Last week the Evening Standard reported that there were over 2.7 million people over the age of 16 in London who have not had their first vaccination against the coronavirus. Although Hillingdon was not highlighted as one of the worst-affected Boroughs it seems strange that the walk-in vaccination centre at The Old Vinyl Factory was not replaced after it closed several months ago. A new centre has opened at Hide House in Hayes End Road (pictured). Do you know where that is? It is in quite a remote position off the Uxbridge Road but more importantly it is by appointment only. If the NHS wants to get more people vaccinated and more boosters done it needs to find somewhere much more accessible. They say they are looking into it. Please send me an email if you have any suggestions.

Many people act as if the coronavirus pandemic is over or that getting vaccinated is all they need to do. No vaccine offers total protection and a report in The Guardian says that a university review of 30 studies around the world shows that the wearing of masks produces a 53% reduction in the incidence of the disease. Not only does it protect you but it also reduces the chances of you passing it on to somebody else if you are infected. The latest figures for London show a slight drop with Hillingdon now being 11th highest out of the 32 Boroughs. To reduce the chances of any restrictions over Christmas doesn't it make sense to continue wearing masks in shops and on buses for at least the next few weeks?

Last Wednesday 17 November saw the switching on of the Christmas lights in Hayes Town by the Mayor, Councillor Roy Chandal with the enthusiastic assistance of children from Dr Triplett's, Hayes Park and Minet Junior Schools (pictured in St Anselm's Church). This followed the welcome return of the annual concert of Christmas songs which were performed by children from the three schools. It was great to see their smiling faces and the proud parents who thronged the church.

The recent terrorist incident in Liverpool has resulted in the raising of the national threat level from 'substantial' to 'severe' meaning that an attack is 'highly likely'. The motives of the man who set off the bomb are not known but the public are being urged to increase their vigilance. The Police web site Action Counters Terrorism gives advice on what to look out for and what to do if you have any suspicions about potential terrorist activities

Hillingdon Council wants to recognise the work of people who have made a special contribution to the local community - improved lives, made a difference in the area or done something extraordinary in the face of adversity. Nominations are now open by clicking on this link. The deadline for submissions is Friday 31 December.

The Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) is responsible for .drawing up plans to make London safer and it wants to hear the views.of local residents, businesses and other agencies on its proposed priorities for the next four years. These are as follows:

• reducing and preventing violence 
• better supporting victims 
• increasing trust and confidence 
• protecting people from being exploited or harmed.

To take part in the survey please click on this link. The consultation is open until Friday 21 January 2022.

The Village Cafe in the High Point Village piazza in Station Road was closed during the lockdown but now it is set to be transformed into a brand new eating place to be known as The Village Grill (pictured). It will specialise in Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine and the grand opening will take place on Friday 26 November between 12 noon and 3pm. For further information send an email.

At the other end of the Town Centre Jenny's Burgers are not doing so well. The shutter is down and there are three rather sad signs explaining that they have been forced to close for 10 days because of coronavirus infections. Their many regular customers must be hoping that the long-serving proprietors will not be out of action for any greater period.

The motor trade is one of the most male-dominated industries in the country but a recent item in the Bmail column in the Gazette showed that there is one local woman who is determined to do something about it. Randeep Reehal (known as Mandy) has been working for some years in her father's garage in Uxbridge and she loves it. Now she is looking to recruit two women to train as tyre fitters. She says that there is no programme to attract women to the industry and she thinks it is about time that changed. To find out more about what she has in mind give her a call on 01895 236567.

Hayes Town News has reported previously about drivers being fined £100 for dropping off or picking up passengers in the access road to the side of Hayes and Harlington Station. The Hayes Town Partnership, the Business Forum and others have been pressing Network Rail and the Council to come up with more customer-friendly arrangements but to no avail. The Council believes the answer is to provide bays in Blyth Road on the other side of the Station Road subway. Following completion of the roadworks these are now open and one of the locations alongside the new flats is shown in the picture.

There is a new restaurant in the old Botwell Social Centre between Botwell House School and the Catholic Church in Botwell Lane. It is known as the Claretian Oasis Restaurant & Bar and my experience so far is that it is a handy place for lunch at a reasonable price. On Friday 24 December it is going to be the venue for a Christmas dine and dance event that will run from 6pm to midnight. Tickets for adults cost £15 and can be purchased at the Restaurant. .