We welcome the news that the London Borough of Hillingdon (LBH) have re-opened the consultation on the permanent closure of the footpath between The Greenway in Ickenham and Ruislip Golf Course (“the Stopping Up of Footpath U81”). 

The application is available online here: https://planning.hillingdon.gov.uk/OcellaWeb/planningDetails?reference=75317/APP/2024/2074&from=planningSearch

You can comment on the proposal via the “enter comments” button. You can view information on the rationale for the proposed closure by clicking on the “view documents” button. 

The Association only became aware of the previous consultation after it had concluded. We normally seek to improve and expand the local footpath network. The loss of the path through this “kinked” tunnel would be a great shame. But given the serious safety concerns raised by LBH and the police, we stated previously that we supported the Stopping Up, as the least worst option. 

However, in light of the detailed discussion between LBH and local people at the Village Meeting about the Stopping Up organised by David Edington on Thursday 21 November (attended by around 150 people), we have today written to LBH to withdraw our support for the Stopping Up. Furthermore, to help local people and the Association come to a more informed view on the proposal, we have also made the following requests: 

• an update of the LBH website to confirm when the consultation will close (this is currently unclear). 
• clarification of the future decision-making process and likely associated timings, noting that the Mayor of London and/or the Secretary of State may be involved.
• further consideration to be given to the value of the tunnel as an important link for other footpaths in the area, and consider whether that value should outweigh the potential costs that the council may incur from removing graffiti on the ramp/footbridge.
• the carrying out a more detailed assessment of the public safety implications of the proposals, including consideration of: the whole U81 route from The Greenway across the Golf Course, rather than just the proposed ramp/footbridge; whether redirecting people away from U81 past West Ruislip Station would increase the risk that they would be victims of crime;  whether not lighting the ramp/footbridge would reduce the risk of crime; whether any design changes, including but not limited to or the use of mirrors and/or transparent materials at the footbridge corners would reduce the risk of crime. 

We will make further information we receive from LBH available online as soon as possible, to help inform local views. 

Following discussions with local community groups, the police and HS2, the Council have proposed the permanent closure (“Stopping Up”) of the “Spooky Tunnel” because of safety concerns. The picture below was taken in June 2020, just before the current temporary HS2 closure came into force.

The council’s 10 page presentation on the subject, discussed with residents’ groups in July, can be viewed below. And further below is a Council map showing the surrounding footpath network, including proposals for new paths.

We normally seek to improve and expand the local footpath network, so the loss of the path through this “kinked” tunnel, which also carries the Canal Feeder, would be a great shame. But given the alternative (see slides 5-8) our view is that the Stopping Up is, unfortunately, the least worst option.

The following paper sets out information and recommendations relating to the now implemented 20mph speed limit on the Glebe estate:

On Thursday 12 November Hillingdon Council Cabinet will consider a proposed agreement to lease part of Ruislip Golf Course for the site of a new secondary school. 

Although outside the Ickenham boundary, the site is approximately 1km from the village pump. For comparison, Douay Martyrs is approximately 600m from the pump, Vyners School is approximately 1.4km and Ruislip High, the closest secondary school outside Ickenham,  is 2.2km.  

Some key quotes from the Cabinet meeting paper on the matter are set out below:  

 “In August 2020, DfE decided to formally to progress the bid from Veritas Academy Trust for a new school called Bishop Arden north of the A40” and that “the Bishop Arden bid in 2016 was strongly supported by parents in the north of the borough since it would provide another outstanding school open to pupils of all faiths and none, living in the local area.” 

“For the past few years, to meet the increasing demand of larger numbers coming up from the primary sector each year, the secondary intake has required additional temporary ‘bulge’ places to be agreed in up to five schools each year to meet the statutory duty to give residents an offer of a school place. In 2020 this was 145 places and is projected to rise each year up to 2024 and then remain high and plateau. However, the Local Authority cannot force academies to expand. Up to now, these have used existing accommodation on the school sites. Most of the 18 secondary school sites across the borough are now full, with no options for further expansions, and most are on playing fields, green belt and/or metropolitan open land which create serious planning constraints.” 

