Hounslow Matters - winter 2013

Hounslow
Matters
Winter 2013
Community news from around the borough. All you need to know about the services that matter to you.
Lighting up
Hounslow
The future’s bright for our
town centres p8-9
Like a phoenix
St Paul’s Primary School rises
from the ashes p14
Stay healthy this winter
Keep warm, keep well p26-27
Bedfont | Hanworth | Feltham | Cranford | Hounslow | Heston | Osterley | Isleworth | Brentford | Chiswick
THE DARK NIGHTS RETURN...
…Don’t let the
villains get the better of
you during dark nights! Go
to www.hounslow.gov.uk/
burglary
T O T A L
P O L I C I N G
Welcome to the Christmas and New
Year edition of Hounslow Matters
What’s inside
Another year draws to a close, but that heralds a bright
new future for Hounslow.
Cover story
Many residents will already know about the ambitious
plans that have been unveiled for Hounslow town centre
and the High Street Quarter development, between the
Blenheim Centre (Asda) and the existing high street.
A bright future for Hounslow and Brentford
Cllr Jagdish Sharma, Leader
London Borough of Hounslow
And in the high street itself, work has begun to transform
Bell Square and the pedestrian stretch into more open,
community friendly areas that will be able to host
community and arts events.
Christmas is an important time for local traders and with
the work we are doing to improve Hounslow, as well as
our exciting plans for Brentford, means there is much
cause for optimism.
The council is doing its bit to support our many small
and local businesses. That is why we are extending our
‘stop and shop’ scheme across the borough to encourage
people to use local shopping parades – the scheme
means half an hour of free parking before charges apply.
All in a year’s work
Find out what Hounslow Highways has
been up to this year
8-9
10-11
Savings plans
13
Tender loving care 22
2013 and all that
23
How the council intends to protect frontline
services
Mary Harpley, Chief Executive
London Borough of Hounslow
Spare a thought for the borough’s carers
It’s been a busy year for the council
And for the third year running, we are waiving car
parking charges in all council car parks on the week days
before Christmas Day. As Christmas Day is a Wednesday
and parking is free on Sundays, that means three days
of free parking before Santa comes to town, perfect for
stocking up on last-minute food and gifts.
Keep well this winter 26-27
Have a healthy Christmas and New Year
What’s on
Keep busy this winter!
Lastly, we want to wish all of our readers a peaceful
Christmas and a very happy New Year.
28-30
are YoU
GoB
sMaCKeD
aBoUT sPITTING IN PUBLIC?
Have you signed
our petition
so are
we. yet?
12
Support a ban in Hounslow.
Sign our petition here or at:
www.hounslow.gov.uk/spitting
Editors: Alexandra Cochrane and Audrey Thompson
– [email protected]
Designer: Paul Pancham
To view Hounslow Matters online visit:
www.hounslow.gov.uk/hounslow_matters
Translations: please email [email protected] for
a translation or accessible format help.
Price per magazine: 17p
Cover picture: Lighting up Hounslow
([email protected])
www.hounslow.gov.uk
Christmas recycling advice
16
24 Major boost for women in sport
More information by using
your smartphone
Scan QR codes with your
smartphone for a quick way to
access council pages online.
Visit www.hounslow.gov.uk/qrcodes
3
News
Hounslow’s got true grit
With temperatures dropping, Hounslow
Highways’ gritting crews are ready to
keep Hounslow moving.
Crews manning seven gritting lorries
and six snow ploughs are ready to
spread salt on the borough’s six gritting
routes, totalling 132km, in case of icy
conditions.
Cllr Colin Ellar, deputy leader of the
council and cabinet member for
environment, said: “It looks like London
could get a cold snap this winter but I
am glad to see Hounslow Highways is
ready to keep the borough moving.”
With 2,500 tonnes of salt in its stock
pile – Hounslow Highways said it is
confident it can deal with any drop in
temperatures.
Crews also carried out five gritting
practice runs in September and also in
October, to ensure grits are completed
within two hours.
Preparing for the cold weather
Hounslow Highways service director,
Rob Gillespie, said: “We are keeping a
close watch on any changes in forecasts
to ensure we are ready to deal with any
cold weather.
“Our gritting lorries are equipped
with GIS trackers and connected to
our operational hub which means we
can respond rapidly to any adverse
conditions.”
Hounslow Highways said it would also
deploy its cleaning crews with shovels
and salt to provide hand gritting at high
risk locations if needed.
Foster carers praised at awards ceremony
Foster carers across the borough were
recognised at the Annual Foster Carers
Awards for the care and commitment
they give to local children in care.
Mayor, Cllr Sachin Gupta, and Cllr Lily
Bath, lead member for children’s services,
presented awards to: Theresa Potter,
Zainab and Wilfred Okolo, and Josephine
Fash for outstanding commitment,
Lyndsay Wiggans for 10 years of loyal
service, Pearl and Bruno Mancini for 15
years loyal service, and Nora and Dean
Morris for 30 years of loyal service.
Hounslow currently has 117 foster
carers, who receive 24 hour support,
regular training, and an allowance of
up to £816 per fortnight, per child.
4
Dean and Nora Morris collect their award
from Mayor, Cllr Sachin Gupta (right)
The council’s fostering team is holding
an information session on Monday
27 January, 6.30-8.30pm for anyone
interested in becoming a foster carer.
For more information, visit: www.
hounslow.gov.uk/fostering or
call a member of our team on
0800 731 8558.
www.hounslow.gov.uk
News
Fall in anti-social behaviour
listening to residents concerns and will
act to tackle these issues.”
Cllr Ed Mayne, lead member for community
safety and regulatory services, said: “These
figures demonstrate that our joint summer
campaign has made an impact. But we
cannot afford to be complacent and I can
assure residents we will continue in our
stand against anti-social behaviour.”
Cllr Steve Curran, lead member for
housing, planning and regeneration, said:
“These figures will be welcome news
to our residents. It show the council’s
commitment to have more uniformed
officers is having a positive effect with the
introduction of estates’ police officers.”
Hounslow’s neighbourhood police team
out on the beat in the borough
New figures released by the police show
a fall in the number of reports of antisocial behaviour in the borough.
The figures point to the success of the
campaign against anti-social behaviour
launched this summer.
There were over 1,000 fewer reports
of such incidents between June and
September, compared with the same
period in 2012 – an eight per cent drop.
Chief Inspector of Hounslow Police, Rob
Weir, said: “Improving public confidence
in the police and reducing residents’
fear of crime is a major priority. We are
Inspiring Isleworth events
Inspiring Isleworth held its first ever
Christmas market on Saturday 7
December at Isleworth Village Green,
with Christmas lights, carol singing, a
pop-up ice rink and market stalls selling
gifts, foods and mulled wine.
The event is proof positive of how local
people, like Alicia Powell and Molly
Johnson, two first time mums, can come
together and create real and lasting
community spirit.
With the help of Cllr Sue Sampson, they
organised the festive market within six
months and now have a bank of volunteers
to help them create more local events in
the future. To find out more, search for
Inspiring Isleworth on Facebook.
www.hounslow.gov.uk
The Standing up to Anti-Social Behaviour
campaign involved 13 weeks of targeted
operations by the police, the council,
Hounslow Highways and Carillion, which
manages the council’s parks and libraries. It
tackled littering, graffiti, street prostitution,
illegal vehicles and drug abuse.
Prison for benefits cheats
A Hounslow woman who falsely claimed
almost £16,500 in benefits has been
sentenced to 12 months in prison.
Laila Sahid came to the attention of
the council after an anonymous tip off
alleged she was working and receiving
rent at the address on Sutton Lane,
Hounslow, from which she was
claiming benefits.
A council investigation found she had
claimed £14,596.35 in income support
and £1,860.83 in council tax benefit she
was not entitled to.
To report suspected benefit cheats,
contact the council’s fraud team at
[email protected], or call our
fraud hotline on 020 8583 2111.
5
News
We NEED lollipops
Empty homes helping
homeless families
Seven empty homes in the centre of
Hounslow are being brought back into
use to help homeless families, before
the houses are redeveloped as part
of the Hounslow High Street Quarter
development (see pages 8-9).
