Ruislip Residents’ Association TOWN CRIER March 2018 www.ruislipresidents.org.uk

Introducing ’s Flood Action Groups Working to stop this happening again... RUISLIP RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Founded 1919 PRESIDENT CONTENTS Brian Cowley

VICE-PRESIDENTS Joan Davis Peter Lansdown 3 Editorial

CHAIRMAN 4 Community Noticeboard Graham Bartram 5 Chairman's Message VICE-CHAIRMAN Mike Hodge 6 Education News TREASURER John Hawley 10 Flood Action Groups

SECRETARY 11 Trust - Events Patricia Wardle

CHIEF ROAD STEWARD 12 Conservation Concerns Alan Jones 15 Health Matters DEPUTY CHIEF ROAD STEWARD Vacant 17 Police Points EXECUTIVE Vivien Alcorn 20 Planning Update Brian Gunn Susan Midgley 21 Houses of Parliament Visits Paul Mitchell John Swindells John Williams 22 2018 Online Subscriptions

EDITOR 24 General Meeting - Poster Graham Bartram ✎ [email protected] ✆ 01895 673310 FO CONTACT US N’T RG Patricia Wardle O ET Honorary Secretary D 2018 Ruislip Residents’ Association Mail Boxes Etc. Box No. 231 Subscription 113 High Street Ruislip Due Middlesex Visit HA4 8JN ✎ [email protected] www.ruislipresidents.org.uk to pay online www.ruislipresidents.org.uk

2 Ruislip TOWN CRIER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Editorial Vacant POLICE LIAISON Brian Gunn

CONSERVATION It’s almost time for our Paul Mitchell telegram from HM The Queen! PUBLIC TRANSPORT Graham Bartram

Believe it or not, next year Ruislip Residents’ EDUCATION Susan Midgley Association will mark its centenary. We were founded in 1919 as Ruislip Ratepayers’ Association RAF NORTHOLT LIAISON Peter Lansdown and have been working for the community of Ruislip ever since. That makes us one of the oldest ENVIRONMENT Vacant residents’ associations in the country. We’ve been trying to think of an appropriate way of marking RUISLIP LIDO Peter Lansdown this momentous anniversary, but so far we’ve not come up with any great ideas. So what do you think HEALTH Joan Davis we should do? Suggestions gratefully received! RUISLIP RETAIL AREA In this edition of the Town Crier we have an article Vacant introducing the local Flood Action Groups (FLAGs), MANOR RETAIL AREA made up of volunteers who are working to prevent Vacant or reduce future flooding incidents, working with SOCIAL ACTIVITIES the council and other agencies. If you live in the Vivien Alcorn affected areas you could consider joining them. MEMBERSHIP Vacant

And no editorial would be complete without a plea TRAFFIC & PARKING for more volunteers! Look at the vacancies on the Vacant

right for ideas. SECRETARY Patricia Wardle

WEBSITE & IT Graham Bartram John Swindells Graham Bartram, Editor Pro Tem PLANNING Mike Hodge Please note that the views expressed in articles in the Town Crier are those of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Ruislip WOODLANDS Residents’ Association. Graeme Shaw

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 3 FRIENDS OF HOUSE GARDEN www.eastcotehousegardens.weebly.com Eastcote House Volunteer Gardeners meet on the 1st Friday, 2nd Friday and 3rd Thursday of every month, at 9.30am. Everyone welcome - tools and refreshments provided - no experience necessary. Meet in the car park at . Gardening dates: April 6th, 13th, 19th; May 4th, 11th, 17th; June 1st, 8th, 21st; July 6th, 13th, 19th; August 3rd, 10th, 16th. Conservation dates: April 26th; May 24th; June 28th; July 26th; August 23rd.

The Gardens Café is now open daily from 8.30am (10am on Sunday) until 2.00pm.

THE ARTS SOCIETY, Lecture Programme April-August 2018 Wednesdays at 2.00pm, Winston Churchill Hall - admission £7 to non-members 9 May Two Great Female Artists: Gentileschi Pamela Halford & Kaufmann 13 June English Caricature: Hogarth to Punch Andrew Davies 11 July Frick Collection, NYC, and the Wallace Hilary Williams & Knole Connection 8 August Freemasonry and Women, Art and Beauty Yasha Beresiner

RUISLIP, NORTHWOOD & EASTCOTE LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Lecture Programme April-November 2018 Meetings held in St Martin’s Church Hall, 8.15pm. Visitors welcome.

