hillingdon people may 2010

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Hillingdon People magazine

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Page 1: Hillingdon People May 2010

May/June 2010

SavedThird runway plans scrapped

Page 2: Hillingdon People May 2010

BLOW THEWHISTLE ON

CHEATSHOUSINGWhen somebody with a council or housing association home rents it out

without permission or obtains a home through providing false information, they

are guilty of housing fraud. They are using up valuable housing spaces and

depriving families and vulnerable people on the waiting list. It’s not fair.

If you suspect someone of unlawfully sub-letting

call us on 0800 389 8313 or

email us at [email protected] Your report will be treated in the strictest confidence and can

be given anonymously.

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hillingdon people magazineMay/June 20102

advertisements

Page 3: Hillingdon People May 2010

hillingdon people magazineMay/June 2010

20

hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010

21

PhilipCorthorne

hillingdon council

hillingdon council

Following the council

elections on Thursday

� May, �� Conservative

councillors and �� Labour

councillors were elected.

The Conservative party

has a majority and will

be running the council

for the next four years.

The names and photos of all 65

councillors for the borough are

pictured on these pages. On 13

May, the Leader of the Council,

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, appointed

his Cabinet. Cabinet Members

are also shown opposite.

The turnout for this election

was more than 63 per cent,

meaning there were 124,047 votes

counted. Ickenham ward had the

highest turnout, with 75 per cent

of residents having their say.

All councillors will be arranging

surgeries for their constituents to

meet with them and discuss issues

face-to-face. If you want to get

in touch with one of your ward

councillors, you should speak

to the relevant group office:

Conservative Group Office

����� ������

conservativegroupsecretariat

@hillingdon.gov.uk

Labour Group Office

����� ������

[email protected]

You can also find this information

on our website at www.

hillingdon.gov.uk then click

‘Council and democracy’.

More information on how you

can get involved in the decisions

made by the new council can be

found on the following page.

SandraJenkins

RichardMills

BrianStead

Brunel

RichardBarnes

HenryHiggins

Harefield

MichaelMarkham

DouglasMills

SusanO’Brien

Manor

ShirleyHarper-O’Neill

AllanKauffman

JudyKelly

South Ruislip

MikeBull

PaulButtivant

AnitaMacDonald

West Drayton

Raymond Graham

EddieLavery

MichaelWhite

Cavendish

DavidBenson

SukhpalBrar

JuneNelson

Heathrow Villages

RichardLewis

CarolMelvin

ScottSeaman-Digby

Northwood

LindaAllen

PeterCurling

RobinSansarpuri

Townfield

JohnRileyBrian

Crowe

West Ruislip

LindsayBliss

RoshanGhei

JohnMajor

Barnhill

BeulahEast

NeilFyfe

MaryO’Connor

Charville

TimBarker

WayneBridges

PatJackson

Hillingdon East

JonathanBianco

JohnMorgan

AndrewRetter

Northwod Hills

JosephineBarrett

GeorgeCooper

DavidYarrow

Uxbridge North

DavidAllam

JanetDuncan

SidGarg

Yeading

JanetGardner

Phoday Jarjussey

Mohammed Khursheed

Botwell

BruceBaker

CatherineDann

DavidPayne

Eastcote and East Ruislip

JohnHensley

RayPuddifoot

David Simmonds

Ickenham

JazzDhillon

KuldeepLakhmana

AvtarSandhu

Pinkwell

JudithCooperKeith

Burrows

DavidRoutledge

Uxbridge South

DominicGilham

PeterKempPaul

Harmsworth

Yiewsley Conservative councillor

Labour councillor

Cabinet members

Leader of the Council

Labour Group Leader

Mayor ����–����

Cabinet members

and portfolios

Position/portfolio Councillor

Leader of the

Council

Ray Puddifoot

Deputy Leader and

Cabinet Member

for Education and

Children’s Services

David Simmonds

Finance and Business Services

Jonathan Bianco

Planning and

TransportationKeith Burrows

Social Services,

Health and Housing

Philip Corthorne

Culture, Sport

and Leisure Henry Higgins

Environment Sandra Jenkins

Improvement,

Partnerships and

Community Safety

Douglas Mills

Co-ordination and

Central ServicesScott Seaman-Digby

3

hillingdon contents

11 Cover featureHeathrow campaign victorious New Government abandons plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport.

9 Older People’s PageWhat has the council done to help older people in Hillingdon this year.

10 HillingdonFirst one year onAre you using your residents’ card? Make sure you are making the most of the benefits available to you through the scheme.

14 Spring into fitness this summerPhotos from the official opening of Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex and information on the new leisure complex at Botwell Green in Hayes.

17 Safer HillingdonTips and advice on surviving the football World Cup this June.

20 Your council 2010-2014Photos of all the newly elected councillors following the local elections in May.

24 Young HillingdonGet involved in young people’s activities this summer, with the return of FIESTA and the opening of a new young people’s centre.

Regulars4 News35 Hillingdon volunteers36 What’s on?39 Hillingdon contact numbers

May/June 2010

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 © 2010Design 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

Welcome to the first edition

of Hillingdon People of the new council administration. I am delighted and privileged to be continuing as your council leader, maintaining stability in Hillingdon. At this crucial time of economic uncertainty, we will ensure that as far as possible, it is business as usual in Hillingdon by continuing to provide the services our residents expect.

Our approach will be to continue to manage the council’s finances in a way that protects the services our residents tell us are important to them and their family, whilst at the same time, delivering value for money. We will continue to protect the borough’s heritage, enhance our natural environment and promote civic pride so that people are proud to say they live in Hillingdon.

Although significant new investment is going to be difficult in the coming months for all councils, in Hillingdon we have strong finances and have budgeted to deliver things such as the completion of our library refurbishment programme, extending the burglar alarm scheme for older residents and the refurbishment of Highgrove Swimming Pool in Ruislip. In addition, we will continue our town centre improvement programme, investing in Hayes, Ruislip Manor and Northwood Hills and improvements to the borough’s roads. Next month, we will open the doors of our new state-of-the-art leisure centre in Botwell Green, Hayes to our residents - with the official opening in July.

We are all expecting uncertain times as far as the global economy is concerned. The one thing that you can be certain of is that in Hillingdon, we will continue to put our residents first, provide value for money and continue to maintain levels of services provided.

Finally, as I write this we have just heard the news that plans for a third runway at Heathrow are to be scrapped. This is fantastic news and shows what can be achieved when residents and their council work together.

hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010

TT-COC-002452

After reading, please recycle this magazine

CovEr PHoto CoUrtESy of Ga zE t tE nE WSPaPErS

Page 4: Hillingdon People May 2010

Madness front man Suggs (far right) joins Cllr Jonathan Bianco to launch

the Direct Debit prize scheme

hillingdon people magazineMay/June 20104

You can win yourself £25,000 from Bacs Payment Schemes Ltd. by signing up to pay your council tax by Direct Debit. To be in with a chance of winning, you simply need to register to pay your council tax by Direct Debit by 5pm on 15 July. You can do this by returning a paper Direct Debit instruction to the council, or by signing up online at www.hillingdon.gov.uk or over the telephone by calling 01895 250000. Any residents who already pay by Direct Debit will automatically be entered into the draw. The £25,000 winner will be drawn on 20 July.

Bringing support, choice and independence From 24 July until

1 September, Field End Road will be closed while repair work is carried out to the railway bridge near the junction of Rabournmead Drive. A diversion will be in place along A312 Mandeville Road / Petts Hill, A4090 Alexandra Avenue, and Eastcote Lane. Resident access along Field End Road / Eastcote Lane will be maintained.

Further information on all of these road closures and major works can be found at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/roads.

Delays are likely and we would advise where possible that residents use alternative routes where journeys permit.

For more information please contact roadnetwork [email protected]

Major works affecting the borough’s roads

Hillingdon. A pilot across all groups who receive adult social care took place in February and March, bringing eight personal budgets to four older people, two people with a learning disability and two people with a physical disability.

50 people who receive home or day care will have been offered a personal budget by the end of May. This will be a big step forward in making SDS the main way that adult social care is offered in Hillingdon.

To find out more about SDS visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/selfdirectedsupport or email transforming [email protected]

Win £25,000 by making your life easier

The way that adult social care works is changing. From August 2010, self-directed support (SDS) is being introduced to residents who currently receive adult social care services from the council.

SDS is a way to give people much more of a say over how their adult social care needs are met, by allocating them a personal budget. This is a sum of money that covers the costs of the support an individual requires. SDS is designed to give people a lot of flexibility and creativity in the services they receive, offering greater choice so that they can live their life in the way that they want.

We have just started introducing SDS in

Since April, National Grid Gas Alliance has been working in Ickenham, Ruislip, Eastcote and through into Harrow to renew major gas mains in the area. A westbound road closure has been in operation in Kingsend, Ruislip since the end of April. A fully signed diversion will be in place and resident access will be maintained. Works will progress into Pembroke Road, Park Way, Elm Avenue and North View into Harrow under phased westbound road closures throughout the summer and into the autumn.

Works will also be in progress concurrently as part of the gas mains renewal in Fore Street, High Road, and Cuckoo Hill in Eastcote to improve the gas service provision in the north of the borough.

Page 5: Hillingdon People May 2010

inbriefGarden centre extends opening hoursThe Rural Activities Garden Centre (RAGC) is extending its opening hours to include weekends during the summer.

The centre, based in West Drayton Road, Hillingdon, will be open from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays until 10 July. They are open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays throughout the year. Everything sold by the RAGC is grown locally and the centre offers a range of work experience and training for people with a learning disability.

For more information please call 01895 443445. You can also visit the What’s On section of the council website at www.hillingdon.gov.uk to check the price list.

Former staff member sentencedThe council has successfully prosecuted a former manager at Hayes Stadium sports centre who stole more than £900 of taxpayer’s money.

Kelvin Hammond, who was employed as a Duty Manager at the stadium from November 1994 to July 2009, was charged at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court with ten offences of fraud between December 2008 and June 2009.

The council conducted the investigation in to Mr Hammond’s fraudulent activity after a fellow employee discovered inaccuracies in the stadium accounts and alerted the council’s fraud team.

Magistrates sentenced him to a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years, 180 hours of unpaid work, £920.56 compensation to the council and a £600 contribution to court costs.

hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010 5

hillingdon news

Support services for carers up for new contractThe contract the council has with Hillingdon Carers to provide support services for carers is due for renewal this year. As part of the council’s legal duty to ensure we get best value for all the services provided, this has to go through a tendering process. This means that suitably qualified organisations will be invited to bid to provide carer support services in the borough.

Information and advice services for carers will not be disrupted during this process. You can continue to contact Hillingdon Carers at their Information and Advice Centre in Uxbridge High Street in the usual way.

For more information please contact Hillingdon Social Care Direct on 01895 556633.

Women’s health awareness courseWomen who are interested in signing up for a women-only health awareness course are asked to get in touch with the Hillingdon Women’s Centre. The course would be run on Thursdays starting in early June, but organisers want to know the best time of day to run the course. The course will include healthy heart, healthy eating and women specific issues such as avoiding osteoporosis. The course will be specifically geared towards women and will comprise of six sessions covering a one subject each week. Contact the HWC on 01895 259578 or email [email protected] with your details and preference if you are interested.

Uxbridge town centre in March outside the Pavillions shopping centre, Uxbridge.