The two-bedroom homes on Holloway
Street will be refurbished and used
by the council to provide temporary
accommodation as an alternative to
bed and breakfasts. Funding for the
refurbishment is being provided by the
Government.
The council provides school crossing
patrols for 24 schools in the borough, but
we urgently need to recruit more lollipop
people as they are better known.
Their job is to stop the traffic to help
parents and children cross the roads on
their way to and from school each day.
Our lollipop people are an important
part of the community and make a great
contribution to the safety of our children.
At the moment we particularly want
to recruit lollipop people in the areas
of Bedfont, Isleworth, Hanworth and
Brentford. And as well as permanent
posts, we are also looking for people who
can provide short term sickness cover
from time to time.
The hours of work are 8.15-9.15am
and then 3-4pm, each school day and
obviously there is no work during the
school holidays. You will become a valued
member of the road safety team, which
provides education and training for the
whole community, and you will be given
the training and support to do the job.
If you are interested and would like more
information about these positions, or
an application form, please ring Allison
McGann on 020 8583 2562.
6
Cllr Steve Curran, lead member for
housing, planning and regeneration, said:
“Now we have appointed a development
partner for the regeneration of the
town centre, we have greater certainty
on when works may take place and
when the properties in Holloway Street
will be required as part of longer term
development plans.
“This means we have been able to
bring the homes back into use by using
grants and savings on expensive B&B
accommodation.”
Work on refurbishing the properties has
begun and the first families are expected
to move in before Christmas, with the
rest of the homes made ready by the
end of January.
Keeping tabs on offenders
police and the National Probation
Service (Hounslow district). The tracking
technology is being provided by Buddi
Limited.
The new tags can track an offender’s
precise location every minute of the
day and night, and the project includes
more use of exclusion zones and
curfews, greater intelligence about
offenders’ activities as well as improved
rehabilitation.
Hounslow is to be the first London
borough to trial a new state of the art
tagging system called Operation Telstar.
The new GPS tagging of offenders is
supported by the council, Hounslow
Cllr Ed Mayne, lead member for
community safety and regulatory services,
said: “If this system helps rehabilitate
offenders and leads to less crime, then
that benefits society as a whole.”
www.hounslow.gov.uk
News
Yule be able to park for free again
this Christmas in Hounslow
This means shoppers enjoy three free
parking days before Christmas, as it is
always free to park in Hounslow Council
car parks on Sundays.
Cllr Mayne, lead member for
community safety and regulatory
services, said: “Times are still tough
out there for many people so hopefully
our free Christmas parking offer will
enable people to save a bit of money
so they can spend more on their
families or having a good time this
festive season.”
Shoppers in Hounslow will be able
to spend a little bit more on their
loved ones this Christmas thanks to
the council making parking free in its
car parks in the last two days before
Christmas. Parking will be free in all
council-run car parks on Monday, 23
December and Christmas Eve.
The announcement follows last month’s
news of the council’s intention to roll
out free parking for the first 30 minutes
at shopping parades with pay and
display machines.
Lighting up Hounslow
Rain didn’t dampen the spirits of
children and shoppers when the festive
lights were switched on in Hounslow High
Street last month.
The Mayor of Hounslow, Cllr Sachin Gupta,
flipped the switch on the lights in Church
Square, and the crowds were treated to
thrilling entertainment from Flame Oz with
Halo Glow shows, an exciting pyrotechnics
display and musical performance from
local school children.
Before the switch on, there was a
children’s Diwali lantern parade, with
youngsters having made their own
lanterns for the parade at a free craft
session at Hounslow Library.
Cllr Gupta said: “Despite the rain, this was
a great show for all the family. The lights
www.hounslow.gov.uk
not only celebrate Diwali and the run up to
Christmas, but also signal a bright future for
Hounslow with the future regeneration of
the high street and town centre.”
The switch on marked the start of a
weekend of seasonal celebrations which
included a spectacular laser light show at
the Blenheim Centre.
Cllr Pritam Grewal, lead member for
communications and communities, said:
“It was great to see so many people
brave the weather to come together and
celebrate both Diwali and Christmas.
The high street is an important place for
people from different communities to
come together, so it’s good to see it lit up
and looking its best.”
7
Exciting times ahead
for two of borough’s
town centres
The future’s bright for two of the
borough’s town centres, with major
regeneration taking place in
Hounslow and Brentford.
Hounslow High Street Renewal
Exciting work is already underway, beginning a transformation of
Hounslow High Street. The project will result in a more welcoming
and accessible area at the heart of Hounslow, seeing new seating
and paving installed, trees planted, existing clutter removed to
transform the appearance of the street and facilities provided for
outdoor events and performances.
Cllr Steve Curran, lead member for housing, planning and
regeneration, said: “This work is a turning point for the high street,
and the town, which will transform the street environment, attract
further investment and aid the local economy.
“We are creating an environment which will boost shops and
businesses and make the town centre a place where people want to
be and somewhere we are all proud of.”
properties and underground parking. The area will bring more
opportunities for residents and visitors to the borough to access a
range of cultural and leisure activities.
A key requirement from the council in selecting the developer team
was the need for high quality design to make sure that the new
development will be fully integrated into the surrounding area and
will create a new standard in town centre redevelopment.
Pictures shed light on buzzing Brentford
ill look when
How the sheds w
is finished
ect
the proj
The £3.5 million programme is funded by the council and the Mayor
of London’s Outer London Fund which is designed to support
economic growth in London’s high streets. The work is being carried
out by Hounslow Highways, and will be completed in two phases.
The work already underway is taking place in Bell Square, between
the bend of the Staines Road carriageway to the west and Bell
Road to the east. This area will be used for a range of exciting
cultural events which could include open air cinema screenings and
performances of plays and operas.
There will be a pavilion providing outdoor seating and a technical
room to enable live shows to be staged. Events will run in the
evening, as well as during the day, giving local people the chance to
follow a day shopping with an evening’s entertainment.
There will be a second event space outside of Holy Trinity Church
on the high street which will be used for more intimate events, for
example carol singing, musical performances or face painting.
It’s not just Hounslow getting a new look, with the old barge sheds
alongside the Grand Union Canal in Brentford getting a facelift
too. The sheds will receive new cladding, based on illustrations
by artist Simon Periton. The development will also include other
improvements, including new lighting to the sheds and under the
Great West Road bridge – all aiming to improve accessibility to the
high street from the towpath.
All businesses in the area will remain open as usual during
construction. For more information on the project and progress
updates, visit: www.hounslowhighstreet.com
This work is just part of the wider regeneration of Brentford,
which includes the renewal of Market Place on Brentford High
Street. As with the renewal of Hounslow High Street, the project
is funded by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson’s Outer London
Fund which is investing £1.8 million in Brentford including
£557,000 from the council.
High Street Quarter
Cllr Curran said: “These artist’s impressions paint a picture of what
the sheds should look like.
A second scheme which will further transform the Hounslow area
has taken a giant leap forward after the council announced the
winning bid to redevelop the town centre, last month. Barratt and
Wilson Bowden were chosen as the developer at a cabinet meeting
after a rigorous procurement exercise.
Cllr Curran said: “I was very impressed with all three bids to
regenerate the town centre.
“However, the Barratt and Wilson Bowden tender was the best fit
with our vision to transform Hounslow town centre into one of west
London’s most vibrant, exciting shopping and leisure destinations.”
Proposals for the urban quarter, which will finally link the Blenheim
Centre development back to the high street, include a multiplex
cinema, over 10,000sqm of retail space and 400 residential
“Together with our other plans for the area, there is a real buzz
about Brentford. Making the canal easier to get to and more
attractive should attract business to the area, helping economic
growth for the high street
“The renovation of these sheds will animate the local area and
provide a positive and inviting route from the Golden Mile to
Brentford town centre.”
Shop front improvements
Independent shops in both Brentford and Hounslow town centres
have been offered the chance to bid for funding to smarten up
their shop fronts, further improving the look and feel of both areas.
Winning bidders will be announced early in the new year.
Hounslow Highways
All in a year’s work
You may have seen some of the significant changes taking place across the borough since Hounslow
Highways began operating the new highways service on 1 January 2013.
