20 January 2003

Traffic Services,
4W/05
Environmental services
London Borough of Hillingdon
Civic Centre
Uxbridge
Middlesex
UB10 1UW

Dear Sir

We are writing to strongly object to the above proposal.

The scheme is completely unnecessary in almost every road on the outlined map and is certainly not required in Winchester Road. The proposal begs the question is this merely a scheme to further raise funds for the London Borough of Hillingdon. Yes?

It also raises a second question - Are the officers and Councillors out of touch with the feelings of residents of Northwood Hills? Yes? With regard to the latter I would go as far as suggesting that the residents are now so incenced should there be an election now the current Councillors would not be re-elected!.

Your letter indicates that discussions have been held with representatives of our community. I regret that we and neighbours who are active in the community cannot find anyone who is aware of such discussions being held or views being obtained.

Northwood Hills is a tertiary shopping centre struggling to survive. To introduce pay and display arrangements in Joel Street is likely to kill-off trade further and lead to further deterioration, loss of shops and small businesses which are not only critical to Northwood Hills but to the UK as a whole.

Where there is a problem this has been caused by the Council. Until recently there was a very good car-park in Northwood Hills which despite strong representation from residents the Council decided to sell! As a result commuters who need to use Northwood Hills station to commute to work have nowhere to park.

You also seem to be totally unaware to the fact that Northwood Hills has an ageing population. Large numbers of people have lived in the same houses since they were built in the late 1940's. These residents are now elderly, reliant on cleaners, gardeners and alike for the upkeep of their property and can ill afford to pay an extra tax for their parking. Neither could they afford to see the value of their property be reduced by the enforcement of this tax which will no doubt rise further year on year.

In closing we suggest that the Council gives urgent consideration to compulsory re-purchasing the car park, or renting/leasing it back. The car park is currently under used.

We also give notice that we will continue our objection through all means possible both through the council and through the legal system.

Yours sincerely

CC: Councillors Bishop, Bianco