Pupils from Charville, Newnham, West Drayton, Whitehall, and Pinkwell infant and junior schools submitted designs of a very high standard and in various styles from paintings, mosaics and collage to pencil drawing and 3-D models.

Visitors to Uxbridge can enjoy a new piece of artwork, thanks to the creative talents of young people from across the borough and Hillingdon Council.

150 pieces of artwork were submitted to Hillingdon Council by pupils from junior schools in Hillingdon for a new mosaic, which was unveiled in

Town centre mosaic unveiled

Fire Service best in LondonThe borough’s fire service is top in London according to annual statistics. The Hillingdon brigade hit all but one of their targets, making the borough a safer place to live and work.

Every year boroughs are given set targets against a range of areas under their control, including the number of arson fires, the number of accidental fires and the number of home fire safety visits. Hillingdon exceeded their targets in 92 per cent of the areas, coming top in London.

The one target they did not hit was relating to the number of lift rescues, which was reduced by more than 35 per cent on figures from last year.

Gerard Hollingworth, Borough Commander, said: “We are really pleased with this year’s figures as they reflect the hard work being done across the borough to make residents safer in their homes and workplaces. We will continue to strive to hit our targets and work with our partners, including the council, to get the fire safety message across.”

For more information on keeping your home safe against fire, please visit www.london-fire.gov.uk or call into your local fire station.

Page 6: Hillingdon People May 2010

Staff from the council’s Parking Services celebrate with Jon Culshaw (front left)

hillingdon people magazineMay/June 20106

hillingdon news

Parking awards successThe council’s Parking Services were the big winners at the British Parking Awards 2010, winning the overall award and two other categories.

The awards were launched in 2002 by Parking Review Magazine and are supported by the British Parking Association (BPA). They seek to recognise best practice and innovation in the management, design and enforcement of parking.

Hillingdon was named Overall Winner after being shortlisted for four awards and winning two; the Innovation Award and the Back Office Team of the Year. The Innovation Award recognised the work in launching the HillingdonFirst smart card; that gives residents preferential parking rates. The Back Office award

was for professionalism in dealing with appeals and permit matters and for developing training for parking staff. The overall winner recognises the single most outstanding example of excellence in

the UK parking industry during the past year.

Cllr Keith Burrows, Cabinet Member for Transportation, said: “Hillingdon is proud to have a parking service that firmly puts the residents

of the borough at its heart. At the same time businesses and visitors are benefiting from a first class service that other local authorities from across the country are looking to emulate.”

will help tackle climate change in two ways, as a practical demonstration of what can be achieved and also by educating

due to a heating system powered by renewable energy technologies and improved insulation. It is hoped the property

A house that had been empty for more than a decade has been brought back into use following an eco refurbishment that will cut its carbon emissions by up to 50 per cent.

The house in Friar Road, Hayes, has been refurbished with help from the West London Housing Partnership. Work has included insulating the loft, cavity wall insulation and under the floor. Heat from the air is used to provide heating through a pump which heats through an underfloor system, and solar panels have been added to the roof to provide hot water for the property.

Tenants living in the house will benefit from lower fuel bills

Empty house refurbished to be eco-friendly

residents about a new low-carbon lifestyle.

The house will be used as part of the council’s work to tackle homelessness.

Page 7: Hillingdon People May 2010

inbrief

hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010 7

hillingdon news

Hillingdon trials new recruitment website for schoolsIf you want to work in one of the borough’s schools, a new website could be just the site for you.

The council is now using a new site for anyone looking for work within the borough’s schools. The website provides all the information anyone interested in working in a school needs. Vacancies cover the entire school workforce.

The website has been set up with the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and is being used for schools to post their vacancies and also for people to apply for these jobs. It is a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about applying for a role within a school.

Hillingdon is one of the first local authorities to pilot this system and early indications are that there will be some tangible benefits to our schools and the way we manage recruitment for schools. Savings in administration time and advertising costs have already been realised.

Visit www.schoolsrecruitment.dcsf.gov.uk for more information.

Find out more about caringCarers can find out more about caring in the borough at a carers’ fair. The annual fair is being held at the Mall Pavilions Shopping Centre on 15 June from 10am to 3pm. Anyone who is a carer or wants to find out more about caring can drop in at the fair during this time.

There are more than 75 war memorials in Hillingdon located in town centres, churches, open countryside and in commercial or community buildings. The council is currently gathering information to compile a borough war memorial register which will include a detailed record for each site, a photographic survey, a map and historic details.

The information will be published in September 2010 on the council’s website, and also in a commemorative

Do you know where your local war memorial is?

Above: A hand made ‘Roll of Honour’ recording names of dead parishioners from the 1st World War in St. Jerome’s church in Hayes. Right: The ‘Angel of God’s Presence’ - a four metre high statue consecrated in 1964 commemorating the loss of 22 WRNS on board the SS Aguila in 1941 is found in St Edmund the King in Northwood Hills.

booklet which will be available from local branch libraries.

If you think you know of any memorials that should be included on the register then please contact Joss Martin on [email protected] or telephone the Customer Contact Centre on 01895 556000 to give the details.

How Hillingdon votedAcross the country, residents voted for their MP in the General Election on Thursday 6 May. In Hillingdon, the three MPs are:

Hayes and Harlington John McDonnell (Labour)

Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner Nick Hurd (Conservative)

Uxbridge and South Ruislip John Randall (Conservative)

The turn out in Hayes and Harlington was 57.46 per cent, in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner it was 71.05 per cent and in Uxbridge and South Ruislip it was 60.99 per cent.

The full break-down of results is available on the council website at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/elections.

Residents in Hillingdon also voted in local council elections on the same date.

For a picture guide to all the councillors in the borough, along with information on the Cabinet Members, please see pages 20 and 21.

Illegal building works to be demolishedA home owner has been ordered to demolish a boundary wall and front porch following a successful prosecution by the council.

The property, in West End Road, Ruislip, had been investigated over a four-year period following the refusal of retrospective planning permission for the

building work. A number of Enforcement Notices were then served setting out the work needed to remedy the breaches.

Following lengthy discussions and consistent refusals to comply with the Enforcement Notices, having pleaded guilty, the owner was ordered to pay £200 in costs and given a conditional

discharge for a maximum of six months in order to remove the building work. The unauthorised works have since been removed.

For more information on planning in Hillingdon’s visit the council’s website at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/planning or by calling 01895 556000.

Page 8: Hillingdon People May 2010

inbrief

hillingdon people magazineMay/June 20108

hillingdon news

New chair for Hillingdon Primary Care TrustMartin Roberts, 63, has been appointed the new Chair of Hillingdon Primary Care Trust (PCT). He took up his post on an interim basis on 15 April and replaces Mike Whitlam CBE, who has served as interim Chair since July 2009. Martin has served as a Non Executive Director of Ealing PCT since October 2009.

Plans for Yiewsley Swimming Pool announcedThe council has announced plans to build a brand new health centre on the site of the Yiewsley Swimming Pool which is scheduled to close during the summer.

The new facility will include a purpose-built community health centre, capable of offering a wider range of services than is currently provided by existing GP practices. NHS Hillingdon will lease the new facility from the council and is working closely with local GPs to agree the range of services on offer.

The council expects to apply for planning permission for the development, which will also include some housing, in the summer with work expected to begin in the autumn.

The development is part of the council’s wider improvement programme in the local area, which also include new swimming pools and leisure facilities in Uxbridge and Hayes.

Little Britain Lake improvements complete

Work to improve Little Britain Lake is now completed, thanks to work by council staff and volunteers from Abbotsfield School construction team and Blue Sky Development and Regeneration and Groundwork Thames Valley.

The work has included removing some of the trees surrounding the lake and islands which were overgrown or had fallen down due to wind. Work has also been done to improve the habitat for fish in the area. Lighting has been installed at the south end of the lake and Packet Boat Lane has been resurfaced to improve access. Funding

Army moves into RAF UxbridgeFollowing the closure of RAF Uxbridge as an Air Force base on 31 March, the site is now playing host to the B and C Companies of the Second Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

is being sourced for CCTV and a permanent toilet block at the site.

The site will host two free family fishing days in August for anyone wanting an introduction to fishing. These will be held on 15 and 29 August and are being arranged by the council in partnership with Les Webber’s Angling Projects.

Equipment, bait and rod licence exemptions will be provided, and there will be ‘catch of the day’ prizes, along with other entertainment including a bouncy castle, face painting and refreshments. You will also be able to talk to representatives from Angling Projects/Junior

The Fusiliers will be based at RAF Uxbridge until they move to Germany in July. The Battalion follows a rotation that sees them move between England, Germany and Cyprus over a six-year period and they are coming up to the end of the two years in England. This has mostly been spent in Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow, but vital refurbishment works

Course Angling UK, the Environment Agency and local angling clubs.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Ray Puddifoot, said: “This work continues the council’s investment in our green spaces and means residents can get even more enjoyment out of this area. With the family fishing days coming up in August, I hope more people will get a taste for fishing and make the most of the facilities we have available here for them.”

For more information on the fishing days, please contact Lyn Summers 01895 556640 or email [email protected]

are now being carried out to this accommodation.

The RAF moved out of RAF Uxbridge on 31 March and into RAF Northolt on 1 April. They marked the occasion with a march up West End Road into the main gate at RAF Northolt, and a formal afternoon event with the Mayor of Hillingdon, Leader of the Council and other dignitaries.

Page 9: Hillingdon People May 2010

contactsIf you would like to be put on the waiting list for the next round of free burglar alarms, please ring the Contact Centre on 01895 556000.

hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010 9

hillingdon older people

For several years, the older people’s plan has been helping to improve the lives of some

of the borough’s older residents. The plan focuses on activities and improvements that can be made to services so older people have a better quality of life. As we move in to the final year of the current plan, Hillingdon People has a look at some of the successes so far.

Keeping safeThe council’s free burglar alarm scheme has been helping to keep residents safer in their homes, with 980 installed borough-wide along with home security information packs. Help and advice has also been on hand from the Police and Fire Brigade via crime prevention talks at sheltered housing complexes and 1,776 home fire safety visits borough-wide.

Out and aboutThe council’s successful Brown Badge parking scheme, which offers older residents preferential parking spaces, has been expanding and new bays installed in several private car parks. During 2009/10 1,643 badges were issued. For more on this, please see the ECP pages on page 32 and 33.

Keeping activeTo support the introduction of

free swimming for older people, the council has given more than 2,200 free swimming lessons to support those wanting to get back in to the water…and you have, with more than 29,500 free swimming admissions this year.

More than 40 older residents have also taken up new allotments in the borough, pre-prepared by our green spaces team and supported by our Adult Education allotment classes.

Improving homesThe council’s Care and Repair service have made 485 improvements to older people’s homes and 101 grant-assisted repairs have been carried out for older people on lower incomes. There will also be a wider choice of care facilities soon, thanks to work being done with outside partners including the RAF West Ruislip site and Triscott House.

Home energy insulation measures have been installed in 354 homes to reduce energy bills and make homes more efficient and 273 older people have received an additional benefit to remain independent in their own home.

Funding of more than £17,659 has been awarded to a range of community associations across the borough to support the improvement of facilities and events for older people. This funding has helped to provide free meals through monthly lunch clubs, purchase new equipment to expand exercise, sports and social activities and organise a series of day trips for older people to get out and about.

Older people’s plan helps improve lives of older residents

The council has also established the Heater Loan Scheme to support older people struggling the keep themselves warm in the event of their heating system breaking down.