As part of the initial investment - which will see £100 million pumped into improvements during the first five years – more than 52 miles
of roads and pavements have been improved and over 7,500 new low-energy, carbon-efficient, LED street lights installed. Hounslow
Highways is responsible for a number of council services, including: street cleansing, drainage, bridges, tree management, grass cutting, permits,
street work licences, street furniture, signage, road gritting, as well as day-to-day roads and street lighting maintenance.
Lighting the way to a brighter future
By the end of 2014, we
will have replaced all of
the borough’s 16,000
street lights with new
street lights. So far,
over 7,500 have been
replaced, all of which are
controllable from a central
system.
Earlier this year, we joined forces with Hounslow Police,
the council, Hounslow Homes and John Laing (now part
of Carillion Integrated Services), which manages the
borough’s parks and libraries, to run a campaign cracking
down on anti-social behaviour, including littering, graffiti,
nuisance drinking and drug abuse.
The new lights are also
brighter, require less
maintenance, make the
borough safer for road
users and pedestrians, help
with crime detection and in
reducing the fear of crime.
As a result and in partnership with the police, the
installation of the new lights was fast tracked into the
top 60 crime hotspots in the borough. Of the 1,706
street lamps at the 60 locations, 1,060 had already been
installed, 327 street lights will be replaced earlier than
initially programmed and the remaining 319 will be
installed early in 2014.
This led to a bigger reduction in such incidents than the
police expected – a real success.
Working together
Although the initial works will inevitably cause some
disruption and inconvenience, Hounslow Highways is working
hard to minimise this where possible. We are joining up with
different companies to share road space and carry out works
at the same time, which means roads will be closed less often.
10
We have also agreed to replace ironworks, such as manhole
covers, on behalf of Thames Water when carrying out road
surfacing schemes and are working with Virgin Media’s
cable works team to ensure works are completed more
easily and residents not affected by the relocation of cables.
www.hounslow.gov.uk
Report it!
We want to make Hounslow cleaner but we need your help. To report littering, flytipping
or any other enviro crime, you can contact Hounslow Highways by visiting www.
hounslowhighways.org or call 020 8583 2000. You can also send an email to Hounslow
Council by emailing [email protected] or send a tweet @LBofHounslow.
Working towards a cleaner borough
The appearance and cleanliness of Hounslow’s streets is
one of the most important parts of the new Hounslow
Highways service. We want to improve the quality of life for
local people and businesses.
Keep Britain Tidy figures show that the borough’s streets
have begun to improve since the start of the Hounslow
Highways contract – with a 23 per cent reduction in litter
levels, 80 per cent less fly-posting and 50 per cent less
graffiti – but there is still some way to go to make a top
class difference to the look of the borough. More than
4,000 tonnes of litter and waste was picked up during the
first year of the new service, over 3,000 fly-tips and over
300 incidents of fly-posting and graffiti removed.
A number of community clean-up days were organised
during the year, with more planned for 2014. Anyone wishing
to find out more about community clean-ups should visit
the Hounslow Highways website (see above). Along with
partners, enforcement of anti-littering bylaws has now begun
– meaning a £60 spot-fine for anyone caught littering.
Cllr Colin Ellar, deputy leader and lead member for
environment, said: “I have been impressed by the speed
and professionalism of the work to our roads, pavements
and lighting renewal across the borough. There have been
some improvements to our street cleaning regime and I
look forward to seeing the full impact of the additional
cleaning teams soon to be introduced.”
Winter service
Stormy weather
Hounslow Highways
works closely with other
agencies across London
to keep traffic on the
borough’s roads moving
when cold weather
strikes. We have 2,500
tonnes of salt at our
depot and together with
a new fleet of gritters
and snow ploughs, are ready to start work whenever
ice or snow is forecast.
During the severe winds
at the end of October
Hounslow Highways
crews worked tirelessly
to manage and respond
to emergency calls,
falling trees and clear
debris. Over 210 trees
and large branches
obstructing the
roads were reported and crews, including highways
inspectors and community environment officers, made
the sites safe, while prioritising their removal. In
addition a chainsaw crew and bow saw/wood chipping
crew were brought in to help.
We aim to keep the borough’s priority routes as clear
and safe as possible, however, it is simply not possible
to treat all the borough’s 259 miles of roads.
For information on gritting routes, winter updates and
who is responsible for treating the different roads
across the borough, please visit the ‘winter’ section of
the Hounslow Highways website.
www.hounslow.gov.uk
Hounslow Highways service director Rob Gillespie, said:
“We received an unprecedented number of calls during
that night and in the days that followed. Our staff
worked tirelessly to manage the highways network for
the benefit of residents and road users.”
11
Campaigns
Great response to anti-spitting petition
But we still need your support
More than 3,500 people have now signed Hounslow Council’s
petition to ban spitting in public, but there is still time for you to
add your support to the campaign.
The petition closes at midnight on Wednesday 18 December.
The council launched the petition in September after a proposed
ban on spitting received cross party support from councillors.
However, in order to establish a bylaw that permits a ban the
council needs to demonstrate that there is public support for
it. With enough names the Government could give Hounslow
permission for just such a bylaw banning the habit just as it has
done for Enfield Council.
Cllr Ed Mayne, lead member for community safety and regulation,
said: “The response from Hounslow residents has been
magnificent.
“It’s great news that Enfield has been given the green light and
frankly I would be gobsmacked if we don’t get the go-ahead from
the Government, too.
RN...
THE DARK NIGHTS RETU
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o
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TING IN PUBL
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so are we.
Support a ba
n in
Sign our petiti Hounslow.
on here or at:
www.hounslow
.gov.uk/spittin
g
Have you signed our petition yet?
“But we don’t want to leave anything to chance, which is why we
need even more people to sign our petition.”
The petition is available online at www.
hounslow.gov.uk/spitting and in paper form
at all borough libraries and at the Civic Centre,
Lampton Road, Hounslow.
Don’t let the burglars beat you during dark nights
As part of this drive, special super hero posters have been
designed (see page 2) and a beat the burglar pack advising
residents on how they can keep their homes, families and
valuables safer this autumn and winter.
the
…Don’t let
better of
get the
villains
Go
nights!
ing dark
you dur
v.uk/
unslow.go
to www.ho
burglary
Inspector Ricky Kandohla of Hounslow Police said: “With nights
getting darker there is an increased risk of burglary.
T O T A L
G
P O L I C I N
“That’s why we are advising residents of a few simple ways on
how they can beat the burglars.”
Cllr Ed Mayne, lead member for community safety and
regulatory services, said: “The beat the burglar drive is about
our determination to make a safer borough.
As the nights draw in, Hounslow Police and Hounslow Council
have teamed up in a bid to beat burglars in the borough during
the dark nights.
12
“I would urge residents to take a minute or two and go to
www.hounslow.gov.uk/burglary and pick up some tips on
how to get the better of burglars now the dark nights have
returned.”
www.hounslow.gov.uk
Budget
Savings plans protect
frontline services
The council is planning to invest an extra £1.8 million in
community social care services next year, and is well on course to
meet its £12 million savings target.
The council’s plans include a strong re-iteration of its commitment
to protect frontline services. Among the savings, more than £4
million has been identified from unspent budgets, thanks to
tougher spending controls and careful financial management.
A further £4.2 million is earmarked to be saved through
developing and improving services, including plans to generate
income from public services and other customers by selling
services to them.
Cllr Jagdish Sharma, leader of
the council, said:
“The £12 million saving figure is a
substantial sum, but we’ve worked
hard to put together these proposals
to minimise the impact on residents.
Government cuts to our funding have
meant we have had to make some
difficult decisions.
“We are investing wisely in areas like adult social care to improve
services and to deliver savings. The council is becoming more
www.hounslow.gov.uk
“
We’ve worked hard to put together
these proposals to minimise the
impact on residents
”
efficient through transforming services, focusing on partnership
working and getting better value from our contracts.
“At the same time we are investing in areas like community care
to support residents to live independently in their own homes, and
making sure care workers are paid a fair wage.”
