New homes for local people - £1 million boost for communities Park restoration gathers pace New adult learning courses for 2021 - Hillingdon Council
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News from your council
July/August 2021
£1 million boost
for communities
Park restoration
gathers pace
New adult learning
courses for 2021
New homes for
local people
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Contents
July/August 2021
▸ Cover stories
▸ 10 Free childcare for eligible families Dear resident
There are several government schemes available to
A
help with the costs. s we move into summer, I’m pleased that Hillingdon's
▸ 12 £1 million funding boost for local projects vaccination programme continues to move at pace
Since September 2011, wards have benefited from and that a return to normality is on the horizon.
more than £1.1 million. As we edge cautiously towards a brighter future, I'd like to
▸ 13 New food waste collection process launched remind residents that the fight again COVID-19 isn't over and I
In May, we introduced a new fleet of trucks to collect encourage you to continue to follow the guidelines and take the
food waste separately from garden waste. vaccine if you haven’t already to protect yourself and others.
In this edition of Hillingdon People you can read about a
▸ 14 Cranford Country Park restoration variety of our current schemes to support residents, and I was
Works to restore Cranford Park and transform it into pleased to be able to visit a range of sites in recent months
a thriving visitor attraction continue.
to see first-hand the excellent work being carried out.
▸ 18 Building high-quality new homes First up is housing on page 18, where we’re delivering
Several housing schemes have completed this summer hundreds of new homes across the borough for local people.
delivering hundreds of new homes for local people. Helping all our residents to get the best from online
▸ 24 Further your education with new courses services is also a priority. Post-pandemic, businesses and
Our adult learning courses for 2021/22 offer residents require the best possible network connections
opportunities to develop new skills. to thrive, and the council is working with Openreach to
enhance the borough’s digital connectivity. We also launched
Regulars a new MyAccount service on the council’s website to
allow residents to easily contact us online and view the
4 Hillingdon News 9 Older people status of reports and requests in one place (page 6).
31 Volunteers 35 Contacts A variety of refurbishment works to improve and create new
facilities for our residents are taking place across Hillingdon,
COVER PHOTO : REHAN KHAN, AGED 12, TAKES HILLINGDON PEOPLE including our ongoing £3 million library improvement
ON A TOUR OF HIS NEW HOME. programme (page 5), the modernisation of Yiewsley and West
Drayton Community Centre (page 7), and a project to deliver
a facility for young people at our Civic Centre (page 4).
Climate change and the environment is another key area,
and as you’ll read on pages 13 and 16, we’re encouraging
16 20
residents to recycle more by participating in our new food waste
collection process, greening the borough by planting more
trees and installing pollution screens at schools, and reviewing
your responses from our recent climate change consultation
to help us shape our plans and deliver a greener future.
I hope you all continue to stay safe
and have a great summer.
27 29
Advertising deadline for next edition: Friday 6 August 2021
Cllr Ian Edwards
Editorial and advertising enquiries LEADER OF THE COUNCIL
01895 556903
hillingdonpeople@hillingdon.gov.uk
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/hillingdonpeople
After reading, please
recycle this magazine
Published by London Borough of Hillingdon © 2021
Hillingdon People, 3S/05 Civic Centre, High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1UW.
Design Corporate Communications Printed by Paragon Service Point
Products and services advertised in this magazine are not necessarily endorsed by the council.
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2 July/August 2021 July/August 2021 3
news news
REFURB
Cllr Jane Palmer and Leader of the Council,
Cllr Ian Edwards review the plans
Making Hillingdon safer at night New councillor elected for Charville ward
The death of Sarah Everard Cllr Jane Palmer, Cllr Darran Davies The election of the Hillingdon constituency,
has shone a spotlight on Cabinet Member for has been elected to Mayor of London and and one vote for a London-
women’s safety and feelings Health and Social Care, represent Charville ward 25 London Assembly wide assembly member.
of safety on London’s said: “For the majority of following a by-election members took place on Sadiq Khan was re-elected
streets and public spaces. residents, the reopening on Thursday 6 May. the same day. In Hillingdon, as Mayor of London,
New facility for families to The council is listening,
recognising and responding
of Hillingdon’s night-time
economy is a chance to
Cllr Davies, of the
Conservative Party, received
voters were able to cast
two votes for the Mayor
while Onkar Singh Sahota
was chosen to remain as
open this summer to those concerns and
has launched its evening
socialise and reconnect
with friends and family.
2,098 votes during the
poll, which saw 46.71 per
(expressing a first and
second choice), one
assembly member for
Ealing and Hillingdon.
and night-time economy “We want to ensure that cent of eligible voters turn vote for the assembly See the full results at www.
The council has invested waiting area, conference strategy, Operation women and men who out to have their say. member for the Ealing and hillingdon.gov.uk/elections.
more than £700,000 in facilities, and a variety SafeNight, to make work, visit or live in the
the refurbishment of a
large office space at its
of contact rooms.
The reception area will
Hillingdon a safer place
to live, work and visit.
borough have positive
experiences and feel safe
Review for Master Brewer site
Civic Centre in Uxbridge, offer an inviting space for Key elements of the when they visit our bars, On Monday 10 May, the by the Secretary of State
offering a new facility families to engage with strategy include supporting pubs and restaurants. council asked the High in December 2020. The
for children and young social workers and council businesses to have robust “That’s why we are Court for a Judicial Review Mayor also failed to act
people in the borough. staff, and other facilities policies in place to improve working alongside the Safer of the Mayor of London's in accordance with the
The hub will offer a range include treatment rooms, safety at night; encouraging Hillingdon Partnership decision to approve strict requirements of the
of activities and services to a life-skills kitchen for residents to report abuse and local businesses and plans for 514 new homes London Plan, which now
children and their families, supervised learning, toilets, directly to the venue and/ venues to ensure that they on the former Master contains a clear policy against
including child counselling and a baby changing area. or the police; ensuring that are better equipped to Brewer site in Ickenham. tall buildings in areas that
and therapy, youth sexual Services from the businesses have the right help tackle any instances The council originally councils deem inappropriate
health and support following Abacus Centre in West training in place to respond of abuse and violence.” refused the planning and emphasises the
substance misuse. Drayton will be relocated effectively to challenging For more information application from Inland key role of boroughs in
Building works include to the new facility to situations and identifying on how we can all play Homes in March 2020 determining where tall
the installation of new accommodate a new problem areas and putting our part in keeping due to concerns about buildings should be located.