Leader of the Council and Older People’s Champion, Cllr Ray Puddifoot, said: “Through this year older people in Hillingdon have benefited from a range of schemes and initiatives, which I hope have improved their lives. We will continue this work throughout 2010 and 2011 and help as many older people as we can through the Older People’s Plan and my Leader’s Initiative.”

The work under the current older people’s plan will continue this year and in to 2011, when older people will be asked for their views to set the detail of the next plan for the coming years.

Page 10: Hillingdon People May 2010

contactsHillingdon businesses can sign up to join the scheme at any time by contacting the council or visiting www.hillingdon.gov.uk/hillingdonfirst.You can register for a card if you have not been sent one by visiting the council’s website at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/hillingdonfirst or telephoning 01895 556677. You can also find out which businesses in your local area offer a discount by visiting the website.

Are you using yours?

Did you know that using your HillingdonFirst card offers:

Discounts at Hillingdon’s •leisure centres, including the new state-of-the art Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex and Botwell Green Leisure Centre, Hayes

Discounted parking rates •in Hillingdon at all council owned car parks

Free access to New Year’s •Green Lane Waste and Recycling Centre

Membership to all of the •borough’s libraries

Discounts at nearly 400 local •shops and businesses

hillingdon people magazineMay/June 201010

your hillingdon

is a hit with residents

The council’s HillingdonFirst privilege card for residents is about to celebrate its first birthday and has been a hit with residents.

Introduced in June last year, the card offers residents preferential rates on leisure facilities,

parking and membership to the libraries and council waste sites. You can also use your card at almost 400 businesses across the borough to receive money off a whole range of services ranging from florists to estate agents and almost everything in between.

We asked nearly 500 residents for their views also found that parking, libraries and shopping were the things that residents most frequently use their card for.

Two thirds of residents use their HillingdonFirst card at least once a week and 77 per cent find it useful. These are the main findings of a survey of the borough’s residents.

When asked, residents were also keen for more local businesses to sign up to the scheme and to improve the way that residents can find out which businesses

are part of the HillingdonFirst discount scheme. All of the businesses that are signed up to the HillingdonFirst scheme can be found on the council’s website, which has an easy to use A-Z, with handy interactive maps, which can pinpoint what you’re looking for.

Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Improvement and Partnerships, said: “HillingdonFirst does what it says on the card; it puts Hillingdon residents and businesses first. Residents told us that they wanted such a scheme in the borough, and what they wanted included and we have listened and delivered a scheme that is clearly well regarded by our residents.”

He added: “The proof of its success is that residents are using their card on a regular basis.”

The council is now looking at all of the things residents told us so we can continue to improve the scheme.

Page 11: Hillingdon People May 2010

contactsHillingdon businesses can sign up to join the scheme at any time by contacting the council or visiting www.hillingdon.gov.uk/hillingdonfirst.You can register for a card if you have not been sent one by visiting the council’s website at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/hillingdonfirst or telephoning 01895 556677. You can also find out which businesses in your local area offer a discount by visiting the website.

hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010 11

hillingdon campaign

“The new Government now has the chance to draw a line under an unsatisfactory period of public administration when too often it seemed that the aviation lobby’s interests were being placed ahead of the concerns of local people about the environment and their quality of life.”

Natasha LaMothe, has been campaigning to save Cherry Lane Cemetery from the threat of the Third Runway, said: “We are delighted that all the sacrifices made have not been in vain. Many of us were told we were wasting our time by campaigning, but persistence, hard work and an unyielding focus brought us many victories throughout the year, and the news that the uncertainty has lifted, is what we all needed. People no longer have to fear being hounded out of their homes, their schools, their pubs and their graves.”

Christine Shilling, NoTRAG Press Secretary, said: “For eight years we’ve been fighting to save our communities. We’ve known from the start that ‘the human consequences of further expansion at Heathrow Airport are so severe that it should never ever be contemplated.

“We’d like to thank all those who’ve worked with us and supported us from the start particularly the London Borough of Hillingdon, our local MPs and HACAN.”

to challenge former transport secretary Geoff Hoon’s decision to support the new runway. The councils argued that new climate change laws meant the whole economic case for expansion had to be revisited.

In a landmark ruling the judge said the councils had made a powerful demonstration on the developments in climate change policy since 2003. This ruling meant that expansion could not go ahead in the future without a fundamental re-examination of its environmental and economic impacts.

The most recent announcement from the new coalition government is being celebrated as the final conclusion to a long campaign to protect the homes of local residents and reduce the environmental impacts on the borough.

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of Hillingdon Council, speaking on behalf of the 2M Group, said: “This news is the final proof of the extraordinary success of our campaign. First we won in the courts and now we’ve got the new Government confirming that it’s all over.

“This won’t be the end of our campaigning, we will want to ensure that the current relief offered to residents by runway alternation is maintained and we will be pressing for reductions in night flights and more stringent noise and air quality controls.

The decision forms a key part of the coalition agreement between the

national Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties and is considered the final nail in the coffin for the controversial scheme.

With cross-party support, the council has been leading a campaign against expansion at the airport for several years due the immense impact that it would have on residents in the borough, later joining the 2M coalition of councils opposed to expansion in 2007.

When the Department for Transport (DfT) launched their consultation in November 2007 residents and local authorities were given just 14 weeks to respond to the technical 240-page consultation document. To coincide with this, the council launched the ‘Say NO’ campaign and issued response cards to all households in the borough so residents could have their say.

Hillingdon returned 17,000 response cards to the DfT, more than any other borough and 62% of all council responses. 94% of Hillingdon people voted against increasing capacity at Heathrow and similar results were received through our online poll, with just over 81% voting ‘no’ to expansion- supporting the council’s position on the proposals.

Earlier this year, Hillingdon was one of six councils that joined forces with environmental groups

Final nail in coffin for third runway

The council and other groups opposed to expansion at Heathrow have welcomed the announcement that plans for a third runway have finally been scrapped.

Page 12: Hillingdon People May 2010

contactsFor more information on Hayes Carnival visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/events where you can download a booking form for stalls and floats and also get more information about the artist workshops.

hillingdon people magazineMay/June 201012

hillingdon community

Residents have picked the theme of ‘stardust’ for the carnival, with

hundreds of people voting in a poll on the council’s website.

The carnival will be taking place on Saturday 10 July with the usual parade of floats leading to the main event at Barra Hall Park in Freemans Lane, Hayes. As part of a commitment to be environmentally friendly, there will be low powered trailers and bicycle based floats joining the procession for the first time.

The day will start at midday with a parade including professional street artists and the sound of music. The parade will start at Pump Lane in

Hayes and work its way to Barra Hall Park for the main event which is open from 1.30pm until 5.30pm. The park is being transformed into a vibrant galaxy with a constellation of music, stalls, dance, workshops, food stalls and much, much more.

This year there will be a community focus with local ethnic foods and comedy on show, as well as big stage entertainment from Hillingdon based talent. There will also be an arts and crafts area and a funfair and organisers are working with the London Motor Museum in Hayes to provide something for the parade and arena.

You can also get involved in the carnival, either by booking a

This year’s Hayes Carnival will be bringing stardust to the borough with an action-packed day of community fun. With entertainment, activities and workshops there will be something for everyone to enjoy and try.

float or a stall. The deadline for booking a float is 14 June and the stall booking deadline is 28 June.

Local visual artists can also apply to take part and run workshops at the carnival. If you are interested in running a workshop on the day, you can find out more on the council’s website.

Cllr Henry Higgins, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Leisure, said: “We have always put our residents first and it is great to have Hayes Carnival back again this year. We look forward to all local residents enjoying themselves on this day. This is one of many activities that will be happening this year.”

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contactsFor more information on Hayes Carnival visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/events where you can download a booking form for stalls and floats and also get more information about the artist workshops.

contactsFor more information on events planned for Armed Forces Day, please see the council website at www.hillingdon.gov.uk

hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010 13

hillingdon community

Across the country thousands of people will be honouring the work undertaken by the Armed Forces on Saturday 26 June.

themed exhibition. Veterans from across the borough will be invited including representatives from the Royal British Legion, Normandy Veterans’ Association, Burma Star Association, Battle of Britain Association, Women’s Land Army and the Ghurkha Association.

On Friday 25 June, council staff who are also part time reservists will be wearing their uniforms to work to raise awareness among their colleagues.

On Armed Forces Day itself, the council is holding a parade through Uxbridge town centre for the Cadet Units in the borough to celebrate the Cadets’ 150th Anniversary. The parade will gather on the Civic Centre forecourt for inspection and will

be followed by a Civic Reception for the cadets and their parents.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Ray Puddifoot, said: “We are immensely proud of the Armed Forces and veterans we have in Hillingdon and through our Civic Pride initiative we want to encourage everyone to remember the work they do for our country. Throughout this year and next we have a range of events organised to recognise the work they do.”

Armed Forces Day is a chance for everyone to show their support for

the work being done by serving members of the Armed Forces and the sacrifices made by veterans in previous conflicts.

As part of the celebrations, the council is organising several events in the run up to the day itself. Several of these are open for members of the public to join in and show their support.

On Monday 21 June at 10.30am there will be a flag raising ceremony on the Civic Centre forecourt in Uxbridge. The Deputy Lieutenant for Hillingdon, the Mayor and representatives from the Armed Forces, Cadets and Veteran groups will be present.

On 22 June, there will be a re-dedication ceremony at Eastcote War Memorial in conjunction with the Eastcote branch of the Royal British Legion. The memorial has been refurbished as part of the council’s Civic Pride initiative, encouraging residents to be proud of Hillingdon and its people.

More than 100 veterans are to be invited to a special tea party on Wednesday 23 June at the Civic Centre, hosted by the Mayor. The RAF Salon Orchestra will be providing entertainment and there will be a Battle of Britain

Events planned to celebrate

Page 14: Hillingdon People May 2010

Flagship leisure centre opens!

hillingdon people magazineMay/June 201014

hillingdon sport

complex that gives people access to excellent, modern leisure facilities, as well as securing the long term future of one our historical assets.

“Our £26m investment in this complex and £45m in sport for Hillingdon is part of making this happen. We would like to thank the London Development Agency, Sport England and the Heritage Lottery Fund for their support in our determined commitment to achieve the best possible facilities for our borough. We hope it will be a legacy for both current and future generations.”

Hillingdon Council invested £26m to build the complex, which includes an indoor sports centre, restored 1930s outdoor pool and athletics stadium. The

The Mayor opened the complex, which includes the first 50m Olympic-sized swimming

pool to be built in London for more than 45 years, at the end of March, alongside groups of residents who will benefit from the new facilities.

The brand new facilities sit alongside a refurbished grade II listed open-air pool which remains the last example of a 12-sided ‘star’ outdoor swimming pool in the country.

Hillingdon Council’s multi-million pound complex has been developed to provide excellent local sports facilities for all and training opportunities for aspiring athletes.

The Mayor of London said: “I’m thrilled to welcome the first Olympic sized swimming pool in

London for nearly half a century. This outstanding accessible sports complex is a real boost for everyone in the area whether you’re striving to be the next Mark Spitz or just trying to shift a few pounds and get healthier before the sun arrives. With such amazing facilities it’s sure to play a crucial role in the future success of the British swimming team and the fact that it’s open to everyone - young, old, abled and disabled – is something Hillingdon Council should rightly be proud of.”

