April 2011 Archives

A MOTHER has blasted Hillingdon Council for failing to secure her diabetic teenager a school place in more than six months.

Teresa Spender, of Pinner Road, Northwood, says she is at her 'wits end' after eight schools across the borough denied admission to her 13-year-old son, Charlie.

Ms Spender, together with Charlie and younger daughter Lillie-Marie, six, returned to Northwood last November after moving to Southend, Essex, for three years.

The single mum says that, due to Charlie having Type 1 diabetes - which requires regular insulin injections - his previous school attendance was just 69 per cent.

PERMA-tanned television presenter David Dickinson is asking residents to dust off their unwanted antiques as he visits Rickmansworth to film an episode of his popular daytime show.

Dickinson's Real Deal will come to Watersmeet Theatre, in High Street, on Saturday, April 23.

David and his team of dealers will be searching for more 'bobby dazzlers' brought in by members of the public.

AN ART-lover in Northwood has expressed his dismay after thieves stole a bronze statue worth £10,000 from his front garden.

The two-metre high ballerina sculpture was ripped out of its concrete base at the property between 9.30am on Monday, April 4 and 7.30am on Tuesday, April 5.

The homeowner, a pensioner who has asked to remain anonymous, told the Gazette he believes the statue has been sold for scrap.

He said: "I looked out of the window on Tuesday morning and noticed the statue had been torn out, leaving the lower section behind.

"It is real bronze so it would have been quite heavy, and the thieves must have come prepared and tied a rope to remove it.

A MOTORCYCLIST was rushed to hospital after colliding with a car in Rickmansworth yesterday (Sunday).

The crash, involving a black Honda CBR and a silver Peugeot 207, took place at about noon in Chorleywood Road, close to Rickmansworth Station and Station Roundabout.

Emergency services arrived at the scene minutes later and the motorcyclist, a 30-year-old man, was taken to Watford General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

A PUBLIC debate on the alternative vote (AV) referendum will be held in Northwood on Wednesday (13).

The event will discuss whether AV should replace the current First Past The Post (FPTP) system to elect MPs into the House of Commons.

Speakers both for and against AV will attend the meeting, which will be held at Northwood Methodist Church in Oaklands Gate at 8pm. For more information call 01923 840 633.

ENTRY is now open for two hugely-popular annual events organised to raise cash for a hospice in Northwood.

Michael Sobell House hospice (MSH), based at Mount Vernon Hospital, is inviting keen
cyclists to register for On Yer Bike For Care, on Sunday, May 15.

Participants can choose from a 12-mile, 24-mile or gruelling 40-mile ride, snaking through beautiful countryside with stunning scenic views.

A NORTHWOOD-based property developer has been ordered to pay more than £5,000 after putting residents' health and safety at risk by breaching planning laws.

Hodson Developments Ltd failed to complete agreed works in High Elms Close, Northwood, prompting legal action from Hillingdon Council.

The company was granted planning permission in October 2007 to build three detached homes.

55 ELGOOD AVENUE - Conservatory to rear.

LAND REAR OF 74 HALLOWELL ROAD - Installation of railway only communications site comprising of a 20 metre high monopole, radio equipment and ancillary equipment on the railway land south of Northwood Station Underground Car-Park.

12 CULLERA CLOSE - Part two storey, part first floor rear extension and single storey rear extension.

A BAR owner in Rickmansworth has told of his shock after his venue was gutted by a fire for the second time in less than three months.

A crew of 31 firefighters in six engines raced to The Globe Bar, above Villa Romana restaurant in High Street, at about 2.24am yesterday (6) morning, to find the building well alight.

The flames were extinguished at about 4.30am and no one was injured.

A police investigation is now under way to establish the cause of the fire, which is believed to be arson.

A DESPERATE man who committed a vodka-fuelled attempted robbery while armed with a gun and a knife has been jailed.

When James Maloney entered Costcutter in Scots Hill, Croxley Green, demanding cash with pistol in hand, the shop assistant initially believed he was joking.

The 33-year-old proved he was serious by producing a knife, but fled empty handed when the shop's alarm sounded.