Communities - West Drayton

Sipson landlady hailed for war donations

2009-11-12T12:31:35Z

A PUB landlady has been hailed as the driving force behind a scheme to send hundreds of pounds worth of gifts to soldiers fighting in Afghanistan.

Debbie Power, 31, who runs The King William IV, in Sipson Road, Sipson, came up with the idea after one of her regulars, Luke Wilson, was posted to Helmand province with the Royal Engineers in September.

Mr Wilson's brother, Tim, of Harmondsworth Road, Sipson, has nominated Mrs Power for the Fabulous Fundraiser category in this year's Local Heroes awards.

He said: "About three weeks before Luke left for Afghanistan, Debbie said she really wanted to do something the entire pub could get involved in.

"You can only send a shoebox out there, so she spent ages collecting them and asking people to donate hundreds of pounds worth of goodies, including razors, clean socks and underwear, sweets and Pot Noodles, as well as letters, books and magazines for when the troops feel lonely.

"Then she checked they were all the correct weight and sent them on her own, with help from her sister-in-law, Tracey.

"Now the wheels of the project are fully in motion. She has sent 70 boxes so far and her spare room is packed to the rafters with more.

"She also held a fundraising quiz night at the pub in aid of Help For Heroes, which has raised more than £350 so far.

"None of this could have happened without her hard work, and she has done so much to make my brother's and the other soldiers' lives a bit more comfortable.

"No one asked her to do it. What she has done is purely out of the kindness of her heart and I think she deserves recognition for that. I can't thank her enough."

Mrs Power, of Holloway Lane, Harmondsworth, said: "I feel very embarrassed to be nominated as I don't really feel like a hero.

"It is the brave men and women fighting for our country who are the real heroes.

"I just wanted to do something to help them out, especially with Luke being out there.

"I have to say that it has been a real team effort - my sister-in-law, Tracey, has been a huge help and we have been amazed how generous the punters have been.

"We have been inundated with gifts; people have brought in an amazing amount of stuff.

"It's touching to think that, even in these times during a bleak economy, people are still willing to dig deep into their pockets to give the soldiers a taste of life at home."

Fly tipper causes havoc in Hawthorne Crescent

2009-11-11T14:58:27Z

NEIGHBOURS were disturbed from their evening meals on Monday evening when their road was turned into a rubbish dump by a fly tipper.

The incident happened on Monday in Hawthorne Crescent, West Drayton at 7.40pm, with a resident describing the sound of the rubbish being dumped like 'very loud fireworks'.

Rebecca Unwin said: "My husband opened the door and we observed the whole road covered in rubbish that looked like it came from a tip. It appears that someone may have been refurbishing their house or may have been working in the local area and decided to dump their rubbish all over our road.

"I contacted West Drayton police station to inform them of the incident and they sent a unit down to observe. They then contacted the local council to send their team to clean it up. The police waited until they came to clear it up."

"This could have been so dangerous any one could have been hurt, luckily no one was walking down the road at that time because glass went flying up to the neighbours doors. What is the world coming to?"

Park West to hold open day for new apartments

2009-11-11T08:32:39Z

A POPULAR development has launched a new range of apartments aimed at suiting flexible living.

Park West, in Porter's Way, West Drayton, is the development where Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt stayed at during his recent visit to the UK.

Ian Dobie, Managing Director of St George West London, said, "There is a tremendous buzz around Parkwest and we have been thrilled with the response from purchasers both in the UK and overseas.

"The introduction of the Duet and Manhattan Apartments has bought something unique to the market which creates more choice for the purchaser, allowing them to find a home that matches their specific requirements and budget.

"With the added benefits of a residents' gym, business centre, 24 hour concierge and landscaped gardens, this development really does cater for the busy lifestyles of our customers."

The latest collection of one, two, and three bed apartments will be launched this weekend on Saturday and SUnday from 10am to 6pm.

Winnock Road benefit cheat sent to jail

2009-11-06T12:37:47Z

A BENEFIT cheat who told 'barefaced lies' to fraudulently claim £117,000 of benefits has been sent to jail.

Janice Wilson, of Winnock Road, West Drayton, was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday to eight months imprisonment after being found guilty of 16 counts of fraud.