16 April Architecture of the London Underground Oliver Green Transport Author & Lecturer 17 September The Story of Thames Watermen Pat Hilbert 15 October AGM & Old Houses of Tony Mitchell 19 November From Blackwall to Bishop Rock - Britain’s historic lighthouses Tom Nancollas

4 Ruislip TOWN CRIER Chairman’s Message RRA

Well better late than opinion. The main reason appears to have never, as the saying been that Uxbridge Police Station will sell goes! It has taken a for more than Hayes End Police Station. lot longer than we Ruislip Police Station was also due to close, had hoped to sort but has been reprieved for now, thanks to out and update all our position in the north of the borough, our membership infor- and the volunteers who staff it. mation, but at last our new website is on- line and you can see it at: In addition, from June this year there http://www.ruislipresidents.org.uk will no longer be a Hillingdon division of the Metropolitan Police - instead we are An important part of the new website being merged with Ealing and Hounslow is the ability to pay your membership to form a new super division, with Chief subscription online, using a debit or Superintendant Paul Martin in charge. We credit card. Pages 22 and 23 go through have been assured that there will be no the process step-by-step. It looks reduction in our local neighbourhood complicated, but it really isn’t. We rely on policing. Read Brian Gunn’s report on your subscriptions to pay for the running page 17 for more about the changes. of the association, including printing the Town Crier, so please take a few moments HS2 have released some design proposals to try out the new system and pay this for the Colne Valley Viaduct, which will year’s subscription - it’s only £2.50! carry the railway across the River Colne, the and several lakes. You As you may have seen in the local media can download the document as a PDF from it’s been all change in the Metropolitan http://hs2inhillingdon.commonplace.is, (I Police. The public counter at Uxbridge don’t know why it’s an Icelandic website!) Police Station has closed, and instead where you can find other news from HS2 Ltd. we are meant to use the less accessible Hayes End Police Station. When a public I hope to see as many of you as possible at consultation was held on this, the feeling our meeting in April (see the back page), of the meeting was overwhelmingly but in the meantime if you see me on the against the change, but the Mayor of High Street feel free to stop me for a chat! London’s MOPAC office ignored local Graham Bartram, Chairman, ✆ 01895 673310

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 5 Schools Education News Susan Midgley

PUPILS FROM SACRED HEART RC PRIMARY First to perform were Year 6 pupils who SCHOOL ENTERTAIN LOCAL CITIZENS were followed by children from Years 2 Although Christmas seems a very long and 5. The children sang many of the well- time ago, I thought readers would like to known Christmas songs and carols, much know about the good things local chil- to the delight of the audience, some of dren have done recently to brighten the whom joined in. lives of others. Pupils from Sacred Heart were involved in two events in the period This was an enjoyable experience both for leading up to Christmas 2017. the pupils and their audience. The pupils should have felt satisfied with the way Hillingdon branch of the Stroke Asso- they brightened up the afternoon for the ciation held their first Christmas lunch for local stroke survivors and carers. stroke survivors and carers at Ruislip Rug- by Club on Tuesday, December 12th. The The second event in which the pupils club generously provided a room free of were involved was the annual Christmas charge for the event. The branch provides Party for local senior citizens. The event is a support service for stroke survivors and advertised on the school website and via carers in the borough by offering various emails to local parish offices. social activities and home visits. On December 18th, Year 6 pupils hosted As Sacred Heart is within walking distance the event which took place in the school of the club, Miss T McManus, the Head- hall. Ms McManus was in reception to teacher, was approached by the branch greet the guests and Year 6 pupils were and asked whether pupils could sing for stationed at the entrance to the hall to the visitors after lunch. She readily agreed welcome their guests and show them to a and Mrs L Gee brought with her the table. The pupils were very attentive hosts school’s keyboard so she could accom- who served everyone with tea, coffee and pany and lead the singers. cakes provided by the Parents’ Associa- tion. Some of the pupils said that it made

6 Ruislip TOWN CRIER them happy to see their guests having a good time and it also gave them a sense of responsibility.

The entertainment was provided by pu- pils from Reception to Year 6 whose sing- ing was delightful. Also Mrs Gee and two pupils played We Wish You A Merry Christ- mas on their flutes. Sacred Heart pupils singing for Stroke The senior citizens thoroughly enjoyed Survivors at Ruislip Rugby Club the afternoon and it was heart-warming to see children happily giving something back to their community.

UXBRIDGE COLLEGE A LEVEL BEST “VALUE ADDED” IN LONDON Uxbridge College is the best college in London for Value Added at A level as well as being one of the best colleges in the UK, according to Government figures.