At a glance
Investing in community social care services
Protecting frontline services
On course for making savings of £12 million
A focus on partnership working
Supporting residents to live independently in their
own homes
13
School fire
Like a phoenix
How a Brentford school survived the flames
When a fire broke out in the roof of
St Paul’s Church of England Primary
School towards the end of the
summer holiday, the school’s new
headteacher John Wright (pictured)
hadn’t even officially taken charge.
Over the next two weeks power and water supplies were
restored, new computers installed, and the classroom blocks
were freshly painted and fitted out with new carpets, furniture
and teaching resources.
The fire spread through the 137
year-old Victorian building’s attic
spaces on 15 August, with the
flames and water destroying eighty
per cent of the building.
John said: “This was only possible because of the extraordinary
hard work of everyone involved and the support of parents,
past and present. Everyone understood that the children and
their education come first. It speaks very highly to the strength
of character of our local community.”
On 16 September the school fully opened for all its 250 pupils.
The school was almost a shell with no electricity, heating,
water, workable computers and most of the classrooms were
uninhabitable.
It could have spelled disaster, but thanks to determination and
hard work of teachers, school governors, parents, the church
and the council, along with the generosity of charities and
the local community, the school was back in business just two
weeks later.
Headteacher John, taking on his first ever headship position,
returned from his holiday abroad to a crisis. He said: “The
fire was so intense that ceilings fell down and roofs fell in.
Everything was sodden with water, covered in ash and smelling
of smoke.”
After an emergency meeting a two stage recovery plan
was agreed: to get the school up and running as quickly as
possible, and then to repair the site.
A recovery company helped the teachers clear everything
out of the buildings. “It took about 10 days and together
we decided what had to be written-off and what was
recoverable,” said John.
Cllr Tom Bruce, lead member for education, said: “It was
heartbreaking to see the damage to the school, but even
before the fire was out we were looking at how to get the
school up and running again.
A meeting was held for parents asking those that were able
to, to keep their children at home for two weeks. “We gave
them study books so their children could keep up with the
curriculum.”
“The fact that the children were back in classes at the
school they love so soon is testament to the hard work and
commitment of everyone involved.”
On 1 September temporary classroom and toilet blocks were
craned into the school playground and two days later the
school opened on time.
14
Works to repair the areas of the school worst affected by the
fire are continuing, and it is expected that children will be out
of temporary classrooms and fully back to normal in the next
few months.
www.hounslow.gov.uk
Fostering
Royal recognition for
Hounslow foster carer
Hounslow foster carer
Maureen Simpson was
awarded an MBE earlier this
year, recognising her 21 year
commitment to fostering.
Maureen, who has fostered for the
council all that time, looks after
teenagers; an area of fostering that
isn’t always recognised.
foster carers and encourage anyone thinking of taking the
plunge to get in touch with our fostering team.”
Maureen is also keen to recommend fostering to others. She
said: “Should anyone consider fostering, and have a spare
room, I would definitely recommend that they make an initial
enquiry to Hounslow’s fostering team. The training and 24
hour support is excellent.
She explained: “It was a friend who suggested that I should
become a foster carer and after some thought I took the
initial step, picked up the telephone and made the relevant
enquiries.
“I find fostering very rewarding but it can be challenging.
Many children have experienced trauma in their young lives
and can at times present challenging behaviour. But, it’s a
great feeling knowing that you have played a part and made
a difference in order for them to build on life skills and make
the right choices when they leave your care.”
Fostering teenagers has definitely been rewarding for
Maureen as many of the young people have become part of
her extended family after moving on to independence.
Back in July, Maureen was recognised for her years of
dedicated caring when she was awarded an MBE which she
received from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle.
She said: “When I first received the news of my investiture I
was shocked. I felt humble yet honoured that so many people
had given their time in nominating me for such a prestigious
award for my services to Hounslow’s looked after children.
“It’s a day I shall never forget, such a memorable occasion. It
was great that I was able to attend with my son and daughter
as well as Tom O’Neill, fostering team manager.
Cllr Lily Bath, lead member for children’s services, said:
“We value all our foster carers. Any age group has its own
challenges, but fostering teenagers can be incredibly hard
work, but also, incredibly rewarding. I was really pleased to
see Maureen’s hard work and dedication recognised in such
an exciting way, but I’d like to extend this thanks to all our
www.hounslow.gov.uk
Maureen Simpson receives her MBE
“I find fostering has kept me young, you are never lonely and
I have made numerous friends through it.”
For more information, visit: www.hounslow.gov.uk/fostering,
email [email protected] or call 0800 731 8558.
If you’d like to find out more, come to one of our fostering
information sessions:
Monday, 27 January 2014Civic Centre, committee room 3
(6.30-8pm)
Civic Centre, committee room 1
Monday, 24 February 2014
(10-11.30am)
Monday, 24 March 2014 Civic Centre, committee room 2
(6.30-8pm)
15
Recycling advice
We’re dreaming of a
green Christmas
The amount of waste your household produces tends to increase
over the festive period, but lots of the items that end up in your
rubbish at this time of year can be recycled or are items that you
can avoid wasting in the first place.
In the borough, 30 per cent of everything we collect in your
rubbish is food waste,. This includes waste that can’t be avoided
like bones and egg shells, but it also includes avoidable food waste
like bread, cakes, cheese and unopened food.
Remember, all food waste can be recycled in the food waste bin that
we provide, just make sure you remove any packaging. However, the
best way to reduce this waste is to plan ahead, make lists, check the
use by dates on food items and make the most of the food you are
buying, saving yourself some money as well as reducing your waste.
For lots of helpful hints and tips as well as recipes for your seasonal
leftovers, visit: www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
On average, 70 per cent of household waste in Hounslow
could be recycled. This includes lots of common Christmassy
items. Wrapping paper (not those made from plastic or foil) can
be placed in your blue paper bag for recycling as well as the
envelopes from any cards you receive.
Christmas cards can be placed in your recycling box as well
as cardboard boxes from any festive foods like mince pies,
chocolates and biscuits. Cardboard boxes from any Christmas
gifts or online deliveries can also be put in your recycling box
along with tins from chocolates and biscuits, which can be
recycled into a range of new items from tins to fridges or even
cars and aeroplanes. Any glass bottles from your favourite
festive tipple can also be placed in the recycling box and will be
turned back into new glass bottles and jars. And don’t forget
any plastic pots, tubs, trays and bottles can be put out for
recycling in your plastics sack.
Christmas tree collections
If you have a real Christmas tree, this too can be recycled. Please
put it out for collection on your normal garden waste collection
day during January. Just make sure to remove any pots, decorations
and root balls. If you live in a flat please call to book a Christmas
tree collection on 020 8583 5555 or email recycling@
hounslow.gov.uk
Alternatively, Christmas trees can be dropped off at the following
sites from 2 – 17 January from 8am-3pm:
Gunnersbury Park – main car park, Popes Lane Gunnersbury
Hounslow Heath – car park, Staines Road
(next to the visitor centre)
Hanworth Air Park – car park area, entrance on Hounslow
Road, Hanworth.
The trees will be chipped and used as mulch in the council’s parks.
Christmas and New Year waste and recycling collections
Remember, waste and recycling collection days will change over the
Christmas period. Please only place your rubbish and recycling out
for collection on your collection day, by 7am at the front edge of your
property, clearly visible from the road but not on the pavement. Please
recycle as much as possible to reduce the amount of waste you need to
put out in black sacks.
16
www.hounslow.gov.uk
Festive waste and recycling
collections times
Normal collection day
Rubbish and recycling will be collected on:
Monday, 23 December
Tuesday, 24 December
Wednesday, 25 December
Thursday, 26 December
Friday, 27 December
Collected as normal
Collected as normal
Friday, 27 December
Saturday, 28 December
Monday, 30 December
Monday, 30 December
Tuesday, 31 December
Wednesday, 1 January
Thursday, 2 January
Friday, 3 January
Tuesday, 31 December
Thursday, 2 January
Friday, 3 January
Saturday, 4 January
Monday, 6 January
Monday, 6 January
Tuesday, 7 January
Wednesday, 8 January
Thursday, 9 January
Friday, 10 January
Tuesday, 7 January
Wednesday, 8 January
Thursday, 9 January
Friday, 10 January
Saturday, 11 January
w/b Monday 13 January
All collections back to normal
Hounslow Reuse and Recycling
Centre Space Waye hits all time high!
