Businesses welcome back customers - Leisure centres reopen Enjoy the great outdoors £1 million for community projects - Hillingdon Council

Page created by Vivian Thomas
 
CONTINUE READING
Businesses welcome back customers - Leisure centres reopen Enjoy the great outdoors £1 million for community projects - Hillingdon Council
News from your council
May/June 2021

                            Businesses
                         welcome back
                            customers

                           Leisure centres reopen
                         Enjoy the great outdoors
                                    £1 million for
                             community projects

                          APPRENTICES   HOUSING   HAVE YOUR SAY
Businesses welcome back customers - Leisure centres reopen Enjoy the great outdoors £1 million for community projects - Hillingdon Council
advertisements                                                                                                                                                                                             people

                                 Contents
                                 May/June 2021
                                 ▸ Cover stories

                                                                                                                                  W
                                 ▸ 11 Funding boost for community projects                                                                   elcome to the May/June edition of Hillingdon People.
                                      The council’s Chrysalis programme is investing                                                            As we move from spring into summer, it feels like
                                      £1 million in community facilities this year.                                                          some normality is beginning to return. Coronavirus
                                   12 Tashan Daniel bursary award scheme                                                          (COVID-19) restrictions are continuing to ease, and the last
                                      Six young people receive funding to pursue their                                            couple of months has seen shielding end, small groups of
                                      ambitions in sport and culture.                                                             people being able to meet outside, and sport and leisure
                                 ▸ 16 Leisure centres reopen                                                                      facilities and non-essential businesses reopening. We have also
                                                                                                                                  been pleased to welcome you back safely to some of our own
                                      A range of COVID-secure measures have been
                                      introduced across our centres.                                                              services and facilities, including libraries, leisure centres, tennis
                                                                                                                                  courts and golf courses.
                                 ▸ 18 Shop local, shop Hillingdon                                                                    As our high streets start to reopen we encourage residents to
                                      Non-essential retailers are open for business and                                           support local shops and traders. The council is continuing to assist
                                      our high streets need your support.                                                         the local economy by offering a range of support to businesses
                                 ▸ 22 Exclusive apartments for over-55s                                                           from grants and safety advice, to free pavement licences and
                                      Our purpose-built flats provide accommodation                                               an online directory. You can read more about this on page 18.
                                      for residents with support available 24 hours a day.                                           Looking ahead to 17 May and June, subject to government
                                                                                                                                  reviews and infection rates, steps three and four of the planned
                                 ▸ 24 Enjoy Hillingdon’s great outdoors                                                           roadmap provide a further relaxation of rules and potentially
                                      With spring in full swing, there’s never been a                                             even the end of legal limits on social contact.
                                      better time to explore our parks and open spaces.                                              The direction we’re travelling in is extremely positive but I
                                                                                                                                  would like to remind residents that we need to take these steps
                                 Regulars                                                                                         safely. Please remember to keep washing your hands, covering
                                  4 Hillingdon News                             33 What's on                                      your face in enclosed public spaces, maintain a safe distance
                                  32 Older people                               35 Contacts                                       from anyone you do not live with and, wherever possible, meet
                                                                                                                                  outdoors in the fresh air as good ventilation reduces the spread
                                 COVER PHOTO : THE MISTRY FAMILY DINING AT THE COACH & HORSES,                                    of the virus.
                                 ICKENHAM                                                                                            As restrictions ease, it’s still important for you to regularly get
                                                                                                                                  tested because approximately one in three people with COVID-19
                                                                                                                                  do not have symptoms but can still infect others. Getting tested
                                                                                                                                  regularly is the only way to know if you have the virus. If people
                                                                                                                                  then test positive and self-isolate, it helps stop the virus

                                                                   10                                               16            spreading. Everyone can now access free rapid tests for
                                                                                                                                  COVID-19 if they do not have symptoms. Find out more about
                                                                                                                                  this on page 20.
                                                                                                                                     Last month, the government met its target of offering a first
                                                                                                                                  COVID-19 vaccine dose to the nine most vulnerable groups.
                                                                                                                                  There continues to be an impressive uptake across the borough

                                                                   11                                             24
                                                                                                                                  and this is all thanks to eligible residents choosing to take the
                                                                                                                                  vaccine and the great work being carried out by our partners the
                                                                                                                                  NHS, Hillingdon CCG and volunteers. When it’s your turn, please
                                                                                                                                  book your appointment as soon as possible to protect yourself
                                 Advertising deadline for next edition:Tuesday 1 June 2021                                        and those around you.
                                 Editorial and advertising enquiries                                                                 In this issue of Hillingdon People you can read about the
                                    01895 556903                                                                                  young residents who received funding from the Tashan Daniel
                                    hillingdonpeople@hillingdon.gov.uk                                                            Award; the assistance the council has been giving residents living
                                    www.hillingdon.gov.uk/hillingdonpeople                                                        with dementia and their carers during the pandemic and how
                                                                                                                                  we’re investing £1 million in our Chrysalis programme this year
                                                                               After reading, please
                                                                                                                                  to enhance community facilities.
                                                                               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.

                                 For a copy in large print or as an                                                                                                             Cllr Ian Edwards
                                 audio version call 01895 556903                                                                                                        LEADER OF THE COUNCIL

 2               May/June 2021                                                                                                                                          May/June 2021                          3
Businesses welcome back customers - Leisure centres reopen Enjoy the great outdoors £1 million for community projects - Hillingdon Council
news                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            news