partitions, ceilings, sports and leisure centre. in place strategies to Hillingdon safe, visit www. the inappropriate scale of Leader of the Council, ENHANCED
upgraded air-conditioning, Services at Fountains Mill help make them safer. hillingdon.gov.uk/safety. the development, which Cllr Ian Edwards, said: Cllr Ian Edwards, Leader of the Council and
Cllr Susan O'Brien visit Manor Farm Library
LED lighting, heating Young People's Centre in includes buildings up to “The Master Brewer site,
and ventilation, flooring
and redecoration.
Uxbridge will also move to
the new hub, followed by
12 storeys, and its impact
on the surrounding area.
which is characterised
by low-rise suburban
Libraries upgrade continues
The existing office area the council’s Youth Justice However, the Mayor buildings and green belt Our West Drayton and There are also new study
measures approximately Service later in the year. of London, Sadiq Khan, land, is simply not suitable Eastcote branches reopened areas with plug-in points
1,000 square metres and The refurbishment project exercised his right to call in for excessively high tower in May and June, following for visitors to use their
will be transformed into a will take around 12 weeks the planning application blocks. The London Plan extensive refurbishments own devices and space for
multi-functional space with to complete and is due to and determine it himself. only permits new high-rise that are part of the council’s other items, such as books.
a modern reception and open at the end of July. During a virtual hearing buildings in areas that the £3 million investment While the desktop PCs
in September 2020, he council has identified as programme, which will have been equipped with
Summer Reading Challenge returns with nature theme conditionally approved
the plans, pending legal
suitable and Hillingdon
Circus is not one of those
see many of Hillingdon’s
libraries renovated.
new screens, keyboards
and computer mice.
Children aged from four to launched on Saturday Youngsters are also being agreements. He gave final areas. With more than The scheme aims to follow Manor Farm, Oak Farm
11 are being encouraged to 10 July and will run encouraged to put their approval on 29 March 2021. 200 objections to the the same design principles and Hayes End libraries
‘go wild’ for this year’s annual until September. creative skills to the test as The council is seeking plans and scores of letters to ensure a consistent look were reopened in January
Summer Reading Challenge. Children are being part of a nature-themed a Judicial Review of the since the final decision and feel at each branch. But and February following
The ever-popular invited to visit their local photography competition. Mayor's decision on the was made, it's clear that as each library’s interior is refurbishments, and Ickenham
initiative, run by Hillingdon library at least three Cllr Susan O’Brien, grounds that the scale of the residents agree with us. unique, some features have Library reopened in April.
libraries in conjunction times during the school Cabinet Member for planned development is not “We refuse to stand by also been adapted, and Improvements to
with the Reading Agency, summer holidays and Families, Education appropriate for the area, and and let Ickenham's and this will help to maintain these branches included
borrow books in return and Wellbeing, said: because the council does North Hillingdon's skyline each site’s individuality. light stowaway seating
for a series of rewards. “Our Summer Reading not think full and proper be permanently blighted Improvements at West in the children’s areas,
This year’s theme, Wild Challenge always proves consideration has been given by this development, Drayton and Eastcote reupholstering to the
ILLUSTR ATIONS © HE ATH MCK ENZIE 2021
World Heroes, is aimed popular with local families to the air quality impacts at and so we have been included an automatic safety libraries’ existing seats and
at inspiring young readers and this year promises the site, which is next to the left with no choice but to door in the children’s areas; modified bookshelves
to think about how they to be no different. generations, so, I encourage A40. The council believes fight the flawed decision new-look open plan interiors to create more space.
can make a difference to “This year’s environmental families to visit their local the Mayor has acted through the courts. with distinct zones to So far, 10 libraries have
the environment. Visit the theme will give children library and get involved.” unlawfully by not publicly “We will continue to highlight each area’s different been refurbished. For
council's website or pop lots of ideas about how For more information on reconsidering the application put our residents first, use; freshly painted walls more information about
into your local branch they can stand up for the how to sign up and prize after he was directed to and will continue to and ceilings; refurbished Hillingdon’s libraries,
to find out more about planet and take care of it details, visit www.hillingdon. update the tall buildings oppose inappropriate floors, furnishings and toilets, visit www.hillingdon.
the activities planned. for themselves and future gov.uk/summer-reading. policy in the London Plan development.” and additional staff offices. gov.uk/libraries.