Despite claiming benefits for herself and her four children, she had a full time job at Heathrow Airport as a detainee custody manager.
As well as working 42 hours a week and earning £2,200 every month she was also a Union representative for her colleagues.
Crucially, she failed to disclose this information to Hillingdon Council and the Department of Work and Pensions when making claims for benefits.
The Department for Work and Pensions received a data match stating Ms Wilson was working and Hillingdon Council was approached to conduct a joint investigation.
It was discovered that Ms Wilson completed several benefit application forms and, as part of the council's checks, she was visited on four occasions and had ample opportunity to disclose her work but failed to do so.
Garry Coote, benefit fraud team manager, Hillingdon Council, said: "Ms Wilson told barefaced lies to fraudulently claim a massive amount of money she was not entitled to and it is absolutely right she has been given a prison sentence.
"We are always pleased when we catch a benefit cheat. After all, it's your money they're stealing. I am always surprised, and disappointed, that each and every year we still find people defrauding taxpayers totalling tens of thousands of pounds.
On handing down sentence, Judge Denniss highlighted that making fraudulent claims is not a victimless crime and has an immediate loss to local tax payers.

The total losses through fraudulent claims were:

Housing Benefit £51,783.69
Council Tax Benefit £5,687.89
Income Support £60,183.23

If you have any information about benefit fraud in Hillingdon, please contact the council's hotline on 0800 389 8313

Meet your Uxbridge Gazette team

2009-11-03T13:27:34Z

Shujaul Azam: I am the multi-media content manager for the Uxbridge Gazette, Harrow Observer, the Bucks Examiner and Buckinghamshire Advertiser newspapers and websites. I've been a journalist most of my working life and have covered areas as diverse as the rural idylls of Shropshire, to the gritty hard news areas of south London. My aim is to provide a comprehensive news service and ensure our news is relevant to the communities we serve. So, if you wish to discuss anything concerning the above titles please contact me on 01895 451000 or Email me

Charlene Mitchell: I cover Ruislip and Eastcote and have lived in the area my whole life so I know my patch very well. I studied journalism at the London College of Communication and this is my first reporting job. I have been at the Gazette since January 2008. If you have a story - little or large - call me on 07795 811367/01895 451 047 or email

Dan Coombs: My patch covers the Heathrow Villages, West Drayton, Yiewsley, Cowley, Uxbridge, Hillingdon and Ickenham, and since April 2008 I have been the reporter for Harefield too. I am a sports fan and write a football blog for the Gazette website and take pictures too, so feel free to contact me with any news, big or small, serious or light-hearted. Email me

Siba Matti: I am a senior reporter dedicated to covering the recently launched Northwood and Rickmansworth Gazette. I joined the company almost three years ago but was working in the central features unit in Surrey until about a month ago. I am getting to grips with my new patch but I can't be everywhere at once so if you have a story in the area, I look forward to hearing from you. Call me on 07788 567259 or
Email me

Jack Griffith: I am the reporter for the Hayes and Harlington area. I graduated from Sussex University in 2006, and have worked in media planning and PR before pursuing a career in journalism. I am new to Hayes but I look forward to hearing from you all about the things that matter in you area. Please feel free to email me or call 01895 451 000.

Other Useful contacts:

Steve Bax, websites contact
Paul Bishop, Sports Editor
Chris Berry, Photographic

Middlesex W.I joins together for an Open Day

2009-11-03T12:15:50Z

The Middlesex Federation of W.I is holding an Open day on Saturday 7th November from 10am - 2pm.

To be held at West Drayton W.I Hall 4, The Green Swan Road, West Drayton.

All welcome for a coffee/tea and a chat.

CLAD candle-lit vigil in memory of the fallen from WW2

2009-10-26T11:40:23Z

Please come and join CLAD for a candlelit vigil to commemorate the lives of the fallen from WW2 on Remembrance Sunday 8th November from 5pm at Cherry Tree Lane Cemetery. For more information visit www.cherrylane.org.uk or call 07961 547 660.

Double fun for young people in Hillingdon this half term

2009-10-22T12:57:40Z

YOUNG people across Hillingdon are being encouraged to make the most of this half term and get involved in a whole range of youth activities.

Hillingdon Council's Point youth bus will be offering a free half term programme for 11-19 year olds with activities to suit everyone, including basketball, football, cheerleading workshops, DJ skills and urban art.

The bus will be located in Mandarin Way, Hayes, UB4 9TU from 11am-4pm for the duration of half term.

This is in addition to all of the activities that will be held in the borough's four youth centres in Ruislip, West Drayton, Uxbridge and Harlington.