    Council transforms social care services to support families                                                                       New lighting makes busy zebra crossing safer for pupils
    On Monday 2 August,                  operate around the             benefit from the                  Cllr Jane Palmer,           Students attending                                                                                      their visibility to drivers
    the council will launch a            clock, offering families       transformation. For            Cabinet Member for             St Helen’s College in                                                                                   at all times of the day.
    pioneering new way of                information, advice and        example, advice and            Health and Social Care,        Hillingdon are benefiting                                                                                  A set of Zebrites was
    working across its social            support 24 hours a day,        support about concerns         said: “Early intervention      from safer journeys to                                                                                  already in stock and they
    care services to enable              seven days a week. The         for a child, young person’s    is crucial in supporting       and from school thanks                                                                                  were installed on Friday
    teams to intervene early             hub is one of the first        welfare, and requests for      families and preventing        to new lighting installed                                                                               12 February – just two
    and ensure that local                of its kind and will be a      mental health assessments,     children from entering         by the council on a                                                                                     days after the petition
    families have fast access to         single point of contact        will all now be available      the social care system         nearby zebra crossing.                                                                                  hearing had met to discuss
    a wide range of support              for all professionals          through the hub.               at a later point in life.         Long Lane is a busy road                                                                             road safety improvements
    services around the clock.           and residents, with a             Siobhan Appleton,              “Our social care services   and there is an increase                                                                                near to the school.
       The council has                   dedicated email address,       Designated Nurse,              have undergone an              in traffic especially during                                                                               Cllr John Riley, Cabinet
    redesigned its offer of              phone number and a             Safeguarding Children          incredible transformation      the school-run. It has               be replaced with a traffic       signals across the capital        Member for Public
    early help and prevention            single online referral form.   and Looked After               to offer residents and         been reported that cars              light-controlled crossing.       and it would have taken           Safety and Transport,
    for local families and                 The vast majority            Children/Care                  professionals the best         frequently exceed the                   On Wednesday 10               several months to progress        said: “Road safety is one of
    is working together                  of children’s services         Leavers, said:                 possible service at the        speed limit and there                February, Cllr Riley heard       an application for the            the council’s key priorities
    with partners across                 will be accessible via         “As soon as difficulties       earliest point of call, and    have been several near               the petition with council        installation of traffic lights.   and we are committed to
    Hillingdon in services               the new hub, which             arise at any point in a        to give local families         misses on the crossing.              officers, ward and other            Officers from the              doing everything we can
    for young people to                  may include a concern          child’s life, early help and   the support required              St Helen’s College is             councillors together             council's road safety team        to make our roads safer for
    support children at the              for a child’s welfare,         intervention can help          to become stronger             located on both sides of             with the petitioners to          came up with an immediate         residents and to encourage
    earliest possible stage.             access to parenting            to improve the child’s         and more resilient.”           Long Lane and the road               discuss ways the route           and cost-effective                children and their mums,
       The new Stronger                  advice and support,            experience at home,               If you’re concerned that    is frequently crossed                could be made safer for          solution which involved           dads and carers to walk,
    Families service will                or questions regarding         school and within the          a child may be at risk of      throughout the school                the school community             upgrading the existing            cycle or scooter to school.”
    enable teams to engage               special educational            local community. This          harm in Hillingdon, or if      day. In December, pupils             and the wider public.            zebra crossing’s beacons             To submit a petition
    families earlier and                 needs or education.            multi-agency, holistic         you feel that you or your      submitted a petition to                 TfL is responsible for        with flashing circular            to the council, visit
    provide long-lasting                   The hub will also            early intervention should      family need support,           the council requesting that          designing, installing and        LED light haloes, known           www.hillingdon.gov.
    solutions to ensure a                deal with adult social         be part of a continuum         please contact the Stronger    the existing zebra crossing          maintaining all traffic          as Zebrites, increasing           uk/consultation.
    safe, stable and nurturing           care concerns reported         of support to address a        Families hub by emailing
    environment in which
    children, young people
                                         out of office hours.
                                           Professionals in
                                                                        child and family's needs
                                                                        allowing an appropriate
                                                                                                       strongerfamilieshub@
                                                                                                       hillingdon.gov.uk, calling      Every pupil in the borough                                             Are you an unpaid carer?
    and parents can thrive.
       A unique Stronger
                                         Hillingdon, including
                                         teachers, police and
                                                                        and timely response
                                                                        to differing and often
                                                                                                       01895 556 006 or visiting
                                                                                                       www.hillingdon.gov.             offered a school place                                                If you provide unpaid care
                                                                                                                                                                                                             and support for a relative,
    Families ‘hub’ will                  health staff, will also        changing levels of need.”      uk/stronger-families.           We have once again ensured          are pleased that so many of       friend or neighbour, you
                                                                                                                                       that every child in the             our local children received       may be eligible for a range
                                                                                                                                       borough has a primary and           their preferred choice.           of council support.
     Arts Council grant supports school music education                                                                                secondary school place.
                                                                                                                                         The council processed
                                                                                                                                                                              "Education remains
                                                                                                                                                                           a top priority for the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                On Thursday 18 March,
                                                                                                                                                                                                             35 residents attended the
                                                                           During lockdown, the        people to participate           3,664 primary school                council and we continue           council’s online carers’ forum
                                                                        service moved its activities   in and enjoy music.             applications this year. In April,   to put families first with the    event, held in partnership       with respite from her caring
                                                                        and tuition online so that        “When we first went          98.7 per cent of applicants         continued investment in           with Carers Trust Hillingdon.    duties and counselling
                                                                        children could continue        into lockdown last March,       were offered a place at one         our school building and              The annual event is           support from Carers Trust
                                                                        to take part in a high-        the service quickly moved       of their top three schools          expansion programme to            designed to identify             Hillingdon. The council
                                                                        quality and enriching          its programme online            and 93.7 per cent were              ensure that children get          more unpaid carers and           has offered her a weekly
                                                                        music programme.               and now that face-to-face       offered their first preference.     an excellent start in life."      offer information about          allowance to enable her to
                                                                           Now restrictions are        activities can resume, the        Earlier in March, 94 per             The council's school           the support available.           join a gym to help improve
                                                                        easing, the grant will be      money will be used to           cent of pupils were offered         placement and admissions             Caroline Turini, aged         her physical health and
                                                                        used to fund discounts to      expand and enrich our           a place at one of their             team is available to help         56 from Hayes, is the main       enjoy a relaxation massage.
                                                                        encourage parents and          programme of activity.          preferred secondary schools.        parents if they have              carer for her husband who           She said: “I am so grateful
                                                                        carers to use the service         “Music education is a          The council received              any queries, and more             has Secondary Progressive        for the carers’ support
                                                                        again and new instruments      key part of a child’s growth    3,607 secondary                     information can be found          Multiple Sclerosis. She          which gives me some much-
      'ANTHEM' Schoolchildren perform a concert at Brunel University    to support whole class         and development. It             school applications.                at www.hillingdon.gov.            supports him with a variety      needed respite and time
                                                                        tuition in primary schools.    allows children to develop        Cllr Susan O'Brien,               uk/schooladmissions.              of tasks at home and his         away from my caring duties.
     The council’s music                   tuition and educational      It will also be used to        skills such as teamwork         Cabinet Member for                                                    personal care needs.             The carers are friendly,
     service has been                      support in schools for       fund in-person ensemble        and communication               Education and                                                            Unfortunately, lockdown       always on time and take
     awarded a grant of                    children aged five to        rehearsals and events.         and it boosts their             Children's Services,                                                  restrictions during the          good care of my husband.
     £161,270 by the Arts                  18. It also runs its own        Leader of the               self-esteem. It’s also a        said: “Once again,                                                    past year have impacted          Without this support, I
     Council to support                    music school in Hayes at     Council, Cllr Ian              huge amount of fun!”            we are delighted to                                                   Caroline's physical health       would be unable to cope.”
     the restart of face-to-               weekends, with a wide        Edwards, said:                    For more information         announce that every                                                   and emotional wellbeing.            For more information
     face music activities.                range of ensembles           “Hillingdon Music              on the Hillingdon Music         child in the borough                                                     Caroline approached the       and to take an online carer’s
       Hillingdon Music                    such as orchestras,          Service plays a vital          Service, visit www.             has been offered a                                                    council for support, and         assessment, visit www.
     Service provides music                bands and choirs.            role in enabling young         hillingdon.gov.uk/music.        school place and we                                                   she has been provided            hillingdon.gov.uk/carers.

4                       May/June 2021                                                                                                                                                                                                           May/June 2021                    5
Businesses welcome back customers - Leisure centres reopen Enjoy the great outdoors £1 million for community projects - Hillingdon Council
news                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         news

