Communities - Uxbridge

Theft from car in Stockley Park

2009-07-14T11:43:58Z

A PASSPORT and money was stolen from the boot of a car that was left locked and secure.

The theft from the silver Peugeot took place at about 5pm while it was parked at the Arena, in Stockley Park, Uxbridge, on Sunday (12).

A bag and other documents were also stolen after the thief smashed the back passenger light to gain access to the car.

Suspects wanted for Titmus Close burglary

2009-07-14T11:43:58Z

THREE suspects are wanted in connection with a burglary in Uxbridge.

On Saturday (11) between 4.30pm and 9.30pm a house in Titmus Close, Uxbridge, was burgled.

Money, photographic equipment, Nintendo games, a jewellery box, a computer and a CD player were stolen from the house.

The three suspects are all white men aged between 18 to 21 and they were seen in a red Sherpa van.

Community order for man who had sex in a public place

2009-06-16T11:35:38Z

A MAN caught having sex in a public place has been given a community order.

Lee Buck, 28, of South Road, West Drayton, was charged with having sex in view of the general public in Trumper Way, Uxbridge, on May 29.

At Uxbridge Magistrates' Court last Thursday (11) he was handed a two year community order and was made to pay £300 compensation and £40 court costs.

Trial started of man charged with rape

2009-06-08T14:50:27Z

THE trial of a man who allegedly raped a 15-year-old girl has started.

Wayne Lawrence Chuter, 25, of Hillside Road, Northwood, was charged with raping the teenager in High Street, Uxbridge, on January 2 this year.

He was also charged with intentionally touching a 15-year-old girl in Recreational Park, Northwood, on the same day.

The trial started at Harrow Crown Court today (Mon).

Youngsters needed for football tournament

2009-05-28T10:39:34Z

YOUNGSTERS are needed to take part in an annual football tournament later this month.

Uxbridge Rotary Club is holding its 10th 5-a-side football tournament on June 27.

Under 10s and Under 12s are needed to take part in the competition, held at Rockingham Recreation Ground, in Frays Waye, Uxbridge.

The winners will receive a trophy and £50 to go towards equipment for their school or club.

To take part call Simon Nash on 07740 706 168 or email nash50@btinternet.com or contact Philip Spratley at Waterloo Road Church in Uxbridge.

Young gymnasts want their base back

2009-05-26T14:38:47Z

HUNDREDS of youngsters have had to give up gymnastics and others are having to travel as far as Kent to train while their club's base sits empty and unused.

The dome building in Victoria Road, South Ruislip, was closed on April 3 after the former owners of Hillingdon School of Gymnastics backed out of a court case with Hillingdon Council who were trying to recover £97,000 in business rates it claimed the club owned.

More than 2,000 people used the club every week, but most of them now have nowhere to go and some are having to travel long distances to train.

Brandon Box, 10, of Towergate Close, Uxbridge, has been going to the club since he was five and is now a member of the boys' squad.

The Hermitage Primary School pupil said: "When I heard it was closing I was sad because I have been going for a long time.

"I thought they were joking at first but when they kept saying it I knew it was true.

"I like gymnastics because it's fun and it keeps me fit and strong. I would love to go to the Olympics one day."

Brandon's mum, Jane Box, 41, said: "Some of the parents can't even get their kids to training anymore because of the distance.

"Brandon loves gymnastics but he hates the journey to Kent because it takes the whole day.

"He used to train for 11 hours a week but now he does five hours, and that's on a good week.

"We could take him elsewhere but the boys' squad want to stick together and we want to support the club.

"Brandon isn't into football really and he's not the most academic boy in the world so for him it's a confidence thing so he can feel he is good at something.

"If he wasn't going to gymnastics he would be sitting at home in front of the computer.

"Where they train now is quite small so all the recreational gymnasts can't come anymore and all the parent and toddler groups have had to stop.

"The dome on South Ruislip isn't a long term option but meanwhile it's sitting there empty and hundreds of gymnasts are struggling to train. Even if we had it for six months it would better than nothing."

Former and current parents, coaches and gymnasts of the club are now looking to set up a not-for-profit company to run the club.

To become a member of the new company or for more information email johncox@dewarhogan.co.uk or call 01895 631 535.

What's on in your area?

2009-05-21T13:29:15Z

Why stay in doors when there's so much going on in your local area? Check out the our guide to what's to see and do for the week ahead. Tip: you'll need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed to view these links.

Listings page one
Listings page two

Business Secretary visits Stockley Park

2009-04-29T14:49:07Z

BUSINESS Secretary Peter Mandelson made an unannounced visit to the borough on Friday when he touched down in Stockley Park.

He was there to open new offices for Spanish pharmaceutical firm Almirall.

The new offices at Stockley park will house 50 staff and will be responsible for the firm's output across the UK and Ireland.

Around 100 guests attended the opening which was celebrated with a tapas themed reception.

Peter Mandelson. He said: "It is my pleasure to welcome Almirall to the UK. As the Government's strategy, 'Building Britain's Future', states we are committed to helping companies to invest in Britain as well as safeguard the jobs this investment supports.

"Almirall's decision to expand here is a clear recognition of the UK's strengths as a modern, knowledge based economy, where we have the skills and regulatory environment to compete effectively in high-tech, high value sectors such as pharmaceuticals."

Keith Park Road properties snapped up

2009-04-28T14:43:21Z

A LAUNCH weekend for former Ministry of Defence homes was a complete success with all nine properties being snapped up by buyers.

