December 2008 Archives

RESIDENTS have expressed anger over plans to increase the number of bus stops to a route because they fear it will provide more places for drivers to urinate.

The proposals are being made for the U7 bus route, which runs from Uxbridge Bus Station to Charville Lane Estate and would bring additional stops to Charville Lane and Hewen Road in Hayes.

But residents say the area does them and they already see both women and men drivers urinating at nearby stops. They are also concerned because they feel Charville Lane is too narrow for buses and it will lead to more accidents on an already very dangerous road.

Nicola Brightman, of Charville Lane, Hayes, said: "Bus drivers have been seen peeing at the existing bus stop in Hopner Road and if we have new stops they will be doing that there too. Obviously people don't want their children to be looking at that sort of thing.
"If the proposals go ahead it will mean paving over green belt land and this is such a lovely rural bit of Hayes."

Jonathan Hayles of Turner Close, Hayes, said: "The proposed locations of the bus stops are sheer madness. It's right near a hazardous, busy corner which gets heavily congested at school opening and closing times.

"A previous extended bus service was withdrawn due to lack of interest and that's because the bus services in Charville Lane and on the Uxbridge Road, already serve the area very well."

Councillor Peter Curling who represents Charville ward, said: "The residents who have contacted me have said they have not been given any consultation about this.

"They are concerned because some bus drivers are using the bushes opposite their homes as a toilet. I've even been told a resident has seen a female bus driver urinating whilst standing on the entrance platform of her bus."

A TfL spokesperson said: "The changes to route U7 are being introduced next spring in response to requests from local residents. The re-routed U7 will provide residents of the Charville Lane Estate with a quicker link to Hillingdon Hospital and Uxbridge, and a new direct bus to the Hayes Grapes area. It will also serve Hewens Road and Pole Hill Road.

"We have worked with the local council and the police to identify bus stop locations taking into account safety, convenience for passengers and the impact on the local area."

Have you spotted bus drivers urinating at bus stops in the area?. Post your comments below.

HUNDREDS of mourners have paid tribute to Hayes teen Scott McGurk who died of a rare infection earlier this month.

Family and friends turned out in droves today (18/12) to bid a final farewell to the 19-year-old at St Raphael's Church in Morrison Road, Hayes.

Sister, Natalie McGurk, 21, read a speech to the congregation in memory of her brother, who died on December 5 in Hammersmith Hospital four days after being admitted.

Scott's mother, Sandra McGurck, 48, of Shakespeare Avenue, Hayes, said:"It was very unexpected. His sister is in bits. They used to fight when they were younger but over the last couple of years they've been really close. She's been a great help. He was an inspiration to her.

Scott contracted rare infection, Necrotising Fasciitis, but despite being operated on he died with his family around him.

Mrs McGurk added: "I'll always remember his lovely smile. I'm so proud of him."

Post your tributes to Scott bellow.

A WOMAN had her car stolen when she parked outside a shop in Brookside Road by a thief who snatched the keys from her hands.

The woman, in her 40s, had parked in Brookside Road, Hayes, outside Londis at 4.30pm on Tuesday (16/12) and had her keys snatched by three youths.

The main culprit is described as black, 5ft 11 and of slim build, and was wearing a zebra patterned hooded top.

The other two suspects are Asian men aged between 20-25, who all escaped in the hatchback to flee the scene.

Harlington Baptist Church announces its annual 'Carols by Candlelight' Christmas event, providing Christmas lessons, readings, solos and sing along carols accompanied with the church's traditional pipe organ and piano.

The event takes place on December 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the main church building located on Harlington High Street across from the village green. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.

The church has been decorated will all the trappings of Christmas including a manger scene. Christmas punch and mince pies will be available at 6pm prior to the performance. Then at 6.30pm guests will be able to join in the singing and listen to the performance, which will last about an hour.

Harlington Baptist Church will also provide a Christmas Eve Watchnight service on of December 24 starting at 11.30 pm. The Christmas Day Celebration service will start at 10.00 am. Both services take place in the main church building and will feature traditional Christmas readings and music.

"We are delighted to be able give this free performance of Christmas music, readings and sing along carols with all the elements of a traditional Christmas," said Jonathan Roberts, Church Administrator, for Harlington Baptist Church.

"This event demonstrates HBC's continued commitment to focus on God while meeting the spiritual needs of our neighbours, friends and members. Our church has been open for over 200 years and we look forward with anticipation towards this special event every year, it is a fantastic way to give to the local community."

For more information about Harlington Baptist Church and other Christmas events please visit the website at www.HarlingtonBaptist.org.uk or call 020 8759 9583.