                                                                         Support for smokers                                          Update on the High Speed 2 Colne Valley Viaduct project
                                                                                                                                      The council and High                Judicial Review                 and the anti-graffiti            this information at the
                                                                        If you are thinking about      you have smoked for,           Speed 2 (HS2) have               proceedings against the            measures that are to be          time of submitting its
                                                                        stopping smoking, now          quitting can help both         reached an agreement             Secretaries of State and           included in its design.          application for planning
                                                                        couldn’t be a better time      your physical and mental       that has removed the             HS2 Ltd were brought by              As part of these               approval as it would have
                                                                        because of the added           health immediately.            need for the council to          the council to the High            discussions, the council         removed the need for
                                                                        risk of complications             “There’s never been         continue with its Judicial       Court in December 2020,            has also asked for a             the council to resort to
                                                                        from COVID-19.                 a more important time          Review in relation to the        challenging the legality of        public commitment                legal action at public cost.
                                                                           Residents who               to stop smoking and a          Colne Valley Viaduct.            the Inspector's decision.          from HS2 Ltd to work             Nevertheless, the council
                                                                        smoke generally have           range of free support             HS2 Ltd made an               The viaduct has very               collaboratively to secure a      has, in the light of HS2
                                                                        an increased risk of           is available to help you       application to the council       significant ecological and         positive long-term legacy        Ltd's written assurances,
                                                                        contracting respiratory        and your loved ones.”          for planning approval in         environmental implications         for the borough and its          decided not to pursue
    Planning refusal upheld for                                         infections and of
                                                                        developing more severe
                                                                                                          Get in touch with
                                                                                                       the Hillingdon Stop
                                                                                                                                      relation to the design and
                                                                                                                                      external appearance of
                                                                                                                                                                       for the borough and its
                                                                                                                                                                       residents and the council
                                                                                                                                                                                                          residents by ensuring
                                                                                                                                                                                                          that robust mitigation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           its Judicial Review claim.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Although the design of the
    Hayes electricity substation                                        symptoms once infected.
                                                                           There’s also growing
                                                                                                       Smoking service today
                                                                                                       by emailing lbofh.
                                                                                                                                      the Colne Valley Viaduct
                                                                                                                                      under the HS2 Act.
                                                                                                                                                                       was concerned that
                                                                                                                                                                       planning approval had
                                                                                                                                                                                                          plans are put in place.
                                                                                                                                                                                                            HS2 Ltd has written to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           viaduct remains far from
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ideal, the council's position
    The council’s decision             a priority by the council.       evidence that smokers          stopsmoking@nhs.net or            The council did               been given in the absence          the council, providing           is that these proceedings
    to refuse plans to                 In these priority areas, the     are at greater risk if they    calling 01895 207790           not determine the                of important information           assurances that it will share    have resulted in HS2
    develop an electricity             council aims to ensure that      catch COVID-19 because         or 0800 169 7541.              application on the basis         which would adequately             with it the information          Ltd providing it with the
    substation in Hayes was            any development protects         of the damage already             A range of support is       that HS2 Ltd had failed to       protect these interests.           which it has asked for.          information which it asked
    upheld by planning                 residents from anything that     caused to their airways        available, including access    provide it with sufficient          Discussions have recently       This includes details of         for at the very outset.
    inspectors in February.            would harm air quality.          by smoking. Meanwhile          to an experienced NHS          information for it to make       taken place between the            ground water quality                In conclusion, the
      In the summer of 2018,             The company behind             the hand-to-mouth action       stop smoking advisor and       a lawful decision. HS2           council's and HS2 Ltd's            and also working with            council is prepared to
    the council received an            the gas-powered                  of smoking increases           nicotine replacement           Ltd issued an appeal             leadership in relation to          the council on providing         work collaboratively
    application for planning           generator appealed the           the risk of spreading          therapy (normally patches      to the Secretaries of            the HS2 project as a whole         public statements on water       with HS2 Ltd and secure
    permission to build and            decision. However, the           germs and infection,           and gum) available at          State for Transport and          and they have included             impacts, sharing ecological      a long-term legacy but
    operate a large gas-               Planning Inspectorate –          including COVID-19.            prescription cost or free      Housing, Communities             the viaduct where the              reports and developing           this will not be at the
    powered generator on               which deals with planning           Cllr Jane Palmer,           if you are exempt.             and Local Government             council has reiterated its         a public summary on              expense of the interests
    land off North Hyde                appeals - found in the           Cabinet Member for                Visit www.hillingdon.       who appointed a Planning         concerns about the lack            ecological mitigations           of the borough and its
    Gardens in Hayes.                  council’s favour and             Health and Social Care,        gov.uk/stopsmoking             Inspector to decide the          of information provided            and finally, providing           residents. The council
      The council refused the          dismissed the appeal on          said: “No matter how long      to find out more.              appeal on their behalf.          by HS2 Ltd in relation             the necessary details on         will continue to challenge
    application. The generator         Thursday 4 February.                                                                           The Inspector found in           to ground water quality,           anti-graffiti measures.          HS2 Ltd whenever it
    would have been                      The Inspector found that                                                                     favour of HS2 Ltd and            the ecological impacts               The council regrets that       considers it necessary to
    powered by natural gas, a          the limited benefits of the                                                                    allowed its appeal.              arising from the viaduct           HS2 Ltd did not provide          protect these interests.
    fossil fuel that emits harmful     proposal did not outweigh
    pollutants when burned.
      The location selected
                                       the harmful impacts
                                       of placing a polluting                                                                          Council set to raise Heathrow night flight noise concerns
    for the power station is in        power station within an                                                                         Residents’ wellbeing will       the south of the borough,             The council has              until Monday 31 May,
    one of the air quality areas       area already suffering                                                                          be the key concern for the      close to the runways are           already responded to            and while the council will
    in the borough deemed              from poor air quality.                                                                          council when it responds        more likely to be affected         Part 1 of the Department        be responding to try and
                                                                                                                                       to the government’s             by night flights. In particular,   for Transport’s (DfT)           safeguard residents against
      June deadline nearing for EU settlement applications                                                                             consultation on possible
                                                                                                                                       changes to night flights
                                                                                                                                                                       the associated ground noise,
                                                                                                                                                                       which is a unique impact
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Night Flights Restrictions
                                                                                                                                                                                                          consultation, as a member
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          any further increase in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          noise, residents themselves
      EU nationals living in           for yourself and your           evidence of five years of       value the contribution made     at Heathrow Airport.            for Hillingdon residents.          of the Local Authorities        are being encouraged
      Hillingdon are urged to          children.                       continuous UK residence.        by European residents to            The government currently      With uncertainty over            Aircraft Noise Council – an     to have their say, too.
      complete an application             If your application is         EU citizens must apply        our borough and encourage       has restrictions on the         Heathrow’s expansion               umbrella organisation of           Part 2 of the DfT’s
      to the EU Settlement             successful, the EUSS will       online and provide              them to apply to the scheme     numbers of flights per night    plans the situation could          local authorities and other     consultation is looking
      Scheme (EUSS) before the         grant either settled or pre-    evidence of their identity,     so that they can continue to    and the number and type         get worse for residents,           groups that represents          for feedback on its long-
      deadline on Wednesday            settled status, depending       length of residence in the      live and work here.             of aircraft allowed – as some   so it is vital the council         the interests of residents      term policy for night
      30 June 2021.                    on how long the EU citizen      UK, and declare if they have       “I urge all eligible         are louder than others. But     and residents raise their          around Heathrow affected        flights beyond 2024. It
         EUSS allows citizens          has lived in the UK.            a criminal history.             residents not to delay as       it’s important the economic     concerns now over the              by aircraft noise.              will examine particular
      from the EU, EEA or                 To receive settled status,     Statuses will not be          time is running out. Please     benefits of night flights do    detrimental health impacts            The second part of the       issues, such as whether
      Switzerland to continue          EU citizens must prove they     automatically granted by the    remember that if you need       not come at the expense         that night flights can cause.      consultation (Part 2) runs      noisier aircraft types should
      living and working in the        have lived in the UK for five   EUSS, so people need to         any support with your           of impacting on the quality                                                                        be banned, or if there
      UK following Brexit.             continuous years. This status   apply. Those with indefinite    application free help is        of life for residents.                                                                             should be dispensations
         If you’re a citizen from      is permanent and does not       leave to remain status do not   available from Ealing Law           While Hillingdon                                                                               for certain flights to allow
      the EU, EEA or Switzerland       expire or need renewal.         have to apply.                  Centre at ealinglawcentre.      residents may not be so                                                                            them to land within the
      and were living in the              Pre-settled status lasts       Cllr Douglas Mills,           org.uk.”                        heavily impacted as those                                                                          night-time period.
      UK by Thursday 31                for five years. It can be       Cabinet Member for                 Find out more and            who live directly under                                                                               To respond, visit
      December 2020, then you          upgraded to settled status      Corporate Services and          apply at www.gov.uk/            the approach and take-off                                                                          gov.uk and search
      must make an application         once the person can show        Transformation, said: “We       eusettlementscheme.             flightpaths, those living in                                                                       'Heathrow night flights.'

