Following the conviction of Gurwinder Singh of Kingshill Avenue Northolt for mutiple sexual offences the Met Police are urging any further victims and survivors to come forward.

Singh, 37, and pictured here was convicted at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday 18 February of rape, attempted rape and sexual assault. He will be sentenced on 15 April.

He targeted women by pretending he could help them find work. Investigators now believe there may be many more victims, as evidence shows he booked the same hotel in Paddington over 100 times between December 2024 and August 2025 and contacted numerous women online under false identities. Officers are particularly keen to hear from women in the Indian community, especially those living in Hayes or Southall, as they may have been approached or deceived in a similar way. However, anyone who has had contact with Singh - whether online or in person - is urged to come forward.

The Met will treat all reports sensitively, confidentially, and with compassion. Victims of sexual assault have lifetime anonymity. If you have any information or believe you may have been a victim, please contact police on 101, quoting reference 3916/16FEB26. If you prefer not to speak to police, you can contact Rape Crisis for independent, confidential support online or by using their 24/7 helpline: 0808 500 2222.

On Thursday 19 February, a group of young people visited the Navnat Centre in Printing House Lane Hayes as part of the Hillingdon Interfaith Community's documentary programme, "A Day in the Life of a Faith Leader". The aim is to learn about different faiths while producing educational films for showing in secondary schools.

Now in its second season, the series is being delivered by a partnership made up of C-Change West London, the Hillingdon Interfaith Community and Grey Beanie Productions.(who are credited with the picture). The episodes are designed to support religious education classes for students aged 11 to 14 across Hillingdon, offering an authentic insight into the daily lives, beliefs, and community contributions of local faith leaders.

The group received a warm welcome from members of the Navnat Vanik Association, led by President Jaswantrai Doshi who, together with his colleagues, explained the core principles and traditions of the Jain faith. It is one of the world's oldest religions and young members of the Centre also took part in the filming, sharing their own experiences and perspectives.

Taz Virdee, Chief Executive of C-Change West London, said: “It was a wonderful opportunity for our young people to learn more about the Jain religion and culture, and to meet and engage with inspiring young members of the Navnat Centre". The visit was also attended by the Reverend Canon Andy Thompson, Chair of the Hillingdon Interfaith Community Group, and myself on behalf of the Hayes Town Partnership. It was truly inspiring

To learn more about the project click here. Faith organisations interested in taking part are encouraged to contact the Hillingdon Interfaith Community by sending an email.

The Home Office is currently running a public consultation on new laws that would see the introduction of a licensing system for anyone wishing to sell or import knives or other bladed items. Unlike other age restricted items such as fireworks, cigarettes and alcohol, a seller does not currently require a licence.  

The Met Police say that this has led to people selling knives and other weapons online and via social media to children and there have been several cases where people have bought knives and immediately gone on to cause harm.  

To find out more about the proposals and to submit comments click on this link. The consultation closes at 11:59pm on Tuesday 24 February. 

Last week's edition of Hayes Town News reported that the Met Police and the Suzy Lamplugh Trust have teamed up to offer members of the public some training on how to be an active bystander - how to intervene in a tricky situation without putting yourself at risk. A session was promised for Hillingdon residents on Tuesday 24 February but this has been cancelled. You can however join a general session on the same date at 12 noon and it lasts half an hour. Click here to sign up

As the signs of spring start to replace winter the Hayes Cricket Club has been finalising its plans for the coming season - and they are ready and waiting to welcome new members

As a long-standing community club in Hayes, they are keen to raise awareness locally and to encourage wider participation and support. They have skilled coaches and cater for all ages. To register an interest or to find out more contact the following:

• All Stars (aged 5 to 8) - send an email to Atesh
• Colts (aged 9 to 17) - email Jatinder
• Seniors - email club captain Baljinder

Full details are available on the club web site.

They are also seeking local sponsors for the new season. They have a range of sponsorship opportunities available and would welcome the chance to partner with local businesses who are looking to support grassroots sport while gaining positive community exposure. Send an email if you think you can help.

Lake Farm Country Park is a green oasis in the urban area of Hayes but it is seriously underused - and some people seem not to be aware of it at all. The Friends of Lake Farm are a group of local residents and other users of the Park and they are pressing for an improvement plan.

What would you like to see in the Park and what do you think would attract more users? Ideas so far include better signage, more attractive and welcoming entrances, a nature trail and activities for children.

Please email the Secretary with your suggestions. New members of the Friends are also welcome.

Hillingdon Council has approved a new borough-wide licensing scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), increasing its powers to scrutinise landlords of smaller properties so as to improve housing conditions, tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) and protect communities. 

The council’s Cabinet agreed to adopt the scheme on Thursday 19 February following a 10-week public consultation held between 31 October and 11 January which received more than 1,000 responses, with 80% backing its introduction.  Respondents highlighted concerns about inadequate housing conditions, ASB and inconsistent management standards in some HMOs. 

The new scheme requires landlords of shared properties with fewer than five residents from two or more households to meet new licensing conditions covering safety, property standards, and effective management. Licences will be issued for a five-year period and cost £1,401, with a 10 per cent reduction for accredited landlords. 

The council already operates a licensing scheme for large HMOs, which are properties occupied by five or more residents from two or more households sharing bathroom or kitchen facilities. The new rules will come into force three months after the date of approval. Applications will open on Wednesday 20 May, with full compliance required by Sunday 23 August. To see the Council's full media release click here.

The Hillingdon Arts Association has been going almost as long as the Borough. It represents a wide range of groups but next to none in Hayes. They are keen to rectify that omission and I have been asked to let them know of any local clubs and societies covering art, bands, crafts, dance, singing, theatre and any other creative activities. Please send me an email if you know of any such groups

Talk of music in Hayes reminds me of a story I heard recently from a friend who had been to a band concert with a woman playing the drums. He discovered that the very first female drummer in a successful rock band was born in Hayes, Her name was Anne Lantree who became known as Honey Lantree when she joined a group called the Honeycombs.

She was a real pioneer for women in music. Their number 1 hit back in the 1960s was "Have I the Right?" and you can see it sung and performed here. It looks very dated now but it had a great beat.

A Hayes Town News reader has informed me of what appears to be the death of the swans that have been seen for many years in Shackles Dock on the Grand Union Canal just outside the Town Centre (pictured)

According to media reports dozens of swans have been found dead along the Thames Valley in what is suspected to be a outbreak of avian flu

Some believe that pollution may be the cause. Help is being sought from a swan rescue charity who may be able to throw light on the reasons for the sudden demise of these much-admired local birds.

Not only does the Cycling Hillingdon group speak up on behalf of local cyclists it also produces a monthly newsletter which you can see from this link.

They are keen to recruit new readers and new members. If you would like to join the group please send me an email and I will pass on your details.

The Friends of the Rural Activities Centre are opposing the Council's latest plans for the Centre which have been previously reported in Hayes Town News. They say that the Council has called a meeting at the RAGC on Friday 27 February starting at 10.30 am. Despite the short notice they are asking as many Hillingdon residents as possible to attend.