Value Added is a measure of how much Mrs Gee and pupils playing their flutes at Sacred Heart RC Primary School improvement students make compared to their peers nationally. Sometimes de- scribed as “distance travelled”, Value Add- ed reflects how much “value” a school or college adds to its students by comparing students’ achievement levels before they begin their A levels to their performance when they finish. The Department for Ed- ucation (DfE) figures show that 16-18 year olds taking A levels are making better pro- gress at Uxbridge College than any other Sixth Form College or Further Education Ashuit Khanna and Vlad Bunys College in Hillingdon, or the capital as a celebrate their A level results

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 7 whole. The figures for 2017 measure stu- service where they find candidates with dent improvement which produces what the right skills and experience to meet are known as Value Added scores. The sta- the needs of the schools in order to best tistics rank the progress of students at all A equip them make decisions that are right level providers including colleges, school for them and best for their pupils/stu- sixth forms and independent schools. dents. This ensures that the skills mem- bers of the community bring to the role Amanda Washbrook, Head of Uxbridge have maximum impact for the schools College Sixth Form Centre said: “It’s re- where they are appointed as governors. ally important to us that we help every student achieve the very best they can School governors have three core roles: while they are here with us, whether they i Setting the vision and strategic direc- achieved Cs or A*s at GCSE. Increasingly, tion for the school. measures of progress such as the A level ii Holding the Head Teacher to account Value Added score are viewed as the best for the educational performance of the indicator of how well a school or college school. is doing for its students. It is good to see iii Ensuring financial probity and that the that the DfE data that has just been pub- school is making the best use of its lished reflects the hard work of all my staff money. and the excellent progress our A level stu- dents are making.” This is an exciting opportunity to improve the quality of education for local children. Congratulations to all the College’s staff Members of the community will make a and students. valuable contribution to the educational outcomes of local schools, while at the ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING same time learning new skills. A SCHOOL GOVERNOR? Governors for Schools are currently un- If you think you have relevant skills, would dertaking a recruitment drive to be gov- like more information or to volunteer, visit: ernors in Hillingdon to address a current http://www.becomeagovernor.com need for new governors in the local area. They provide a free outstanding recruit- DR LEWIS OWENS RUNS 100 MILES ment and placement service for skilled TO RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY and committed people to be governors By the time this article is published Dr and trustees of schools and academies. Lewis Owens, a Ruislip resident, will have They work on a skills-based matching completed his run from Ruislip to Can-

8 Ruislip TOWN CRIER terbury to raise money for the Prisoners’ Dr Owens’ motivation for his challenge Education Trust (PET). This charity which stemmed from his interest in the history was founded in 1989 has been providing of his local church, St Martin’s, Ruislip access to broader learning opportunities which is dedicated to St Martin of Tours for some of the poorest and under-privi- who cared deeply for the plight of the leged prisoners to enhance their chances poor and vulnerable. Easter seemed an of building a better life after their release. appropriate time to undertake his 100 mile run which began on Friday, March 23rd from St Martin’s, Ruislip and ended on Easter Sunday, April 1st at St Martin’s Church, Canterbury.

Lewis’ aim was to raise £10,000. At the time of writing (March 3rd) the total raised was just under £8,000 of which £6,125 had been donated to the Myosotis Trust, a charity founded by a lady from Ruislip, Carol Daniel, to improve the physical, spir- itual and mental health of the poor, the sick and orphaned in Barlad, Eastern Ro- Dr Lewis Owens mania. The remainder of the total raised Dr Owens is the founder and manag- will go to the Prisoners’ Education Trust. ing director of Edmission UK, a London- based consultancy advising students and Readers who would like more information families globally on UK Higher Education, about Lewis’ challenge should visit: Music and The Arts. He is also a respected http://www.stmartins-challenge.co.uk playwright and is currently writing his first For anyone who would like to make a novel The Pentonville Experiment which is donation the page will be open for two set in Ruislip in 1842/3 and based on his- weeks after the event. torical research. Lewis is also a trustee of the Autism Research Trust at Cambridge Residents will be able to discover the fi- University and author of the Archie’s Way nal amount raised by visiting the Ruislip children’s e-books, all proceeds of which Residents’ Association website and going go to autism charities. He also volunteers to the Education page. at Pentonville Prison and Feltham Young Offenders Institute. ✎ [email protected]

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 9 Flooding Flood Action Groups