6                      May/June 2021                                                                                                                                                                                                        May/June 2021                    7
Businesses welcome back customers - Leisure centres reopen Enjoy the great outdoors £1 million for community projects - Hillingdon Council
news                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               news

    Rodent infestation lands catering company with fine                                                                                Large penalty for West Drayton unlicensed animal business
    On Monday 22 February,           Ltd in September 2019,              Despite asking the owners     disregarding food safety
    the council prosecuted           officers uncovered a serious     Jaideep Singh Songra,            and hygiene regulations.                                                                      Khudyakova and                 storage sheds and a
    a catering company in            rodent infestation, with mice    aged 50, and Mahinder            Both were fined £650 for                                                                  Tymoshenko, who                    large wooden building
    Hayes and its owners             droppings littered all over      Parihar, aged 46, to make        each offence. In total, they                                                              were prosecuted by                 where cats were kept in
    after a food hygiene             the premises, including on       improvements - including         were each ordered to pay                                                                  the council, were each             wooden cages. Animals
    inspection uncovered             the floor, food surfaces,        a voluntary closure in April     £5,134 and the business                                                                   ordered to pay £24,150             were also being kept in
    a string of offences.            near cooking equipment           2019 to get the infestation      was also fined £4,081.                                                                    (£4,500 for each offence,          outdoor enclosures.
      The company and                and in the food storage          under control - it was evident      Cllr John Riley, Cabinet                                                               £15,000 prosecution                   Cllr Ian Edwards,
    both owners were fined           area. Food waste was left        that no improvements             Member for Public                                                                         costs and a £150 victim            Leader of the Council,
    £14,345 for six offences.        on the floor overnight,          had been made and there          Safety and Transport,                                                                     surcharge). In total, they         said: “It was clear from
      During an inspection of        and sweets and snacks            was no routine cleaning/         said: "Ardaas Sweets Catering                                                             must pay £48,300.                  the outset that this was
    Ardaas Sweets Catering           were covered in mould.           disinfection system in place.    Ltd and its owners showed                                                                     The council and the            a large-scale, long-term
                                                                         A notice was served in        complete disregard for the                                                                Metropolitan Police                commercial breeding
                                                                      September 2019 for a food        law and for the safety of                                                                 executed a search warrant          and sales business.
      New SEGRO Park                                                  management system to be in
                                                                      place by October 2019 - but
                                                                                                       their staff and customers. We
                                                                                                       offered them a chance to
                                                                                                                                                                                                 at Khudyakova and
                                                                                                                                                                                                 Tymoshenko’s address
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       “There was simply
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    no excuse for the
                                                                      nothing was done, leaving        help them improve hygiene                                                                 in December 2018.                  couple not to have
                                                                      environmental health officers    standards, but instead they                                                                   As well as finding             known about their
                                                                      no choice but to prosecute.      refused to cooperate and        A man and a woman who        of Colne Avenue, each        dozens of animals on site,         licensing obligations and
                                                                         At Uxbridge Magistrates'      comply. This is completely      bred and sold dogs and       pleaded guilty to two        a ground floor room was            therefore I am pleased
                                                                      Court on Tuesday 9               unacceptable. We will           cats from their home         animal licensing offences    filled with tiered cages           with the considerable
                                                                      February, both Songra            continue to help businesses     in West Drayton have         at Uxbridge Magistrates’     from floor to ceiling,             financial penalty handed
     Works have started at           provide local young people       and Parihar pleaded              comply with the law and         been told to pay nearly      Court on Tuesday 6 April.    and another room was               down by the court.”
     SEGRO Park in Hayes on          aged 16 to 24 with a route       guilty to failing to improve     prosecute those who think       £50,000 after admitting         The offences related      being used for birthing.              If you suspect someone
     the site of the 30-acre         into a career in construction.   conditions and for               the rules don't apply them.”    they weren’t licensed.       to the sale of pets and          In the garden, a               of breeding or selling
     former Nestlé chocolate            Funding has also been                                                                            Galyna Khudyakova,         the breeding of puppies      large fenced-off area              animals without a
     and coffee producing
     factory bringing new
                                     given by SEGRO for
                                     the creation of a new             Restaurant fined for cutting                                    aged 57, and Volodymyr
                                                                                                                                       Tymoshenko, aged 47,
                                                                                                                                                                    – both of which require
                                                                                                                                                                    a licence in Hillingdon.
                                                                                                                                                                                                 contained a complex
                                                                                                                                                                                                 of buildings, including
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    licence, email licensing@
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    hillingdon.gov.uk.
     training opportunities, jobs
     and investors to the area.
                                     supply-chain initiative
                                     to enable Hillingdon              down two mature trees
        The new urban industrial     small and medium-sized             The council has prosecuted     council in April last
     scheme in Hayes, will be
     developed with four
                                     enterprise to compete
                                     for opportunities in the
                                                                        a restaurant business
                                                                        in Swakeleys Road,
                                                                                                       year after complaints
                                                                                                       from local residents.           Investing in primary schools                              School (Hayes) to
                                                                                                                                                                                                 Hedgewood School
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    works to future-proof
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    our existing buildings
     industrial units totalling      construction sector. This          Ickenham after its owners         Officers inspected the       Five primary schools in      in August 2020 and           last August. A covered             while also at the same
     239,665 square feet.            initiative is being led by         commissioned the felling of    site and discovered grind       Hillingdon are benefitting   included repairs to          play area was also                 time pressing ahead with
        The largest unit,            Hillingdon Chamber                 two trees in a conservation    pits where two mature           from a £3.52 million         the roof, external wall      installed outside the new          an ambitious expansion
     totalling 97,600 square         of Commerce.                       area without consent.          trees had once stood.           investment programme.        insulation, cladding and     classroom at a cost of             programme.
     feet, has already been             The new industrial units           Appearing before               Investigators also             Last year, works were      replacement windows.         £386,000.                            “Thanks to the
     pre-let. The remaining          are expected to create up          Uxbridge Magistrates’          reviewed aerial footage         carried out at Ruislip         Works to renew and           Cllr Jonathan Bianco,            council's sound financial
     three, one of which will        to 350 job opportunities           Court on Tuesday 23            and photographs                 Gardens Primary School,      replace the rear windows     Cabinet Member                     management, schools in
     be particularly suited for      for the local community            March, Birothi Property        of the original trees.                                       at Lady Bankes Junior        for Property and                   Hillingdon can offer both
                                                                                                                                       Yeading Infant School,
     a data centre due to its        once completed.                    Limited was fined £10,000      They concluded that                                                                       Infrastructure, said:              a high-quality learning
                                                                                                                                       Lady Bankes Infant and       School were completed
     power, connectivity and            Cllr Jonathan Bianco,           and ordered to pay a           permission to remove                                                                      “We are committed to               environment and meet
                                                                                                                                       Nursery School (Ruislip),    in November 2020
     security, are being built       Cabinet Member                     victim surcharge of £181.      the two ash trees would                                                                   investing millions in our          the increasing demand
                                                                                                                                       Lady Bankes Junior           at a cost of £752,000
     to meet the demand for          for Property and                      The company had             not have been granted.                                                                    schools by carrying out            for school places.”
                                                                                                                                       School (Ruislip) and         improving the overall
     modern, environmentally         Infrastructure, said:              pleaded guilty at an earlier      As a result, the council
     sustainable warehousing.        “In Hillingdon, we are             hearing to one offence         decided to prosecute            Hedgewood School             energy efficiency of the
        A dedicated skills and       committed to supporting            of permitting the cutting      the company and seek            (Hayes).                     building.
     training programme is being     projects that benefit              down of two mature ash         a formal order requiring          In August 2020, the          A refurbished mobile
     put in place by the council     our residents and the              trees within the Ickenham      them to replace the trees.      concrete roof areas at       classroom was also
     and SEGRO to ensure that        environment. We have               Village Conservation Area         On Thursday 1 October,       Ruislip Gardens Primary      relocated from Hillingdon
     residents benefit from the      a strong reputation for            without giving required        the council served an order     School were replaced         Primary School to
     training and employment         attracting major investment        notice or obtaining            requiring Birothi Property      and recovered at a cost      Yeading Infant School in
     opportunities generated by      to the borough and are             consent from the council.      Limited to replant two          of £1.14 million.            October 2020 at a cost
     the construction and future     continuing to work with               The court was               ash trees or two trees of a       Refurbishment works to     of £238,000 to provide
     occupation of the industrial    developers, including              told that the owners           native species with a similar   the canteen and nursery      additional teaching space.
     park. This programme            SEGRO, and businesses to           removed the trees to           mature size. The young          blocks at Lady Bankes          To accommodate
     includes training delivered     revitalise Hillingdon and          erect an outbuilding.          trees have been afforded        Infant and Nursery           more pupils, a modular
     by Hayes-based                  help to create new homes              The matter first came       the same protection as the      School totalling £1          classroom unit was
                                                                                                                                       million were completed       relocated from Pinkwell      REFURBISHED New roof at Ruislip Gardens Primary School
     organisation, BUILD, to         and jobs for local people."        to the attention of the        ones that were removed.