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council, said: “The complex is about providing top class facilities for people of ages and abilities. We’ve taken the opportunity to develop a unique

The Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex is now open to everyone after a visit from Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

Page 15: Hillingdon People May 2010

Leisure Centre needs your voteThe Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex has been entered for The National Lottery Awards and is in with a chance of making it through to the semi-finals of the awards.

The new leisure centre has been entered into the Best Sport Project category and, if it makes it through to the semi-finals, will need your support to win. The winners will be voted for by the public during the first two weeks of June, with voting done online or over the phone. There are only two weeks to get public votes so if we make it to the voting stage we will really need your support.

From the semi-final stage, three projects will make it through to the final, when there will be another public vote to determine the winners.

Lottery and London Development Agency funding helped refurbish the 1930s Uxbridge Lido and create a state-of-the-art sports complex which includes the first Olympic size 50m Pool available for all.

To find out if the complex makes it to the semi-finals and how to vote, please visit the council website at www.hillingdon.gov.uk from the end of May.

Flagship leisure centre opens!

contactsTo find out more about joining the centre, please visit the leisure section of the council website at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/leisure. You can also contact the centre directly on 0845 130 7324

hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010 15

hillingdon sport

council’s own £26m investment was enhanced by funding of £2.025m from the London Development Agency, £1.5m of National Lottery funding from Sport England and £1m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Construction and restoration works on the site in Uxbridge began in 2006. Amongst the facilities bringing the site firmly into the 21st century are the new 50m Olympic-sized indoor pool, shallow pools, a 100 station gym, a multi use sports hall, spin and dance studios, as well as a crèche, sauna and steam rooms, classroom facilities for courses and training, and a café serving healthy food.

The outdoor grandstands, cascades and entrance building

have been completely restored to bring the 1930’s outdoor pool back in to use as an integrated part of the main complex. Hillingdon Council worked with the Heritage Lottery Fund to ensure that all of the pool’s unique features have been retained. The outdoor pool will be in use from May.

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contactsFor more information on the new leisure facilities in the borough, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/leisure

hillingdon people magazineMay/June 201016

hillingdon sport

The new leisure facility, in Botwell Lane, Hayes, will open exclusively for residents

in early June. To use the centre, residents will need to present their HillingdonFirst residents’ card. All residents will be eligible for a reduced membership fee through the HillingdonFirst scheme.

Included in the new centre is an eight lane 25m competition pool with a learner/fun pool, a dedicated gymnastics training facility complete with all the necessary equipment for training to a national standard, a 100 station health and fitness gym and several exercise studios. The centre will also feature an all-weather football pitch which has been funded by the Football Foundation and Greenwich Leisure Ltd. The multi–use games area has been open since last year and has been extensively used by the members of the public especially young people.

The contract for managing and running the centre has been granted to Greenwich Leisure Ltd who also manage Highgrove Pool and Queensmead Sports Centre within Hillingdon.

Cllr Ray Puddifoot, Leader of the Council, said: “The

Hayes leisure centre preparing for openingThe multi-million pound Botwell Green development will be opening its doors to residents at the start of June.

opening of Botwell Green Sports Centre shows the council’s continued investment in providing first class leisure facilities for our residents. Including the Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex which opened in February, residents now have two excellent new facilities to enjoy. We will continue with our plans to improve the sports and leisure facilities to residents by refurbishing Highgrove Pool.”

The £20.2m development has been funded by the council.

The complex is due to be officially opened in early July, after which it will also be open for non-residents to use.

Page 17: Hillingdon People May 2010

contactsFor more information on the new leisure facilities in the borough, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/leisure

hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010 17

hillingdon safety

Beware bogus callers

Not all burglars break into

homes - some will try to trick or con their way in. They are known as bogus callers and will pretend to be on official business from respectable concerns such as the utility companies - gas, electricity and water - or the council. They may claim to be tradesmen or workmen calling to carry out urgent repairs.

Bogus callers succeed because they sound believable, so don't be fooled. Some have tricked their way into homes by claiming to be from the police or council.

Make sure in your own mind that they are who they claim to be by following these simple steps:

Think before you open the •door - use your chain and spy hole or look out of the window to see if you recognise them. Ask callers for proof of identity. •Check this carefully. If you are unsure, telephone the company the caller claims to represent. The utility companies now offer •a password identification system. Any caller from one of these companies should be able to give a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity. Beware of callers who attempt •to distract you by claiming that they have seen something untoward in your rear garden or somewhere which may encourage you to leave your house - they may have an accomplice waiting to enter while you are away or distracted. If you are not convinced of the •identity of the caller, don't let them in. Ask the caller to come back later and arrange for a friend, relative or neighbour to be present on their return or ask the caller to contact this person.Treat every stranger with •caution. If you are still worried, dial 999 immediately and ask for the police.

World Cup survival tipsMany people will be looking

forward to an exciting summer this year, as the

World Cup kicks off and we hope for sunny barbeque weather. Whilst most residents will enjoy the socialising that this brings, we can all do our bit to keep disturbance to residents at a minimum and ensure we keep ourselves safe after a match drink or two.

We can’t guarantee the weather and we can’t guarantee that your team will win...but we can give you some tips to help keep you safe while you celebrate or drown your sorrows.

Below are some tips to help you keep safe.

Make sure your phone is •charged before you go out.Keep some money separate •to your purse or wallet – in your coat or pocket.Stick with your friends. Don’t •wander off on your own at the end of the night, and wherever possible, go home together.If you need a taxi, book it •before you go out. Take the contact number with you. You can always re-arrange the time you want to be picked up.Make sure you have minicab •numbers in your phone (or details of the nearest taxi rank) and enough money to pay for our journey.Use a firm that will text you •the number plate of the car that’s coming to get you. This avoids any confusion of what car to get into.Do not be tempted, under •any circumstances, to take an unlicensed minicab. All minicabs must be pre-booked. Only licensed taxis can pull up at the kerb – any unlicensed minicabs that do this are acting illegally.If you’re travelling home by •public transport, find out the times of the buses

or trains so you’re not waiting about too long or miss the last one altogether.Avoid empty carriages •or top decks of buses. Sit near the driver. Stay alert and don’t fall asleep.•Do not drink too much!•

If you do suffer from anti-social behaviour please call Community Safety on 0800 694 0240, and if you are being affected by noise nuisance from either private or public houses then please call the Noise Team on 01895 250155 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and ask for the Environmental Protection Unit or call 01895 250111 out of hours.

Remember, dial 999 if you see a crime being committed or for other instances where you need a Police Officer to attend. For non-urgent calls for police help please call 0300 123 1212. Use this number to report a crime which has already occurred or other instances where you do not need a Police Officer to attend.

Page 18: Hillingdon People May 2010

contactsFor a free home and garden ‘sheducate’ security booklet, call Dave Tennyson on 020 8246 1779. Safer Neighbourhood Teams in the borough have a limited supply of shed alarms or you can contact Hillingdon Neighbourhood Watch Office about sheducate and shed alarms on 020 8246 1869.

Make sure you’re sheducated

hillingdon people magazineMay/June 201018

hillingdon safety

As the warmer summer weather approaches and you start to spend more time

outside in your garden or allotment, it is important to remember how to protect yourself and your property from opportunist thieves.

How many of us consider crime when we look at our gardens? To the thief anything can be stolen, whether opportunist or carefully planned. Think how much you have spent on plants, tools and expensive furniture for your garden. Could a thief have their eye on that new patio heater?

Your garden is your first line of defence against crimes. While you are out in your garden for the first few times this spring, it is well worth checking that your fences are secure and haven’t been damaged in the winter weather and getting any repairs done as soon as possible to ensure there is no easy access for potential thieves. Make sure shrubs and plants are cut back so there isn’t a screen for anyone to work behind.

If you have an allotment, try not to leave expensive equipment on-site, and get to know your neighbours, both at home and on your allotment. When people know you, they are more likely to be suspicious if they see someone they don’t know.

Make sure your shed, whether it’s in your garden or allotment, is up to the job. Shed doors and door frames can be easily reinforced, especially around the lock.

Remember a thief can get tools from your shed to use on your home. Ladders or spades left outside could also be used by the thief to assist them to break into your home.

Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “When the weather improves it is always nice to be outside in the garden but it is important not to let your guard down when it comes to potential burglaries. Always lock your equipment away in a shed and if anything is stolen, report it to the police.”

Dave Tennyson, Crime Prevention Officer, said: “I believe that theft of items from gardens is a very under reported crime throughout the UK, from an ornament stolen by your front door, a hanging basket and even exotic fish in your pond can be a target to the thief. Please take the time to secure your shed, check your perimeter fence, close and shut gates with an adequate lock, secure items within the garden and property mark items such as lawn movers with your postcode and house number.”

Page 19: Hillingdon People May 2010

contactsFor a free home and garden ‘sheducate’ security booklet, call Dave Tennyson on 020 8246 1779. Safer Neighbourhood Teams in the borough have a limited supply of shed alarms or you can contact Hillingdon Neighbourhood Watch Office about sheducate and shed alarms on 020 8246 1869.

Make sure you’re sheducated

YOU

contactsYou can get in touch with Project YOU through the website at www.projectyou.org.uk

hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010 19

hillingdon safety

A project for young people to help prevent, divert and reduce youth crime is looking for more young people to get involved.

The YOU (youth organisations – uniform) project has been active in Hillingdon for almost

a year and offers young people the chance to join one of the various organisations involved and participate in the various activities they organise which include sports, expeditions and learning new skills. All the organisations involved are committed to maximising the opportunities available to young people.

The group has been active inYOU London is a collaboration of all the uniformed youth organisations across Hillingdon and includes Volunteer Police Cadets, the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade, the Sea Cadet Corps, the Metropolitan Police Service and The Prince’s Trust, along with others.

YOU London also offers great opportunities for volunteering. Volunteering can add a great deal to your life and the lives of children and young people in Hillingdon. It offers you a chance to become involved with an organisation you really care about as well as an opportunity to meet new and like-minded people. It also gives you the chance to try out something different to your ‘everyday’ job or college work, which may lead on to new career options and opportunities to gain nationally recognised qualifications. Why don’t YOU explore the volunteering opportunities with these organisations today?

nationally recognised qualifications. Why don’t YOU explore the volunteering opportunities with these organisations today?

Youth project needs

Page 20: Hillingdon People May 2010

LindsayBliss

RoshanGhei

JohnMajor

Barnhill

BeulahEast

NeilFyfe

MaryO’Connor

Charville

TimBarker

WayneBridges

PatJackson

Hillingdon East

JonathanBianco

JohnMorgan

AndrewRetter

Northwood Hills

JosephineBarrett

GeorgeCooper

DavidYarrow

Uxbridge North

DavidAllam

JanetDuncan

SidGarg

Yeading

JanetGardner

Phoday Jarjussey

Mohammed Khursheed

Botwell

BruceBaker

CatherineDann

DavidPayne

Eastcote and East Ruislip

JohnHensley

RayPuddifoot

David Simmonds

Ickenham

JazzDhillon

KuldeepLakhmana

AvtarSandhu

Pinkwell

JudithCooper

KeithBurrows

DavidRoutledge

Uxbridge South

DominicGilham

PeterKemp

PaulHarmsworth

Yiewsley

hillingdon people magazineMay/June 201020

hillingdon council

Following the council elections on Thursday 6 May, 46 Conservative councillors and 19 Labour councillors were elected. The Conservative party has a majority and will be running the council for the next four years.

The names and photos of all 65 councillors for the borough are pictured on these pages. On 13 May, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Ray Puddifoot, appointed his Cabinet. Cabinet Members are also shown opposite.

