The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has published a report on the first month's operation of the extension of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to outer London Boroughs and this says that 95% of vehicles across the city are now compliant. That compares with 39% when the scheme was first proposed in 2017.

The most startling figures in the report are those for the scrappage scheme grants which show that Hillingdon is way ahead of any other Borough. There have been 8906 applications from local residents out of an overall total of 95000 for London as a whole with the next closest Borough being 1500 behind. 3468 local applications have already been approved for a grant.

Hillingdon has one of the highest levels of car ownership of any London Borough and these figures might go some way towards explaining why the ULEZ was such a big issue in the recent Uxbridge & South Ruislip by-election. To see all the numbers use this link.

If you have a vehicle that does not comply and you have not yet applied for a grant you can find out all about it by clicking here.

A health awareness event held by the Hesa Medical Centre in St Anselm's Church on Wednesday 1 November attracted over 300 people despite the poor weather. The picture shows some of those who attended.

Congratulations are due to the dedicated team of staff, including Practice Manager, Rehana Jabeen and Lead Medical Secretary Nafisa Hafiz. The event was fully supported by members of the Patient Participation Group (PPG) members under the leadership of Chairman Ashis Tajhya who said "Initiatives like this play a vital role in informing residents about vital health issues and in revitalising community spirit".

The Patients' Group is keen to recruit more members so that it represents all sections of the local community. You can find out more during your visit to the surgery or by visiting the Centre's website.

This is a reminder that Hillingdon will be marking International Men’s Day this week. On Tuesday 7 November

specialist charity Brilliant Parents will be holding a seminar on the theme "Raising Responsible Teenagers". It will take place at the Hayes Muslim Centre in Pump Lane starting at 11am.To find out more click here and to book a place call Annmarie Fevrier on 020 3490 7007 or send her an email.

On Thursday 9 November there will be a major event at the Beck Theatre. It starts at 5pm with talks and information stalls. For more and details and to reserve a place use this link. It will be followed at 8pm by a performance by the Hellfire Comedy Club. Book tickets by using this link

There will also be men's cookery classes organised by Learn Hillingdon, lots of activities at libraries and children's centres and two men's mental health breakfast sessions. To see the whole programme click here and use the local events tab.

Diwali this year will be on Sunday 12 November and I would like to send best wishes to all readers who will be celebrating this auspicious day. Also known as "the Festival of Lights" it aims to highlight the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. We could certainly do with all of those at present

As its contribution the Council will be turning on the decorative lights in Hayes Town on that day. Lots of amazing fireworks will no doubt be let off by residents and here's hoping that people will have regard to the advice in last week's edition of Hayes Town News to think about others when doing so. The present law allows this to happen until 1am on Diwali.

Another item in last week's edition was a moan about the continuing delay in finishing the reconstruction of stairs between Blyth Road and Station Road . They were closed off on Tuesday 1 August last year supposedly for 8 weeks. Not long after the posting of Hayes Town News on Monday 30 October I spotted a team of workmen installing the railings as shown in the picture.

What power and influence we have! On second thoughts, it must have been a happy coincidence. We are still waiting for a completion date.

Most of the many hundreds of flats being built in Hayes are way outside the price range of local people but last week I spotted a slightly hopeful sign on a notice board at The Old Vinyl Factory. It was in Blyth Road on the development that is to be called One Vinyl Square and it said "Mayor of London - New homes for all Londoners".

The developers are Network Homes who are building 134 flats. Their web site says that there will be 58 for shared ownership, 57 at London Affordable Rents and 19 London Living Rents.

The terms do not mean a lot to me but for those looking for a shared ownership property it is also worth noting that the web site says that priority will be given to people who live or work in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The flats are open for bids from this month with completion due in 2024.

The seasons may be moving on but there are still activities to interest you in Cranford Park. On Saturday 18 November from midday to 2pm there will be a led winter walk and a chance to learn some forest skills - including how to make a poacher's shelter.

The event is free to attend but you must book in advance by email or by calling 01895 250702.

Also on Saturday 18 November there is going to be a nationwide day of action for the United for Warm Homes Campaign. Members of Hillingdon Friends of the Earth will be at the gold disc in Station Road showing their support. Its objective is to bring community groups together and to make these requests to Government:

FoE members will be there between 11 30am and 12 30pm along with a quilt they have made for the campaign. If you would like to find out more about the group please send an email.

On Monday 30 October Uxbridge Citizens Advice Bureau closed to the public for refurbishment. However, the service continues to be available and you can request a telephone call back by completing the online form which can be accessed from this link For urgent help you can call Adviceline on 0808 278 7893, or leave a message on 07498 482 130.

The Metropolitan Police Confidence & Engagement Team for West London will be holding their first "Walk & Talk" for LGBTQ+ people on Monday 20 November. It is part of a plan to improve safety on the streets for all members of the local community and they want to hear from lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people about any concerns they have.

The meeting place is the George and Dragon pub at 176 High Street Yiewlsey UB7 7BE any time between 6pm and 8pm. To register use the QR code on the flyer or send an email.

Brilliant Parents are already helping lots of local parents and carers to meet the challenges of bringing up children with additional needs and now they are looking to recruit some more volunteers. You don't have to be a perfect parent to make a good volunteer but rather somebody with experience who can empathise with other parents. Training courses on different aspects of the role are planned for Monday 20 November, Tuesday 21st and Thursday 23rd. Use this link to find out more and to express an interest send an email or call 07495 024 448.

Small Business Saturday is an annual event which aims to promote small business success and encourage consumers to "shop local". It is held each year on the first Saturday in December and in advance of that Hillingdon Chamber of Commerce is organising a special event on Thursday 27 November between 10am and 12 noon at The Clubhouse Sanderson Road Uxbridge UB1 1DH.

It is free to attend but you must book in advance by using the QR code in the flyer or sending an email