8                    May/June 2021                                                                                                                                                                                                    May/June 2021               9
Businesses welcome back customers - Leisure centres reopen Enjoy the great outdoors £1 million for community projects - Hillingdon Council
older people
               trading standards                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 section
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                chrysalis

     Owner of ‘meet and greet’                                                                                          Funding boost for community projects
     parking company jailed                                                                                             A raft of new projects
                                                                                                                        proposed by residents to
     Connect Parking Limited duped customers into paying for secure                                                     benefit their local
     airport parking, only to leave cars in public car parks, in a muddy field                                          communities will be
     or behind a nightclub. Thanks to the work of the council’s trading                                                 funded by the council’s
     standards team, the company’s director has been brought to justice.                                                Chrysalis programme
                                                                                                                        in 2021.
     T
             he owner of a Heathrow-              Appearing at Isleworth Crown
             based ‘meet and greet’             Court for sentencing on Friday

                                                                                                                        T
             parking company that               9 April, Zaman was jailed for                                                   he schemes are part of this        SOON TO BE REFURBISHED Rebecca Higgins, George Higgins, 6, Henry Higgins, 8, and
     earned an estimated £500,000               eight months for three offences                                                 year’s £1 million investment       William Higgins, 10, outside the scout hut in Ruislip Gardens.
     while falsely claiming to offer its        of fraud by false representation                                                programme, that encourages
     customers secure airport parking           and three breaches of consumer                                          residents to suggest ideas for             • 4th Ruislip Scouts exterior building          and overflow parking within the
     has been jailed for eight months.          protection laws. He had pleaded                                         providing or enhancing facilities            refurbishments (Manor)                        grounds. The works were completed
        Muhammad Tahir Zaman, aged              guilty to all six offences at an                                        on council-owned land.                     • Courts Park Bowls Club renewing               in March 2020.
     40, owner of now-defunct Connect           earlier hearing. The offences                                              This year, a wide range of projects       playing surface (Uxbridge North)                 4th Ruislip Group Scout Leader,
     Parking Limited of Wenlock Road,           covered the period from Friday                                          will benefit and the programme will        Community centres (£158,000)                    Jo Wolfe, said: “In 2020, thanks to the
     London, first came to the attention of     18 September 2015 to Friday                                             include improving playgrounds and          • Eastcote Community Centre                     Chrysalis fund we were able to vastly
     the council in April 2017 after more       17 November 2017. Zaman was                                             allotments, building outdoor gyms,            refurbishment toilets and kitchen            improve the appearance, security and
     than 100 of his customers’ vehicles        also disqualified from being a                                          supporting sports clubs and upgrading         (Cavendish)                                  access at our headquarters in Ruislip
     were found in ‘pay and display’ car        company director for four years.                                        community centres.                         • Yeading Community Centre toilet               Gardens.
     parks in Brandville Road and Fairfield       As well as prosecuting Zaman,                                         For 2021/22, the successful                   refurbishment and new meeting                   “We are very fortunate to have been
     Road, West Drayton during the              the council launched a complex                                          Chrysalis projects and their                  room (Yeading)                               selected for a further grant of £20,000
     Easter Bank Holiday weekend.               probe into his finances in a bid                                        wards are:                                 • Crane Youth and Community Centre              as part of the 2021/22 Chrysalis
        The matter resulted in a year-          to recover his ill-gotten gains,                                        Playgrounds (£180,000)                        refurbishment of toilets and entrance        programme. The grant will be used
     long multi-agency investigation,           estimated to be around half-a-                                          • Willow Tree Open Space playground           (Pinkwell)                                   to refurbish the external rendering (as
     code-named Operation Buzzard,              million pounds over 26 months.                                            (Yeading)                                Allotments (£38,000)                            pictured) of the scouting hut which is
     led by local trading standards               However, during a confiscation                                        • Spider Park playground (South Ruislip)   • Moor Lane Allotments composting               currently in a very poor state of repair.
     officers and assisted by the National      hearing at Isleworth Crown
                                                Court ahead of his sentencing,                                          Outdoor gyms (£200,000)                       toilet (Heathrow Villages)                   This vital work will make the building
     Trading Standards Tri Regional                                                                                     • Hayes End Community Park outdoor         • Grosvenor Avenue Allotments                   fit-for-purpose as a community hub for
     Investigations Team.                       Zaman revealed that he had
                                                                                                                          gym (Botwell)                               composting toilet (Charville)                many more years to come."
        During the investigation, the teams     been declared bankrupt. As a                                            • Churchfield Gardens outdoor gym          Town centres (£100,000)
     found evidence that Connect Parking        result, the council was unable                                                                                     • Contribution towards improvements
                                                to confiscate any earnings or                                             (Eastcote and East Ruislip)
     Limited routinely used at least two                                                                                • New Ponds Playground outdoor                to a parade of shops in Kingshill                Cllr Martin Goddard, Cabinet
     insecure locations to store customers’     recover any costs (the council                                                                                                                                         Member for Finance, said:
                                                                                                                          gym (Manor)                                 Avenue
     vehicles, including a car park behind      was awarded £1).                                                        • The Closes outdoor gym                                                                       “We’re delighted to help fund
     an adult entertainment club on the                                                                                                                                Work on the successful projects
                                                                                                                          (West Drayton)                           will start from mid-May, with the                   these projects which are
     A4 in Colnbrook, Berkshire, and a                                                                                  • Dowding Park outdoor gym
                                                                                   Cllr Ian Edwards, Leader of                                                     playgrounds and outdoor gyms                        proposed and driven by the local
     muddy field in Iver, Buckinghamshire.
                                                                                   the Council, said: “I can only         (Uxbridge North)                         scheduled for completion by the                     communities that will benefit
        At the Iver site, paperwork with
     customers’ names and personal                                                 imagine how shocked                  Highways/pathways, hard                    autumn.                                             from them.
     details were found in vehicles. At the                                        Muhammad Tahir Zaman’s               landscaping etc (£274,000)                 Chrysalis funding in action                           “This year, the impact could be
     time of the council’s inspection, the                                                                              • Hoylake Crescent to the Greenway         In September 2019, 4th Ruislip Scout                even more important, as
                                                                                   customers must have been to
     site was unmanned.                                                                                                   (Ickenham)                               Group were awarded a Chrysalis                      COVID-19 restrictions ease
                                                                                   learn that their vehicles, which     • Celandine Route Copthall Road to
        None of the locations found                                                they’d entrusted to him in good                                                 grant totalling £13,541 to renovate                 residents will be looking for ways
     to be used by Connect Parking                                                                                        Swakeleys Road (Ickenham)                the grounds surrounding their                       to keep living healthily and for local
                                                                                   faith, had been parked in a field,   • Celandine Route three gravel
     Limited provided the secure parking                                                                                                                           headquarters in Ruislip Gardens.                    groups to be supported as their
                                                                                   behind a nightclub or in an            paths (Eastcote and East Ruislip and         The grant was used to replace
     promised on the company’s website.                                                                                                                                                                                activities resume. Importantly, they
        The council also received allegations                                      ordinary public car park while         Uxbridge North)                          the dilapidated fence and replace
                                                                                   they were away on holiday. He        • Yeading Brook planting mature trees                                                          will be providing many people
     that the company used on-street                                                                                                                               the concrete driveway surrounding
                                                                                   abused his customers’ trust in         (South Ruislip)                          the scouting hut. The group also                    with a vital opportunity to
     parking bays and hotel car parks.
     There were other reports of vehicles                                          the most brazen way, while           • Hillingdon House Farm pitch              used the funds to install a concrete                reconnect socially.”
     clocking up excessive mileage while in                                        making a great deal of money,          drainage (Uxbridge North)                pathway around the building to make