CHRISTMAS is looking bleak for around 350 Hayes workers who have been made redundant following the collapse of music and DVD distrubtion firm Entertainment UK.

The company employed more than 1,000 people at its head office in Blyth Road, Hayes, and also at its distribution centre in North Hyde Road, Hayes.

A further 350 are being made redundant from the company's distribution centres in Greenford.

It is part of the Woolworths Group and has been under the control of administrators Deloitte since the collapse of the American retail giant last month.

It has tried to sell as a going concern but the company today (Friday) issued a statement which read: "Regrettably, despite our continued efforts, we have been unable to identify a suitable buyer for the business.

"Whilst we will continue to consider offers for the sale of the business as a going concern, we will now focus on realising value from the company's assets.

"Unfortunately, it has been necessary to make 700 redundancies at the company's head office and distribution centres in Middlesex. We will retain a core team of 375 employees."

The Administrators are working closely with Job Centre Plus to provide support and advice to employees who have been made redundant, and the Insolvency Service's Redundancy Payments Service has put together a team to quickly approve claims for employee entitlements.

Deloitte added: "We are extremely grateful to the staff and management for their support throughout this difficult time."

John McDonnell (Lab) MP for Hayes and Harlington, said: "I was in contact with the managers of Entertainment UK as soon as I heard about the collapse of Woolworths.

"I offered all the support I could and since then have been working with Deloitte to explore all options for the business.

"Moving quickly is what counts when we are talking about helping people who are about to lose their jobs. When the airline industry took a dive after September 11 I helped the sacked workers and did the same with Nestles and with Marks and Spencer.

"I have approached the Hayes job centre to ensure the staff being made redundant get help to find new jobs and if necessary extra training if they have to switch careers entirely.

"These are testing times and I want to do all I can to help people through them."

Are you one of the people made redundant? If you would like to tell your story contact Dan Coombs at the Gazette on 01895 451 030 or post your comments below.

A GROUP of singers entertained shoppers in Hayes with a range of festive carols.

Members of Hayes Town Chapel sung together for 45 minutes at the Band Stand in High Street, Hayes, on December 6.

The songs were introduced with a gospel message from Pastor Gwynne Evans, who is a member of the group.

The singers were accompanied by Simon Pearman on his piano accordion.

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

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

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

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

Alternatively email barbarafisher@trinitysouth.co.uk Entries must be received by January 23 and shortlisted candidates will be invited to a gala night on February 26.

For more information: phone Barbara Fisher on 01895 451020 Monday-Wednesday only.

Choose from these categories:

• *

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

• *

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

• *

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

• *

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

• *

Carer Hero -anyone who has selflessly looked after others.

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

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

THREE officers who attended the scene of a stabbing were praised for their handling of the crime scene which resulted in a quick arrest.

PC's John Moore, and John Charlton were called to Pinkwell Park, in Hayes, after hearing reports of a stabbing.

The officers worked quickly to secure the crime scene and were able to locate a witness to the incident, and secure the name and address of a suspect, as well as a motive for the attack.

PC Moore said: "We had to put a cordon up right away, and had to be firm but tactful while getting the information we required."

The information was relayed to PC Andrew Conway who was in the area close to where the suspect had been sighted, and he was able to make a speedy arrest.

PC Conway said: "I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, overall it was a great result."

PC Charlton added: "We work so well beacuase we enjoy the variation of the job and the camaraderie of the team."

They reveived their honours at the Borough Commander's Ceremony held on Monday (8/12) at Stockley Park.

TWO police officers who were confronted by a violent man wielding a knife in a Hayes alleyway were commended for their teamwork in arresting him.

PC's Chris Hayward and Richard King attended a call at North Hyde Road, Hayes, and found a woman cowering in an alleyway and her boyfriend behaving agitatedly, holding a knife to his own throat.

He threatened the officers that if they came any closer to him he would seriously hurt himself, but they were able to overpower him by using two canisters of CS Gas to force him to release the knife.

PC Chris Hayward, said: "There was a lot going on at once and we wanted to ensure the female was alright, we both had to use our CS spray, which we'd only done before in training.

"I'm just glad that it was a safe result and nobody was hurt despite it being a dangerous situation.

"Our job is challenging but rewarding, it is an honour to receive these awards."

They received the award on Monday (8/12) at the Borough Commander's Awards ceremony held at Stockley Park.

FATHER Christmas will arrive by steam train on Sunday (14/12) at Harlington Locomotive Society in the High Street.

Santa will arrive at 11.30am and 2.30pm and it only costs 40p to take a steam train ride through two orchards.

Hot mince pies and drinks can be enjoyed from 11am until dusk at the Harlington site.
The society is supported by Hillingdon Community Trust grants and car parking and admission is free.