The Reuse and Recycling Centre, Space Waye, which is based in
Feltham provides waste and recycling services to residents and
businesses in the borough.
The site is currently recycling 58.4 per cent of its waste, which
is a fantastic achievement and testament to the hard work
not only of the staff sorting items for recycling on site, but of
residents recycling items they bring in and businesses bringing
in pre-sorted waste.
This valuable service allows residents to bring in household items
for free and offers safe disposal seven days a week, allowing you to
recycle many household items that you wouldn’t normally be able
to do through your weekly kerbside collection. Some of these items
include mattresses, fluorescent tubes, hard plastic toys and garden
furniture, and scrap metal items like hangers or saucepans. Keep
this is mind if you receive replacements for household products this
Christmas or complete a DIY project in time for guests arriving!
Residents can use a van to take items to the centre, but you must
bring a copy of your council tax bill or statement (named person
must be present) and photo identification to use the site for free.
www.hounslow.gov.uk
Please note that you can have up to
three visits per household and per van
each year, so it is your responsibility to
check the number of times the van has
visited the site within the last 12 months.
The centre also provides services for
businesses to dispose of their waste including recycling for
electrical items, mattresses, scrap metal, timber and garden
waste. By recycling as much as possible the site is contributing
to helping the borough to be more sustainable and reduce the
impact on our environment. For more information, as well as full
details on the chargeable waste policy, visit: www.hounslow.
gov.uk/spacewaye, email [email protected] or
call 020 8890 0917.
Please note that over the Christmas and New Year period, Space
Waye Reuse and Recycling Centre has limited opening hours. On the
days where the site is open for cars only, no waste from businesses
or waste that has to be paid for can be brought to the site.
Space Waye Reuse and Recycling
Centre opening times
Date
Opening arrangements
Tuesday, 24
December
CARS ONLY 8am-3pm. Last entry
2.45pm.
Wednesday, 25
December
CLOSED
Thursday, 26
December
CLOSED
Friday, 27
December
CARS ONLY 8am-3pm. Last entry
2.45pm.
Saturday, 28
December
OPEN AS USUAL Cars 8am-4pm, last
entry 3.45pm, Business/chargeable waste
and vans 8am-3pm, last entry 2.45pm.
Sunday, 29
December
CLOSED
Monday, 30
December
OPEN AS USUAL Cars 8am-4pm, last
entry 3.45pm. Business/chargeable waste
and vans 8am-3pm, last entry 2.45pm.
Tuesday, 31
December
CARS ONLY 8am-3pm. Last entry
2.45pm.
Wednesday, 1
January
CLOSED
17
Advertisement Feature
West London thinks
From rudimentary converted skips
located in car parks for depositing paper
and glass, approaches to recycling have
changed out of all recognition over
the last 30 years or so.
Now, almost anything can be recycled. Cans,
plastics, clothing, food and green garden
waste are amongst the range of things
that environmentally conscious
residents are separating from
their other rubbish for recycling.
Unlike those early days, your local
council now conveniently collects from
the kerbside outside houses. And with
flats now having recycling collections too, it
really is the case that everyone can do their bit
to “save the planet”.
These days recycling is supplemented by an
on-going drive to reduce waste and increase the
re-use of things like furniture rather than throwing
them away. As a result, the amount of waste being
sent to landfill sites has reduced significantly.
And that’s important, because the cost of
dumping waste in holes in the ground is going
big
up dramatically. Put bluntly, it’s vital we all increase
the amount of waste we recycle or Council Tax
charges may have to increase.
There are still opportunities to improve how waste
that is not recycled locally is treated though,
and in west London, Hounslow Council has
been working in partnership with its
neighbouring authorities in Brent,
Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon, and
Richmond upon Thames to come
up with an effective solution to this
pressing challenge. The result is
pretty radical.
In one of the largest contracts of its type
ever awarded in this country, non-recycled
waste from all six boroughs will in future be sent
by train to a new energy recovery facility at an
industrial complex outside Bristol operated by
SITA UK Limited.
The twenty five year, £900 million plus contract will
start in 2014 and provides for up to 300,000 tonnes
of waste that west London’s 1.6 million residents
haven’t recycled to be treated each year.
Using modern processes, the waste will be used
to generate enough electricity to power
reduce * reuse * recycle * reduce * reuse * recycle * reduce * reuse * recycle * reduce * reuse * recycle * reduce * reuse * recycle * reduce * reuse * recycle * reduce *
For further information see www.westlondonwaste.gov.uk
to
reduce waste
approximately 50,000 homes (equivalent to
almost half the number of homes in Hounslow).
The revenue generated from the sale of the
power and recyclates produced at SITA’s facility
will offset some of the cost of the operations
to the West London Waste Authority;
the organisation set up to handle waste
disposal on behalf of the west
London councils.
Crucially, the new approach will mean
a minimum of 96% of waste will not go
to landfill. Furthermore, over 83,000
tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions
will be avoided each year.
Over the whole of the contract more than two
million tonnes of carbon dioxide will be avoided.
That is equivalent to taking 500,000
cars off the road.
Councillor Jagdish Sharma, leader of Hounslow
Council, said:
West London already recycles almost 40% of
household waste on average, more than any other
area of London. The new contract will support
efforts to achieve a commitment to increase this
to over 50% being recycled by 2020.
While, in general, councils are encouraged
to handle their waste disposal locally,
the new approach has been accepted
by the Mayor of London as a sensible
solution to pressing challenges.
Changes to waste operations locally
are minimal. Waste and recycling
collections from homes will carry on as
at present. The two existing waste transfer
stations at Transport Avenue in Hounslow and
Victoria Road in Hillingdon will also continue to
play a key role, and buildings at both sites will be
extended slightly.
There will be no significant increase to the number
of waste vehicles using the transfer stations nor
noise and other emissions from them.
“This new contract is a great deal for Hounslow
residents and our environment. It saves money for
taxpayers, slashes carbon emissions and helps
provide precious energy.”
e
us
re
*
e
cl
cy
re
uce * reuse * recycle * reduce * reuse * recycle * reduce * reuse * recycle * reduce * reuse * recycle * reduce * reuse * recycle * reduce * reuse * recyc
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Career opportunities in retail
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Email: [email protected]
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are YoU
11/11/2013 12:00
so are we.
Support a ban in Hounslow.
Sign our petition here or at:
www.hounslow.gov.uk/spitting
News
Abusive relationships can happen to anyone
Christmas is the season of
good will to all men and
women and - for most
of us – this is perfectly
true.
However, the festive period
can have a dark side to it
and often tempers rise due to
financial pressures, too much
alcohol or simmering family
tensions, which helps explain
why reports of domestic violence
often increase around Christmas
and New Year.
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domestic violence and
we would want anyone
suffering from abuse
in their relationships
to come forward and
speak out.”
For the campaign, the council
has teamed up with OutWest,
a charity representing the LGBT
communities of west London.
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Chair of the group, Chris Boucher,
said: “We have seen some very
traumatic cases of domestic violence
affecting people in the LGBT
communities, and it’s absolutely heartbreaking. We urge people to
speak out and look for help. We know it’s difficult for anyone but
we need to wipe out domestic violence in our society no matter
where it happens.”
OUTW
EST
In a bid to highlight the issue, the council is running a campaign
urging people to speak out and report domestic violence. This
year the campaign focuses on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender (LGBT) community, because it is a section of the
population where incidents go under-reported.
Cllr Sue Sampson said: “Under-reporting is a problem for all
If you are suffering from domestic violence and need help visit
www.hounslow.gov.uk/domestic_violence
Save money on fuel bills this winter
Keeping warm at home is
important but with fuel bills
rising it is easier said than
done. With the average
annual energy bill now at
around £1300 it is more
important than ever to do
what you can to cut bills.
How can you cut your energy bills?
Start by making sure you are not over paying for your energy by
shopping around for a better deal. You can check with your energy
supplier to see whether you could get a cheaper rate or go online
and compare energy tariffs with a range of energy suppliers.
However, make sure online price comparison sites are accredited by
the Confidence Code.