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 i
     the care of Connect Parking Limited,                                          and so it’s only right he should     Sports clubs (£57,000)                     it wheelchair accessible and recover                     To suggest an improvement
     with some owners returning to find                                            face the full force of the law.”     • Eastcote Bowls Club exterior building    a small area of overgrown land to                            via the programme, visit
     their cars had travelled 300 miles.                                                                                  refurbishments (Cavendish)               create space for outdoor meetings                      www.hillingdon.gov.uk/chrysalis

10                     May/June 2021                                                                                                                                                                                             May/June 2021                        11
Businesses welcome back customers - Leisure centres reopen Enjoy the great outdoors £1 million for community projects - Hillingdon Council
section
                 awards                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            section
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   awards
                                                                                                                                   England Hockey Sessional Coaching                                                        Tashan Daniel’s family, said:
                                                                                                                                   Qualification to become a fully

           Tashan Daniel bursary supports
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            “We are extremely proud and
                                                                                                                                   qualified hockey coach, and hopes                                                        grateful to all those involved at
                                                                                                                                   to take up a coaching position at                                                        the council in setting up this
                                                                                                                                   Eastcote Hockey Club.

           young residents
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            amazing bursary in Tashan's name.
                                                                                                                                      He said: “I am extremely happy and                                                      “To be able to help young
                                                                                                                                   grateful to be receiving this award.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            people within the borough
                                                                                                                                   It will help me to fund my coaching
                                                                                                                                   course and pursue a career in hockey                                                     achieve their dreams and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            aspirations is fantastic.
           Last year, the council introduced the Tashan                                                                            coaching, as well as helping me
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              “We feel immensely proud and
                                                                                                                                   develop my skills as a player.”
           Daniel Award in memory of Tashan who                                                                                    Developing artistic talent
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            honoured about the bursary and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            grateful that something positive
           had a passion for competitive sport and                                                                                 Ellie Riley, aged 19 from                  Abdirahim Hamud
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            can happen through the tragic
                                                                                                                                   Uxbridge, applied to the Tashan
           sprinting. Hillingdon People met six young                                                                              Daniel Award to assist her studies
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            loss of Tashan's life.”
           people who have received funding to                                                                                     and future career in art, and received      in many ways. I will now be able to
                                                                                                                                                                               attend physio appointments, training
                                                                                                                                   £400 towards art equipment such                                                         Apply for funding
           pursue their ambitions in sport and culture.                                                                            as paint brushes, canvasses and             camps, travel to competitions, and          Young people in Hillingdon can
                                                                                                                                   portfolio materials.                        buy some training equipment that I
                                                                                                                                                                               desperately need. With this support,        apply for the next round of the
                                                                                                                                                                               I hope to improve my performance.”          Tashan Daniel Award bursary

      T
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           from Monday 28 June until
              The Tashan Daniel Award was         was awarded £900 from the Tashan                                                                                             Becoming a role model
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Sunday 11 July.
              created in memory of young          Daniel Award to pay for his Great                                                                                            in gymnastics                                  Council funding will be
              resident Tashan Daniel, aged 20     Britain swimming kit, racing shorts                                                                                          Sophie Harper, aged 16 from
       (pictured right) from Hillingdon, who                                                                                                                                                                               allocated to successful applicants
                                                  and travel to training.                                                                                                      Hillingdon, was awarded £419
       was tragically killed in an unprovoked        Ryan’s mum, Amy, said: “For           achieve her ambition to one day                                                     to complete a gymnastics coaching           for requests including sports
       attack at Hillingdon Underground           Ryan, swimming is his life. It’s an      become an Olympian.                                                                 course. Once qualified, Sophie will         equipment, sports training and
       station in September 2019.                 opportunity for him to excel and           Asmaa said: “This funding will                                                    teach gymnastics at Futunity UK, a          competing opportunities (in the
         Tashan was a keen photographer,          not to be defined by his disabilities.   motivate me and make it easier to                                                   leading dance academy in Uxbridge.          UK only), qualifications in art and
       footballer and athlete and had             He does not receive any funding or       achieve my goals in both the short                                                    She said: “The funding I received
       ambitions of competing in the                                                       and long-term. I hope to continue
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           culture, and vocational courses in
                                                  support for his Great Britain Deaf                                                                                           will allow me to qualify for my
       Olympic Games as a world-class             Swimming, as the club has to raise       Tashan’s legacy in the future and                                                                                               further education.
                                                                                                                                                                               British Gymnastics Level 1 course,
       sprinter. In 2020, the council gave        money to send swimmers to any            honour his name, as he was a                                                        which will support my aspirations              The memorial bursary is
                                                                                                                                   Ellie Riley
       funding to six young residents to          national or international events. Ryan   teammate at my club.                                                                for teaching sport as well as working       available to Hillingdon residents
       support their aspirations in sport,        is aiming for the Deaf Olympics.”          “I also want to inspire more young    She said: “I feel extremely grateful to     with children. Keeping children             up to the age of 21, with
       culture and education. Here are                                                     Muslim and ethnic minority girls        have been awarded an opportunity            active is very important as sport           support to the maximum value
       their stories:                                                                      to get involved in athletics. Special   to develop my skills further using          helps children get fit, develop skills,
                                                                                           thanks to Tashan Daniel’s family
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           of £2,000 per person, per year.
       Swimming for the                                                                                                            specific equipment that the award           make friends and learn to manage
                                                                                           for this wonderful opportunity.”                                                                                                Applications will be assessed by
                                                                                                                                   has allowed me to purchase.                 emotional highs and lows. I want to
       Deaf Olympics                                                                       Becoming a local                                                                    be a sports role model encouraging          a panel, including a member of
                                                                                                                                      “I’m currently studying Art and
       Ryan Carstairs, aged 15 from                                                                                                                                            children of the importance of sport -       the Daniel family.
       Ruislip, is profoundly Deaf and
                                                                                           hockey coach                            Design at university and the bursary
                                                                                                                                   has been immensely helpful in               whatever their ability.”
       autistic, and swims for the Great                                                   Matthew Pledge, aged 20 from
                                                                                           Uxbridge, is studying Biochemistry      allowing me to use a wider range
       Britain Deaf Swimming Club. He                                                                                              of equipment. I’m hopeful that the                                                       Leader of the Council, Cllr
                                                                                           at the University of Warwick. He                                                                                                 Ian Edwards, said: "The Tashan
                                                                                           received £500 to complete an            award will assist me in gaining a
                                                                                                                                   degree and further my experience                                                         Daniel Award supports young
                                                                                                                                   for future employment.”                                                                  people in the borough to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            achieve their aspirations and
                                                                                                                                   Improving cross country
                                                Asmaa Abdirahman                                                                                                                                                            we’re so pleased that six
                                                                                                                                   performance                                                                              residents are already benefiting
                                                                                                                                   Abdirahim Hamud, aged 16,                                                                from the bursary.
                                                  Inspiring Muslim girls                                                           from West Drayton, is the current                                                           “Tashan was a keen sportsman
                                                                                                                                   Middlesex cross country champion
                                                  into athletics                                                                   and represents Hillingdon Athletics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            with a passion to compete in the
                                                  Asmaa Abdirahman, aged 14                                                                                                                                                 Olympic games as a world-class
                                                                                                                                   Club where Tashan trained. He was
                                                  from Hayes, represents Hillingdon                                                awarded £2,000 to attend a high-                                                         sprinter, and we hope that this
                                                  in cross country and won Gold at                                                 altitude training camp, invest in sports   Sophie Harper                                 tribute to him will help local
                                                  the London Youth Games in 2019.                                                  gear and undergo physiotherapy.                                                          young people to reach their goals
                                                  She attends Hillingdon Athletics                                                    He said: “I was very pleased that                                                     in sport, culture and education.”
     Ryan Carstairs                               Club and received £2,000 for                                                     I was accepted for a Tashan Daniel