4 July/August 2021 July/August 2021 5
news news
Multi-million pound Openreach investment brings Inventor of stereo sound commemorated at Hayes underpass
enhanced digital connectivity to local communities Later this summer, a new
permanent light and sound
aluminium and natural
pigmented mineral panels,
Residents and businesses estimates that digital traffic Cllr Edwards said: and to enable borough feature will be installed and architecture practice,
in Hayes and Uxbridge are is set to increase by 25 per “Residents and businesses businesses to innovate. by the council at the Blyth The Decorators, will be
the first in the borough set cent to 40 per cent in the need and deserve the This partnership with Road underpass in Hayes using local suppliers,
to benefit from ultrafast, near future, so those better best possible connections, Openreach is a key step in to honour the work of Alan wherever possible, for the
ultra-reliable internet connections will help local so we’re grateful for enabling us to build better Dower Blumlein, an engineer specialist rendering work
connections following businesses and town centres Openreach’s investment and connected communities.” who invented stereo sound. and entrance signage. The
a multi-million pound recover more quickly post- delighted to work with them Kieran Wines, In 1935, Blumlein shot tunnel installation will play
investment in ‘Full Fibre’ pandemic and help attract to make Hillingdon a far Openreach’s Partnership the world’s first stereo film, with textures, sound and
broadband by Openreach. vital footfall to the borough’s better-connected borough. Director for London, Trains at Hayes Station light and echo the stereo SOUND OF HAYES
The digital network commercial centres. “It’s fascinating to see how said: “Great connectivity from a window in EMI’s sound of local people Artists' impression of the
new Blyth Road underpass
company is currently Additionally, the fibre optic these tiny glass wires can has never been more offices which overlooked passing through Hayes
building new infrastructure cables aren’t affected by shape our daily lives. As we important and Openreach what is now Hayes and on their daily commute. and parking measures to technological innovation
across the borough. A bad weather and are far less become increasingly reliant is pleased to be investing in Harlington station. Works to the ‘Sound help connect the route that put EMI and Hayes
mammoth project, it’s likely to slow down, or ‘drop on internet connections, gold standard Ultrafast Full His frustration with the of Hayes’ underpass are to the new Hayes and at the centre of musical
been made possible after out’ like existing broadband much like we rely on Fibre across Hillingdon. poor sound quality of the due to start later this Harlington Crossrail station. innovation for decades.
Openreach invested in major connections might. other household utilities, “Our work to upgrade cinema of the 1930s led summer and are expected Leader of the Council, “The works will be fully
upgrades at its exchanges The growing relationship providing the best possible Hayes and Uxbridge him to conceive the idea to be completed by Cllr Ian Edwards, said: funded by contributions
in Hayes and Uxbridge. between the council and network ensures residents is close to completion of what he described as the end of the year. “There’s no doubt Blumlein’s from land and property
This new network delivers Openreach was marked and businesses can thrive. and we look forward to “binaural stereo sound” so The underpass will audio breakthrough developers to the council,
fibre optic cables from the by a symbolic ‘splicing’ “We are developing continuing the journey and that the sound heard moved also complement the revolutionised the music otherwise known as section
local exchange to residents’ of a fibre optic cable at a new digital strategy as close working relationship in the same direction as the council’s wider streetscape and film industries. 106 agreements, and are part
and businesses’ front doors, the Hayes exchange by we know there is further with Hillingdon Council.” pictures on the screen. improvements along Blyth “This new installation of the council’s commitment
also known as Fibre-to- Leader of the Council, work to be done to help Through Openreach’s The new underpass will Road, which include new commemorates Blumlein to the wider regeneration
the-Premises technology Cllr Ian Edwards on support those residents infrastructure residents be constructed from steel, paving, traffic calming and celebrates the of Hayes town centre.”
(FTTP) or ‘Full Fibre’. Wednesday 26 May. who are digitally excluded will have the option to
Hundreds of borough
businesses and tens of
choose their internet
connection from a great
Community centre undergoes £2 million modernisation
thousands of homes can selection of retailers. Yiewsley and West Drayton chairs and soft furnishings, vehicle charging points. accessible to all, with the
already order the faster, A map of Openreach’s Community Centre including curtains and Other highlights include new platform lifts giving
more reliable connections commercial plans in reopened in May following blinds, have transformed new windows and exterior step-free access to all areas.
from a range of competing Hillingdon is available a refurbishment of almost the interior giving it a more doors, repairs to the roof “The trustees, staff,
service providers that use at www.openreach.com/ £2 million to modernise modern look and feel. Two and new roof lights, a members, volunteers, regular
Openreach’s network. fibre-broadband/fibre- the facilities and make the platform lifts have been new boundary wall and users and local residents are
Full Fibre can deliver first. To find out whether building more accessible installed so that visitors railings and new step absolutely delighted with
speeds of up to one Gigabit Full Fibre is available at and energy efficient. with mobility issues can access from the car park the amazing transformation
and beyond – that’s 15 times your home or business, Works started last now access all floors. to the main entrance. of their much-loved
CONNECTED
faster than average speeds Cllr Ian Edwards, Leader of the Council check your postcode at September and this New cavity wall John Davies, Chair of community centre.”
today. The government and one of Openreach's engineers www.openreach.com. significant investment by insulation has been the Yiewsley and West Cllr Jonathan Bianco,
the council has transformed inserted into the external Drayton Community Cabinet Member
Access more online services - sign up to MyAccount today the building into a
welcoming community hub.
walls to help the building
retain heat, and solar
Association Trustees,
said: “The council’s
for Property and
Infrastructure, said: “The
The council has launched has now been switched in a road, or something time is convenient to The upper bar area panels on the roof are investment in the upgrading centre has been at the
a brand-new online off, please register for a else entirely, reporting it them, without having to has been enlarged to also helping to reduce the of the community centre heart of the community for
MyAccount that allows you new MyAccount. If you via the new online portal queue on the phone. accommodate more guests centre’s electricity costs. has completely transformed decades and this substantial
to view and check the status log on to the old system, provides you with real-time “Over the past year or at functions and the bar Additionally, the car park it for the next generation. investment by the council
of reports and requests you will be redirected. updates on your query. so, we’ve transformed our counters to the Social Club, now includes two electric It is now light, bright and has created new state-of-
in one place, 24 hours a The way you can report The new online services website and made it more Oscar Frey Hall and Cyril the-art facilities for the
day, seven days a week. issues and make requests, are part of the council’s modern and easier to use. Boatman Hall have been local community to enjoy
Registration is done via including applying or long-term plan to maximise The launch of the new remodelled to provide a for generations to come.
the council’s website – booking some of our the use of digital platforms MyAccount is the next phase lower shelf for wheelchair “As restrictions ease,
www.hillingdon.gov.uk/ services, has also changed. for the benefit of residents. of our digital transformation users. A new spacious residents will once again
myaccount - and is quick Use the search box on our Cllr Martin Goddard, project, which will ultimately meeting room has also be able to enjoy the
and easy. Simply enter website to find our services Cabinet Member for see more services provided been created out of the wide range of exercise
your email address and and complete one of our Finance, said: “In this online and a more former snooker room. classes on offer and attend
follow the instructions new-look online forms. increasingly digital world, personalised experience The centre’s walls celebration events such as
to verify your account While you don’t need a we want to offer residents for residents when they have been repainted weddings and birthdays.”
and set up a password. MyAccount to report fly- the flexibility of contacting log-in, as well as saving the throughout and the existing Find out more about
REVAMP
If you used the old ‘do tipping, request recycling us on whatever device council money to invest timber floors have been Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Jackie Westbrook from the centre and the community centre by
it online’ system, which bags, tell us about a problem they’re using, at whatever in frontline services.” refurbished. New tables, Leader of the Council, Cllr Ian Edwards in Oscar Frey Hall visiting www.ywdcc.org.uk.