Residents of Ruislip have suffered from lowing a Natural Flood Management flooding over many years, most recently (NFM) funding grant from the Environ- in June 2016 when a number of areas were ment Agency, work is planned to start in badly affected. Many householders felt Park Wood later this year. As Park Wood is there was little help received at the time or an SSSI and NNR, any work has to be ap- subsequently from a number of agencies. proved by Natural England. Consequently, they decided to take some action themselves and three Flood Action The FLAG have conducted several walks in Groups (FLAGs) were formed last year in or- Park Wood with various agencies to show der to have more communication and con- them the current situation. Work is under sultation with Hillingdon Council, Environ- way to investigate the Park Wood network ment Agency, Thames Water and Affinity. of drainage channels, which direct surface water towards the . If anyone The three FLAGS are: North Ruislip FLAG knows Park Wood well and would like to (NRFLAG), covering residents of Broad- contribute their knowledge, the FLAG wood and Park Avenue, and neighbour- would be pleased to hear from them. ing streets; Cannon Brook FLAG (CBFLAG), ✎ [email protected] covering residents along the Cannon Brook; and Brook Drive & Evelyn Avenue Cannon Brook FLAG (CBFLAG) FLAG (BDEAFLAG), covering the two Four houses along Wallington Close named roads. Their email addresses are flooded on the 23rd June 2016; some given below each item: residents were out of their homes for over three months and it took almost a year to North Ruislip FLAG (NRFLAG) fully settle insurance claims and get hous- The main flood risk for this group is from es back to a livable state. Park Wood, caused mainly by heavy sum- mer deluges, or prolonged winter rain The FLAG are working to secure funding and melting snow. and improvement works along the Can- non Brook, with assistance from various After an initial setup period, they and agencies. As it stands Cannon Brook is the Council are making progress and, fol- not in a position to cope with large down-

10 Ruislip TOWN CRIER pours. Some residents have the added veyed and blockages cleared (including a complication of being ‘Riparian Owners’ of considerable blockage in Evelyn Avenue Cannon Brook. The FLAG are seeking clari- which would have no doubt exacerbated fication of this issue and its repercussions, the surface water flooding in June 2016). so residents have a better understanding. The local sewers have now been placed ✎ [email protected] on an annual cleaning programme.

Brook Drive & Evelyn Avenue FLAG (BDEAFLAG) The FLAG has met with representatives This FLAG has worked with Thames Wa- of the Environment Agency and remains ter to start sorting out the local drainage optimistic that plans for flood alleviation - sewer pipes in Evelyn Avenue (which work which are due to be shared later in were previously unknown to Thames March will have the appropriate impact to Water) have now been placed on their stop flooding in the area. sewer mapping (and will therefore be ✎ [email protected] maintained). Sewer pipes have been sur-

RUISLIP WOODS TRUST Upcoming Spring events

The Ruislip Woods Festival takes place on Sunday 13th May between Noon and 4.30pm at Bayhurst Wood, beside Break- spear Road North. Entry is free, as is car

ST parking. See the poster for more details. OO

On Saturdays 12th and 19th May there will be Guided Bat Walks at 8.30pm (meet from 7.30pm), starting from the Wood- land Centre, Ruislip Lido. There is a charge of £2 per adult (£1 per child). Numbers are limited to 50. If it has rained in the two hours before the walk the bats will not come out and the walk will be cancelled.

http://www.ruislipwoodstrust.org.uk

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 11 Conservation Conservation Concerns Paul Mitchell

PLANNING APPLICATIONS IN RUIS- ern end of the High Street, with 13 of LIP CONSERVATION AREAS AND AR- them in the High Street, six in Bury Street, EAS OF SPECIAL LOCAL CHARACTER six in Road and four in Sharps RECEIVED DURING THE SECOND Lane. HALF OF 2017 I thought it would be of interest to give a The most common type of application was summary of the planning applications re- for an extension – with half of the 44 being ceived during the second half of last year of this type. Most of these were rear exten- – to help residents understand the scale sions – which tend to be less contentious. and nature of the activity and the reasons The second most common type of applica- that some applications have been refused tion was for loft or garage conversions, fol- by the Council. lowed by “change of use” and signage.

In total, within the Ruislip Conservation The seven refused applications were of Areas and Areas of Special Local Character, various types (ie. loft conversions, exten- 44 planning applications were received sions, signage and other), but the com- during the period July to December 2017 mon core reason for refusal was the im- (some of which were multiple related pact on the character of the area. This was ones at the same site). evident in the reasons for refusal quoted - whether it was due to the size and design Of those 44 applications, 25 were ap- of the extension or loft conversion or the proved, seven refused, one was with- visual intrusiveness of the proposed new drawn and the remaining 11 remained signs. The refused applications are listed undecided as at end January 2018. Of the on the following two pages: seven refused applications, two had gone to appeal as at end January 2018.