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   i
                                                  equipment and coaching to help             Matthew Pledge                        Award as the funding will help me                                                         Further information is available at
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   www.hillingdon.gov.uk/tashan-daniel-award
12                      May/June 2021                                                                                                                                                                                                May/June 2021                     13
Businesses welcome back customers - Leisure centres reopen Enjoy the great outdoors £1 million for community projects - Hillingdon Council
section
              apprentices                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               section
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         mayor

     Supporting apprentices to                                                                                                         A memorable year as
     develop and gain new skills                                                                                                       Mayor of Hillingdon
     The council’s                                                                                                                     As the end of her term as Mayor approached, Hillingdon
                                              Tiarna Robinson
     apprenticeship scheme                    Tiarna, 21, from Northolt, joined the council’s
                                                                                                                                       People caught up with Cllr Teji Barnes to reflect on
     launched three years                     maintenance team as a business administration                                            what she calls her unusual but unforgettable year.

                                                                                                                                       C
                                              apprentice in February.
     ago and has since been                      Her role involves investigating and responding to                                             llr Barnes became Mayor                As restrictions eased at different       Following her term as Mayor, Cllr
     commended as one of                      queries from council tenants and councillors.                                                    last May while the country          periods in the year, Cllr Barnes was      Barnes plans to return to running her
                                                 Tiarna decided to apply for the role as she was                                               was already in national             also able to venture outside for          driving school, Learn With Teji Barnes,
     the most successful in                   interested in working in a position where she could                                      lockdown, limiting many of the              some socially distanced activities with   working with the IAM Roadsmart
     the UK, with more than                   help others. She previously undertook a work                                             activities and events that would            small groups. Highlights included         charity and serving as a member on the
                                              experience placement at a hostel for homeless people and is passionate about             usually take place in a Mayoral year.       a trip to Westminster Abbey in            London Road Safety Council. She also
     83 new apprentices and                   providing support for those in the community.                                               While ensuring government                September, laying wreaths at many         hopes to join various groups, some of
     151 existing employees                      So far, Tiarna has enjoyed this challenging role, in particular finding out           guidelines were strictly followed –         of the borough’s war memorials to         which she was introduced to as Mayor.
                                              about the diverse work her service undertakes and the many ways she can                  Cllr Barnes set out to reach as many        commemorate notable anniversaries,          She also plans to continue to
     trained in new skills.                   support residents.                                                                       people as possible during her time in       and visiting a school, bowls clubs,       collaborate with the Centre for ADHD
                                                                                                                                       the role. A task that she said pushed       various gardens and parks and a           and Autism Support, where she has

     H
                                                 Tiarna hopes that her experience in this 15-month apprenticeship, which will
            illingdon’s apprenticeship        lead to a Level 3 Business Administration qualification, will help her to progress       her to think outside the box, but one       vaccination centre.                       made some great friends.
            programme gives apprentices       her career at the council as she aspires to move into the housing team.                  that she took in her stride as she enjoys      Cllr Barnes added: “I would have         She said: “I am also passionate about
            the real-world experience            Tiarna said: “I am enjoying learning new skills and dealing with new                  a challenge and thrives on change and       loved to have held more parlour           understanding autism and ADHD and
     and training they need to gain           challenges, and it's good to be able to help tenants get their problems sorted.”         new experiences.                            visits for young schoolchildren           the effects these conditions have on the
     qualifications and forge a career,                                                                                                   Cllr Barnes said: “My entire year has    and groups, but apart from that I         individual adults, depending on their
     while also being paid and working                                                                                                 been amazing. The really special part       don’t think I felt like I had missed      gender. I have taken some training but
     towards an accreditation.                                                                                                         of all of this was that I got to meet so    out on things. Though one of the          will pursue further in-depth study to
       Apprentices at the council work                                                                                                 many people, albeit online. I have          unexpected opportunities, I felt very     improve my knowledge.
     in a variety of service areas, from      Fauzia Rehman                                                                            enjoyed the freedom to virtually            proud being a part of the World War         “On a final note, I would like to take
     horticulture, town planning, libraries   Three members of staff in the council’s Universal                                        meet residents of all ages, business        memorial proceedings last year. When      this opportunity to say thank you to
     and carpentry, to legal, accounts,       Youth Service successfully completed year-long                                           owners, clergy, service personnel and       restrictions were relaxed, I managed      everyone who has sent a donation to
     project planning and social work.        apprenticeships last September, which helped                                             the army of volunteers supporting           to visit the Battle of Britain Bunker,    my charity by texting, sending cash,
       This year, 13 new apprentices          them to develop their expertise and support their                                        the borough during this difficult time.     RAF Northolt and the Polish Air Force     cheque and bank transfer, it is very
     and 21 existing employees have           work at the council.                                                                     I also attended around 20 Scout and         Memorial and got the chance to meet       much appreciated.”
     undertaken courses.                        Among them was Fauzia Rehman, lead youth                                               Girl Guiding groups and met nearly          some of the airmen’s families.”
                                              and community worker, who completed a Level 3                                            the entire Uxbridge Stagecoach                 Cllr Barnes was disappointed
                                              Award in Youth Work Practice.                                                            attendees, of which there are 300. For      that she couldn’t hold the
                                                Fauzia, 40, from Hayes decided to apply because the course was                         me, every single minute of my year          activities planned to raise money
       Leader of the Council, Cllr            extremely relevant to her work, providing practical training that applied                has been exceptional.”                      for the charity but got behind all
       Ian Edwards, said: “I am very          youth work principles.                                                                      Another way Cllr Barnes stayed in        their fundraisers.
       proud of our apprentices’                She said: “I am passionate about my work with and for young people,                    touch with people was through the              She said: “It has been a very
       achievements, whether they are         where I am supporting them through their journey from childhood to                       creation of her very own YouTube            strange time for fundraising
       new to the council and taking on       adulthood. I applied for the course to improve my existing knowledge                     channel - a first for a Mayor in            during the Mayoralty. I did not
       a brand-new challenge, or are          and skills, so that I can better support young people in my role.                        Hillingdon. The channel, which              get the chance to do anything
       already an employee working              “This course helped me to gain a qualification that provides access to                 launched last August, allowed her to        the Mayor would normally
                                              degree level learning and a professional level youth work qualification.”                share her Mayoral experiences and           do to raise money as they
       hard to improve their skills while
                                                Before completing the course, Fauzia’s work mainly involved leading                    offer people a behind-the-scenes look       would have involved lots
       carrying out their day jobs.           a team of youth workers in delivering services to young people. Since
          “This scheme has achieved so                                                                                                 at her diary events.                        of meeting people. I had
                                              completing the apprenticeship, her role has expanded to include more                        She said: “I decided that to engage      thought about holding
       much in just three years and           managerial responsibilities and it has also seen her contributing to the                 with residents of all ages during my        virtual events and other
       provides wonderful                     content of services provided for residents.                                              term, I would need a medium that was        ideas such as releasing
       opportunities for residents to           Fauzia added: “I enjoy the confidence which I now have in performing                   becoming a part of everyday life, so        balloons, however, I decided
       earn while they learn. I               my role, due to the knowledge and skills I gained from completing this                   setting up a YouTube channel seemed         to work with the charity and
       encourage anyone interested in         course. My aspiration is to continue to develop my knowledge and skills,                 the most obvious solution."                 promote the fundraisers they
       applying for an apprenticeship         and to eventually be in a position to apply for a managerial position                       At the start of her term, the Mayor      held which included online
       to see if there might be one           within the youth work field.”                                                            rarely left the parlour, so the videos      quizzes and raffles. These
       offered at the council that is                                                                                                  were a great way to communicate with        virtual activities have been

