Ruislip Residents Association

Result of Bessingby Park Residents Survey, July 2008

Over 400 questionnaires were distributed to park users and neighbouring residents. 187 responses were received and those that had indicated a desire to discuss the issues further were invited to a meeting in September where they were joined by council officers and the councillors and Safer Neighbourhoods teams of Manor and Cavendish wards.

At this meeting, the overwhelming request from residents was for installation of fencing to secure the site’s boundaries, and for this to be the number one priority for the site. As a direct consequence, a successful bid was made to the council’s Chrysalis fund, for fencing around the Beverley Road end of the park and work is expected to start later this year.

Also resulting from this meeting was the establishment of the Bessingby Park Management Advisory Group (MAG). The MAG is run by local people, to work with the council’s Green Spaces team to advise on and influence any future improvements to the park.

For more details contact Carys Walker CWalker1@Hillingdon.Gov.UK LBH Community Leadership Co-ordinator.
 

Swallows Gym - May 2008
The future existence of Swallows Gym in South Ruislip is threatened by the council attempting to reclaim a large amount of back dated rent and Council Tax. The Association's view is that it is a very valuable facility, the existing dynamic works well and that we do not want it threatened. However the council should insist that it is properly managed. We have written to the council requesting that they resolve this dispute quickly and ensure that this wonderful facility continues to be run by the existing management at the existing venue.

You can see the report 'Beacon Olympics Gym to Close' on BBC News online, click http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7371704.stm

If you want to support their campaign there is a petition on the 10 Downing Street web site, click  http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Swallows/

Hill Lane – March 2008
The childrens’ play area is now complete.  
There was a “clear up and planting day” at the Hill Lane Park on 6^th April.

There have been significant changes. A fence and new gate arrangement have been erected, playground equipment replaced together with relevant hard-standing, paths have been installed and a small rain shelter erected.

These improvements were achieved by a number of residents local to the park who formed a group in December 2007,
called the Hill Lane Hurricanes, to halt the deterioration and to improve the facilities. They have been supported by Cllr. Corthorne and the Safer Neighbourhood Team. Some minor changes were funded from the small Street Champions budget but the rest were  paid for from the Chrysalis fund.

Re-furbished Manor Farm Library Re-Opened

The library re-opened on Saturday 15th March 2008 with a fun day including a coffee morning, children's crafts and competitions as well as a prize draw. More than one thousand people came through the doors that day.

The library now also benefits from longer opening hours which are :

Monday-Thursday: 9-8
Friday: 9-5.30
Saturday: 9-5   

Changes were made to the building for two reasons :

1. To provide disabled access – under Heritage Lottery project
2. As part of the general re-fit of libraries across the borough due to the library review

Accessibility Changes
The entrance door has been moved to be half way down the side of the building, in its original position. There are automatic doors and a new counter just inside the door. There is now a wheel chair lift to the old entrance area, which has being refitted with new shelving specially designed to be in keeping with the existing shelving. There are toilets just inside the new entrance. The walls have been re-painted white and a modern version of the existing lighting installed. There is a new lift at the other end of the building which accesses all 3 levels. ie. children’s, main level and upstairs. The building has also being fully dusted as the beams were very dirty.

General Library Refit
The only areas that could be re-fitted were the extension, ie. The children’s library and the upstairs floor above it. The rest of the building is protected by listed building status. The children’s library has been completely gutted. The cost of refurbishing this extension was approximately £20,000. The extension has been completely re-decorated, re-carpeted and new furniture and shelving purchased. There are no plans for a coffee shop in the annex. The Cow Byre cafe will remain. This information was provided by Alec Kennedy who was interim head of Cultural Services at LBH.

What do you think ?
If you've not already had the chance please come along and see what you think and let us know whether you like the changes. There are forms in the library or you can talk to the new manager Darren Deeks and do email us and give us your opinion.

What are the council's plans for libraries across the whole Borough ?
If you want to understand more about how the council propose to refurbish the libraries across the borough, make cost savings, change their staffing and book stock. You can read this document Libraries Review.