available for you to get involved with and enjoy. If you want more up-to-date event listings, you can check the council website at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/whatson.

musicEastcote Choral SocietySaturday 10 March, 7.30pmHandel’s Oratorio – “Theodora”. The choir rehearses every Thursday, from 8pm to 10pmCost: £10, schoolchildren are free. Available from Northwood Bookshop (01923 826999); Northwood Cards and Gifts 01923 820075; on the door; or from 01895 904556Contact: 01895 904556 or www. eastcotechoralsociety.org.ukSt Edmund’s Church

Sine nomine SingersSaturday 17 March, 7.30pmConcert to include music by Purcell, Buxtehude and Josquin, conductor: Paul Ayres.Cost: £10 for adults, accompanied children freeContact: Jess Luscombe on 07766 314282 or email [email protected] Lawrence Church

The Undercover ShadowsSaturday 21 April, 7.30pmThis is a fast-paced upbeat musical feast for all Cliff Richard and The Shadows lovers, focusing not only on the 1960s, but covering many later Shads’ hits, including Riders In The Sky, Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, (Mark Knopfler’s) Going Home and of course those famous Shadows dance moves.Cost: £14.50/ £12.50. Contact: Book online at www.compasstheatre.co.uk or call 01895 673200Compass Theatre

Leisurenordic WalkingWednesday morningsExercise in the open-air and explore the borough’s green spaces. Use of poles means the upper body muscles are exercised as well as the legs, giving a full body workout. Level 1 and Level 2 Nordic Walking Courses, open to all adults.Cost: £25 for four sessions, including hire of poles.Contact: Call 07771872592 or email [email protected], for more information, visit www.learningmoves.co.ukvarious locations

Clan Social ClubThird Wednesday of the monthClan Social Club is a friendly club for unattached people aged 50 plus. Come and meet the members, make new friends and find out more about the club. Contact: Tony on 020 8230 8680 or Pamela on 020 8841 9087

Compass Theatre Easter Holiday Theatre Project – Footloose WorkshopYoung people aged eight to 19 are invited to get involved in this theatre workshop, working with a professional creative team to stage the full-length musical Footloose in just two weeks. The theatre production is based on the film of the same name.

When: Workshop 10am-4pm from Monday 2 April; performances Friday 13 and Saturday 14 April, 2.30pm and 7.30pm and Sunday 15 April, 1pmWhere: Compass Theatre, Glebe Avenue, Ickenham, UB10 8PDCost: Workshop places cost £150 for the full course; tickets for the show cost £12.50 or £10.50 for concessionsContact: Call 01895 673200 or visit www.compasstheatre.co.uk for more information

When: Friday 23 and Saturday 24 March, 7.30pmWhere: Compass Theatre, Glebe Avenue, Ickenham, UB10 8PDCost: £5 in advance, £3 for concessions in advance. £7 on the doorContact: Book online at www.compasstheatre.co.uk or call 01895 673200

360 present drama Victim, Sidekick, Boyfriend, MeA powerful drama full of guilt and retribution as part of the National Theatre’s Connections series, performed by young actors from the Compass’ resident youth theatre. A girl commits a crime without punishment or remorse. Her sidekick is ordered to serve a prison sentence and the victim’s boyfriend offers unconditional forgiveness but nothing is simple in Hilary Bell’s play about guilt and retribution.

When: Wednesday 21 March to Saturday 24 March, 7.30pm with Saturday matinee at 2.30pmWhere: The Great Barn, Manor Farm Site, Bury Street, RuislipCost: £12Contact: Box Office: 07905 932366

Red Hot and Cole – presented by Ruislip Operatic SocietyCole Porter’s ‘throwing a ball tonight’ and you’re all invited. This production is a sparkling blend of biography and music, celebrating the American songwriter who brought style, elegance and sophistication to the stage and soundstages of Broadway and Hollywood.


If you wish to publicise an event, please email details to [email protected] or send to Hillingdon People, 3E/07 Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW. Events are selected at the editor’s discretion.

Ickenham LibraryLong Lane, Ickenham, UB10 8RE

St. Edmund’s ChurchPinner Road, Northwood Hills, HA6 1QS

St. Lawrence ChurchBridle Road, Eastcote, HA5 2SJ

St. martins Church HallEastcote Road, Ruislip HA4 8DB.

vyners SchoolWarren Road, Ickenham, UB10 8AB

venuesBeck TheatreGrange Road, Hayes, UB3 2UE

Civic CentreHigh Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW

Compass TheatreGlebe Avenue, Ickenham, UB10 8PD

First Ickenham Scout HutCummunity Close,Ickenham, UB10 8RE

Singing 4 FunEvery Thursday 7.45pm to 9.45pm A club for adults who love to sing. No auditions. Take part in group numbers, work on techniques and skills and perform in shows. First session free, so come and see what we do. This term we are working towards a Music Hall show to be performed at Compass Theatre on 17 June. We are looking for people to play characters as part of the show.Cost: Pay up front – £53 for the term. Pay as you go – £6 per session. Contact: www.singing4fun.com email [email protected] Ickenham Scout Hut

nordic WellnessThursday afternoonsEasy paced Nordic walking, plus outdoor gym exercises. Designed for those who wish to regain fitness or who have been advised to exercise for their health.Cost: £25 for four sessions, including hire of poles.Contact: Call 07771872592 or email [email protected], for more information, visit www.learningmoves.co.ukvarious locations