The turnout for this election was more than 63 per cent, meaning there were 124,047 votes counted. Ickenham ward had the highest turnout, with 75 per cent of residents having their say.

All councillors will be arranging surgeries for their constituents to meet with them and discuss issues face-to-face. If you want to get in touch with one of your ward councillors, you should speak to the relevant group office:

Conservative Group Office 01895 250316

conservativegroupsecretariat @hillingdon.gov.uk

Labour Group Office 01895 250780

[email protected]

You can also find this information on our website at www.hillingdon.gov.uk then click ‘Council and democracy’.

More information on how you can get involved in the decisions made by the new council can be found on the following page.

Page 21: Hillingdon People May 2010

Northwood

Eastcote andEast Ruislip

Cavendish

Manor

South Ruislip

Charville

Yeading

Townfield

Pinkwell

Brunel

Yiewlsey

Heathrow Villages

HillingdonEast

Barnhill

Botwell

WestDrayton

UxbridgeSouth

HarefieldNorthwood

Hills

WestRuislip

Ickenham

UxbridgeNorth

PhilipCorthorne

SandraJenkins

RichardMills

BrianStead

Brunel

RichardBarnes

HenryHiggins

Harefield

MichaelMarkham

DouglasMills

SusanO’Brien

Manor

ShirleyHarper-O’Neill

AllanKauffman

JudyKelly

South Ruislip

MikeBull

PaulButtivant

AnitaMacDonald

West Drayton

Raymond Graham

EddieLavery

MichaelWhite

Cavendish

DavidBenson

SukhpalBrar

JuneNelson

Heathrow Villages

RichardLewis

CarolMelvin

ScottSeaman-Digby

Northwood

LindaAllen

PeterCurling

RobinSansarpuri

Townfield

JohnRiley

BrianCrowe

West Ruislip

Leader of the Council

Labour Group Leader

Mayor 2010–2011

Cabinet members and portfoliosPosition/portfolio CouncillorLeader of the Council

Ray Puddifoot

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services

David Simmonds

Finance and Business Services

Jonathan Bianco

Planning and Transportation

Keith Burrows

Social Services, Health and Housing

Philip Corthorne

Culture, Sport and Leisure

Henry Higgins

Environment Sandra Jenkins

Improvement, Partnerships and Community Safety

Douglas Mills

Co-ordination and Central Services

Scott Seaman-Digby

hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010 21

hillingdon council

Conservative councillor

Labour councillor

Cabinet members

Page 22: Hillingdon People May 2010

contactsTo find out more about your local councillors, to see a list of forthcoming meetings, view reports or minutes then please visit the ‘Council and democracy’ section of the council website at www.hillingdon.gov.ukIf you wish to know more about speaking at meetings or if you wish to send a valid petition in by post, hand delivery or email then please contact Democratic Services at: Democratic Services, London Borough of Hillingdon, Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 1UW. You can also telephone 01895 250636, fax 01895 277373 or email [email protected]

Policy and Overview Committee reviewsThese committees are comprised of councillors who are not in the Cabinet and conduct regular reviews of council policy and services. Recent examples have included street lighting, support to local businesses, arrangements for dealing with pandemic flu and homes built in back gardens.

External witnesses are invited to provide the committees with evidence relating to the topics they decide to review. Democratic Services are happy to register the views of residents who wish to become more involved in the work of these committees. Forthcoming review topics will be advertised on the council website during the summer.

Petition the Cabinet MemberIf you want to get something done in your street or local area, you can collect a petition of other people who agree with you. If you collect 20 or more names (which must show signatures and full addresses) of borough residents, a written report will be prepared indicating the options that there are in relation to the issue raised. The appropriate Cabinet Member will then offer to meet with the petition organiser and other residents at an informal “petition hearing” listen to your views and decide on the course of action to take.

Public question timeEvery couple of months, all 65 councillors meet at full council meetings. Time is set aside for public question time, where residents can directly ask a question to the Leader of the Council or a Cabinet Member.

Anyone who lives in Hillingdon or whose main place of work or study is within the borough can ask a question at a full council meeting. Brief rules apply, for example, it must be on a subject that the council is responsible for, or something that affects the borough. All questions must be put in writing or sent in by email to the Head of Democratic Services no later than noon seven working days before the full council meeting. You can email [email protected]

Planning applicationsThe council will automatically notify you of planning applications that have been submitted in the area immediately around your home. If you want to support or object to an application, you have the right to speak at a Planning Committee meeting to support your view. To do this, you need to collect 20 or more names (which must show signatures and full addresses) of borough residents. For rules of fairness, if you are opposing an application and speak at a committee meeting, the agent or applicant are also allowed to do so.

hillingdon people magazineMay/June 201022

hillingdon council

Now you have elected your representatives on the council for the next four years, why not get more involved in the way the council works?

Get involved with your councilCouncillors meet on a regular

basis to make decisions on matters that can affect you.

Whilst the Leader and Cabinet Members make the key decisions about the borough, councillors on other committees make decisions on other local matters that may improve or affect your area, for example, planning applications, road improvements or licenses for pubs.

Every year, thousands of local residents get involved in influencing the decisions the council makes. As a resident you also have many rights to get involved. Some of the most popular ways are listed in the boxes below.

Page 23: Hillingdon People May 2010

contactsTo find out more about your local councillors, to see a list of forthcoming meetings, view reports or minutes then please visit the ‘Council and democracy’ section of the council website at www.hillingdon.gov.ukIf you wish to know more about speaking at meetings or if you wish to send a valid petition in by post, hand delivery or email then please contact Democratic Services at: Democratic Services, London Borough of Hillingdon, Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 1UW. You can also telephone 01895 250636, fax 01895 277373 or email [email protected]

Looked after young people try out new skills

contactsIf your company could sponsor an activity to teach these young people a useful life skill or opportunities to enhance their wellbeing , please get in touch with Meng Pocock on 01895 250030 or email [email protected]

hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010 23

hillingdon young people

young people in the borough who are looked after by the council have been learning new skills thanks to donated equipment and work across the council and its partners.

Eight young people aged 14-17 have worked with Hillingdon Adult Education on a

photography workshop on which they were able to learn a new skill and gain wider life experience. They were able to share their stories from different countries and cultures through photography. Their work has been displayed at Uxbridge Library.

The council is responsible for the wellbeing of looked after childre (LAC) and acts as a ‘corporate parent’ for them, taking on the duties of a parent or guardian. This includes the need to ensure they achieve the best possible outcomes before they reach adulthood. As part of this aim, the council’s LAC team have been working with external bodies and also other departments at the council.

Following the success of the initial project, eight young people are taking part in another photography course and their work will be on display at Ruislip Manor Library later this summer.

The children have also been out on trips and taken part in a variety of different activities through the support of borough businesses and organisations. These events have included a bowling trip funded by Airport Bowl in Bath Road. Some of the children also joined a school choir to entertain older people at a Christmas lunch which was sponsored by the Arora International Hotel.

Cllr David Simmonds, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “As a council we take our corporate parent role very seriously and want to ensure all children in Hillingdon are encouraged to reach their full potential. Through partnership working we are able to offer them a range of activities and opportunities to add to their life experience and try something they wouldn’t otherwise be able to. All young people deserve the best chance in life, and this is part of that.”

Above and below: Photos taken by the young people during the project

Page 24: Hillingdon People May 2010

contactsIf you are interested in finding out more about the activities available in Hillingdon for young people you can go to young.hillingdon.gov.uk or contact your local youth centre for more information.

contactsVisit young.Hillingdon.gov.uk for more information on all activities for young people in the borough.

First new young people’s centre open

sFirst new young people’s centre open

s

hillingdon people magazineMay/June 201024

hillingdon young people

FIESTA is back again!available, along with booking details is currently being published.

This will be available on the young.Hillingdon website as soon as it is prepared, and limited copies will also be available through the borough’s young people’s centres.

The first of the council’s new young people’s centres has opened its doors to the

borough’s teenagers, showing there is plenty to do in Hillingdon.

The newly opened Charville Young People’s Centre is the first of three new centres due to open in the next year. The centre, in Kingshill Avenue, Hayes, was officially opened in March and now hosts a range of activities and events for young people.

Alongside Charville, the council is also working on two other youth facilities in Northwood and South Ruislip. These two centres are both at different stages of development. At Northwood work is almost complete with the centre scheduled to be fully open in early summer. In South Ruislip, the work has now started and the centre should be complete and full of young people by early 2011.

These centres are designed to be at the heart of the community, providing spaces for young people to be creative, develop their talents and make the most of their free time and add to the four centres that already exist across the borough.

Cllr David Simmonds, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “I am really excited to see the official opening of the new young people’s centre in Charville and it is great to see the first of what

are going to be central meeting points for young people in Hillingdon, where they will be able to enjoy activities, meet new people and even take part in accredited courses.

“With so much for young people to get involved in including a total of seven Young People’s Centres and two mobile youth buses, every young person will have a council-funded youth centre or activity within a mile of home. It is really important that we listen to what young people need and want and I hope that the young people of Hillingdon see these as a welcome addition to the existing four centres that we already have.”

The borough’s annual summer activities programme for young people is returning,

with something for everyone.FIESTA will be running

throughout the summer holidays, from the end of July through August, with a range of programmes, workshops and activities being held at young people’s centres across Hillingdon. Courses will include street dance, rock school, photography and soccer skills. A brochure detailing all the courses and activities

The new 3D floor mural at Charville Young People's Centre

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contactsIf you are interested in finding out more about the activities available in Hillingdon for young people you can go to young.hillingdon.gov.uk or contact your local youth centre for more information.

contactsVisit young.Hillingdon.gov.uk for more information on all activities for young people in the borough.

First new young people’s centre open

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contactsIf you are interested in finding out more about fostering, please visit the council website at www.hillingdon.gov.uk, email [email protected] or telephone the fostering team on 0800 783 1298.

hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010 25

hillingdon young people

The borough’s best mathematicians have been named in the final of the

Hillingdon Primary Schools’ Maths Challenge 2010.

Dawid Cedro and Pallave Sivapalasinkam from Field End Junior School were named the winners at the final round which was held in the council chamber at the Civic Centre, Uxbridge. The challenge started in September in all primary schools and all children from years 5 and 6 have taken part. The top two mathematicians from each school took part in the final event.

Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Shirley Harper-O’Neill, was on hand to give out prizes and certificates to the participants. The event was sponsored by Nexen and Anadarko Petroleum, based in Uxbridge.

Budding mathematicians win borough challenge

Hillingdon supports Foster Care FortnightFostering Fortnight is the

ideal opportunity for Hillingdon residents

to think about fostering.The fortnight started on 17

May and runs until 30 May. We need foster carers from all

walks of life – you don’t have to be married, or own your own home, you don’t have to be a parent – you just need to have a genuine interest in children and teenagers and want to help develop their potential.

We offer a generous support package and training programme. You would undergo preparation training and an assessment before becoming a foster carer.

Drop-in sessions have been held at the Civic Centre for

people to find out more about fostering, with sessions being held on the following dates:

Monday 24 May, 10am – 12 noon•Tuesday 25 May, 10am – 12 noon•Thursday 27 May, 4pm – 6pm•Friday 28 May, 11am – 1pm •and 4pm – 6pmAll the sessions are being held in

Interview Room 2, Civic Centre, Uxbridge UB8 1UW.