The youth centres have loads of facilities including music studios, internet cafes, dance studios, computer consoles, table tennis and pool.

Tom Murphy, head of Youth and Connexions said: "There is no need for young people to be bored this half term when there is so much on offer in Hillingdon.

"I would encourage all young people to find out what is going on in their local area and get involved in these activities, meet new people and most importantly have fun."

For more information call 01895 671 983 or go to young.hillingdon.gov.uk

Don't Forget The Villagers

2009-10-14T07:57:16Z

FOR those living in Sipson and Harmondsworth since the decision to approve the third runway, life has not been easy. The Gazette investigates the lives of villagers who ahve been blighted by airport expansion, and what life is like on the front line.

Case study 1)

One of those most severely affected by the inaction of BAA is Rob Fodder and his family.
Mr Fodder lives in Meadow Lea Close, Harmondsworth, in a one bedroom flat with his girlfriend.
He has been trying to move home since 2002 and put his property on the market, only for runway proposals to be announced a week later, effectively killing the property market in the area.
In the years that have passed, the couple had a baby daughter, who is now two years old, and have converted their bedroom into a nursery for her, meaning the couple must now sleep on a mattress in their front room.
Mr Fodder, who has worked for British Airways for 22 years, said: "It is ridiculous BAA can't purchase the properties, there are those of us who need to move on with our lives.
"Its OK to invest £1 billion into the new Terminal 2, £1 billion into Gatwick and £90 million into buying properties at Stansted- two airports that may not even be in their possession soon, but they are not prepared to release one to two per cent of that figure to ease the suffering of the people in untenable circumstances.
"We attended a public meeting in May where around 600-700 people attended and we were told a solution was imminent, but we are still waiting."
Three times Mr Fodder has been close to securing a move to properties elsewhere, all for it to fall through at the last minute because of the BAA bond on his home.
"Over half of my possessions are in storage and this whole episode is taking it's toll.
"It is affecting the health of my family physically and mentally through the stress we are under and our relationship is being severely tested.
"We have had no support or protection from the Government or BAA even though we are in this situation through no fault of our own.
"When and if the time does come that we have to look again for properties, we have to look outside of the area because the 'compensation' given does not cover the cost of an equivalent property in the area.
"I have looked into the possibility of having temporary accommodation and even enlisting onto the Government sponsored Homebuy scheme, but because I own a property, I do not qualify."
Mr Fodder attended a specially convened meeting with MP John McDonnell and Mike Forster from BAA last week, but does not believe it leaves him any closer to a resolution.
"It lasted over an hour and John was brilliant, at the end he stormed out because he was so frustrated that nothing was being done."

Case study 2)

OTHERS are more reluctant to give up their homes, but the waiting and uncertainty is beginning to force their hand.
One of these is Lynne Davies, a 61 year old woman who lives in Sipson Lane, Sipson, next door to the village Post Office.
She has lived in the quiet village nearly all her life and is committed to fighting the runway, and believes if she is forced to move then she should be offered a fair deal.
She said: "What right do the airport have to evict me from my home? I like where I live.
"l have lived next door to my sister for over 40 years, do BAA give a damn?
"l have looked into buying a home nearer my son and at the moment l live in a four bed semi and all l can afford is a two bed terrace.
"If BAA want me to go, let them find me another four bed home in a village near my son in Eastcote and let them foot the bill.
"I want a good property and do not want to live on a council estate, that's not me being snobby, I just want like for like.
"My neighbour is 85 and can't get to demonstrations and meetings, she is too old to fight it, what is going to happen to her?
"All anybody ever talks about in the village is the runway, it has become our lives, people are still trying to work and survive the recession, but fight for their homes at the same time.
"I have been here since 1968 and have seen many changes, unfortunately none for the better.
"This runway has taken eight years out of our lives and we are still fighting."
Ms Davies' front garden is adorned with No Third Runway signs and banners and has become representative of feelings in the villages.
"People from abroad often stop to chat, and when I tell them how little we are being offered they cannot believe it.
"My cousin lives in France and when the French built the channel tunnel link, those who were displaced got two or three times the value of their homes to start a life elsewhere, what is happening to us is not right."