Zumba classesVarious days and timesZumba Gold for senior active adults and beginners to exercise; Zumba fitness for 14+; Zumba toning for 16+, calorie burning dance and tone class (handheld weights required).Contact: Visit www.zumbawithtrisha. co.uk or email [email protected] for full detailsvarious locations

TaekwondoEvery Wednesday, Friday and SaturdayGet fit, learn self defence, make new friends and have fun while you learn this Olympic sport and martial art. All ages and levels of ability are welcome.Contact: 020 8930 3587, www.TitanTaekwondo.co.uk

Quiz ‘n’ ChipsSunday 1 April, 7.30pmCome and take part in a light-hearted general knowledge quiz, either with a team, or come on your own and join others to make a team. Included in the price is a tasty chip supper - choose from fish and chips; chicken and chips; vegeburger and chips; or sausage and chips. The bar will be open throughout the evening. Profits from this event will benefit The Friends of Ickenham Hall, who raise funds to

restore both Ickenham Hall and the Compass building and fittings. Cost: £8Contact: book online at www.compasstheatre.co.uk or call 01895 673200More at ickenhamhall.org.ukCompass Theatre

Hillingdon nCT nearly new SaleSaturday 24 March, 1.30pm to 3.30pmA sale of new and nearly new clothing, baby equipment, toys, books and DVDs, from birth to 12 years. There is free parking.Cost: £1 entrance per adult (non members welcome)Contact: 0844 243 6168 or visit www.ncthillingdon.org.uk, or email [email protected]

TheatreLittle CreatorsWednesday afternoons, 3.45pm to 4.45pmExciting drama classes with regular performances for little creators aged three to six. Classes run by Sarah Graham, a qualified teacher and professionally trained actress. CRB checked.Cost: £4Contact: For more details call 07828 913 951 or email: [email protected] martins Church Hall

Proscenium presents Alan Aykbourn’s Bedroom FarceWednesday 14 to Saturday 17 March, 7.45pmFour couples, three bedrooms, one eventful night. Delia and Ernest are celebrating an anniversary. Nick stays at home, bemoaning his lot and his bad back, whilst Jan heads off to Malcolm and Kate’s housewarming party and Susannah and Trevor effortlessly sabotage everyone’s plans.Cost: £12Contact: Book online at www.compasstheatre.co.uk or call 01895 673200; or book through www.proscenium.org.uk or call Box office 020 8954 4110Compass Theatre

Hillingdon Musical Society present Guys and DollsThursday 22 t o Saturday 24 March, 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinee on SaturdayA comedy of unlikely characters and unlikely love, the music will get you tapping your toes and the dancing will have you wanting to join in. With numbers such as I’ve Never Been in Love

Before, Luck Be A Lady and of course, Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat. 1950s New York has never been so much fun! Featuring a full set and a 14-piece orchestra. Simply unmissable.Cost: £15, concessions and Premiere cardholders £3 offContact: Book online at www.becktheatre.org.uk or call 020 8561 8371Beck Theatre

Connaught Opera presents Chariots of Fire: A Spectacular in SongTuesday 27 March, 2pmIn the build-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympics, Connaught Opera will be providing a one-off special concert, featuring well known songs with specially written words, glamorous costumes in the colours of the Olympic rings and music from all five continents. Featuring soprano Marie Arakie, baritone Glenn Wilson and pianist Nicholas Bosworth, this promises to be an enjoyable afternoon of songs and celebrations.Cost: £3Contact: Book online at www.compasstheatre.co.uk or call 01895 673200

peppa pig – Live!Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 April, 10am, 1pm and 4pmPeppa Pig and her friends are going on a treasure hunt and need your help! Peppa, George and Danny Dog are up to fun and games on a day out on Grandad Dog’s boat. Help them, with Pedro Pony, Polly Parrot and Zoe Zebra to follow the clues and find their treasure as they all enjoy a day of adventure. With singalong songs and a new story that will charm and delight all Peppa fans.Cost: Family ticket £50 on top price seats only; adults £15.50 or £13.50; children £2 off

Contact: Book online at www.becktheatre.org.uk or call 020 8561 8371Beck Theatre

Beck Youth Theatre presents Anything GoesFriday 13 and Saturday 14 April, 7.30pm and 2.30pm matinee on SaturdayHot on the heels of last year’s energy-filled production of Our House and their previous award-winning Oklahoma! the Beck Youth Theatre returns with the Broadway smash-hit Anything Goes. As the SS American sails out to sea, two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love, proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, an exotic disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail.Cost: £14, Saturday matinee £10; concessions £2 off, excluding Saturday matineeContact: Book online at www.becktheatre.org.uk or call 020 8561 8371Beck Theatre