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hillingdon people magazineMay/June 201026

hillingdon housing

Responsibility for managing the borough’s housing stock will transfer back to

the council from 1 October.The decision to return

management of council housing to the council from Hillingdon Homes was made at a Cabinet meeting in February, following consultation with tenants and leaseholders about the proposals.

The changes will help to save money and improve the efficiency of housing services as the council will be able to better co-ordinate all of its housing services. The move will mean there is no need to pay the costs of running a separate company and therefore there will be more money to provide services directly to residents.

Cllr Philip Corthorne, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, said: “When we consulted with tenants and

leaseholders the majority were in favour of us making this change, which will help us to improve services for residents and make our housing services more efficient.

“Hillingdon Homes had delivered a good service to residents but by bringing services back into the council we will be able to save money which can be put directly back into housing services for our residents.”

The council will set the rents in line with Government guidelines, arrange repairs and consult with residents about housing services. Residents should continue to contact Hillingdon Homes for housing management matters as they do now.

As part of its commitment to providing value for money and improving services, Hillingdon Council is the first council in the country to take back housing management, with other councils now set to follow our lead.

Hillingdon Homes return date set

Page 27: Hillingdon People May 2010

Vote for John to win!

hillingdon environment

To vote onlineVisit www.thelocalgovernmentchannel.com/awards and click on the Lifetime Service 2010 category on the right and then John Purcell.

To vote by textText LGATV 6 JohnP to 80039

You can see more about John, including a film of his work by going to www.hillingdon.gov.uk/votejohn.

hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010 27

John Purcell is the council’s Bereavement Services Manager and registrar at Breakspear Crematorium. He has made the finals of the national Council Worker of the Year awards.

John has been nominated in the Lifetime Service category for providing the

best possible services directly to local residents for more than 40 years and needs your votes to win the prestigious award.

John said: “I was surprised to hear I had been nominated, I thought I was having my leg pulled at first and didn’t realise that this is such a big thing. I’m quite touched. I take a great pride in what I do. Although I can’t take away the pain for those that have lost a loved one I can help to make the day as painless for them as possible.”

Having started his career in cleaning services, John became the council’s Bereavement Services Manager in 2002 and has worked tirelessly to modernise the service to improve the experiences of his clients. He has been instrumental in transforming one of the largest crematoriums in the country and establishing a one-stop

bereavement service - you can read more about this on page 31.

John was nominated by Kathy Sparks, deputy director for environment and consumer protection at the council.

Kathy said: “John has over 40 years of experience providing excellent public service and committed to improving service delivery to residents. He often works during his own time, as in the recent project helping local residents fight to keep Cherry Lane cemetery from being built on as part of the Heathrow expansion.”

You can cast your vote until midday on 8 July, when the winners will be announced.

There are six awards and a total of 23 unsung heroes will be competing for votes. This is the fifth year of the awards and in previous years hundreds of thousands of votes have been cast with fierce competition.

The winners of each category receive £200 and an engraved trophy.

Page 28: Hillingdon People May 2010

contactsYou can find details of your nearest park or green space through the council website. Visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/greenspaces for more details.

hillingdon people magazineMay/June 201028

hillingdon environment

As the temperatures rise and the children enjoy their half term holiday, why not make the most of Hillingdon’s parks and green spaces?

As the second largest and one of the greenest boroughs in London, Hillingdon has

a range of formal gardens, town parks, informal nature conservation areas and country parks, and more than 100 children’s play areas. There are now 14 parks in Hillingdon which have Green Flag status in recognition of their high quality. Hillingdon has more land under Green Flag status than any other London borough.

Residents across the borough were recently consulted on their use of the borough’s parks to find out how satisfied they were with the green spaces in the borough, which parks they use and understand more about what residents like or dislike about the parks.

More than 200 people responded, with people completing the survey online and peer researchers face-to-face and telephone interviews being used to contact residents. Overall, 73 per cent of the responses were satisfied with the green spaces and more than half of them use a green space within a quarter of a mile from their home. The

most common use of the parks is for walking, and almost three-quarters use one park or green space at least once a week.

While most of the responses were positive, there were a few issues that were raised. Litter, dog fouling and anti-social behaviour are the most common complaints and work is underway to address these to ensure Hillingdon’s parks and green spaces are places for residents to enjoy and make the most of.

Cllr Sandra Jenkins, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “In Hillingdon we are lucky to have so many parks and open spaces for our residents to enjoy. As summer approaches, now is the perfect time to make the most of them and get outside. Parks are a great place to walk or spend time with your family and friends. We are continuing to make improvements to the parks in the borough and if you have any comments, please let us know.”

Park life

Page 29: Hillingdon People May 2010

contactsYou can find details of your nearest park or green space through the council website. Visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/greenspaces for more details.

Some of the most recent prosecutions by the team have included:residents in Uxbridge who were fined by Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court following noise offences. they were ordered to pay £260 after breaching a noise abatement notice.

a woman living in ruislip was ordered to pay a total of almost £460 for causing a noise nuisance through loud music.

a man living in Hayes was ordered to pay £100 in costs and fines for playing loud music.

another man in Hayes was ordered to pay a total of £1,465 for failing to control a barking dog.

contactsIf you are experiencing a noise nuisance, you can contact the Noise Team out-of-hours on 01895 250111. They operate from 8pm to 2am on Thursdays, 9pm to 3am on Friday and Saturday and 7pm to 1am on Sundays. If you are bothered by noise during the day, you can call 01895 250155.

hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010 29

hillingdon environment

Loud music and barking dogs are just some of the noise nuisances that the council deals with each year. A form of anti-social behaviour, the council takes a tough stance when noise nuisance is reported to them.

Seized noise equipment helps improve lives

When the council’s Noise Team prosecutes residents for causing a noise

nuisance, they have the power to seize the equipment being used to make the noise. Hillingdon People found out more about where

this equipment goes after it is seized.

Most of the equipment is televisions or music equipment, seized from residents.

Aware that the

equipment could be used by some of the borough’s charities, the Noise Team contacted a number of local organisations to see if the equipment could benefit local people.

P3, who help support young people aged 13-25 who are at risk of social exclusion, have a hostel in Hillingdon, and were interested in some of the equipment to help improve the lives of the residents there. The residents now have the use of a flat-screen television in their common room.

Lauren, 18, is one of the residents. She said: “It’s much better than the TV we used to have. We can get all the channels. When it gets to 10pm we are all in here, we’ve got a dance mat game on it as well.”

Alicia, 17, added: “It’s a real bonding thing. You

don’t always get a lot of people in

here, so when you’re on your own you can watch what you like.”

Cllr Sandra Jenkins, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “We take noise pollution very seriously as it is a form of anti-social behaviour and can make life a misery for those who have to suffer it. In Hillingdon, we take a tough stance and will always and prosecute anyone causing a noise nuisance to their neighbours.”

She added: “As well as successful prosecutions, it’s great that the equipment we seize can benefit some of the borough’s vulnerable people.”

Luka Winterborne, Head of Public Relations at P3, said “We are delighted that seized equipment can be re-used in such a way to benefit the lives of the dozens of disadvantaged young people that live in our supported housing projects each year. One television can provide a focal point in a hostel for our young residents to meet and develop their social skills. The cost savings that we have made through this generous donation has allowed us to invest in other areas of the hostel such as improving the gardens in preparation for the summer months.”

Page 30: Hillingdon People May 2010

www.hillingdon.gov.uk/cycle

FREE adult cycle training

Provided by the

council’s dedicated

road safety team

contactsIf you are interested in signing up, please call the council’s Road Safety Team on 01895 250267 or email [email protected].

Get on your bike!

Cycling factsThe borough has many miles •of cycle paths ranging from the roadside paths to the David Brough Cycle Trail through Ruislip Woods.As a borough resident •you can claim money off at several borough bike shops with your Hillingdon First card – remember to take your card when you go shopping and check whether the store offers a discount at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/hillingdonfirstYou can look at cycle routes •through the borough through the council website at www.hillingdon.gov.uk and search for ‘cycle routes’, or via the Transport for London website at www.tfl.gov.uk

hillingdon people magazineMay/June 201030

hillingdon environment

The council provides free cycling lessons for anyone over-16 who wants to gain

the confidence to get back on their bike. Lessons are provided by an approved trainer and cater for all abilities. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never ridden before, or if you just want to refresh old skills, lessons can be given on and off-road.

As a borough resident you can have up to four hours of tuition at a time to suit you and if you don’t own a bike, one can be supplied (subject to availability).

Cllr Keith Burrows, Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation, said: “Now the weather is improving, it is a great time to get on your bike and enjoy the borough. Cycling is an excellent way of getting out and about, and has the added fitness benefits that exercise brings. If you haven’t considered cycling before, why not try it now?”

Ann Porter, a Hillingdon resident who has had free cycling lessons, said: “This is a fabulous scheme and I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn to cycle or to improve their skills. At 52 years of age although fit and active I still couldn’t ride a bike. A friend had given me a bike to practice on but I wasn’t doing very well. When I heard

about this scheme I jumped at the chance of taking some proper instruction. The coaches were brilliant, they understand exactly how to teach someone from scratch and really made it quite straightforward and fun. My goal was to be able to cycle well enough for it to improve my fitness.”

If the sunnier weather has encouraged you to get out and about, why not do it on two wheels?

Page 31: Hillingdon People May 2010

www.hillingdon.gov.uk/cycle

FREE adult cycle training

contactsIf you are interested in signing up, please call the council’s Road Safety Team on 01895 250267 or email [email protected].

Crematorium opens after improvements

contactsMore information about the crematorium can be found at www.breakspear.kimeera.com.

Get on your bike!

hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010 31

hillingdon environment

A range of new facilities have been officially opened at Breakspear Crematorium following an extensive programme of improvement works.

The crematorium is jointly owned by Hillingdon Council and Harrow Council

and is now the fourth biggest crematorium in the UK. It was first opened in 1957 and has seen considerable improvements over the last few years.

The most recent improvement works included the opening of a new overflow chapel and new state-of-the-art crematory equipment. Waiting areas for both chapels, complete with refreshment areas, were also added. The car park was also extended.

In a first for the UK, cameras were installed in the two chapels last year so family members or friends who cannot make it to the service can view it over the internet. A service taking place in one chapel can also be shown on a TV screen in the other chapel if more space is needed. This has allowed a teenage girl’s funeral to be seen by people in both chapels and also shown in the school hall for students who wanted to watch.

A memorial garden for babies was introduced at the site last year. The garden features mushroom-shaped memorials where a baby’s name can be engraved. It was built

so the families and friends of babies who have died have somewhere peaceful to remember their child.

Plans for the future include a war veterans’ garden to commemorate the borough’s fallen heroes. It is hoped to include a memorial and benches and to locate the garden so it can be seen from the chapels at the crematorium.

As one of the country’s biggest crematorium, Breakspear can host up to 24 services a day, with the capacity for one to start every 30 minutes. The average number of services per day is 14, totalling 3,400 across the year.

Cllr Shirley Harper-O’Neill, former Mayor of Hillingdon, said: “The new features incorporated into these improvement works are fantastic and will ensure that the crematorium provides modern and innovative facilities that will be used by visitors for many years to come.”

Cllrs Shirley Harper-O’Neill (l) and Eric Silver (r) Mayor of

Harrow, open the new building

Page 32: Hillingdon People May 2010

hillingdon people magazineMay/June 201032

hillingdon environment

Cleaner, greener Hillingdon

Road markings outside schools are being enforced to ensure children are safe on their journeys to and from school

New Brown Badge spaces have been

installed at Breakspear Crematorium

Improvements made to parking outside schoolsThe council are working to try and reduce the problem of illegal and inconsiderate parking by parents around schools.