Further independent advice about switching suppliers is available
from the Citizens Advice consumer service, call 08454 04 05 06.
If you are struggling to pay energy bills it is worth finding out if you
are entitled to any help from your energy company. If you are on
a low income or in receipt of certain benefits, you may be able to
www.hounslow.gov.uk
claim the Warm Homes Discount, which is £135 off your electricity
bills this winter. Each energy supplier has different eligibility criteria
so contact your own to see if you could benefit.
You can also check the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), which
was introduced by the Government earlier this year. This commits
energy companies to helping those on low incomes make their
homes warmer. Eligible householders could benefit from free loft
and cavity wall insulation and help replacing their boiler. The scheme
is offered to those in receipt of certain benefits or those living in
specified low-income areas. For more information, call the Energy
Saving Advice Service which provides free and impartial information
about eligibility, access to ECO and the other types of support, on
0300 123 1234.
Cllr Steve Curran, lead member for planning, regeneration and
housing, said: “One in ten local households spends more than ten
per cent of their income on heat and power for their homes. There
are a number of schemes available to provide discounted or even
free energy saving measures, so I’d encourage anyone to check to
see if they can save some money.”
For more energy saving tips, visit: www.hounslow.gov.uk/energy
21
Carers
Tender loving care
Spare a thought this Christmas for the extraordinary work carers do each and every day
“Everyone was out looking for him, the family, our neighbours, the
police. He ended up in a cul-de-sac close to midnight knocking at a
house. It was significantly number 17, the same number he used to
live at before we were married.
“Thankfully it wasn’t a cold night and I always dress him smartly,
so the woman who opened the door took him in, gave him a cup
of tea and a biscuit and called the police. I was so relieved. It has
taken me a long time to get over that night so now I keep a tight
hold of him whenever we’re out.”
Henry and Eileen Willis
It’s exhausting, frustrating and emotionally draining but 79 yearold Eileen Willis in Isleworth wouldn’t have it any other way. She
has been married to Henry, 82, for 55 years. He has Alzheimer’s
and is totally dependent on her. She does everything for him washing, dressing, feeding and taking him to the toilet.
Though Eileen has turned down most professional support, she is
now getting help at night to ensure she gets a good night’s rest.
Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, lead member for adult social care, said:
“There are so may people like Eileen across the borough, who
willingly put their loved ones before themselves. It can be hard to
ask for help for something you feel you should be doing yourself,
but there are services available to ease the burden.”
Knowing how hard it is to take care of Henry, Eileen sympathises
with professional care workers and their workload.
“It is like looking after a child,” says Eileen. “Sometimes he eats
his meals with a knife and fork but then other times he’ll fold his
arms and refuse to pick up the cutlery and I have to feed him.”
For eight years Eileen has been taking care of Henry, refusing to
get help from care workers because she couldn’t bear not being
there and knowing how Henry is doing. But such commitment can
take its toll.
“I’m so drained some days that I lose all energy to do anything
else. I used to do lots of baking all the time but though I still have
the time I don’t have the energy.”
Eileen does get some help from her family. One member vacuums
every Saturday and she gets help with the garden. Their daughter
helps with the shopping and Henry’s niece will visit and sit with
him giving Eileen the chance for a break or to pop out. Night time
can sometimes be very difficult, leaving her with little sleep and
feeling exhausted before the next day even begins.
Three years ago on a trip to the supermarket, Henry got lost – for
seven and a half hours. “It was one of the worst nights of my life,”
says Eileen. “His niece and I took him to the supermarket, only
after a while each of us thought the other had him.
22
Eileen is just one of the many
carers in the borough
“Until you’ve been a carer you don’t realise how difficult a job it
can be. I feel for care workers because I know just how hard they
have to work and not just for one client but several.”
Henry is now going to try one day at a local day centre giving
Eileen some much needed respite.
To find out more about the suppport available for carers, visit
www.hounslow.gov.uk/carers
www.hounslow.gov.uk
t
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3
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20
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the council. He
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It’s been a
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January... Can you dig it?
Cllrs Jagdish Sharma and Colin Ellar pitched in to help
with work at the junction of Ridgeway Road and College
Road in Isleworth back in January. This was the first
road to be resurfaced in the borough as part of the new
Hounslow Highways contract.
March... A little extra help
The council cut council tax in 2013/14 by half a per
cent, following a six-year freeze, the only outer-London
borough to do so.
April... Heathrow – Hounslow lets the
people decide
Heathrow airport’s potential expansion is an issue
of huge national and local importance and the local
community was given the chance to say yes or no to a
third runway with the council’s community consultation
– Make Some Noise Over Heathrow – in April. The
outcome of the consultation was that you want a better,
not bigger Heathrow, and the council continues to fight
your corner.
May... Record rates for council tax collection
The council revealed that it is collecting more council tax
than ever before. Latest figures showed that Hounslow
collected 97.8 per cent of council tax in 2012/13,
putting is amongst the best performing councils in
London.
Borough’s youngest ever mayor elected
Cllr Sachin Gupta was elected as the council’s youngest
ever mayor, at just 37.
June... Hounslow website tops local government
Hounslow clamps down on nuisance drinkers
Hounslow’s borough-wide controlled drinking zone
(CDZ) came into force as part of a multi-agency
crackdown on anti-social behaviour. It means anyone
caught drinking in public and creating a nuisance could
now be landed with a £500 fine.
Wheeled bins roll
Around 7,500 households got a wheeled bin for the first
time in July as part of a trial to see if they would help to
make Hounslow’s streets cleaner. The trial is due to end
in January 2014.
Standing up to anti-social behaviour
The council joined forces with the Metropolitan Police,
Hounslow Homes, Hounslow Highways and leisure
partners John Laing Integrated Services to launch a
comprehensive crackdown on anti-social behaviour
on Monday 1 July. This led to a series of police-led
operations over the next 13 weeks which targeted a
range of anti-social activities.
August... Hounslow students impress with
top grades
It was another great year for local students receiving
their A-level results, with local schools achieving a 99.2
per cent pass rate. And as more than 2,600 students
across the borough opened their GCSE results, it became
clear that for the first time ever, more than two thirds
(67.9 per cent) had gained five or more A* to C grades
including English and maths.
Library use soars
Book loving locals have been making the most of their
local libraries this year. Latest figures showed that as
of August, 786,159 items had been issued across the
borough – an increase of 33 per cent year on year.
September... Gobsmacked over spitting?
Hounslow residents were urged to sign a petition to
support a public ban on spitting across the borough.
The petition, available online and in paper form in all
borough libraries, and at the Civic Centre, will run until
18 December.
league table
The council’s website was ranked as the best local
government site, according to an independent survey
from Sitemorse, which uses a range of criteria to
compare website user experience.
October... Work to renew and revitalise Hounslow
July... Flying the flag for local parks
November... Empty homes helping homeless
A record eight parks across the borough were rated
among the best in the country in July, winning the
prestigious Green Flag status.
High Street begins
Work begins to the new-look high street, which will be
a more welcoming and accessible area at the heart of
Hounslow.
families
Seven empty homes in the centre of Hounslow are
being brought back into use.
Olympic Legacy
Keep on
running
Women’s sports in Hounslow
gets a much needed leg up
Women and girls across the borough will be helped to get into
sport, thanks to almost £250,000 of National Lottery funding
from Sport England.
Over the next three years the Get Active Hounslow - Women and
Girls programme will use the funding to run 13 projects across
the borough to give local women and girls the chance to get
involved in a range of different sports.
24
The first year will include free beginners sessions of running,
badminton, cycling, multi-sport events, yoga and dance.
The programme also offers paid-for sessions, such as:
Women’s Running at Osterley Sports and Athletics Centre on
Monday nights, that allows women to work their way up to
running 5k in a 10 week course (pictured).
www.hounslow.gov.uk
Olympic Legacy
Feel Good Badminton at The Dome on Friday mornings, which
helps increase flexibility and build strength and stamina.
‘Athlefit’ classes that are accessible, non-competitive fitness
sessions run to music that allow you to get fit and spend
quality time with your children.
Women’s Bike Club at Lampton Park, Fashionably Fit with
its indoor walking, running boxercise and circuit sessions at
Brentford FC, Community Fitness with sessions across the
borough, and much more.