6 July/August 2021 July/August 2021 7
news older people
Children warned about the dangers of cannabis sweets
The council has recently The illegal sweets look had illegally supplied Class Cllr John Riley, Cabinet
Supporting older residents
been offering support to
local children, typically
aged between 12 and 15,
similar to branded products
such as Haribo, Smarties
and chocolate bars, but are
B drugs to another student.
“The child was referred
to our programme and
Member for Public
Safety and Transport,
said: “While incidents of
to keep active and stay well
who have experienced often marked with ‘THC’ we discussed the risks this nature in Hillingdon
detrimental effects on the packaging to show of substance misuse and have been rare, the rise in There are a range of indoor and outdoor activities
from cannabis edibles
such as jelly sweets,
that they contain a high
concentration of cannabis.
the legal implications
of supplying drugs.
consumption of cannabis-
infused sweets nationally
you can get involved in to help improve and
lollipops and cookies. Ania Frejlich- Completing the programme is a concern for parents maintain your fitness. Find out more about
There has been a rise Botha, Substance should support their and it’s important that
in cannabis sweets in the Misuse Programme application to return to children are aware of the
some of the groups and initiatives you could
UK recently, with edibles Coordinator, said: “We another mainstream school.” effects of these seemingly get involved in this summer and beyond.
being purchased online or are currently working Our Sorted team harmless products.”
through social media sites with a child who was supports children affected If you are concerned Work out at an outdoor Payment can be made when booking Book your place by emailing
like Instagram and Snapchat. permanently excluded by substance misuse, your child has used gym near you a court. Find out more and book a sportandphysicalactivity@hillingdon.
Cannabis-infused sweets from secondary school for providing one-to-one edibles, phone 101 There are 27 outdoor gyms in parks court at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/tennis. gov.uk with your name and the date
give the same psychoactive buying cannabis sweets educational sessions on in non-emergencies, and open spaces across Hillingdon of the session that you would like
effects of smoking cannabis during their lunch break. the impact that drugs and 999 in emergency designed to encourage residents Free swimming for over-65s to join. Joining details will be sent
but may take longer to Although they didn’t can have on physical and situations. You can contact to keep fit and active for free. The The council offers free weekly to you once you're registered.
have an effect, which can consume the edibles, they mental health, social skills, the council’s substance facilities, which reopened earlier this swimming lessons, which cater for
lead to overdose and shared them with friends education, employment, misuse team by emailing year, are suitable for all ages and varying abilities, for residents aged 65 Join a walking group
hospitalisation in some cases. and in the eyes of the law, and a criminal record. sorted@hillingdon.gov.uk. fitness levels. The equipment varies and over at three of its leisure centres. Our Walk Hillingdon programme
from site to site, but can include a Over-65s can also book free swimming runs free guided walks through many
Polish Air Force display opens cross trainer, leg press, seated row
and big shoulder wheels. While using
at the pools as a way to stay fit.
Classes and swimming sessions can
of the borough’s award-winning
parks. These walks are a great way
A special exhibition the permanent display these gyms, please adhere to the be booked at Hillingdon Sports and to meet people and are suitable
recognising the outstanding which includes an array of current social distancing guidelines Leisure Complex (indoor pool only), for a variety of fitness levels.
contribution the Polish artefacts never-before-seen and sanitise equipment before and Botwell Green Sports and Leisure Booking in advance is
Air Force made during by the public, alongside after use. For a full list of sites, visit Centre (Hayes) or Highgrove Pool essential to ensure safe group
the Second World War fascinating personal www.hillingdon.gov.uk/outdoorgyms. (Ruislip) by visiting www.better.org.uk or sizes can be maintained.
opened on Friday 21 May. accounts from Polish pilots downloading the Better UK phone app. To find out more and book onto
The Polish Air Force and historic film footage. Play a discounted a session near you, visit discover.
Exhibition was officially Cllr Puddifoot said: round of golf hillingdon.gov.uk/led-walks.
opened by HE Prof. Arkady “We’re delighted to open Haste Hill and Uxbridge Public Alternatively, downloadable
Rzegocki, the Ambassador this fantastic exhibition golf courses are open and self-guided walking tours and easy-
of the Republic of Poland which shines a spotlight welcome all golfing abilities. to-follow directions are available
to the Court of St James’s on the invaluable efforts Since reopening in March, a range for a range of Hillingdon routes
and the council’s Armed our Polish allies made of measures have been put in place to and trails. Find out more at www.
Forces Champion, Cllr
Sir Ray Puddifoot MBE
during one of history’s
most notable conflicts.
Dementia Action Week 2021 ensure the safety of visitors and staff.