“Ruislip Golf Course is the only possible site officers have identified where a desktop analysis has not identified any significant planning constraints. In this regard the site might still attract resident opposition, but it would be a matter for the Council as a planning authority to determine any planning application on its merits. The land is flat, has an obvious existing vehicular access point (where Hill Lane intersects with the Ickenham Road), is a highly sustainable location close to the underground station and bus routes, is not defined as high quality agricultural land, it is not contaminated land and is large enough to accommodate a secondary school without the necessary new buildings needing to be too close to neighbouring residential property.” 

“HS2 Ltd does not object to the Council developing alternative land uses on the academy part of the golf course and…it would still develop the remaining part of the land as a 9 hole golf course”.

The Cabinet meeting paper and a map of the proposal are online here: https://modgov.hillingdon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=115&MId=3907

Hillingdon Cabinet meetings are broadcast live on the Council’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/HillingdonLondon 

Find out more about your Elected Representatives and how to contact them here: https://modgov.hillingdon.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?FN=ALPHA&VW=LIST&PIC=0

The Council have confirmed that work is underway to restore Ickenham Pond. A site notice states that “many invasive species have affected the pond and it is now in need of complete restoration. The project will enhance the pond, increase biodiversity and improve the aesthetic appearance of the surrounding area.”

Vegetation has been cut back regularly over the past few years, including the removal of the overhanging willows visible in the 2016 picture below.

Lilly, Reed Mace, Iris and various grasses have thrived recently and dragon and damselflies are a common site in summer months. But Parrot’s Feather and New Zealand Pigmyweed (likely to be the invasive species mentioned in the Council notice) have continued to spread and dominate.

It is reassuring that the Council are committed to increase the biodiversity of the pond, meaning it will be retained as a nature pond, rather than as a purely ornamental feature.

The work is being carried out by AGA Group, a Thetford based Aquatic & Fluvial Engineering company.

Our most westerly nature reserve is a haven for water-loving species.   Lakes, ponds, ditches and rivers make this area quite different from other local reserves.

Most of us know that Ickenham has a cricket club (Oak Ave), a rugby club (Ruislip/Uxbridge), tennis clubs (Swakeleys Drive) and a youth football team (playing at various locations). Contact details for these teams can be found on our useful links page.

There are also lots of other sports teams based near our village. Some of these are listed below:

Wealdstone Football Club, based at Grosvenor Vale in Ruislip. The ‘Stones currently compete in the Conference South. The ladies team currently compete in the Greater London League Division 1. The ground is a short walk from Ruislip Station.

Ruislip Rugby Club, based on West End Road in Ruislip. The First XV currently compete in London 1 league. The ground is a short walk from Ruislip Station.

West London Eagles Handball Club, based at the Queensmead Sports Centre in Ruislip. Both men’s and women’s team currently compete in the national Premier Leagues. Queensmead Sports Centre is a few minutes walk from South Ruislip station.

London Gaelic Athletic Association, opposite the Polish War Memorial in South Ruislip. The ground is the headquarters and principal Gaelic games facility for London. Various men’s and women’s curling and Gaelic football teams playing at the ground, which is a fair trek from South Ruislip station. The E7 bus stops right outside.

London Broncos Rugby League Club,  and Ealing Trialfinders Rugby Club, both based on Vallis Way in Ealing. Both clubs compete in the second flight in their respective national leagues. The ground is a short walk from Castle Bar Park station, which is about 20 mins from West Ruislip (change at Greenford).

Do get in touch to suggest additions to the list above.

The London Borough of Hillingdon have announced their intention to consult on becoming the 46th English Council to support regular temporary closures of residential streets for play.

Ickenham Councillor David Simmonds announced the move at the Full Council meeting on Thursday 7 September.

Councillor Simmonds spoke of the varied benefits of the initiave. He drew parallels with the street parties that were so popular across Ickenham in 2016.

A date for the consultation has not yet been set. More information about ‘playing out’ is available online here: http://playingout.net/