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i
       right for them.”                                                                                                                residents and to publicise the work of      very successful, raising more than        To find out more about the Mayor’s

                                                                                                                                   i
                                                                           If you’re interested in starting an apprenticeship,         her nominated charity, the Centre for       £500 on nearly every event in ticket         Charity Appeal and donate, visit
                                                                                visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/apprenticeships            ADHD and Autism Support.                    sales alone.”                                   www.hillingdon.gov.uk/mayor

14                    May/June 2021                                                                                                                                                                                                      May/June 2021                      15
Businesses welcome back customers - Leisure centres reopen Enjoy the great outdoors £1 million for community projects - Hillingdon Council
section
               leisure                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     section
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            leisure
                                                                                                                                              • COVID-19 safety signs and                 When fitness classes resume,              “During lockdown I really missed
                                                                                                                                                floor stickers instructing you to       they will have:                           the socialising aspect of coming to
                                                                                                                                                keep a safe distance. The centres         • Capped attendance enabling            the gym. It’s really easy to book a
                                                                                                                                                are running at reduced capacity,             class-goers to remain at a safe      session via the app and all of the
                                                                                                                                                so you’ll always be able to                  distance at all times                equipment is very well spaced out
                                                                                                                                                maintain a safe distance from             • No member interaction or              so I feel safe returning.”  
                                                                                                                                                other visitors                               shared equipment  
                                                                                                                                              • Sanitisation stations that you            • Time dedicated to sanitising
                                                                                                                                                should use in between activities             your hands and wiping down
                                                                                                                                                or using any equipment.                      any equipment both before and
                                                                                                                                              For any gym, swim or fitness class             after use with the cleaning
                                                                                                                                            session booked, visitors will be given           products provided  
                                                                                                                                            a one-hour time slot to ensure that           • The possibility to be taken
                                                                                                                                            everyone has the chance to visit and             outside, weather permitting and
                                                                                                                                            enjoy the facilities. This slot includes         where enough space is available.  
                                                                                                                                            entering the building, taking part in         The specific location of your class
                                                                                                                                            your activity and leaving the building.     will be on your booking.  
                                                                                                                                              Face coverings should be worn until         Exercise mats for classes such as
                                                                                                                                            you commence your exercise activity.        yoga or Pilates will be provided but
                                                                                                                                            Swimming pool safety                        please ensure you clean them before       Fatema Tarawala
                                                                                                                                            measures                                    and after use with the sanitiser and
                                                                                                                                            Swimming pools will have:                   paper towel provided. Alternatively,        Fatema Tarawala, 38, from
                                                                                                                                              • A maximum of 10 swimmers in             you can bring your own mat.               Ickenham, said: “It’s great to be
                                                                                                                                                each lane of a 25-metre pool                                                      back at the gym and I feel very safe
                                                                                                                                              • Double-width lanes so visitors                                                    with all the safety measures in place.
                                                                                                                                                can keep a safe distance                                                            “Exercise has such a positive impact
                                                                                                                                              • Chlorine disinfectant                                                             on my physical and mental wellbeing
     UXBRIDGE LIDO REOPENS Cllr Barnes with the Lido Ladies Jessica Walker and Nicola Forster.                                                  in the water management                                                           and I always feel great when I get

     Welcoming you back safely
                                                                                                                                                systems, complying with                                                           back home. It’s great to be back!”
                                                                                                                                                government regulations, is
                                                                                                                                                proven to disinfect pathogens,
                                                                                                                                                including viruses such as
                                                                                                                                                COVID-19.                                                                            Cllr Susan O’Brien,
     A range of measures have been introduced                                                    Before you arrive                            When using the pool, please                                                            Cabinet Member for
                                                                                                 Before you arrive, you’ll need to:         show caution when overtaking and
     across our leisure centres to ensure local people                                             • Book a time slot via the Better        maintain social distancing.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Families, Education and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Wellbeing, said: “Exercise is
                                                                                                     UK app  
     can enjoy a range of activities and exercise                                                  • Arrive on time. If you arrive early,   Safety measures for                         Penny Good                                   a great way to reduce stress
     opportunities in a COVID-secure environment.                                                    you’ll need to queue outside           fitness classes                                                                          and anxiety, it improves health
                                                                                                     and if you arrive late, you won’t      Group exercise glasses are expected to      Penny Good, 73, from                         and emotional and physical

     F
                                                      (Ruislip), Hillingdon Sports and               be allowed access to the centre        be available for booking from Monday        Ruislip, said: “At my age, keeping           wellbeing, and Hillingdon has
          ollowing the government’s four-
                                                      Leisure Complex (Uxbridge)                   • Be changed into your activity          17 May (COVID-19 dependent). A              fit is my number one priority, as it         some of the best leisure
          step roadmap out of lockdown, the
                                                      and Queensmead Sports Centre                   clothes and shower at home if          hygiene station will be at the entrance     benefits not only my physical health
          outdoor pool at Hillingdon Sports                                                                                                                                                                                          facilities in London.
                                                      (South Ruislip) have a wealth of fitness       possible, as centres are trying to     of all fitness class studios.               but my mental wellbeing too.  
     and Leisure Complex reopened on                                                                                                                                                                                                   “GLL has introduced
     Monday 29 March, and on Monday                   activities to suit residents of all ages       limit access to showers and                                                                                                     measures to ensure the safety
     12 April all of Hillingdon’s council-run         and abilities.                                 changing rooms                                                                                                                  of visitors and staff by making
     leisure centres welcomed residents back.            There’s also no joining fee for a         • Bring your own water bottle,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     our centres COVID-secure. I
        The council’s contractor, Greenwich           limited time (subject to availability)         towel and hand sanitiser, if
                                                                                                     possible.                                                                                                                       would encourage residents to
     Leisure Limited (GLL) which operates             so there’s never been a better time
                                                      to become a member.                          An enhanced cleaning system is                                                                                                    look at the membership
     the centres under its Better brand,
     has introduced a range of COVID-19                                                                    in operation, but there are                                                                                               options available and by
     safety measures to help keep visitors                                                                 also some measures that                                                                                                   using your HillingdonFirst
     and staff safe, including pre-booked                                                                  residents can help with too.                                                                                              card you can make the most
     time slots and one-way systems.                                                                     Upon arriving                                                                                                               of reduced rates.”
        GLL will continue to review its                                                                  When you enter the leisure
     COVID-19 procedures and fitness                                                                     centre, please ensure that
     class timetable to ensure they are                                                                  you are wearing a face

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           i
     in line with the government’s latest                                                                covering and please sanitise                                                                                                  To book a fitness class, gym or
     public health recommendations.                                                                      your hands.                                                                                                                 swimming session, download the
        Our four leisure                                                                                   Around the centres there                                                                                                     Better UK app. Find out more
     centres Botwell Green Sports                                                                        will be:                                                                                                                     about the range of membership
     and Leisure Centre (Hayes),                                                                           • A one-way system that                                                                                                       options and classes available
     Highgrove Pool and Fitness Centre                                                                   you should follow at all times                                                                                                 by visiting www.better.org.uk  

16                      May/June 2021                                                                                                                                                                                                         May/June 2021                    17
Businesses welcome back customers - Leisure centres reopen Enjoy the great outdoors £1 million for community projects - Hillingdon Council
You can also read