The game is a great way to
hillingdon.gov.uk/walking.
in the presence of the “Their lesser-heard stories A series of events and the Council, Cllr Ian Edwards socialise safely outdoors, while Terry Loane, aged
Prime Minister and MP for of bravery echo those of activities were held by the (pictured above), visited enjoying some fresh air and working Join a bowling club 71, from Ruislip,
Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Britain’s pilots, crews and council across Hillingdon Grassy Meadow Court on out your arms with each swing. There are 13 bowling clubs across is a Walk Hillingdon
the Rt Hon Boris Johnson. officers whose collective to mark Dementia Action Wednesday 19 May to Discounted rates for the over-65s the borough, and the season walk leader. He said:
The council worked heroism played a vital part in Week (17 to 23 May) meet residents and staff and are available at Haste Hill between runs from April to September. “Tuesday 25 May was
closely with the Polish bringing the war to an end.” and raise awareness of celebrate the development 7.30am to 10am Monday to Friday, Some clubs have additional a day to remember
Air Force Memorial To find out more and how people can live well being featured on the excluding Bank Holidays. Proof of facilities, such as a clubhouse and a for me as it was the
Committee, using their pre-book, visit www. with the condition. front cover of Architecture age will be required when booking. space for short mat bowls which can first time I had led a
unique collection, to create battleofbritainbunker.co.uk. Highlights included for Dementia. The book Find out more and book a session be played indoors all year round. walk for more than
sensory walks at Eastcote features international at www.hillingdon.gov.uk/golf. To find a club near you, details on 14 months! I had really missed taking
House Gardens, architecture projects which memberships and more, visit www. part in the borough's programme, so
reminiscence Zoom have been awarded the Fancy a game of tennis? hillingdon.gov.uk/bowlinggreens. it was wonderful to be out and about
sessions, outdoor sport ‘Gold’ award for excellence Ten of the borough’s tennis sites with a group of people to enjoy Ruislip
sessions, a walking football in dementia design. reopened in March. A hiring fee of £5 Online seated exercise classes Lido and Woods - one of the gems
session at Middlesex FA For more information per hour, per court has been introduced The council runs weekly online of Hillingdon's many green spaces.
and a Dementia Friends on the council’s extra-care at seven of these: Cavendish Recreation seated exercise classes for over- I am convinced that the Hillingdon
information event. housing schemes and Ground (Eastcote); Court Park 65s so you can keep fit from the programme of led walks is not just
Also, as part of the week, dementia support, visit (Hillingdon); Fassnidge Park (Uxbridge); comfort of your own home. beneficial for physical health but also
Cllr Jane Palmer, Cabinet www.hillingdon.gov.uk/ Churchfield Gardens (Ruislip); The The free sessions take place makes an important contribution to
COMMEMORATED
Cllr Sir Ray Puddifoot MBE, HE Prof. Arkady Member for Health and extracarehousing and www. Closes (West Drayton); Rosedale Park every Monday between 10.30am social wellbeing. I am looking forward to
Rzegocki and the Rt Hon Boris Johnson Social Care and Leader of hillingdon.gov.uk/dementia. (Hayes), and Swakeleys Park (Ickenham). and 11.30am via Zoom. leading many more walks in the future.”
8 July/August 2021 July/August 2021 9
children children
Gemma Caplin, aged 35 from
South Ruislip, is a working mum
and sends her son Charlie to South
Ruislip Early Years Centre, where
next year she will be entitled to the
30 hours free childcare scheme.
She said: “Charlie had been on the
waiting list for the early years centre
and I moved him there as soon as
a place became available. It has
a really good reputation and was
There are several government schemes available to help Hillingdon parents highly recommended. The centre
and carers with the costs of childcare, including free childcare for two, has small class sizes which is great,
but the biggest attraction to me
three and four-year olds - find out if your family could be eligible. is the staff. They are so kind and
caring and you can tell that they
T
he government offers its 30 Naz Khan, aged 34 from Uxbridge Early Years Centre because do it all for the love of children.
hours free childcare scheme Uxbridge, has four children and of the staff. They are all so nurturing, “Charlie enjoys nursery and
for three and four-year was eligible for 15 hours of funding welcoming and knowledgeable, with they’re always doing fun activities
olds to eligible working families. per week for her two-year-old years of experience looking after and themes like fancy dress. One of
Free childcare is also available to daughters Miescha and Safa. children. After just six months there, the biggest differences I’ve noticed
working families on a low income, She said: “I hadn’t planned on Miescha was talking in full sentences is his independence, as they teach
or to families who are not working sending any of my children to which I couldn’t believe – it was him how to eat independently, how
and receive benefits, for 15 hours nursery until they were three, but such a relief for me as a parent.” to put on his coat and shoes and
a week for two-year-olds. when my daughter Miescha turned Now Miescha is at school but her wash his hands. It’s a great thing for
Parents who receive Disability two I realised that her speech was younger sister, Safa, attends for 15 them to learn from an early age.
Living Allowance for their two-year- delayed and I was worried about her hours a week through the same free “Charlie will remain there until
old child, and families caring for a development. When I learnt that she childcare scheme. Naz continued: he starts school, and next year he
child who is fostered or adopted, was eligible for the government’s free “After seeing the benefits of free will be entitled to 30 hours free
may also be eligible for free childcare. childcare scheme for two-year-olds, childcare for my eldest daughter, I childcare. There is great flexibility
The council is now encouraging I decided to send her to nursery was keen to send Safa when she was with the hours, the staff update
Nursery worker Gill Ashton with Charlie
more local families to take up the free to help with her speech and her eligible for two-year-old funding. She you on how your child’s day has at South Ruislip Early Years Centre
childcare scheme for two-year-olds. confidence as she was very shy. was very shy and clingy to mummy gone, and it is such a high standard
“After having a look at various early and not interested in socialising of care. As a working parent, it
years settings in the area, I chose with other children, but since going gives me peace of mind knowing
to nursery she has really come that he is so well looked after.”
out of her shell. She even comes
home talking about her friends!”
