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Welcome to the latest edition of Hayes Town News. This week we highlight the Mayor of London and London Assembly elections but it is not possible to escape the coronavirus pandemic. The good news is that the latest figures for new infections show that Hillingdon has dropped from 1st to 3rd out of the 32 London Boroughs. The numbers continue to come down but with young adults now being the group most at risk. So all the advice about how to keep safe is still very relevant and with a new emphasis on the importance of good ventilation - see below for more.


David Brough

Chair

Hayes Town Partnership

Help decide who runs London - elections on 6 May

Elections for the Mayor of London and the London Assembly will take place on Thursday 6 May. If you have not voted already by post you will find your visit to the polling station rather different from usual because of the coronavirus pandemic. There is likely to be more space to enable people to keep a social distance, hand sanitisers and one way systems. For voters there will be two things that are very different - you will have to wear a face mask (unless exempt) and you are asked to take your own pen or pencil to minimise the chances of contamination.


You will have three ballot papers to complete:


  • Mayor (1st and 2nd choice of candidates)
  • Assembly Member for Ealing & Hillingdon (1 vote)
  • London-wide Assembly member (1 vote)


There are 20 candidates for the position of Mayor - a new record. To see all the candidates for Mayor and also the Assembly click here. The polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm.

Over 40's can now get vaccinated

The rollout of the vaccination programme continues with the news on Friday 30 April that anybody over 40 years of age can now book a jab. In fact it applies to anyone who will be 40 by Thursday 1 July. You can walk in to the vaccination centre in The Old Vinyl Factory in Blyth Road or click here to book an appointment.

Fresh air helps keep us safe

There is increasing evidence that a good flow of air in confined spaces is a very important factor in slowing the spread of the virus. Public Health England has just published some detailed advice on the ventilation of indoor spaces and you can read it by clicking here.

A time to say "Thank you"

Brunel University and Uxbridge College students usually hold a 'Good Deeds Day' each year but that is not on this year because of the pandemic. Instead they will be holding an online Community Appreciation Day. It will take place on Tuesday 11 May.and they are asking members of the public to nominate individuals and organisations that have shown inspiration and goodwill for the benefit of the community over the last 12 months. Please send words and photos of people, places and support services that you appreciate to Brunel Volunteers by email. There will be featured in an online Webinar with the Mayor presenting flowers to nominated individuals, Throughout the event they will be sharing inspiring words and images on social media.


If you would like to put your words into poetry then Brunel Writers will be collating all submissions into a poem that will be read out on the day. Any submissions should be sent to Brunel Writers by email.

Free furniture on offer for community groups

The offices of drugs company GSK at Stockley Park are now empty and the new owners, Prologis, are offering local schools, education and community groups to come and take the surplus furniture away for free. There are literally hundreds of desks and lockers available plus meeting pods (pictured) and kitchen and servery units. There will be an on-site inspection on Tuesday 11 May. if you are part of a group that might be interested please send me an email by Friday 7 May.

How about becomming a Dementia Friend?

Have you got a loved one or someone you know who lives with dementia? Do you want to find out more about dementia? Why not become a Dementia Friend for Dementia Action Week? Click here to find out more.


The Council will be holding free online briefing sessions on Monday 17 May between 4 30pm and 6pm and on Thursday 20 May between 12 noon and 1 30pm. To book a place send an email or call 01895 277137.


Getting ready for work

DASH (the Disablement Association Hillingdon) will be running a Getting Ready for Work training programme from May 2021. Funded by the European Social Fund, this free programme will provide 4 weeks pre-entry level training, with support to access further training, voluntary and paid work placements for anyone aged 18 or over with a disability in Hillingdon (Further eligibility criteria apply). If you are interested in finding out more or would like to book a place, please contact DASH on 0208 848 8319, choosing option 5. 

More e-scooters seized in Hayes Town

Last week's edition of Hayes Town News reported that local Police teams had seized two electric scooters in Hayes Town, Well, they have done it again. Another four were taken away as part of Police patrolling for Operation Sceptre - a crime prevention initiative involving visits to shops and the use of stop and search. Many people do not seem to realise that the use of e-scooters on roads, pavements and cycle lanes is currently illegal. Ironically, Halfords, one of the companies that sells them has issued a helpful statement explaining that their use is illegal other than on private land.


An investigation by the Daily Mail has detailed hundreds of crimes involving people using electric scooters, including robberies, assaults and even a shooting. Information was requested from police forces covering more than 20 cities and towns in Britain where the devices are on trial or about to be piloted. The Metropolitan Police recorded more than 200 incidents last year and seized more than 150 devices across London. 

Duke of Edinburgh Award gets new prominence

The recent death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has resulted in renewed publicity for the award scheme for young people that was launched over 60 years ago in his name. It teaches young people skills for life and has opened up new horizons and opportunities for thousands and thousands of youngsters in more than 160 countries. I did it myself in 1963 and our trek in north Wales started my life-long passion for mountaineering, Click here to find out more about the Award and here to get involved locally through the Council's online activities for young people

Join the World's Biggest Bike Ride on 30 May

Cycling UK is aiming to hold the World's Biggest Bike Ride on Sunday 30 May. The idea is to get the maximum possible number of people cycling on the same day. It does not matter how far you ride, how long you take or what sort of bike you use. It is all about taking part. To find out more click here.

Blood donor sessions continue at Oneness Centre

Despite the restrictions brought about by the pandemic it is just as important as ever for blood donor sessions to take place and the Centre for Oneness in Sipson Lane Harlington has made sure that happens locally. Its regular visit by the NHS Blood Service took place last week and the Mayor, Councillor Teji Barnes was on hand to show support.

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