The three-bedroom houses in Keith Park Road, Uxbridge were all reserved within 48 hours of going on the property market on Saturday. (25/4)

Located within a former MoD estate, and owned by Annnington Homes, the houses are proving popular with first time buyers who have historically been priced out of the market.

Clive Edwards, partner at estate agents Gibbs Gillespie helped facilitate the sale over the weekend, he said: "There has been a marked upturn in the number of buyers seriously looking at entering the market this year, but there are also less good quality properties being made available for sale.

"The Annington Homes properties is Uxbridge are popular as they offer very good value for money in terms of size in a well regarded area, in particular the added bonus of a generous garden is very sought after in London."

Successful motor show raises £200

2009-04-28T12:14:02Z

The sun beamed down on the parade of cars on display at the Uxbridge and District Classic Vehicle Show.

As many as 24 vintage vehicles were on show at Christ Church, in Redford Way, Uxbridge last Saturday.

Chris Brook, society chairman, said: "We raised £200 for the Mayor's charities.
"He popped down and sat in a 1924 sunbeam. It was a good day's weather for it.

"We had a real range of cars from the 1920 through to the late 60s and early 70s.

To find out more about the society contact secretary Ivan Beckman on 0208 8610554 or visit www.udcvs.org

Uxbridge businesses scoop award prizes

2009-04-28T10:45:46Z

FOUR unsung businesses in the borough have been honoured at prestigious awards for offering a five star customer service.

The Swift Awards, launched recently in Uxbridge looking for the best small businesses which all offer quick, friendly and reliable service.

The winning businesses were Pumpernickels Sandwich and Deli Bar, based in High Street, Uxbridge, and Penthouse Cats, a cattery located in Old Mill Lane, Cowley.

In a boost for the motor industry, also honoured were Punters Garage, in New Road, Uxbridge, and Two Way Cars, a minicab service based in High Street, Uxbridge.

Vicky Francis, founding partner of Pumpernickels, said: "My partner and I had both worked in high-end restaurants for a long time before deciding to start out own business and we wanted to provide restaurant quality for affordable prices.

"Our lunchtime queues have become so large that we are now working on an online ordering system so customers can save time and hassle."

Nominated businesses are assessed by an independent panel of judges and a team of mystery shoppers.

The businesses were chosen following a rigorous review and selected above more than 50 companies and retailers across the area.

The criteria investigated how each business sets prices, resolves complaints, retains loyal customers and exceeds expectations.

Paul Phillips, founder of Penthouse Cats, said: "We rely purely on word of mouth so it's vital we provide a good service all the time.

"Everything about our cattery has been designed with the cats in mind, it's a beautiful and tranquil location and the cats always return home incredibly pampered and happy."

High Street charity offers funeral advice

2009-04-28T09:53:15Z

FAMILIES needing advice on funeral planning can benefit from a designated information day on Friday.

The day will be held by Age Concern from 10 am until 2pm at their advice centre in High Street, Uxbridge.

The day will highlight the rising price of funeral arrangements and help people plan in a straightforward manner and avoid leaving loved ones to pay bills.

Moped stolen in Robins Close burglary

2009-04-28T09:44:38Z

A MOPED was stolen during an overnight burglary when a garage lock was forced open.

The theft took place in Robins Close, Cowley between Friday at 11.55pm and Saturday at 6am.

The bike was a Piagio Zip moped and had been kept in a locked garage, and belonged to a 22 year-old man.

High Street internet cafe appeals against restrictions

2009-04-28T09:40:53Z

AN enforcement notice has been issued after an internet cafe changed its use to include a minicab office without planning permission.

The owner of Uxbridge Internet Café, in High Street Uxbridge, opposite the Civic Centre, has appealed the notice and a decision is expected to be made over the coming weeks.

The unauthorised change contravenes planning laws although the appeal could be allowed retrospectively if the change meets all planning requirements.

Cowley Rec set for multi-sports arena

2009-04-23T20:38:12Z

TWO mums who campaigned for better sports facilities in their nearby park are celebrating a £65,000 multi-sports court which is set to be built.

Emma Driscoll, of Barley Crescent, Cowley is celebrating the grant courtesy of the Chrysalis fund, which is the result of over a year of campaigning.

The multi-sports court will feature a football goal, a basketball hoop and provide a designated area for kids to play.

She said: "The kids are so excited at the news, and that's why we wanted it, it is really needed.

"I can't believe it has actually being built, we're just two mums trying to raise money for the kids and its worked."

Along with fellow mum Mandy Mewmham, she helped organise a fundraiser last year at Cowley Rec, off High Street for which they raised over £1,500 for the facilities.

The fundraiser became notorious after a large banner which was used to promote the event was stolen, and turned up over a mile away at Fassnidge Park, Uxbridge.

This year the fundraiser is back, along with the infamous banner, but following the announcement that the multi-sports court is to be built, the pair have chosen another worthy cause to raise money for.

The money raised at this year's summer event will go to St Lawrence Youth Club, which meets in Cowley.

Mrs Driscoll said: "They do such a good job, but they need new equipment, money can also be used to take kids on trips out."

The fun day will take place on Sunday 19 July at Cowley Rec at 12pm until 4.30pm and will feature a football tournament, fair rides, and several stalls including bring and buy sales.

The mothers are appealing for donations, and for anybody who wishes to set up a stall to get in touch.

Anybody interested should e-mail emma.driscoll07@btinternet.com