In addition to improving Free childcare schemes
development and increasing Some Hillingdon families may
confidence, are there any other be eligible for the government’s
reasons for eligible parents to use the free childcare scheme.
free childcare offer? Naz concluded: · Families with a two-year-old
“I have a five-month-old baby and child must meet eligibility
it’s important that I get time to requirements to receive 15
spend with him but also some time hours of free childcare.
to myself. I really appreciate some · Working families with three and
quiet time while Safa is enjoying four-year-old children may be
nursery and being able to get things entitled to 30 hours free childcare.
done around the house. The two- · All families in England with a
year-old free childcare scheme has three and four-year-old child are
really benefited us as a family.” entitled to 15 hours free childcare.
i
For more information on the
government’s free childcare scheme
Nursery worker Carol Barber with and tax credits for childcare, visit
Safa at Uxbridge Early Years Centre
www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
10 July/August 2021 July/August 2021 11
ward budgets recycling
Communities benefit from the
council's ward budget scheme
Since September 2011, wards across Hillingdon
New food waste collection
Cllr Douglas Mills, Cabinet
have benefited from more than £1.1 million Member for Corporate
Services and Transformation,
giving residents the opportunity to have
process launched
said: “Our ward budgets initiative
their say on how money is spent locally. puts residents in the driving seat
of deciding where and how
T
money is spent locally.
o date, the popular projects, including local Scout/
ward budget scheme has Guide group activities; events
“Over the past decade,
hundreds of groups and
In May, we introduced a new fleet of trucks which will collect food waste
funded 693 proposals such as summer or Christmas fêtes; organisations have received separately from garden waste each week as part of our ongoing efforts to
across the borough’s 22 wards. repairs and renewals of community funding and the scheme is
The initiative can be used to facilities and the purchasing of intended to be flexible to improve the borough’s recycling rates and protect the environment.
fund a wide range of community new street signs or furniture.
T
ensure that money can be
*Those living in flats aren’t able to use this service just yet but this is something we are working hard to introduce in the future.
quickly released.” he council has invested is enough to power the electricity • you can also sign up to receive
£485,000 in the trucks, of 372,473 homes for a year). free automatic food waste bag
which started to carry out Disposing of food waste with general deliveries, which is useful, so you
Ten other new proposals were the separate collection rounds waste is also 12 times more expensive don’t need to remember to order
also awarded funding in May. These from Monday 10 May. Previously, than when it is recycled separately. these each time you run out
included St Margaret’s Church in food and garden waste were • all you need to do is put a
Uxbridge, which received £2,500 collected at the same time on a How you can get involved compostable bag into your
towards the refurbishment of the weekly basis by the same vehicle. and do your bit to protect indoor kitchen caddy and
church’s small kitchen and to fund the Approximately 44 per cent of the environment start using it. When it’s full of
purchase of a new camera to enable general waste in Hillingdon is made Recycling food waste is free and easy food waste, simply place the
them to continue to livestream events up of food waste. This is bad for to do. bag in your outdoor caddy
and reach as many people as possible. the environment and contributes to If you live in a house and are already • remember to put your outdoor
6th Eastcote Scout Group also global warming due to harmful gases recycling your food waste thank you! caddy at the edge of your
received £2,500 towards the like methane and carbon dioxide If you aren't already using this property for collection before
purchase of a gazebo to provide being released into the atmosphere. service, all you need to do is: 6am on your usual collection
an outdoor shelter for parents at If each west London household • sign up on the council’s website at day. Thanks to the outdoor
pick-ups/drop-offs. It will also be recycled just two kilograms of www.hillingdon.gov.uk/food-waste caddy's click locking mechanism,
used to accommodate outdoor food waste per week it would • you’ll receive a free five-litre it also prevents foxes and
activities such as fire making, compass save 600,000 tonnes of harmful kitchen caddy, compostable food rodents from tearing open your
making and cooking for the group. emissions a year (which, in context, waste bags and an outdoor caddy black bags looking for food.
COMMUNITY Grants can be paid to groups
Local people enjoying the Hayes Canal Festival in 2018
or organisations with a dedicated The food waste recycling journey
Bringing the community together bank account but not to private Cllr Eddie
Hillingdon Canals Partnership on behalf everyone and brings people of all individuals. Ward budgets can Lavery,
Once collected, Hillingdon's food waste is Cabinet
of the Canal and River Trust has been ages and backgrounds together also be used for match funding. transported in bulk to Surrey for recycling
awarded a grant of £10,000 to support to have fun as a community. Member for
via a process called anaerobic digestion.
the development and delivery of the “We’re delighted to have been Environment,
Hayes Canal Festival 2021. The festival awarded this grant by the council. Housing and
is due to take place in the autumn (date This funding makes this popular Regeneration
It's then broken down in a series of (pictured right), said: “More than half of the
TBC and COVID-19 dependent). event possible and we hope to temperature-controlled tanks to speed up
Each year, the festival attracts be able to welcome both new borough’s food waste ends up in general waste which
the digestion process.
approximately 2,500 visitors and and familiar faces later this year. is harmful for our planet. By making small changes to
offers a range of free activities “The theme of this year’s event the way we all think about food waste and by using
for local people to enjoy will be health and wellbeing and will The bio-methane gases produced are used to the council’s easy-to-use recycling service residents
including boat trips, canoeing, include stalls from the NHS, H4All Hillingdon Musketeers benefited from generate electricity which is fed back to the can help us to make a real difference.
paddle boarding, fishing, live and other wellbeing organisations. funding in the past for new equipment National Grid and helps supply homes and “I encourage those who haven’t yet signed up for this
music, children’s entertainment, “Studies have shown that being businesses with clean, renewable energy. service to request their free caddies today and play
i
displays, stalls and much more. beside the water can have a To apply for ward budget their part in helping to make our borough greener.”