Complaints about parents’ parking whilst they are dropping their children off at school or picking them up are some of the most frequent complaints received by the Parking Services team. The team has therefore been working with the council’s parking enforcement contractor, Mouchel, to ensure that officers visit the borough’s schools on a regular basis. This new patrolling scheme has been in place for a year now, and the team has received positive feedback from Warrender Primary, Oak Farm and Lady Bankes schools that they are very pleased to see officers outside their schools on a more regular basis.

To continue these improvements, Parking Services staff are working with School Travel Advisors and staff in the Road Safety team to educate parents of the dangers about parking on the ‘keep clear’ markings outside schools. Schools which have the most problems will be targeted first.

Inconsiderate parking often includes people parking on the ‘keep clear’ markings outside schools, parking on yellow lines and across residents’ driveways or dropped kerbs. Usually enforcement means moving vehicles on rather than issuing parking tickets.

Successful parking scheme expandedThe council’s Brown Badge parking scheme which allows older drivers to park in priority spaces near to amenities has been expanded to include a number of private car parks in the borough.

Spaces have been installed outside Sainsburys and Homebase at the Lombardy Retail Park in Hayes, at West Ruislip Railway station and at the new Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex.

To further expand the scheme, spaces are being introduced at the Beck Theatre in Hayes, alongside new disabled parking bays, and discussions are underway to install them in the car parks at the

council’s golf courses. Spaces were also included in the improvement works at Breakspear Crematorium.

More than 5,000 permits for the over 65s have been issued in the borough so far. For more information, please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/parking. You can apply by email by sending your name, address and telephone number to [email protected], or you can send the information to Brown Badge, London Borough of Hillingdon, Parking Services, PO Box 453, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3EY. For general information please phone 01895 250926.

Page 33: Hillingdon People May 2010

inbriefCleaner, greener Hillingdon

hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010 33

hillingdon environment

Following a borough-wide sampling exercise in 2009 salt levels in the borough’s pubs have been reduced.

The council’s Food, Health and Safety Team took part in a survey in 2009 to find out the salt levels in food bought from pubs across the borough. Results showed that in one instance a single meal totalled 6.66g, more than the guideline daily amount for the whole day.

Since this research was carried out, pub chains across the country have signed up to reduce the salt levels in their meals. Whitbread, Punch Pub Company, Marston’s Inns and Taverns, Greene King and JD Wetherspoon have all made their first commitments to this healthier eating initiative.

They are all working to reduce saturated fat levels in their products by changing ingredients, recipes and cooking techniques, they are reducing some portion sizes and

Salt levels reduced in borough’s food outlets

making sure the nutritional content of children’s menus are appropriate and also offering ‘light bites’ for adults.

For more information about salt in your diet visit www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/fss/salt/

Household waste weekendsMore waste weekends for residents in the south of the borough to dispose of household items are being held on 26 and 27 June and 24 and 25 July.

The weekends have been arranged by the council following the closure of Rigby Lane Civic Amenity site by SITA and will take place between 9am and 5pm at Railway Sidings, Tavistock Road, West Drayton.

There will be strictly no admission to vans or commercial vehicles and no trade waste is accepted at this site. Residents can take their waste and recycling to the council’s Civic Amenity sites at Victoria Road, South Ruislip or New Years Green Lane, Harefield, which are open seven days a week. Please note that residents will need to show their HillingdonFirst card when accessing the Harefield site.

The council also provides a free bulky waste collection service (for up to four items or six bags) for senior citizens living in the borough. To find out more please visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/recycling or call 01895 277505.

Improvement plan for rights of wayThe council would like your views on a plan for the improvement of the borough’s rights of way.

The draft plan for improvements covers footpaths, bridleways, cycle tracks and other non-motorised routes in the borough.

You can have your say on the plan, through the ‘Have your say’ section of the council website at www.hillingdon.gov.uk and the plan is also available for viewing at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge by appointment by telephoning 01895 250993. Comments must be received by the 13 August.

Blooming gardens wantedGarden-proud residents are being encouraged to enter their blooms for this year’s Hillingdon in Bloom competition. Entry is free and entry forms can be picked up in your local library or from the Civic Centre in Uxbridge High Street. The closing date is 18 June.

Pothole repairsDuring January and February, more than 800 potholes were reported to the council by residents as a result of the severe winter. Since then, teams of staff have been working across the borough to carry out repairs.

More than £1m had been spent on repair works by the end of March, with work carried out in, amongst other places, Jubilee Drive, Royal Lane, Wentworth Drive, Summerhouse Lane, Denbeigh Drive and Sipson Lane, and resurfacing works have been done for example at Waterloo Road, Wentworth Crescent and Wyre Grove.

Around 200,000 square metres of road have been resurfaced and more than 17,000 tonnes of tarmac have been laid so far.

A further £1.4m worth of repairs will be completed by the end of June.

Work to repair potholes across the

borough has been continuing with

more than £1m spent

Levels of salt in the borough’s pubs and restaurants have been reduced

Page 34: Hillingdon People May 2010

www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fostering

Family is...

Simple things can make a big

difference. Why not foster?

0800 783 1298

Simple things can make a big

difference. Why not foster

or offer a short break to a child

with a disability? 0800 783 1298

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Page 35: Hillingdon People May 2010

Family is...

contactsFor more information and advice on the opportunities available contact the volunteer centre (part of Hillingdon Association of Voluntary Services). Ring 01895 442730, or visit www.havs.org.uk/volunteering

hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010 35

volunteer inprofile

You choose the Volunteer of the Year

To nominate one of the following category winners as Volunteer of the Year keep a look out in the local press and visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk where you will be able to view a profile about each nominee and vote online. Closing date for placing your vote is Friday 28 May.

Khalida Obeid has won the Community Award for her commitment as a volunteer interpreter at Nestles Children’s Centre and REAP.

Danny Deol has won the Art and Culture Award for his role in supporting young people during their work placements at Hayes FM radio station.

Luke Robinson has won the 18 -25 yrs Award for supporting the activities at the South Ruislip Community Association.

Christine and Bob McGowan have won the Life Time Achievement Award for their dedication in supporting residents and Hillingdon Homes in the improvement of their estate and environment.

Richard Plume has won the Positive Communities Award for his exceptional fund raising achievements at the Northwood live-at-home scheme.

The outstanding achievements of more than 100

Hillingdon volunteers will be celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony on 3 June.

It follows selection of the category winners in April from the dozens of nominations received in the Hillingdon Volunteer Achievement Awards 2010.

YOU can now vote for one of these winners to receive the overall award of Volunteer of the Year 2010.

The annual awards scheme is run by Hillingdon Association of Voluntary Services (HAVS), Hillingdon Council and Brunel University.

The partnership identified the need to recognise the essential role that volunteers play in our community and an awards ceremony was felt the ideal way to say ‘thank you’ to these extra special people.

Each nominee will receive a framed certificate commemorating their achievement, with the category winners receiving a special award while the Volunteer of the Year will receive an impressive engraved crystal star.

Want to volunteer?Latest opportunities:

The Cornerstone Centre, Yiewsley are looking •for a Well Seasoned Project Coordinator to run the Well Seasoned over 50s project at the centre.Home Start, Hillingdon requires a Fund-raising •Volunteer to take part in fund-raising events.Owl Housing, West Drayton are in need •of Befrienders which involves providing basic assistance to their service users such as keeping them company.

Brenda Gardener

Where do you volunteer?I am a horticultural volunteer at the Rural Activities Centre in Hillingdon. The centre is a fully functional garden centre that is open for the public to buy containers, plants and shrubs.

How did you get involved?My son has a learning disability and when he moved here I followed. I’ve been here ever since which is 20 years! I started my volunteering role selling plants on a Saturday to now being involved with cutting the plants, sowing seeds and all sorts of planting activities whilst working with the service users.

What are the benefits to volunteering?I love being able to do a bit of everything, doing your own hours and just working with people who need help. It’s so relaxing!

What would you say to potential volunteers?If you want something that is a fulfilling and part-time then volunteering with people with learning difficulties is the thing for you. They would love it! The minute you see this place you’d really want to volunteer here with the service users, especially if you like gardening!

What makes a good volunteering role?A lovely place to be, such a lovely atmosphere working with the service users, who are so nice! Working with people who have learning difficulties is so rewarding!

What is your volunteering role and day to day activities?Helping the service users doing cutting, sowing seeds and selling plants. You have a lot of interaction with people coming in here to buy plants.

Page 36: Hillingdon People May 2010

When: 29 May to 5 JuneWhere: Various locations across the boroughCost: Dependant on activityContact: Visit www.communigate.co.uk/london/artsweek for more information or see the ArtsWeek group on Facebook by searching for ‘Hillingdon ArtsWeek’.

Hillingdon ArtsWeekThe annual celebration of the best of the borough’s arts is returning with a varied programme of events including something for everyone. Events are taking place all across the borough. There are art exhibitions, activities to get involved with including the ArtSplash at the Mall Pavilions in Uxbridge on 30 May, performing arts workshops and performances, and much, much more. Community groups across the borough including Hillingdon Women’s Centre are also hosting a range of events.For a full programme of events and how you can get involved, please visit www.communigate.co.uk/london/artsweek.

When: Sunday 27 June from 10am to 5.30pmWhere: Buses will run from the bus stand in Chippendale Waye (Cumbrian Way), UxbridgeContact: To purchase a full programme, please visit www.amershammotorbussociety.co.uk or send a cheque for £5.50 payable to The Amersham & District Motorbus Society to Peter Cartwright, 54 Guinions Road, High Wycombe HP13 7NX. Programmes will cost £6 on the day.

Vintage bus running dayIf you’re a fan of old buses, the Uxbridge and District Vintage Bus Running Day will be right up your street. There will be an extensive timetable of former London Transport ‘Red’, ‘Green’ and ‘Green Line’ buses running throughout the borough and beyond. Around 20 buses will be in service on the day, with a range of routes allowing for circular tours in the north of the borough, along with travelling to Denham Country Park. There will be stalls located at Cumbrian Way, Uxbridge, selling books, models and transport miscellanea.

When: Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 June, gala day Saturday 19 JuneWhere: Various locations in IckenhamContact: Visit the website at www.ickenhamfestival.org.uk.

Ickenham FestivalThis year the Ickenham Festival will be an eight-day extravaganza with a Gala Day at Swakeleys House on Saturday 19 June. There will be more than 100 events, including concerts, art shows, children’s events, sports, dances, teas and information from the organisations, schools, churches and clubs who make up the Ickenham community. There will also be open gardens, more displays of residents’ hobbies. The successes of 2008’s festival will be built upon in this unique week which will help fundraise for the 2012 event.

hillingdon people magazineMay/June 201036

With the weather improving, get out and about this month with some outdoor events and make the most of spring.