The locations of the applications were largely focused in and around the north-

12 Ruislip TOWN CRIER Address Application Reason for Refusal 26A Ickenham Householder Planning The proposed first floor side extension, by rea- Road Consent application for son of its siting in this open prominent position, first floor side exten- size, scale, bulk and design would fail to appear sion to form a master as a subordinate addition and would thus fail to bedroom harmonise with the architectural composition of the original dwelling, would be detrimental to the character, appearance and visual amenities of the street scene and would fail to either pre- serve or enhance the character or appearance of the surrounding Ruislip Village Conservation Area. 3-5 High Street Advertisement Consent The proposed externally illuminated aluminium (Zaza) application for the panel sign by reason of its position on the build- implementation of one ing, size, and overall appearance would appear illuminated sign (incl visually intrusive and an incongruous addition Listed Building Consent) to a simple elevation. The signs would therefore fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Ruislip Village Conservation Area and would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the existing and adjoining properties and the visual amenity of the street scene. 3 King Ed- Conversion of the loft The roof alteration/extensions, by reason of the wards Road space to habitable use size, scale, bulk, and design of the rear dormer to include two rear/side would fail to harmonise with the architectural dormers composition of the original detached dwelling- house, would be detrimental to the character of the Conservation Area and to the visual ameni- ties of the locality. 2 Sharps Lane Variation of condition The proposed two storey side/rear extension, by No.10 (Approved Plans) reason of its roof design would fail to harmonise of Secretary of State’s with the architectural composition of the origi- Appeal Decision ref: APP/ nal dwelling, would be detrimental to the char- R5510/D/17/3172956 acter, appearance and visual amenities of the dated 25/07/2017 street scene and would fail to either preserve or (LBH ref: 12519/ enhance the character or appearance of the sur- APP/2016/3412 dated rounding Ruislip Village Conservation Area. 13/09/2016); Two storey side/rear extension and single storey side/rear extension

Continued on next page...

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 13 Address Application Reason for Refusal 19 Sharps Lane Application for a non- The proposed plans indicate amendments material amendment to which would result in a change in the de- planning permission Ref: sign and appearance of the building and an 30003/APP/2015/2138 increased size of the building in relation to the dated 18/02/2016 to roof and cannot be considered as non-material allow for amendments to as they represent a form of development be- fenestration on eleva- yond the scope of the planning approval. The tions (Two-storey rear proposed amendments would affect the char- extension, conversion of acter and appearance of the proposed building roof space to habitable and the street scene and potentially impact on use to include a rear the amenity of the neighbouring properties. The dormer with roof light potential impacts therefore need to be consid- and one side roof light ered as part of a full planning application. involving part demoli- tion of existing first floor side element with alterations to front and side elevations and new timber gate to front) 34 Kingsend Installation of internally The proposed illuminated fascia and the two illuminated fascia sign free standing signs by reason of their siting, and replacement of drive overall size and means of illumination, would hoarding and installation appear visually intrusive and out of keeping of 1 additional hoarding with the existing building and surrounding resi- dential locality. The signs would therefore fail to ensure that the character and appearance of the Ruislip Village Conservation Area is preserved or enhanced and would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the existing and adjoining properties and the visual amenity of the street scene. 34 Sharps First floor rear exten- The proposed rear extension, by reason of its Lane sion and installation of size, scale, bulk, width and design, would fail pitched roof to existing to appear as a subordinate addition and would side extension thus fail to harmonise with the architectural composition of the original dwelling and would fail to either preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the surrounding Ruislip Village Conservation Area.

More information is available via the RRA website under “Conservation”.

14 Ruislip TOWN CRIER Health Health Matters Joan Davis

REGIONAL ISSUES Mount Vernon Cancer Centre threat: Shaping a Healthier Future: Funding for NHS England’s refusal to pay for MVCC’s this bold programme, initiated by NHS use of cyberknife for brain secondary can- NW London, is still not agreed. cers has been overcome by MVCC linking with University College London NHS FT so that it can work under that trust’s man- date.

HILLINGDON CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUP (CCG) Community Dermatology Contract Collaborative working across the eight NW Extension: The Concordia Health Lim- London Clinical Commissioning Groups: ited contract has been extended for six Each CCG remains legally responsible for months with the intention of a further its own health services but they are col- extension from April 2018, hopefully at a laborating to provide similar services and reduced cost. However, referrals for sus- they have appointed a shared Account- pected cancer continue to be directed able Officer and a shared Chief Financial straight to the Hillingdon Hospital service Officer. They are setting up a Joint Com- and will not be triaged by the community mittee to meet in public ten times per service. year to agree NHS services in NW London. Finance: Overall at end of November the Royal Brompton threat: NHS England’s CCG was on target to achieve its year to threat to end Royal Brompton’s congeni- date surplus of £0.3m and forecasting tal heart services has been overcome achievement of its planned in-year sur- by the Trust forming a partnership with plus of £0.5m, but it needed to achieve Kings College Partners including Guy’s 45% of its planned savings in the last four and St Thomas’ NHS FT, and South Lon- months of the financial year. don and Maudsley NHS FT.