The leftover material is used as high-
David Brough, Chair of positive impact on mental and funding, contact your local ward
i
quality fertiliser for agricultural land. Your
Hillingdon Canals Partnership, physical health, so I’d encourage councillor with your proposal. garden waste (which can include home To find out what food items you can
said: “The Hayes Canal Festival local people to check out their For more information, visit www. composting) will continue to be composted recycle and for more information, visit
really does have something for nearest stretch of canal.” hillingdon.gov.uk/wardbudgets locally in Harefield. www.hillingdon.gov.uk/food-waste
12 July/August 2021 July/August 2021 13
green spaces fostering
Cranford Country Park Help keep siblings together
restoration gathers pace The council endeavours to keep siblings together
in care, but it’s not always possible due to lack
Works to restore Cranford Country Park’s historic Leader of the Council, Cllr
of space in many homes. We met a local couple
Ian Edwards, said: “During the
features, improve accessibility and transform it into a past year, we have all used our to find out about the challenges and rewards
thriving visitor attraction continue to gain momentum. parks and open spaces more
of fostering brothers and sisters, and why more
than ever and these much-
Hillingdon People takes a look at the multi-million needed restoration works will people should step forward to make a difference.
pound restoration project and explores what the ensure that Cranford Park can be
R
enjoyed by generations to come. oy, aged 60, and Filomena, because they want to be. They are all
Green Flag award-winning park has to offer. “As well as preserving the aged 58, from Hillingdon in education and are doing so well,
park’s historic features, increasing (pictured right) first fostered their teachers even say to us that they
S
teeped in history, the 144- biodiversity and enhancing the a group of three young siblings 11 can’t believe they're children in care!”
acre (58 hectares) countryside natural environment, the new years ago. The children came from So, what advice would the
park was the former seat of the accessible facilities mean that a household of severe neglect and couple give to people who may be
Berkeley family for 300 years and is schools, community groups and abuse and were in desperate need thinking about fostering siblings?
surrounded by expansive woodlands, residents of all ages will be able of a loving family environment. Roy concluded: “One of the most
wildflower meadows and wetlands. to enjoy a wide range of Roy, a physiotherapy assistant important things you can do is to
In June 2020, the council was FRUITFUL educational and volunteering at Hillingdon Hospital, said: “We make sure you care for each child
awarded £2.28 million by The Volunteers harvest apples opportunities.” had been thinking about fostering individually as they all have different
in September 2020
National Lottery Heritage Fund and since we were first married, but we needs. We never treated our foster
The National Lottery Community the park providing an attractive trail A raft of new volunteering had busy careers and twin girls of children any differently to our twins
Fund. An overall £3.47 million budget for cyclists, runners and walkers. opportunities and family events are our own. We both come from large and we gave them clear boundaries.
was approved by the council in July In the autumn, other works will also in the pipeline this summer and families and love being busy, but “It’s imperative that you are
2020 for the restoration of the park’s commence on site and are expected local people will be able to take most importantly we wanted to make committed and you must never let
historic buildings, walls and courtyard; to last approximately 10 months. part in an archaeological dig later a difference to children’s lives. We over the moon. They’d never even them down. They have been let down
landscaping works; the introduction Highlights include opening up the this year to help uncover secrets of had spare bedrooms and felt we tasted strawberries before.” and rejected so many times before,
of new visitor facilities; a network 17th century vaulted brick cellars the park’s past. Other opportunities could give a child a safe and secure As the children grew to trust their so you have to keep your promises.
of cycle/walking tracks; as well as under the former house (demolished include learning how to maintain an home where they would feel loved. foster carers, their behaviour became Looking after more than one child may
creating a wealth of volunteering in 1945); building a new café within orchard or plant fruit bushes in the It’s something we felt passionate more challenging. Roy said: “Certain seem overwhelming at first, but if you
opportunities for the local community. the footprint of the former house, walled garden, helping to improve about when the time was right.” objects would trigger fearful behaviour put in the time, love and affection -
Works to the northern cycle path with access to the cellars; repairing the the river by clearing out leaves and Full-time foster mum Filomena such as the sight of a wine glass - you will really reap the rewards.”
completed in April 2021 to link historic stables to house a visitor centre, other debris and creating a new said: “Our first experience was because they immediately associated
Watersplash Lane with St Dunstan’s offices and a space to let for community wetland area to help wildlife thrive. fostering three siblings aged two, drinking alcohol with domestic violence.
subway. Improvements included groups; creating two new play areas The restoration work is being four and five. Of course it was We soon learnt that their behaviours Cllr Jane Palmer, Cabinet
installing new fencing and creating and restoring the gardens and historic supported by Cranford Park Friends daunting, but we already had twins were all connected to the abuse they Member for Health and
wider, more accessible footpaths features such as the high garden walls, who have played an important and we just wanted to make them had been subjected to, and that they Social Care, said: “What Roy
to open up the route. As part of ice house and ‘ha-ha’ (a sunken trench part in running events and helping feel safe, so we took it in our stride. expected everyone to be violent. and Filomena have done is truly
the overall restoration project, a which acted as a boundary to the with the maintenance of the park. “When we first met the children, I “We had a supportive social worker remarkable and we are so proud
perimeter track will eventually circle park without interrupting the view). Bob Barton, Secretary of the could feel myself welling up as they to guide us through our foster care of their achievements. We are
Cranford Park Friends, said: We are were so malnourished, their hair was journey and we went on lots of now appealing to more residents
looking forward to assisting in bringing dirty, and their clothes were old and training courses to help understand who have two or more spare
the plans to fruition, and introducing far too small for them. We could the reasons behind their behaviours rooms to look after siblings, so
many more people to the natural see how neglected they were, and I and how to help them get through that they do not need to be
and built treasures of Cranford Park. cried so much. Our daughters both it. It’s been a real learning curve, separated. Caring for a sibling
“With its wide range of habitats fell in love with them the moment but it’s been so rewarding to see group may be complex and
and biodiversity, the park is well- they walked through the door. the improvements over the years.” require more time, energy and
loved and enjoyed by the local “The first few weeks were Filomena continued: “One of the commitment from foster carers,
community. The COVID-19 crisis wonderful, and the children began best things about caring for siblings but you will be fully supported
has brought this to a new level, with to relax more and settle in. It was has been watching their self-esteem every step of the way and can
an even greater appreciation of this incredible to watch them grow in grow. When they arrived, we bought make a real difference to the lives
tremendous asset on the doorstep.” confidence in a safe environment, them brand new clothes with our of local children.”
and it was a great feeling when fostering allowance and praised
i
To find out how to get to Cranford they started coming to us for them for how well they looked. Our
i
Park and latest information on the cuddles. I remember the first time children now take so much care If you would like to look after
REVITALISED works and events coming up, visit we gave them strawberries and over their hygiene and appearance, two or more siblings in care, visit
Cranford Park's northern cycle path www.hillingdon.gov.uk/cranfordpark their faces just lit up - they were and they are always well presented www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fostering
14 July/August 2021 July/August 2021 15
environment environment
Creating a cleaner and greener Pledge for cleaner air
On national Clean Air Day (Thursday
17 June) the council pledged to take
Hillingdon for future generations more action to stop unnecessary vehicle
emissions in the borough, by joining the
London-wide ‘Engines Off’ campaign.
