December 2008 Archives

THERE is set to be a victory for people power as councillors prepare to make a U-turn on the future of a controverisal Ickenham nursery school plan.

Earlier this month, Hillingdon Council planning committee approved the change of use of a house on Rectory Way, Ickenham, to be converted into a children's nursery, despite hundreds of objections from residents.

Nearby residents were concerned of the impact the decision could have of on the future of their conservation area after the nursery was approved within it.

After outrage at the decision, which was originally listed for refusal, councillors have agreed to take a second look, and have accepted they made an error of judgement in approving the application.

Rosemary Hodgson, who lives opposite, says the road already suffers from traffic problems, and will be unable to cope with the additional cars the nursery will bring.

She said: "This particular property is right on the main road, the increased traffic will be a real problem.
"Looking at the bigger picture it seems a dangerous precedent, and not just for Ickenham.

"One of the reasons the application was recommended for refusal was the conservation area policy, this fact was ignored by the committee, it will be the beginning of the end for conservation areas if our councillors act in this way.

"There are conservation areas all over Hillingdon which could be in danger."

Speaking about the meeting where the nursery was given the green light, Councillor John Hensley, who represents Ickenham, said: "I'm very disappointed at the outcome of this application, it's right in the centre of Ickenham, and I feel sorry for the residents."

Rachel Moore, chairman of the Ickenham Residents Association, said: "The turning of a residential property in the heart of Ickenham into a business is a concern, and we are keen that this does not become a trend."

Members of other residents assocations in Hillingdon were said to be alarmed at the previous approval of the nursery, and said conservationa areas must be respected

Oliver O'Connor, formerly of the Hayes Garden Residents Association, said: "We had a conservation area in Hayes and it died a death because it wasn't enforced. I don't even know if it exists now. These things have to be looked after."
A full report of the meeting next Tuesday (23/12) will be posted on the site the following morning (24/12).

A LIFE-long blood donor has been honoured for helping to save lives by giving over 75 donations.

June King, 65, was honoured by the National Blood Service at a Donor Awards Ceremony for donating blood at least 75 times.

Mrs King, of Halford Road, Ickenham, first donated blood when she was 18.

She said: "My dad had always given blood so when I got older I donated as well. I wanted to follow in his footsteps.

"It's worthwhile because someone is going to benefit from your blood and a lot of people can't donate because they're not healthy enough, but I am. You don't know when you might need it."

The awards ceremony was held to honour long-serving donors from London and the South East. In total 129 donors were awarded with a crystal plate, including 21 who have donated blood at least 100 times.

For more information about giving blood go to www.blood.co.uk or call 0845 7711 711.

The next donation session in this area is being held at Christ Church (Watts Hall), in Redford Way, Uxbridge, on Christmas Eve from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

A GIRL from Ickenham has won a competition to win £800 worth of hair extensions.

Susi Hobson, of Campden Road, won the 'Magical Makeover' competition after seeing it advertised on television.

She will have her expensive extensions put in at 3pm on Thursday (18/12) at Hob Salons, in Green Lane, Northwood.

A SUCCESSFUL meeting has been held to address problems with student and non-residential parking in Ickenham.

The meeting was held at Vyners School, Warren Road, and was prompted after residents petitioned Hillingdon Council last month following a surge of speeding drivers and what they believed to be inconsiderate parking.

The problems were attributed to sixth form students at Vyners School and non-residents, which led to increased police patrols in the road, and the meeting was held to iron out the issues.

The forum was attended by school governors, the head teacher, councillors, residents and safer neighbourhood teams.

Councillor John Hensley, who represents Ickenham, and who is also a governor of Vyners School, said: "The meeting went very well and the bulk of the issues were resolved with the head teacher."

UNSUNG heroes from Ickenham are invited into the spotlight as the Gazette and Uxbridge College seek people who have made their mark in the community.

If you know anyone who deserves credit for what they have done in your area - or anywhere in the borough - put them forward now.

Entry is open to all people who live, volunteer, or work here.

Hillingdon's top hero will win £750 on top of the £250 which all category winners receive.
All you have to do is complete a coupon in The Gazette or Leader and return it to: Barbara Fisher, Local Heroes, Gazette, 28 Bakers Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1RG.

Alternatively email barbarafisher@trinitysouth.co.uk Entries must be received by January 23 and shortlisted candidates will be invited to a gala night on February 26.
For more information: phone Barbara Fisher on 01895 451020 Monday-Wednesday only.

Choose from these categories:

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Community Hero-someone who has helped the community, perhaps with a project or campaign.

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Fundraising Hero- any individual or group which has raised money for charity.

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Young Hero- a youngster aged 16 or under who deserves recognition in the community.

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Citizen of Courage-someone who has shown bravery in a difficult situation or achieved a goal against the odds.

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Carer Hero -anyone who has selflessly looked after others.

The overall title Hero of Hillingdon will be chosen from any of the above
category winners.

If you are e-mailing do not forget to name the category and give contact details for both nominee and the person who is nominating.

THERE was a high demand for babysitters when parents and teachers gathered to enjoy a black tie dinner.

The first Breakspear Autumn Ball was held at the Civic Centre, Uxbridge, on November 22 and it raised nearly £1,250 for the junior and infant schools in Bushey Road, Ickenham.

Over 100 guests attended the evening which took months of planning, and was the brainchild of Chairman of the Parents Association, Tracy Connolly.

The guests were served with a three course dinner with wine and danced until midnight while listening to the Vyners Swing band, who performed throughout the evening.

One lucky child will also be celebrating after a parent won a bike which was first prize in the raffle, and plans are already underway to hold a similar event next year.

A SUCCESSFUL meeting was held on Monday, December 1 to address problems with student and non-residential parking in Ickenham.

The meeting was held at Vyners School, Warren Road, and was prompted after residents petitioned Hillingdon Council last month following a surge of speeding drivers and what they believed to be inconsiderate parking.

The problems were attributed to sixth form students at Vyners School and non-residents, which led to increased police patrols in the road, and the meeting was held to discuss the problems.

The forum was attended by school governors, the head teacher, councillors, residents and safer neighbourhood teams.

Councillor John Hensley, who represents Ickenham, and who is also a governor of Vyners School, said: "The meeting went very well and the issues were resolved with the head teacher."