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 15 Hillingdon’s Better Care Fund: The first Funding: NHS Improvement has agreed a performance report on delivery of the two year programme costing £8.14m, and 2017/19 plans and the management of £1.5m has been awarded for A&E expansion, the pooled budget by Hillingdon Coun- making the funding for the year £9.64m, cil showed that non-elective admissions but demand for capital expenditure ex- to hospital of patients over 65 years had ceeds the allocation in every category. soared, and there was an increase in falls requiring hospital beds, but admissions Finance: At end of December the Trust’s from care homes was on track. underlying deficit for the year was £16m - £18m, £1.3m behind plan. HILLINGDON HOSPITAL NHS FT Visit of Secretary of State for Health: CENTRAL & NORTH WEST LONDON Jeremy Hunt and Boris Johnson (MP NHS FT for Uxbridge and ) visited Hillingdon mental health funding: Al- Hillingdon Hospital on 4th January. It though still low, Hillingdon’s funding has was agreed that Hillingdon Hospital is improved and no longer causes its former amongst the top five hospitals nationally concern. requiring redevelopment - the Trust’s es- tate backlog is currently £230m. London adolescents who need mental health beds: There are currently no ado- lescent mental health beds in London so youngsters requiring such admittance are always placed either in private beds lo- cally or in out of area NHS beds. The trust is trying to address this issue.

The Community Voice “Hard of Hearing Campaign”: RRA is a member of The Com- Jeremy Hunt, Boris Johnson, Richard munity Voice, which asks all local people Sumray and Shane de Garis to participate in its campaign to improve hearing facilities in surgeries, shops, res- Car Parking: There is no change in the taurants and meeting rooms. Details tariffs at Hillingdon and Mount Vernon from Joan Davis on ✆ 01895 636095. hospitals this year. The Trust’s charges are actually lower than some other local NHS Trusts and are in the lower band nationally.

16 Ruislip TOWN CRIER Police Police Points Brian Gunn

POLICE ORGANISATION SHAKE-UP els expected to fall even further. The aim I start off this edition’s report on policing of the reorganisation is to allow flexibility matters with a topic that has been, and still and better deliver the same core functions is, causing concern for our local residents such as Neighbourhood policing, Emer- – the thorny matter of the changes being gency responses, CID,loll and safeguarding brought about in the policing of our Area. issues. Many of you will have heard of the changes which are due to be implemented over the So – what are the changes and how will next few months with a “go live” date of they impact on Ruislip residents? June 2018. Hopefully the information set out below will explain the changes and al- First, the existing structure will change lay (at least some of ) the fears regarding and be replaced by a tri-Borough system these changes. As you may know there with Hillingdon merging with Ealing and have been some changes made already, Hounslow becoming our West Area Basic with Uxbridge Police Station being closed Command Unit. This is being led by Chief as a public counter service operating sta- Superintendent Paul Martin, who will have tion and that facility now being operated taken up his new role by mid-March, and from Hayes. Nevertheless, the Police are is assisted at HQ level by Superintendent keen to stress that they are committed Colin Wingrove. The Police have stated that to providing a proper service level deliv- increasing community confidence is a pri- ery at local level. The changes have been ority for them and they look to build on the brought about due to the financial con- success of the local Neighbourhood Boards straints being placed on policing through and Panels. They will maintain the support the previous 32 Borough Command Units at Ward level of having two dedicated Ward across London – all with differing size units, Officers and one PCSO in each Ward under resources and issues. Some stations have the supervision of a Police Sergeant. These closed down and will undoubtedly be officers will work on local priorities which sold off as the Met have to save some £325 are generally set (and reviewed) at the Saf- million by 2021/2 and police officer lev- er Neighbourhood Panel meetings which I

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 17 attend on behalf of the Association in the Officer counter coverage on Wednesdays West Ruislip and Eastcote & East Ruislip between 5-6pm and also on Saturdays be- Wards. Anti-social behaviour and licens- tween 2-3pm. ing issues are to be addressed by manage- ment within a single team. It is also claimed No doubt there will be wrinkles along the that with an increase in calls to 999 or 101 way to full implementation but you can systems more officers will be available for rest assured that I and colleagues on the responding to these calls across Borough Safer Neighbourhood Boards and Panels boundaries and response officers will be will be keeping a close eye on how these trained to investigate some of these re- plans work out in practice. ported crimes rather than handing them over to other officers – providing a better OTHER MATTERS service to victims and witnesses. Addition- There are a few other items that I want to ally the Police will continue to deal with a report on. In my last report I mentioned greater proportion of crime online or by anti social behaviour on the High Street in telephone giving residents choices as to Ruislip. I met with a number of local resi- how they contact them and thereby reduc- dents who expressed concerns regarding ing demand on response officers. alleged incidents of robberies committed against local young people by other, older As far as Ruislip Police Station is concerned youngsters. Following liaison with the Saf- – there were concerns as to whether it er Neighbourhood team, then led by Sgt would remain open as an operational Sta- Peaks, a lot of investigative work followed tion for reporting crime or for contacting and further meetings were held, also with the Police. Our concerns had been made the help and assistance of Cllr Philip Cor- known to senior Police Officers and there thorne. Although there were genuine in- has been public consultation over local po- cidents reported, following investigation licing issues in the context of these propos- from our meetings, a number turned out als. Happily I can report that Ruislip Police to have occurred outside our Area. Some Station will remain open for contact by the were unsupported by evidence ( mainly public. The front counter will be manned as the victims and parents were naturally by volunteer staff between Mondays and fearful that there may be reprisals where Fridays 10am to 5pm and it is also antici- the alleged offender was known to them) pated that volunteer staff will also provide and some had simply not happened as coverage on Saturdays between 10am to alleged. We were assured that the police 1pm (dependent upon their personal avail- will provide any necessary support for vic- ability), additionally there will be Police tims and witnesses and will advise on the