Cllr Ajmer Grewal, lead member for leisure and public health at
the council, said: “If we want to get more people into sport, and
enjoy the many benefits that more active lifestyles bring, we have
to tackle the barriers stopping people from taking part.
“It can be difficult for women and girls to try a new sport, but
once they’ve started, confidence builds and it becomes easier to
keep going in the long run.
“This programme of activities will help women and girls find a
sport they enjoy, and help them gain the confidence they need to
have more active lifestyles for years to come.”
Run by a partnership between St Mary’s University College and
Hounslow Community Sport and Physical Activity Network, each
project is delivered by a local partner including Hounslow Council
and Sport Impact, Hounslow Badminton Association, Fusion,
which manages the borough’s leisure centres, Brentford FC
Community Sports Trust and St Mary’s College.
Hounslow school record breakers
British Olympic legend Denise Lewis raised a racket when
she visited the borough to present a Guinness World
Record to the School Sport Partnership in Hounslow.The
presentation was as a result of 675 children and staff from
44 primary schools in the borough breaking the world record
for the most people in one place bouncing a tennis ball on
a racket for 10 seconds. The record was achieved earlier this
summer at Dukes Meadows Tennis centre in Chiswick.
Cllr Lilly Bath, lead member for children’s services, said:
“It’s great to hear our children have created a smash while
showcasing Hounslow’s Olympic legacy. The fact that it
broke the world record and attracted such attention means
it’s game, set and match to Hounslow!”
The award was presented to Pete Lammas of Sport Impact.
www.hounslow.gov.uk
25
Healthy living
Keep warm
and well this winter
For older people, very young children, and those with respiratory and circulatory
problems, cold weather can seriously damage their health. So, one of the best ways of
staying healthy during winter is to keep warm.
Food keeps us warm: regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a
day. Parents of children under four and women 10 weeks pregnant or
more and on specific benefits, may be eligible for free weekly Healthy
Start vouchers for milk, fruit and vegetables. For more information
visit: www.healthystart.nhs.uk or call 0845 607 6823.
It is also vital to dress appropriately for the weather. Lots of
thin layers – clothes made from cotton, wool or fleece – help
maintain body heat, and waterproofed shoes with a good grip
will protect your feet and prevent slipping over.
Inside, keep your home warm. The room where you spend most
time should be heated to between 18-21ºC (65-70ºF) while the
rest of the house can be a minimum of 16ºC (61ºF). You can heat
26
your home more effectively and cheaply if it’s well insulated with
properly working central heating. However, with fuel bills going
up, this is easier said than done.
To help, the council is providing extra support for elderly and
disabled residents (those aged 70 and over and/or in receipt of a
disability-related benefit) through its handy person service.
The scheme provides a range of services, including heating and
boiler advice, draught proofing, and lending portable heaters to
residents with no heating. Support may also be offered to those
with long-term health problems worsened by the cold. To find
out more, email: [email protected]
or call 020 8583 3878.
www.hounslow.gov.uk
Healthy living
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Tuberculosis remains a critical issue of public health in
Hounslow. The rate of infection has been steadily increasing
for a decade and the borough now has one of the highest
rates in London with around 75 people in every 100,000
diagnosed with the disease.
Reducing transmission and screening for latent TB (those
with no symptoms but still infectious) is key. Working with
Hounslow Clinical Commissioning Group, the council will
continue to raise awareness among at-risk communities
and to challenge misconceptions of the disease.
It is spread by coughs and sneezes and affects the lungs but
can also spread to other organs. In the Victorian era people
died from TB but today it is both treatable and preventable.
Anyone who has a cough for more than a few weeks,
whether or not they are coughing up phlegm, should
consult their GP, as should anyone with feverish
symptoms, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss
and general fatigue.
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To control its spread, Hounslow is investing in services for
early diagnosis and prevention, tackling the disease among
people most at risk, such as the homeless, and supporting
people with the disease in completing their treatment.
Are YOU flu protected?
For more information, visit NHS Choices at:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/tuberculosis/Pages/
Happy and healthy at 60+
Flu is highly infectious and easily spread by coughs
and sneezes. Symptoms are a quick onset of fever,
shivering, headache, aching limbs, a dry cough and no
energy. Most at risk are pregnant women, toddlers and
people over 65 as well as people with illnesses such as
diabetes, lung, kidney or heart disease.
Vaccine
There is still time to get a
flu vaccination. It reduces
the likelihood of catching
flu or transmitting it to
others. However, hygiene
is also very important.
Remember to carry tissues with you, and once used bin it
and wash your hands to kill the germs.
Over 170 residents attended the council’s ‘Happy
and Healthy in Hounslow at 60+’ event, a free day
of activity promoting fun, social activities benefiting
health and well-being. They took part in yoga, chair
dancing, skittles, crafts and complimentary therapies
such as mini massage.
Cllr Ajmer Grewal, lead member for leisure and public
health at the council, recently had her flu jab. She said:
“I would urge anyone to get themselves vaccinated as
early as possible.
GPs across Hounslow are offering special clinic
sessions until December.
www.hounslow.gov.uk
27
What’s
on
Events in the London Borough of Hounslow
Hogarth’s House
Where: Hogarth Lane, Great
West Road, W4 2QN. For more
information call 020 8994 6757
A Hogarth’s House Christmas
When: Until 5 January, 12noon-5pm
The exhibition explores the changing
face of seasonal festivities, from
decorations and presents to food. Learn
how 18th century Christmas is almost
unrecognisable from the Victorian and
modern celebrations that followed.
Cost: Free
Evening openings
When: Until 5 January, 6.30-8.30pm
Special evening openings to learn more
about the development of Christmas and
the toys and games popular in the past.
Booking essential.
Cost: £5-£10 (depending on event)
18th Century Festive Food
Tastings
When: Until 5 January
Films at the Paul
Robeson Theatre
Barbie in the Nutcracker (cert U)
Where: Hounslow Library, The Treaty
Centre, Hounslow TW3 1ES
When: Saturday 7 December, doors
open at 2pm, screening at 2.30pm
Watermans
Where: 40 High Street, Brentford
TW8 0DS. For more information
call 020 8232 1010 or visit www.
watermans.org.uk
The Snow Dragon
Christmas Show
Animation, Barbie tells the story of the
Nutcracker to a friend who is having
problems performing her ballet moves
and going on stage.
Cost: £1
Dining with the Victorians
at Christmas
Where: Gunnersbury Park Museum,
Gunnersbury Park, W3 8LQ
When: Sunday 8 December, 2pm
Food historian Dr Annie Gray will be talking
about the Victorian Christmas dinner, what
was on the table, how it was cooked, and
how it influenced what we eat today.
Cost: £10
When: Wednesday 11 – Monday 23
December, times vary
Artists at Redlees Winter
Open Studios
From the company that brought you The
Gruffalo and My Brother the Robot, the
night of the Snow Dragon approaches.
Storytelling, comedy and catchy songs
create a magical mysterious world for
everyone aged three and up.
Where: Redlees Park, Worton Road,
Isleworth TW7 6DW
When: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8
December, 11am-6pm
Tastings with everything from mince pies
with meat to plum puddings without the
plums.
Celebrate original art and the handcraft
by supporting your local art community.
Over 30 artists and designer-makers
selling everything from small ceramics
and drawings to unique collection pieces.
Cost: £5-£10 (depending on event)
Cost: Free admission
Cost: £9.50
The Romantic Disease:
An artistic investigation of tuberculosis
When: Thursday 16 January –
Monday 24 March, 12noon-9pm
For much, much more of what’s going on in the borough, get your What’s On Guide online at
28
www.hounslow.gov.uk
Cinderella Panto
Where: Paul Robeson Theatre,
Hounslow Library, The Treaty Centre,
Hounslow TW3 1ES
When: Thursday 12, 19, Friday 13,
20 at 7.30pm and Saturday 14, 21
December at 2pm and 7.30pm
A solo exhibition by Anna Dumitriu in
the Watermans Gallery, an ‘open lab’
workshop, and a one day symposium
funded by the Wellcome Trust.