Case study 3)

Maxine Payne has lived in the village of Sipson since the eighties
She believes everybody's circumstance is different and just wants a resolution to the whole sorry scenario for everyone.
Mrs Payne and husband Jim, of Vincent Close, Sipson, have been there their whole married life with husband Jim and their two children, who are now aged 16 and 18 and they were taught at Heathrow Primary.
"Its not just a house its our home, life for everybody here has been ruined.
"The uncertainty and the stress is devastating, imagine not knowing if your children are going to complete school.
"People need to get on with their lives, this must be managed on a timescale.
"For a company to have an unlimited timescale on our homes is a complete disaster for anybody, we all have a right to a family life.
"We are still fighting for the protection of the villages, there needs to be permanent closure.
"There are elderly people here who have no intention of moving out.
"But at the same time people who want to move or need to move are stuck in limbo.
"If they want to sell, the values are extremely cheap, which is not fair especially for those who have worked all their life and just retired.
"We want to keep the quality of a village life, and if we moved out we could not maintain the same quality of life, which is not fair, we are not being offered an adequate replacement.
"We attended a public meeting in May and were told there would be action in weeks but we are still waiting.
"We have all heard promises before but nothing comes through.
"In a perfect world those who want to leave should be allowed to, and the runway would be scrapped, and the homes would be bought by families, and the village can live again."

What are your experiences or views? Leave a comment below.

Date set for Cherry Lane Roundabout works

2009-10-14T07:30:06Z

A DATE has been set for much needed improvement works at Cherry lane Roundabout after another woman was hospitalised in an accident at the blackspot.

The early morning accident took place last Wednesday at 6am with the driver being taken to Hillingdon Hospital.

Hayes Fire Station attended the crash as well as paramedics with three fire engines and about 14 fire fighters needed.

Glen Corrigan, watch manager, said: "They were fairly lucky because they had an ambulance that was following them. They were just coming across the traffic lights when the accident happened."

Cherry Lane Roundabout, close to the M4, is the point where Holloway Lane, Cherry Lane, Stockley Road and Shepiston Lane converge, and has featured in the top 10 of Greater London's more serious accident sites.

The roundabout has recently been the subject of spotlight from the Gazette after a six vehicle pile up last month, and Transport for London have pledged to spend £300,000 on safety improvements for it.

A date has now been set for the works to begin- October 26th- with construction works hoping to be completed by 18 December.

However, the new traffic signals are not expected to be installed by March 2010.
The council has been working with the police and highways officers to discuss the best time for the works to take place, and they will generally occur over night or during off peak times.
No alternative routes are being recommended to drivers, although minor disruption is expected, Hillingdon Council insist the traffic management has been designed to minimise queuing and congestion.

TfL can remotely control the traffic signals and can therefore adjust the phasing to reduce queuing where possible.

While the need for the roundabout works has been demonstrated with the accidents in recent weeks, including a six vehicle pile up last month, not everybody believes this is the best time to begin the works.

Eilish Stone, who lives in Harmondsworth, and uses the roundabout to travel to and from work, said: "Why is this work starting just at the time when the clocks change, and there will be limited daylight hours?

"This will no doubt exacerbate the traffic chaos and possibly contribute to accidents."

Another accident at Cherry Lane roundabout

2009-10-08T09:22:58Z

A WOMAN was rushed to hospital after an accident at Cherry Lane Roundabout this morning.

The accident took place at 6am and involved a collision between two vehicles.

The woman was taken by paramedics to Hillingdon Hospital, in Pield Heath Road, where she is recovering.

Her injuries are not believed to be of a serious nature.

Hayes Fire Station also attended the crash. Three fire engines and about 14 fire fighters.

Glen Corrigan, watch manager, said: "They were fairly lucky because they had an ambulance that was following them. They were just coming across the traffic lights when the accident happened."

Dance to take place for Heathrow villagers

2009-10-06T13:11:43Z

THOSE in danger of losing their homes to the third runway are being invited to dance their troubles away this weekend.

The Celidh, a barn dance event, will be held at Yiewsley and West Drayton Community Hall, in Harmondsworth Road, West Drayton, will start at 7pm on Saturday lasting until 11pm.
The dance is being held by NoTRAG and environmental activists, and is aimed at bringing communities together.
There will also be music from Harmondsworth folk band Pig Earth, and tickets will cost £3.

Debate: Secondary school admissions

2009-10-06T12:21:59Z

IT IS the time of year which sets parents nerves jangling, with the seemingly crucial decision to make of choosing a Secondary School for their children. Reporter DAN COOMBS spoke to Robert Lobatto, headteacher at Barnhill Community High School, in Yeading Lane, Hayes, about the process.