18 Ruislip TOWN CRIER measures that can be taken to address If you would like to follow the Police SNT such fears, protect victims /witnesses and for your area and find out more of what enable formal action to be taken against is happening you can do this via their offenders. So a plea – do report such mat- live website: https://met.police.uk/your- ters and not (as has happened in some area/hillingdon followed by your area, ie. / cases) just post them on Facebook or eastcote-and-east-ruislip, /manor or /west- Twitter. When such incidents occur they ruislip. are regarded as particularly serious by the ✎ [email protected] police and offenders should not be able to “get away with it” because of fear of re- SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAMS prisals – indeed any such conduct, even AND CONTACTS if only threatened, is a serious offence in itself. West Ruislip Sgt Samantha Quinn Issues to be aware of – first there has been PC Aran Johnstone a lot of publicity about moped/scooter en- PC Darren Roe abled crime in the London Area and there PCSO Paul Brighton is a reported increase in moped/scooter ✎ [email protected] theft – the police advise owners need ✆ 020 8721 2547 to be particularly vigilant in safeguard- ing their vehicles to prevent such crimes. Eastcote & East Ruislip Second, the “broken wing mirror” scam is Sgt David Peaks evident in our locality – where a motorist PC Andrew Murphy claims that you have damaged/broken his PC Satnam Kang already broken wing mirror and demands PCSO Gemma Robinson cash for it to be repaired. It is a fraud – ✎ [email protected] don’t fall for it - call the police to report it. ✆ 020 8721 2548

Lastly – as we have gone to print the Manor Spring and Summer months will be upon Sgt Alicia Botha us (thankfully!) - but I issue my yearly re- PC Ajay Shah minder – please be vigilant about not leav- PC Andrew Phillips ing windows/doors open or vehicles un- PCSO Gurbinder Sandhu locked – “lock it or lose it” is the watchword ✎ [email protected] - help keep Billy Burglar away! ✆ 020 8721 2549

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 19 Planning Planning Update Mike Hodge & John Williams

LAND FORMING PART OF 2 ARLINGTON DRIVE: TELECOMS MAST, KING’S COLLEGE ROAD: On adjoining land to that which features a Controversially, this mast was erected listed building, proposals to construct two after initially being refused by local plan- new detached two storey houses having ners. It is not clear whether any appeal been refused by local planners went to was made or was successful and it is im- appeal on 23rd February. The appeal is likely portant that all decisions made are seen to be decided by an exchange of written to be transparent. representations. Whilst it is difficult to predict the outcome, we are, as an Association, in RUISLIP HIGH SCHOOL SIDMOUTH DRIVE: favour of a dismissal of the appeal. A new three-storey linked building is pro- posed as the school has to allow for ex- pansion and growth. The local authority are currently looking for another site in the Ruislip area for a new school to meet the increasing demand.

© Google StreetView COMMENTS ON THE NEW DRAFT 2 Arlington Drive LONDON PLAN LAND TO REAR OF 51-53 PEMBROKE ROAD: The London Plan is an important docu- An application to permit the construction ment, produced by the GLA, that influ- of two 3-bed detached bungalows as a ences all planning and infrastructure ‘back garden’ development having been decisions in Greater London. RRA will be refused by local planners has gone to ap- submitting the following comments on peal and will be decided on the basis of the draft plan, which can be found at: an exchange of written representations. https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/ We feel that a presumption against ‘back planning/london-plan/new-london-plan garden’ development should continue to be supported and await the outcome of Whilst recognising the challenges facing the appeal with some interest. London over the next few years we gener-

