The Metropolitan Police are recruiting individuals who possess the skills and potential to join directly as a Detective, on the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP). This consists of two-years gaining the knowledge and practical experience to be a Detective Constable. Upon completion, you will receive a graduate diploma in Professional Policing Practice. The DHEP is delivered in partnership with four London universities including Brunel. The starting salary will be c.£31,000 per annum. This is made up of a basic salary plus London weighting and allowances and will increase annually to a maximum of c.£46,000.

Alongside this the Met is now offering two new entry routes to becoming a PC; the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) and the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP). Through both pathways, you will be employed as a police officer from day one and earning a competitive salary whilst training on the frontline and working towards a fully funded degree or diploma. For more information on entry routes, and to apply click here.

The lockdowns caused by the coronavirus pandemic have resulted in many reports of acts of kindness but these are usually about people. It is good to hear that the staff of The Hairdressers in Botwell Lane have not forgotten that animals also need help. Even though the salon is closed they are taking it in turns to come in every day to feed the stray cats that live in the alley at the back. They adopted them some time ago and the staff could not bear to think that they would be going hungry. Well done to them

GROW is the local training agency based in The Winning Box offices above the Iceland store in Station Road. Its mission is to help mothers get ready for work and because of the coronavirus lockdown it is now delivering all of its services digitally. This includes a weekly coffee morning which is providing women with lots of support and in addition they are now producing a really good list of local job vacancies . To see the latest newsletter and jobs list click here and to sign up for an initial appointment click here.

The results of this year's Hayes Town Treasure Hunt have been announced and children from Minet Junior School have won 5 prizes including the top one of £100 in cash. There were 21 prizes in total donated by local shopkeepers and 179 children from 15 local schools took part. Lake Farm Park Academy and Minet Infants won three prizes each with Botwell House and Dr Tripletts both taking two.

The Hayes Campus of Uxbridge College in Coldharbour Lane is offering a wide range of free training courses for adult jobseekers and also for people on low incomes who are looking to progress their careers. To find out what is available and the eligibility criteria click here or send an email

Being on the streets can be heart-breaking. It’s hard work and it’s tough to know where your next hot meal will come from. St. Anselm's Church Larder (pictured) provides a warm meal and drink, toiletries and other essentials to relieve – in a very small way – some of the hardship of being street vulnerable. If you know someone who is in need send them to the church – it is open every day 9:30am to 10:30am and 5:15pm to 6:15pm. See the church door for other times. The foodbank continues to run during the lockdown each Wednesday between midday and 2pm.

Alcohol Awareness Week is an annual event which provides an opportunity to get people thinking about drinking. Each year there is a different theme and for 2020 it is alcohol and mental health. The week runs from Monday 16 November to Sunday 22nd and to find out more click here.

St Mary’s Church in Church Road usually runs a Christmas Bazaar but this has been cancelled because of the pandemic. Not to be thwarted they are taking to social media to advertise a special raffle with some really super prizes. These include a £50 Marks & Spencer voucher, a magnum of Prosecco, bedding sets, toiletries, books, jewellery and not to forget the Cuddly Toy! To find out how to purchase tickets please click here

Construction work on the new Hayes and Harlington Station continues to progress as shown in the picture sent to me by a Hayes Town News reader who lives in High Point Village. Crossrail's contractors have taken steps to ensure the site is Covid secure. The November edition of the regular newsletter has just been published and can be seen by clicking here.

The proposal to relocate the fire gate at the side of St Anselm's Church has won the support of the Hayes Town Business Forum and the Hayes Town Partnership as well as the Church itself. The idea is to move the gate back so that the parking spaces can be accessed from Station Road rather than drivers having to use Botwell Lane, St Anselm's Road and Nield Road. The Forum believes that easier parking will help the hard-pressed shops at this end of the Town Centre. It will also reduce the traffic in the side roads. If you would like to add your support please write to the Civic Centre Uxbridge UB8 1UW or send an email quoting reference 3N/04/HT/04/11/20. The deadline is Wednesday 25 November