May 2010 Archives

A MAN has been jailed for two years after cultivating more than 500 cannabis plants in Northwood.

Bo Van Vu, of no fixed abode, produced about 537 plants of the class B drug, worth an estimated street value in excess of £100,000, which were discovered in Copse Wood Way on March 22 by police acting on information received.

Upon entry, police found that £20,000 worth of damage was caused to the property so each room could serve as a green house.

DISGRUNTLED sports club members are furious after Northwood School closed its sports centre last Friday (21) 'without prior warning'.

The centre, in Potter Street, Northwood, has been used by dozens of sports clubs, including at least six badminton groups, for more than 30 years.

Members of the Northbridge Badminton Club, which meets at the centre on Tuesdays and Fridays, say rumours of the closure have been ongoing for months and they have been 'met with a brick wall when they ask what is happening'.

FREE activities will be available all day at the newly opened William Penn Leisure Centre in Mill End this Sunday (30).

A special open day will feature swimming, taster fitness classes and trampolining, as well as face painting, balloon modelling and competitions.

Children can also meet popular storybook character, Peppa Pig.

Activities run from 10am - 4pm. Call the centre on 01923 771050 for more information.

A COUPLE escaped injury after a fire broke out in their bedroom on Saturday (22) evening.

Firefighters from Rickmansworth rushed to an address in Beacon Way at 6.11pm, to find the bedroom, on the first-floor, was ablaze.

One hose reel was used to extinguish the flames and the cause was noted as accidental.

PLANS to build a Tesco Express in Mill End are set to be approved on Thursday - despite opposition from more than 1,000 residents.

The supermarket giant has proposed to build a convenience store, together with four two-bedroom flats, on the site of the former Happy Man Pub in Berry Lane, after two larger applications were abandoned.

If the controversial plans are approved, Tesco could be forced to foot the bill for pothole repairs in nearby Tudor Parade and contribute towards the cost of traffic wardens, as part of a series of conditions.

ALMOST 100 brownies and guides gathered in Northwood at the weekend to take part in a mass sleepover to mark the centenary of the Girl Guides.

Members of the Northwood District Brownies and Guides bedded down on the floor of Holy Trinity Church Hall, in Gateway Close, on Saturday (22) night.

A RESTAURANT and bar in Rickmansworth has been ordered to keep the noise down or risk losing its licence.

Villa Romana restaurant, in High Street, and the Globe Bar, situated upstairs, were subject to a licence review on Monday (24) after neighbours complained about 'the constant beat of music' which 'impacted on their quality of life'.

One resident said they were forced not to use their front room, as the 'thumping' music was so distracting.

MORE than 170 cyclists enjoyed a scenic ride around Northwood on Sunday (23) to raise money for Michael Sobell House Hospice.

The popular annual event, Get On Your Bike, raised £12,000 last year for the hospice, which is based at Mount Vernon Hospital and provides care and support for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Riders basked in the sunshine as the majority embarked on a 35-mile route around the local area, with some opting for the shorter 12-mile and 23-mile journeys.

MORE than 1,200 bargain hunters visited Northwood on Saturday (22) to rummage through a giant jumble sale organised by a local scout group.

The popular annual event, which is hosted by the 1st Northwood Scouts, took place at the Scout headquarters in Northwood Way and in the nearby Hogs Back open space.

After the sale was officially declared open by the newly appointed Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor David Yarrow, and Mayoress, Rita Kilroy, visitors were invited to browse stalls with clothing, household items and furniture. Other attractions included a barbecue and tombola.

BASK in the warm weather predicted for this weekend by taking part in a scenic local cycle ride in aid of a good cause.

On Your Bike For Care, which takes place this Sunday (23), will raise much-needed funds for Michael Sobell House hospice, based at Mount Vernon Hospital in Northwood.

Choose from three routes of 12, 23 and 35 miles, which start and finish at the hospital entrance Gate 3, off White Hill.

The ride starts at 8am and all abilities are welcome. Participants will be given a route guide and map, and there will be marshals en route and water stops.

For more information, call Ophelia on 01923 844 829 or email ochambers@michaelsobellhouse.co.uk