Information/advice sessionsFostering information eveningsEvery second Tuesday of the month, 6.30pm to 8pmFor more information or to book a place, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fostering or call 0800 783 1298.Civic Centre

Drop in Surgery with Ickenham SnTFriday 23 March, 3pm to 4pmDrop in and chat to a member of Ickenham Safer Neighbourhood team for information and advice.Contact: For more information, email [email protected] Library

refuse and recycling should be left near your front gate, but not on the pavement, by 6am on the revised collection day.if you have any queries, or would like to report a missed collection, call the council’s contact centre on 01895 556000.For any queries regarding refuse or recycling collections, please contact Hillingdon Council contact centre on 01895 556000 or visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/recycling

may bank holiday 2012

Normal collection day Revised collection day (red week)Monday 2 April Monday 2 AprilTuesday 3 April Tuesday 3 AprilWed 4 April Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 AprilThursday 5 April Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 AprilFriday 6 April Thursday 5 AprilNormal collection day Revised collection day (blue week)Monday 9 April Tuesday 10 AprilTuesday 10 April Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 AprilWed 11 April Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 AprilThursday 12 April Thursday 12 and Friday 13 AprilFriday 13 April Friday 13 April

Normal collection day Revised collection day (blue week)Monday 7 May Tuesday 8 MayTuesday 8 May Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 MayWed 9 May Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 MayThursday 10 May Thursday 10 and Friday 11 MayFriday 11 May Friday 11 May

Refuse and RecyclingEaster bank holiday 2012

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Golden numbersDo it online 24/7 at www.hillingdon.gov.ukenvironment and street scene01895 556000Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pmCouncil tax01895 250000Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pmhousing01895 556666Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pmschool Admissions, Childcare and early years01895 556644Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pmfamilies’ information service0800 073 4800Council main switchboard and out-of-hour service01895 250111Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pmplanning, trees and landscapes01895 250230Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pmfraud hotline0800 389 8313hillingdon social Care direct01895 556633Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pmhillingdonfirst01895 556677electoral services and registrars01895 558250Mon – Fri, 8am to 6pm

Community informationhillingdon fire stationUxbridge Road, Hillingdon, Middlesex UB10 0PH020 8555 1200 ext [email protected] 253355social security (Benefits Agency)020 8426 3000three valley Water0845 782 3333

LearningLibrary information desk01895 250600Advice and guidance (young people)01895 257855enquiries about school transport01895 250008truancy hotline01895 250858

Advice and supportAge uk hillingdon020 8756 3040Consumer advice08454 040506Citizens’ advice Bureau0844 848 7903hayes one stop shop01895 [email protected] Action Group for Addiction management (hAGAm)01895 207 788www.hagam.comhillingdon Autistic Care and support020 8606 [email protected] to 5pmhillingdon independent domestic violence Advocacy service020 8246 1745hillingdon Women’s Centre01895 259578Nhs Wellbeing CentreBoots, High Street, Uxbridge020 3214 5699p3 Jobshop – employment services020 8581 1056p3 Navigator hayes housing Advice and support Centre 020 8581 1054/5 [email protected] Navigator yiewsley housing Advice and support Centre01895 462074/5victim support hillingdon01895 421200

Care servicesAdoption and fostering01895 277850drugs or sexual health advice for young people up to 21 years01895 257285

planning Building control enquiries, inspection requests and dangerous structures01895 250804 /05/06/07/08dangerous structures (out of hours)01895 250111Land charges enquiries01895 250689

Local democracyCouncillors’ names, addresses and advice surgeries01895 250600Council meeting dates and agendas01895 250636Conservative group office01895 250316/250728electoral registration01895 [email protected] group office01895 250780/250271mayor’s office01895 250763

[email protected] Green sports and Leisure Centre020 8561 0956hillingdon sports and Leisure Complex, uxbridge0845 130 7324highgrove pool, ruislip01895 630753Queensmead sports Centre, south ruislip020 8845 6010Active Lifestyles Gym, minet020 8573 2956

Environment and street sceneCurrent and proposed roadworks in hillingdonwww.hillingdon.gov.uk/roadworksenvironmental protection unit01895 277406food, health and safety01895 250190Noise team and animal welfare01895 250155pest Control01895 250184 / 277417ranger patrol safety issues in parks01895 239241trading standards01895 250164

Hospitalsharefield hospital01895 823737hillingdon hospital01895 238282mount vernon hospital01923 826111Northwick park hospital020 8864 3232Watford General hospital01923 244366Nhs direct advice line0845 4647

policemetropolitan police non-emergency number.101Textphone18001 [email protected] safety unit (to report race crime)020 8246 1766


hillingdon people march 2012

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