20 Ruislip TOWN CRIER ally support the submission already made Chapter 8 - Green Infrastructure and by Hillingdon Council on the Draft Plan. Natural Environment In addition we wish to express our par- The probable loss of Open Space to en- ticular concerns about the detrimental ef- sure an adequate supply of land for the fect the current proposals would have on new schools, health centres, etc. that our town in the following areas: would be required, should the increase in the number of new homes be adopted. Chapter 4 - Housing The threefold increase in the annual num- The removal of the presumption against ber of new homes proposed for the Bor- back garden development. The current ough and the increase in demand this policy enhances the local environment would result in on transport, health, edu- and also provides a refuge for wildlife. cation services etc. Chapter 10 - Transport Chapter 7 - Heritage & Culture The proposed decrease in parking stand- Proposals to develop in these areas ards. Many residents of the outer Bor- should respect the current planning re- oughs work in areas not easily accessed quirements, eg. Conservation, Area of by public transport and the use of a car Special Local Character, etc., to ensure the is essential to maintain their employment local character is maintained. potential. Houses of Parliament Visit Vivien Alcorn I am pleased to announce another oppor- including a phone number (if possible a tunity to visit the Houses of Parliament, mobile one). Please state whether you thanks to a Special Permit sent from the would like one or two places reserved. office of Nick HurdMP . Confirmation and further details will be sent once all places are allocated. NB: The trip will take place on Monday, 30th Please let me know if you unsuccessfully April, travelling by tube, and a guided tour applied for a previous trip. is included. 20 places are available - two per household - and will be reserved on a first come, first served basis. If you would like to be included, please contact me by email at ✎ [email protected] -

Ruislip TOWN CRIER 21 RRA 2018 Online Subscriptions

It’s taken longer than we had hoped, but and the postcode is how we locate your at long last the RRA’s membership system home in our list of all the houses in Ruislip. has been computerised. The delay was mainly due to the massive task of input- ting all of last year’s subscription forms When you click ‘Find My Address’ a sec- and receipt book foils, but that has now ond line will appear on the form showing been accomplished. a drop-down menu followed by a but- ton saying ‘That’s My Address’. When you Now that we have all the records, we can click on the drop-down menu you will see now offer online subscription payment. all the homes that share your postcode. This will make life easier, both for our Choose your home and then click on the members and our volunteers who have ‘That’s My Address’ button. to process the payments and keep the re- cords up-to-date. If you pay online, all that work is done automatically!

To use the new payment system, visit: The system will then tell you if you have http://www.ruislipresidents.org.uk, and already paid your 2018 subscription and choose ‘Online Membership Payment’ give the option of adding a donation. As from the ‘About Us’ menu. This will take we failed to get the system online in time you to the payment system, which is on for 2017, it also offers you the option of a secure part of our website (you should paying your 2017 subscription, unless you see a padlock symbol appear near the already have. Below this is a grey box for page’s address or title). entering your card details. We accept Visa, Mastercard or American Express. It needs The web page has instructions on it, but your card number, the expiry date and we’ll take you through the process here: the security code (the three digit code on the back of your card, or if you are using The first thing to do is enter your email ad- an Amex card the four digit code on the dress and postcode. Your email address is front). When you have entered the details needed to send you the payment receipt, click ‘Pay with Card’. Don’t worry, we don’t

22 Ruislip TOWN CRIER see or store your card details. That is all handled by Stripe.com, our card processor.

That’s it - it takes a lot longer to explain it If the payment goes through successfully than to actually do it! you will then see your name as it appears in our records. If it’s wrong then just type If you don’t have online access, then you the correct name in the boxes and click can still pay by filling in the form below ‘Update My Details’. You may also opt-out and sending cash or cheque to the ad- of receiving any emails from RRA. We don’t dress on the form, or deliver it by hand. If often send out emails, but in future the sys- you don’t want to cut-up your Town Crier tem will hopefully email you once a year to just copy the information onto a piece of remind you to pay your subscription. paper and include it with your payment. Please detach and return this form: ✂ To: Hon. Treasurer, Ruislip Residents’ Association, Mail Boxes Etc. Box No. 231, 113 High Street, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 8JN

Please find enclosed £2.50 for the 2018 subscription and a donation of £ ...... giving a total of £ ...... which is paid by cash*/cheque* (* please circle method chosen) Cheques should be made payable to ‘Ruislip Residents’ Association’. Please do not send coins by post, and avoid using staples or sellotape. The cashing of your cheque is proof of its receipt.

Name(s): ...... Address: ...... Post Code: ...... We are always looking for volunteers, so please supply your email address if you are interested in helping to deliver the Town Crier.

Email address: ...... Ruislip TOWN CRIER 23 RUIsLIP ReSIDEnTS’ aSSOCIATION GENERAL MEETING

7.45pm, Thursday, 26th April 2018 Winston Churchill Hall Pinn Way, Ruislip HA4 7QL Doors open at 7.30pm The talk will be by A/Superintendant Ricky Kandohla on the Metropolitan Police Tri-Borough Reorganisation followed by an Open Forum, with questions to a panel of RRA representatives. The meeting will end at 10pm Wine, fruit juices and snacks will be served Open Forum items to the Secretary by Thursday, 19th April 2018 The next meeting is on the 13th September 2018