Panto season sees this magical and
enchanting tale retold. A professional cast
with chorus members from Hounslow’s
Bounce theatre.
Cinema screenings
Booklovers – Reading group
for children
Corialanus
Where: Feltham Library, The Centre
High Street, TW13 4GU
When: Thursday 12 December, 3.454.45pm
Broadcast live from the Donmar
Warehouse with Tom Hiddleston as
Corialanus and Mark Gatiss as Menenius.
Cost: £14
Feltham’s children’s book lovers group
offers a range of activities for children
aged 8-11 who enjoy reading. Check
availability to avoid disappointment.
Cost: Free
War Horse
When: Thursday 27 February, 7pm
Winter Bird Walk
The National Theatre’s original stage
production, broadcast live from London’s
West End.
Theatre highlights
Cost: £12-£12.50
Where: Osterley Library, St Mary’s
Crescent TW7 4NB
When: Thursday 19 December,
4.30-6pm
A chance to meet and chat about the
latest trends and crazes for teenage
booklovers. Check availability to avoid
disappointment.
Cost: Free
Xpressions Christmas party
Where: Paul Robeson Theatre,
Hounslow Library, The Treaty Centre,
Hounslow TW3 1ES
When: Saturday 4 January, 4pm
Celebrate the achievements of young
people in Hounslow. All 11 to 19 years
olds are welcome. Pizza and drinks
provided.
Cost: Free
Contact Sally Smith on 020 8326
6416 or sallysmith@
hounslowchamber.org.uk
Watermans Cabaret
Weekender
Performances include Sugartits with
Bourgeois and Maurice, Miss Behave’s
Variety Nighty and magician Ali Cook.
Booklovers – Reading group
for teens
Hounslow Chamber
of Commerce
Cost: £14
When: Friday 24 – Sunday 26
January. 7.45pm
Cost: £4 (concession/child £2)
Cost: £8 (concessions £6)
Cost: Free
When: Thursday 30 January, 7pm
winter bird residents and see if you can
spot the elusive bittern. Bring binoculars
and/or a camera. Under 16s must come
with an adult.
Where: Bedfont Lakes, Clockhouse
Lane, Bedfont, TW14 8QA
When: Saturday 14 December, 9am
Join the rangers for a walk around the
lakes and bird hides learning about the
Communication
When: Tuesday 14 January, 8.3010.30am
Where: Metro Bank Hounslow, 211213 High Street, Hounslow TW3 1BL
www.hounslow.info/arts/HounslowInfoEvents. Or pick up a booklet at your local library.
www.hounslow.gov.uk
29
How we communicate, the power
of communication and developing
communication skills, with facilitator
Veronika Weisweiller.
Cost: £35
What is the difference between
strategy and tactics, tactics and their
uses, planning within a budget and
developing a plan, with facilitator
Glenda Shawley.
Cost: £35
Business Planning for
Start Ups
When: Thursday 23 January, 8.3010.30am
Where: Regus Chiswick, Building 3,
566 Chiswick High Road, W4 5YA
What should be in your business plan and
how to present it, with facilitator Glenda
Shawley.
Cost: £35
Selling
Hounslow Business Lunch
When: Wednesday 12 March, 12.45pm
Where: Charisma, 10 Spring Grove
Road, Hounslow TW3 4BJ
Come, mingle and make contact with
other local business owners. Free lunch
provided.
Cost: Free
Chiswick House
and Gardens
Where: Chiswick House and Gardens,
Burlington Lane, Chiswick, W4 2QN.
For more information call 020 8742
3905 or visit: www.chgt.org.uk
Camellia Festival
Council meetings
Meetings take place in the Civic Centre,
Lampton Road, Hounslow, TW3 4DN with
the exception of some area forum meetings.
Visit: democraticservices.hounslow.
gov.uk or follow cabinet and borough
council meetings on Twitter: @
lbhdemocracy
Borough Council
When: Tuesday 29 January and Tuesday
25 February, 7.30pm
Where: Council chamber
Cabinet
When: Tuesday 14 January, Tuesday 11
February, Tuesday 4 March, 7pm
Where: Council chamber and committee
rooms 1&2
Area Forums
Bedfont, Feltham, Hanworth
When: Thursday 23 January, Thursday 13
March, 7.30pm
Where: Public meeting room, Feltham
Library, Feltham High Street, TW13 4GU
Central Hounslow
When: Thursday 23 January, Thursday 13
March, 7.30pm
Where: Committee rooms 1&2, Civic Centre
When: Thursday 20 February, 8.3010.30am
Where: Regus Langford, 450 Bath
Road, Longford UB7 0EB
Planning the sale, key sales techniques
and closing the deal, with facilitator
Veronika Weisweiller.
Cost: £35
Marketing Planning
When: Tuesday 4 March, 8.3010.30am
Where: Regus Chiswick, 566
Chiswick High Road, Chiswick Park,
W4 5YA
Chiswick
When: 1-30 March, 10.30am-4pm,
every day except Mondays
This annual festival shows off Chiswick
House’s camellias, wildly regarded as
one of the finest and oldest camellia
collections under glass. With a fabulous
array of colourful blooms, it’s a fascinating
visit for gardening and heritage
enthusiasts.
Cost: £8 (concessions £7)
When: Tuesday 21 January, Tuesday 18
March, 7.30pm
Where: The Hogarth Hall, Chiswick Town
Hall, Heathfield Terrace, Chiswick, W4 4JN
Heston and Cranford
When: Thursday 30 January, Thursday 20
March, 7pm
Where: Committee rooms 1&2, Civic Centre
Isleworth and Brentford
When: Thursday 30 January, Thursday 20
March, 7.30pm
Where: Brentford Free Church, Boston
Manor Road, Brentford, TW8 8D
Get your What’s On Guide online at www.hounslow.info/arts/HounslowInfoEvents
30
www.hounslow.gov.uk
Know your councillors
Bedfont
Tom
Bruce
Education
and HR
Sachin
Gupta
Mayor
Brentford
Liz
Mammatt
Ruth
Cadbury
Chiswick Riverside
Felicity
Barwood
Sam
Hearn
John
Cooper
Paul
Lynch
John
Chatt
Mohinder
Gill
Barbara
Harris
Alan
Barber
Ajmer
Grewal
Leisure and
public health
Peta
Vaught
Kamaljit
Kaur
Jagdish
Sharma
Leader
of the council
Pritam
Grewal
Communications
and communities
Colin
Ellar
Deputy Leader
and lead member
for environment
Theo
Dennison
Mark
Bowen
David
Hughes
Gurmail
Lal
Darshan
Grewal
Balvir
Sond
Mindu
Bains
Ed
Mayne
Community safety
and regulatory
services
Andrew
Morgan-Watts
Samantha
Davies
Adrian
Lee
Gillian
Hutchison
Allan
Wilson
Paul
Jabbal
Becky
Stewart
Beverley
Williams
Heston West
Amrit
Mann
Rajinder
Bath
Elizabeth
Hughes
Shantanu
Rajawat
Adult social care
and health services
Hounslow South
Corinna
Smart
Deputy Mayor
Lin
Davies
Brad
Fisher
Pamela
Fisher
Osterley & Spring Grove
Sue
Sampson
Performance and
customer care
Turnham Green
Jason
Ellar
John
Todd
Hanworth Park
Isleworth
Syon
Steve
Curran
Housing, planning
& regeneration
Sohan
Sangha
Hounslow Heath
Hounslow West
Ajmer
Dhillon
Poonam
Dhillon
Robert
Oulds
Feltham North
Heston East
Hounslow Central
Lily
Bath
Children’s
services
Gerald
McGregor
Hanworth
Heston Central
Gopal
Dhillon
Matt
Harmer
Cranford
Feltham West
Colin
Botterill
Melvin
Collins
Chiswick Homefields
Peter
Thompson
Leader of the
opposition
Peter
Carey
Sheila
O’Reilly
To find out which ward
you live in, who your
councillor is and how
to contact them,
visit www.hounslow.
gov.uk/democracy_
and_elections or call
020 8583 2250
Barbara
Reid
Key
Labour
Conservative
UKIP
Independent
Cabinet Portfolios
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Hounslow
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Hounslow
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Hounslow
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Hounslow
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