April 2009 Archives

BUSINESS Secretary Peter Mandelson made an unannounced visit to the borough on Friday when he touched down in Stockley Park.

He was there to open new offices for Spanish pharmaceutical firm Almirall.

The new offices at Stockley park will house 50 staff and will be responsible for the firm's output across the UK and Ireland.

Around 100 guests attended the opening which was celebrated with a tapas themed reception.

Peter Mandelson. He said: "It is my pleasure to welcome Almirall to the UK. As the Government's strategy, 'Building Britain's Future', states we are committed to helping companies to invest in Britain as well as safeguard the jobs this investment supports.

"Almirall's decision to expand here is a clear recognition of the UK's strengths as a modern, knowledge based economy, where we have the skills and regulatory environment to compete effectively in high-tech, high value sectors such as pharmaceuticals."

A LAUNCH weekend for former Ministry of Defence homes was a complete success with all nine properties being snapped up by buyers.

The three-bedroom houses in Keith Park Road, Uxbridge were all reserved within 48 hours of going on the property market on Saturday. (25/4)

Located within a former MoD estate, and owned by Annnington Homes, the houses are proving popular with first time buyers who have historically been priced out of the market.

Clive Edwards, partner at estate agents Gibbs Gillespie helped facilitate the sale over the weekend, he said: "There has been a marked upturn in the number of buyers seriously looking at entering the market this year, but there are also less good quality properties being made available for sale.

"The Annington Homes properties is Uxbridge are popular as they offer very good value for money in terms of size in a well regarded area, in particular the added bonus of a generous garden is very sought after in London."

The sun beamed down on the parade of cars on display at the Uxbridge and District Classic Vehicle Show.

As many as 24 vintage vehicles were on show at Christ Church, in Redford Way, Uxbridge last Saturday.

Chris Brook, society chairman, said: "We raised £200 for the Mayor's charities.
"He popped down and sat in a 1924 sunbeam. It was a good day's weather for it.

"We had a real range of cars from the 1920 through to the late 60s and early 70s.

To find out more about the society contact secretary Ivan Beckman on 0208 8610554 or visit www.udcvs.org

FOUR unsung businesses in the borough have been honoured at prestigious awards for offering a five star customer service.

The Swift Awards, launched recently in Uxbridge looking for the best small businesses which all offer quick, friendly and reliable service.

The winning businesses were Pumpernickels Sandwich and Deli Bar, based in High Street, Uxbridge, and Penthouse Cats, a cattery located in Old Mill Lane, Cowley.

In a boost for the motor industry, also honoured were Punters Garage, in New Road, Uxbridge, and Two Way Cars, a minicab service based in High Street, Uxbridge.

Vicky Francis, founding partner of Pumpernickels, said: "My partner and I had both worked in high-end restaurants for a long time before deciding to start out own business and we wanted to provide restaurant quality for affordable prices.

"Our lunchtime queues have become so large that we are now working on an online ordering system so customers can save time and hassle."

Nominated businesses are assessed by an independent panel of judges and a team of mystery shoppers.

The businesses were chosen following a rigorous review and selected above more than 50 companies and retailers across the area.

The criteria investigated how each business sets prices, resolves complaints, retains loyal customers and exceeds expectations.

Paul Phillips, founder of Penthouse Cats, said: "We rely purely on word of mouth so it's vital we provide a good service all the time.

"Everything about our cattery has been designed with the cats in mind, it's a beautiful and tranquil location and the cats always return home incredibly pampered and happy."

FAMILIES needing advice on funeral planning can benefit from a designated information day on Friday.

The day will be held by Age Concern from 10 am until 2pm at their advice centre in High Street, Uxbridge.

The day will highlight the rising price of funeral arrangements and help people plan in a straightforward manner and avoid leaving loved ones to pay bills.

A MOPED was stolen during an overnight burglary when a garage lock was forced open.

The theft took place in Robins Close, Cowley between Friday at 11.55pm and Saturday at 6am.

The bike was a Piagio Zip moped and had been kept in a locked garage, and belonged to a 22 year-old man.

AN enforcement notice has been issued after an internet cafe changed its use to include a minicab office without planning permission.

The owner of Uxbridge Internet Café, in High Street Uxbridge, opposite the Civic Centre, has appealed the notice and a decision is expected to be made over the coming weeks.

The unauthorised change contravenes planning laws although the appeal could be allowed retrospectively if the change meets all planning requirements.

TWO mums who campaigned for better sports facilities in their nearby park are celebrating a £65,000 multi-sports court which is set to be built.

Emma Driscoll, of Barley Crescent, Cowley is celebrating the grant courtesy of the Chrysalis fund, which is the result of over a year of campaigning.

The multi-sports court will feature a football goal, a basketball hoop and provide a designated area for kids to play.

She said: "The kids are so excited at the news, and that's why we wanted it, it is really needed.

"I can't believe it has actually being built, we're just two mums trying to raise money for the kids and its worked."

Along with fellow mum Mandy Mewmham, she helped organise a fundraiser last year at Cowley Rec, off High Street for which they raised over £1,500 for the facilities.

The fundraiser became notorious after a large banner which was used to promote the event was stolen, and turned up over a mile away at Fassnidge Park, Uxbridge.

This year the fundraiser is back, along with the infamous banner, but following the announcement that the multi-sports court is to be built, the pair have chosen another worthy cause to raise money for.

The money raised at this year's summer event will go to St Lawrence Youth Club, which meets in Cowley.

Mrs Driscoll said: "They do such a good job, but they need new equipment, money can also be used to take kids on trips out."

The fun day will take place on Sunday 19 July at Cowley Rec at 12pm until 4.30pm and will feature a football tournament, fair rides, and several stalls including bring and buy sales.

The mothers are appealing for donations, and for anybody who wishes to set up a stall to get in touch.

Anybody interested should e-mail emma.driscoll07@btinternet.com

PLANS to build flats on the old Dagenham Motors site on the outskirts of the town centre have been refused.

It was judged that plans to demolish the existing building and build four blocks of three and four storey flats at the junction of Cowley Mill Road, and St John's Road in Uxbridge were not in keeping with existing buildings in the area.

Councillors refused it on the grounds that the plans were trying to fit too many units into too small a site, and it would affect the privacy of residents already living nearby.

Last night (21/4) was the third time that the application for the had appeared before planning committee, with decisions being deferred on both previous occasions.

A HEALTHCARE fair took place in the Mall Pavilions on Monday, with shoppers able to chat to qualified professionals about their aches and pains.

The day was one of three road shows which are being organised by Hillingdon PCT with the first taking place at the Civic Centre back in February.

Visitors were able to talk to NHS staff over a cup of tea or coffee and even get their blood pressure taken.

Leaflets were given out with important information, as part of the consultation, to ask the people of Hillingdon what they want from their healthcare services.