LeisureKickin KidzSaturdays 8.45am to 9.45amA fun early years programme, with a martial arts theme. Work through Foundation Stage activities and record your child’s progress. Quality time with your two to five year old, in a fun and supportive environment.Cost for taster class: £4South Ruislip Community Centre

Yoga classesThroughout the week, morning and eveningEight classes run during the week, catering for beginners and more experienced students. Tuition is run following school terms and each course is structured and geared towards some aspects of yoga.Contacts: For class times visit www.yogawithjackie.co.uk Telephone Jackie Barker on 01895 675426 or email [email protected]

Antiques, collectors and book fayresMondays and Tuesdays starting 7 June and running though to JulyIf you are interested in having a stall at this weekly event, please get in touch. All are welcome to come and have a browse and buy.For bookings please call Leon Coleman on 01480 456008 or email [email protected] Pavilions Shopping Centre

Coffee with a Cause Monthly Coffee MorningsThird Saturday of the month (second Saturday in December), 10.30am to noonYou are invited to join us at our monthly Coffee with a Cause Saturday coffee morning, raising funds for a different charity each month. Join us for tea, coffee, light refreshments, charity greetings cards, plant sale and nearly new books...or just pop in for a chat!Contact: www.eastcotestandrews.org.ukSt. Andrew’s United Reform Church

BowlsRuislip Bowls Club (next to Ruislip Library) are seeking new members and offer coaching to anyone interested in taking up this sport.Contact: For details ring Club Secretary on 01895 470527 or just call-in to the Clubhouse.Ruislip Bowls Club, Manor Farm Site

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hillingdon people magazine May/June 2010 37

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.

Barra Hall ParkFreemans Lane, Hayes, Beck TheatreGrange Road, Hayes, UB3 2UECompass TheatreGlebe Avenue, Ickenham, UB10 8PDHillingdon Women’s Centre333 Long Lane, Hillingdon, UB10 9JUIckenham United Reform ChurchSwakeleys Road, Ickenham, UB10 8BEThe Mall Pavilions Shopping Centre18 Chequers Square, Uxbridge, UB8 1LNManor Farm SiteBury Street, Ruislip, HA4 7QLMichael Sobell HouseMount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, HA6 2RNMiddlesex SuiteCivic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW

VenuesNorthwood LA Fitness22 Chestnut Avenue, Northwood, HA6 1HRSt Andrew’s United Reformed ChurchBridle Rd, Eastcote, HA5 2SHSt Edmund’s ChurchPinner Road, Northwood Hills, HA6 1QSSt. Margaret’s ChurchWindsor Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1ABSt Martin’s Church HallEastcote Road, Ruislip, HA4 8DGSouth Ruislip Community CentreLong Drive, South Ruislip, HA4 0HSUxbridge Community CentreThe Greenway, Uxbridge, UB8 2PJWest Drayton Community CentreHarmondsworth Rd, West Drayton UB7 9JL

Women only keeping safe workshopSaturday 29 May, 11.30am to 1.30pmProvided by Hillingdon Women’s Centre for women only aged 18+. The course will include tips on keeping safe and the role of the safer neighbourhood team.Contact: HWC on 01895 259578 or email [email protected] the website www.hillingdonwomens centre.org.ukHillingdon Women’s Centre

Michael Sobell House Night Time WalkFriday 4 June, 10pmThis fundraising event is hoping to raise more than £50,000 to help Michael Sobell House Hospice. Ladies of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to come and take part in this walk of either 14km or 8km around the sites of Northwood. The walk will be marshalled and there will be a prize offered for the most money raised as well as a fun warm-up session beforehand, refreshment stops en route and at the finish. Contact: Visit www.ladiesinthenight.co.uk or call 01923 844152. For more information on Michael Sobell House, please visit www.michaelsobellhouse.co.ukMichael Sobell House

Jim Davidson – If I Ruled the WorldSunday 6 June, 7.30pmThe king of comedy is back with his most outrageous show yet! King Jim gives the crowd exactly what they want, with his latest stand up show filled with tales of wanton women, pointless wars and her Majesty’s troops. Adults only for this outrageous, controversial, politically incorrect and shockingly funny show.Cost: £21Contact: Box Office 020 8561 8371Beck Theatre

West Middlesex Centre of the National TrustMonday 14 June, 8pmLecture by Russell Bowes on The inexhaustible Mr Paxton.Winston Churchill Hall, Manor Farm site

Hayes CarnivalSaturday 10 JulyThe borough’s annual carnival is back again for 2010, with a commitment to be more environmentally friendly with low powered trailers and bicycle based floats joining the parade for the first time. There will also be a community

focus with local ethnic foods and comedy on show, along with the usual big stage entertainment from Hillingdon based talent.Barra Hall Park

MusicStardust big bandSunday evenings, 6pm to 8pmThis band is looking for new members. If you are a trumpeter or trombonist of Grade six and above and are interested in joining, please get in touch. The band is due to play at several events during the summer, including the Ickenham Festival finale.Contacts: Visit www.stardustbigband.co.uk or email [email protected]

Dhol Squad drummingTuesday evenings, 7.30pm to 9.30pmThis is a drumming class dedicated to teaching the ‘Dhol’, a traditional Indian drum. Students need to provide their own drums.Contacts: Visit www.dholsquad.com

Hillingdon U3A Singers Summer ConcertSaturday 5 June, 7.30pmCost: Admission £6 on the door or from 01895 469011Ickenham United Reformed Church

The Drifters in concertFriday 11 June, 7.30pmA dynamic non-stop show combining classic songs, top flight choreography and world class musicians! This tour features many of the biggest hits and will also include some of the group’s newer material.Cost: Tickets £21Contact: Box Office on 020 8561 8371.Beck Theatre

Sine Nomine Singers Summer Supper ConcertSunday 13 June, 7pmMusic for a summer’s evening, followed by a delicious buffet.Cost: £12 Tickets to be bought in advance.Contact: Margaret Olney 01895 235319, [email protected] Martin’s Church Hall

Classic Concert’s at St. Edmund’sSunday, 27 June, 3.30pmThe Concert Players. Programme to include Mozart’s G Minor QuintetCost: £5 (includes refreshments) at the door or in advanceContact: 01923 821869St. Edmund’s Church

Uxbridge Choral Society Summer ConcertSaturday 3 July, 7.30pmThe evening will feature A Night at the Opera and will be conducted by Jeff Stewart. Cost: £10 available from the ticket secretary: 01895 847083, any choir member or on the doorSt Margaret’s Church

TheatreArgosy Players present Bat Boy The MusicalWednesday 26 May to Saturday 29 May, 7.30pmRipped from the headlines of The Weekly World News, this is a classic love story with a serious bite. This delicious twist on the modern day musical comedy tells the amazing story of a strange boy with pointy ears, his struggle to find a place in a world that shuns him, and the love that can create both miracles and madness. The play contains naughty bits, which might be unsuitable for the under 12s.Cost: Tickets £11 Weds/Thurs; £13 Fri/SatContact: Call 01895 673200 or 0845 8389058, or you can book online at www.argosyplayers.org.ukCompass Theatre

Two’s a CrowdSunday 30 – Monday 31 May, 8pmAn hilarious brand new comedy double act – live! In 3D! A comedy sketch show like no other;

with characters from everywhere between Heaven and Hell. Quite literally. Part of Hillingdon ArtsWeek (see image left)Cost: £8Contact: Compass Box Office 01895 673200Compass Theatre

DanceCeroc DancingMondays 8pm to 11pm, Thursdays 8pm to 11.30pmCeroc is a fusion between modern jive and salsa. Beginners are welcomed and you don’t need to bring a partner. It is a great way to exercise and meet people. Contact: Visit www.clubceroc.com or call Alan on 020 8933 4350Monday classes are held at West Drayton Community Centre and Thursday classes in the Middlesex Suite at the Civic Centre.

Belly Dance ClassesTuesdays, 7.45pm to 8.45pmGreat fun and an excellent way to tone the body and lose weight.Contact: Julie 07712 893907 or [email protected] Community Centre

Beginners Belly Dance ClassFridays, 6.30pm to 7.30pmCost: £6 drop inContact: [email protected] or www.hayaam.com or 07855 362849Northwood LA Fitness

Page 38: Hillingdon People May 2010

Do you havegood quality unwanted

furniture of electricals?

Have you made a will?The Will Group

offer a professional serviceSingle will £60 (inc VAT)

Pair of wills £85 (inc VAT)FREE home visits

daytime or eveningsWe also offer:

Will storage with free updatingInheritance tax planning

Telephone to arrange an appointment

To advertise in this magazine telephone Hannah Collins on 01895 250828Please mention Hillingdon People when responding to adverts

All changes to collections are available at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/recycling

Please leave your rubbish for collection between 6am and 6pm on the •revised collection days, near your front gate but not on the pavement. If you have any queries, or would like to report a missed •collection, call the council’s contact centre on 01895 556000 or visit: www.hillingdon.gov.uk/recycling

Refuse and RecyclingMay bank holiday 2010

Normal collection day Revised collection day (red)Monday 31 May Tuesday 1 JuneTuesday 1 June Tuesday 1 and Wed 2 JuneWednesday 2 June Wed 2 and Thursday 3 JuneThursday 3 June Thursday 3 and Friday 4 JuneFriday 4 June Friday 4 June

at Little Britain Lake

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Unlimited golf atHaste Hill,

Ruislip and Uxbridge golf courses

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Mack Bar & Grill available to hire for private parties and meetings

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Half price golf membership

hillingdon people magazineMay/June 201038

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Page 39: Hillingdon People May 2010

Golden numberswww.hillingdon.gov.uk

Environment and Street Scene01895 556000Mon – Fri, 8am – 6pm

anti-Social Behaviour0800 694 0240Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm

Council tax01895 250000Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm

Housing/Council tax Benefits,noise and Housing needs01895 556666Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm

School admissions and Benefits01895 556644Mon – Fri, 8am – 6pm

Council Main Switchboard and out-of-hour service01895 250111Mon – Fri, 8.30am – 5.30pm

trees & Landscapes01895 250230Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm

fraud Hotline0800 389 8313

Hillingdon Social Care Direct01895 556633Mon – Fri, 8am – 6pm

Care servicesCareline01895 250380

adoption and fostering01895 277850

Drugs or sexual health for young people up to 21 years01895 257285

Community informationHillingdon age Concern01895 431331Hillingdon racial Equality Council020 8848 1380London fire Brigade (Hillingdon team)020 7587 4402notraG (no third runway action Group)[email protected] 253355Social Security (Benefits agency)020 8426 3000three valley Water0800 376 5325

Advice and supportConsumer advice08454 040506families’ Information Service0800 073 4800Citizens’ advice Bureau0844 848 7903Hayes one Stop Shop01895 [email protected] Independent Domestic violence advocacy Service020 8246 174 P3 Jobshop – Employment Services (16–25 years old)020 8581 1056Hillingdon Women’s Centre01895 259578

LearningLibrary information desk01895 250600advice and guidance (young people)01895 257855Enquiries about school transport01895 250008Enquiries about school admission01895 556644truancy hotline01895 250858

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

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 250780/250271Liberal Democrats group office01895 277821Mayor’s office01895 250763

[email protected] Pool020 8573 2785Hillingdon Sports & Leisure Complex, Uxbridge0845 130 7324Highgrove Pool, ruislip01895 630753Queensmead Sports Centre, South ruislip020 8845 6010active Lifestyles Gym, Minet020 8573 2956

HospitalsHarefield Hospital01895 823737Hillingdon Hospital01895 238282Mount vernon Hospital01923 826111northwick Park Hospital020 8864 3232Watford General Hospital01923 244366nHS Direct advice line0845 4647

PoliceMetropolitan Police non-emergency number.0300 123 1212Textphone18001 0300 123 [email protected] Police Community advice Line (for non urgent matters)020 8246 1860Mon – Sat, 10am – 5pmCommunity Safety Unit (to report race crime)020 8246 1766

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