Through its pledge, on top of its
proactive work enforcing against
In January 2020, the council declared a climate engine idling in the borough, the
emergency and outlined its ambition for its council has promised that drivers
across its operations will not idle
day-to-day operations to be carbon neutral their engines wherever possible.
by 2030. Read about some of the initiatives AirTEXT
already underway to help achieve this goal. If you’re concerned about air quality
in Hillingdon, there’s a free service
C
limate-conscious residents Trees for Cities brings ENGINES OFF you can sign up to which will send you
and local community groups green to Hillingdon streets The council's waste and recycling crew alerts when pollution levels are high.
have been sharing their views More than 230 residents have AirTEXT is available to anyone who
on the council’s draft Climate Action already helped efforts to make 25 schools benefit from pollution ‘green screens’ lives or works in the borough. It uses
Plan through the council’s public the borough greener by joining The council recently finished a cases will also grow large enough forecasts generated by Cambridge
consultation which launched in April tree-planting schemes organised third phase of works in installing to provide privacy to children Environmental Research Consultants.
and ran until Sunday 20 June. through the council’s partnership pollution-busting ‘green screens’ and staff in the school grounds. The service predicts when high
The plan sets out how the council with the charity Trees for Cities. at schools across the borough. They also have the added bonus pollution levels might occur and
intends to tackle climate change Volunteers from Colham Manor Although schools in Hillingdon have of looking more pleasant than the sends out an alert to subscribers
across seven key strands of work: Primary and Meadow High School not been identified as being above the usual chain-link fences surrounding along with some basic medical advice.
community leadership; council in Uxbridge, and community group, creating ‘mini woodlands’ on soft recognised air pollution limit, the screens schools and bringing further If you have an existing respiratory
operations; building better places; Hillingdon Litter Pickers (pictured street verges. Using native tree species, are an effective barrier to protect greenery to the borough’s streets. disease it may help you to know
using clean/green energy; waste below and above right) have all worked rather than the traditional standard youngsters against any harmful particles More than 100 hedge plants there is a free service you can sign
management; adaptation and in COVID-safe bubbles for tree- trees, they are better for helping in the air caused by passing traffic. and various trees now line the up to which will send you alerts
mitigation, and carbon offsetting. planting projects across the borough. local biodiversity. The examples can The screens are made of roadside boundaries of Whitehall School on when pollution levels are high.
Thank you to the more than 100 Now entering the second year of a be seen near Hillingdon Heath and trees, hedges, willow and green Cowley Road, Uxbridge. Almost 40 Alerts are available by SMS text
residents who shared their views. three-year partnership, successes from along Long Lane, with similar schemes vegetation, and form a natural filtering trees have been planted in front message, email and voicemail along
Here’s what some of them had to say: the first year of work included the planned for Charville Lane and Sipson barrier from the pollution emitted by of a willow screen at Cherry Lane with three-day forecasts of air quality,
creation of a new urban woodland Road over the next two years. vehicles on the road. Children are at School, West Drayton, protecting pollen, UV and temperature across
All new developments should and orchard in Colham Green and The council has ambitious plans higher risk of harm from air pollution children on the school fields from Greater London. To find out more
be easily accessible for public the start of pilot ‘mini woodland’ to work closely with Trees for Cities as their lungs are still developing. traffic fumes on Cherry Lane. And and sign up, visit www.airtext.info.
transport and should be net-zero street tree-planting schemes. on delivering more trees across the By absorbing the pollutants at Hillside School in Northwood, a To learn more about the work
Fifty new fruit trees were planted borough’s parks, streets and green from the road and stopping them new hedgerow has been planted being carried out to tackle air
in Colham Green, whose flowers spaces. These will help clean polluted passing through, these screens help between the road and playgrounds. pollution in Hillingdon, visit www.
and fruits will provide foraging air, provide a home for nature, and the protect the health of the children The work is paid for through hillingdon.gov.uk/airpollution.
Please make sure that any planting opportunities for a variety of birds. pandemic has highlighted the benefits playing on the other side. environment and recreation initiatives
involves local sources. We have The partnership delivered the first of such natural spaces for promoting To date, 25 schools have benefited funding, with a further 13 schools set
the largest woodland in London of three special tree-planting projects, mental health and general wellbeing. from the hedging, which in many to benefit in the next phase of works. Cllr Eddie Lavery, Cabinet
to gather seeds from and schools Member for Environment,
could be involved in this Housing and Regeneration,
said: “We’re determined to make
Hillingdon a leading borough in
the fight against climate change.
Communicate to residents how you “We’ve set an ambitious target
intend to make changes to buildings for the council’s own operations to
to reduce the use of fossil fuels and be carbon neutral by 2030. Our
if there are any economic benefits draft Climate Change Action Plan
sets out our plan to achieve this
goal to climate-proof the borough
Once collated, the council will and make it a place where both
review all the responses to see what nature and people thrive.
concerns residents and businesses “It’s vital that residents help us
the most about the climate crisis. The drive these plans and that’s why
council will then use this feedback to we are working with businesses,
shape its future plans and activities to community groups, schools and
GREEN SHIELD
address both the climate challenge Hawthorn and rowan trees with a willow screen provide a barrier between residents to deliver a greener
and the expectations of residents. Cherry Lane Primary School's playing field and the busy road outside borough for future generations.”
16 July/August 2021 July/August 2021 17
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