What should parents look for in a Secondary School?
I would say choose the right school for the child, what is right for one child may not necessary be the right school for another one. Come into the school and see it for yourself. All schools have a different feel and a different ethos, and parents must consider which school would be best for the individual child.
I would encourage parents to look at the OFSTED report, it doesn't tell the whole story, but it can give an indication. Exam results are also important, but it is quite a complex area, parents must look at it carefully and pick out key information.

Are extra-curricular activities important?
Yes, parents should look at what opportunities the school offers, whether this be music, art, drama or sport, what is on offer outside academics is very important. Most schools offer good programmes, but parents should look at which will suit their particularly child.

As a headteacher, what question are you most commonly asked?
Parents want to know if there is any bullying that goes on, that will always be a concern, when a child is going from a small primary school to a big secondary. They want to know if a child will be supported through their education, so they can do as well as they can. Communication is also important, parents like to be informed of what the school is doing.

How does admission policy work?
At Barnhill we have a system the same as all schools in Hillingdon. Parents come to see the schools at open evenings, then start to make decisions and fill out a form which goes to the local authority. The the application form, the parents should select six different schools, in order of preference, the local authority then receives the forms and does its best to give everybody their first choice.

How important is where you live?
Catchment areas no longer exist, although it is a phrase which is used now and again. Siblings have a priority first, and then it comes down to where you live. Admissions depend on which preference you put the school as. If a school has 240 places and 240 select it as first choice then that works, but if 300 select it then it becomes over-subscribed and criteria comes into place. Students with siblings at a school take priority, then it comes down to where you live. Children who are being looked after, in foster care or children's homes, actually get first priority over everybody, although in terms of numbers, they are a very small minority.

How far in advance should parents start preparing?
They should start to think about secondary schools when a child is in Year 5. Parents have to make a decision this year before October 23 which is quite early on. You should really be thinking about it in Year 5 and through the year, and it is important for the child to see it early to and adjust to the idea of what a secondary school is like.

How much of a say does the local authority have?
They have very strict rules over admissions. There was a big controversy nationally because it was seen there was a small minority of schools who weren't being fair, so rules have tightened for all schools. Some schools sought to interview students- which is not allowed, or to meet parents as a requirement, which is not allowed. Some schools were also asking for photographs of students which is not allowed either. It now allows for a better system, and there is no room for subjectivity. The theory was that schools were favouring children from middle class backgrounds at the cost of children from deprived areas.

What about appeals?
If you do not get into your school of choice, you can appeal on certain grounds. What has changed this year is that appeals are heard by independent governors, rather than governors of the school, which makes for a fairer more impartial process. Policy is important, so it has to be followed.

How has the process changed over the past few years?
One particular change is in the social equality agenda, there is still a big gap between those from affluent backgrounds and those who are not, in terms of educational attainment. They are seeking to bring up the achievements of those from more deprived backgrounds to a higher standard. The rules have tightened up to make it more of a blind process without any prejudices over the last 12 months. Its tricky to judge how it will affect the process as a whole yet, but personally I feel it is for the better.

For more information on secondary school admissions, parents should visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk

What are your experiences?

Man found dead at Colham Avenue address

2009-10-06T11:21:18Z

A MAN was found dead at his home on Saturday morning, but police are not treating it as suspicious.

Police and ambulance were called to Colham Avenue, West Drayton, at 7.45am on Saturday (3/10).

A man aged 50 was found dead, but police have said 'the cause of death is not believed to be suspicious'.

Sipson Road policeman appears in court

2009-10-06T07:35:40Z

A POLICE constable who used a confidential database to check up on his ex-girlfriend's new lover could lose his job and even his home.

Christopher Ward, of Sipson Road, West Drayton, lives in police accommodation, but after admitting a charge of obtaining or disclosing personal data he faces disciplinary action.

Ward also stood accused of using the national database to help a woman find out if her ex-husband was still alive.

Pleading for leniency in his sentencing, Ward who works for Ealing Police, Southwark Crown Court heard how he suffered from depression and mounting debts.

He was ordered to pay £250 costs and was given a conditional discharge for the offences, which took place in October 2008.

The officer remains suspended although a spokesperson for Ealing police confirmed that following the conclusion of criminal proceedings, misconduct proceedings can also conclude.