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Friday, 4 April 2025

Cracking down on fly-tippers or litterers with new fines

The Council is stepping up efforts to clean up the borough. As of Tuesday, 1 April, offenders caught dropping rubbish, dumping bulky items, or failing to use reputable waste contractors will face the maximum penalty allowed under the law:  The fine for fly-tipping will increase from £400 to £1,000 The fine for littering including not cleaning up after their dog, spitting, dropping a cigarette or graffiti will increase from £150 to £500

Hounslow invests £9 million in new, improved refuse collection fleet

The Council plans to procure a new fleet of refuse collection vehicles to replace the existing diesel-powered fleet. This will contribute to carbon reductions, improve air quality and improve reliability. The new collection fleet will be powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel - a renewable fuel that will reduce emissions by up to 85%. This initiative supports Hounslow Council’s Climate Emergency Plan by significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

Amber Wildfire Warning issued in London

While we may not be experiencing the same high temperatures of the summer months, wildfires can still occur. It only takes a small spark to ignite grass, shrubs, or litter, and with the dry weather conditions we have been experiencing, any fire can quickly get out of control.

Please remember:

• Do not have barbecues, including disposable barbecues, in open spaces or on balconies
• Throw rubbish away properly
• Dispose of cigarettes and matches carefully

Come and ask the Council a question

Cliff Crown, Chair at Brentford FC, has offered his experience and support as Chair for the next Cabinet Question Time, at the Brentford Gtech Stadium, Tuesday, 8 April, from 6pm.  Be sure to book your free ticket before 8am, Monday, 7 April, and come and ask the Council Leader and Cabinet a question.

London’s second largest Miyawaki forest to set down roots in Feltham

The Council has partnered with Energy Garden to plant a new forest benefitting the local community.

The initiative will see 5,500 trees planted in Blenheim Park in Feltham. The first community planting day will take place on Sunday, 6 April, 1pm-5pm. 

Unlocking potential at the Marriott Hotel

A special event at the Marriott Hotel recently brought together potential employers and partners to meet the talented interns of DFN Project SEARCH.

Attendees took part in a guided tour led by Linda Hawkins, the Director of Human Resources who spoke with the interns. They learned how the programme helps young people build the confidence and skills needed to thrive in the workplace. 

DFN Project SEARCH will be hosting a drop-in session on Tuesday, 15 April, from 3pm to 5pm in classroom 2 at Hounslow House Library. No need to sign up - just drop in. 

Further support for Hounslow families with SEND

Families with SEND children can access an improved support service at Hounslow SEND Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS), featuring free and confidential guidance for Hounslow parents and carers and children/young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 0-25. As a statutory service, SENDIASS works independently from the local authority.

To get in touch with the team, call the helpline at 020 8583 2607 (Monday-Friday, 9am - 2pm) or email sendiass@hounslow.gov.uk. The team (pictured) are also available at our monthly SEND surgeries, with the next at Redlees Play Centre in Isleworth on Wednesday, 23 April from 10am to 12pm.

Book your COVID-19 spring booster vaccination

COVID-19 is serious at any time of the year, especially for those who are most vulnerable. The COVID-19 spring booster vaccine is now available for the following groups:

• Adults aged 75 and over
• Residents in a care home for older adults
• Those that have a condition that means they are immunosuppressed

Eggcelent activities for the whole family

Looking for exciting activities this Easter? Check the hub of Easter Activities and Holiday Camps on the Family Service Directory. From fun-filled boxing courses to coding tech camps, there’s something for everyone - many activities are completely free. If you’re looking for an Easter Egg Hunt or Trail, you can find a page dedicated to all the best events near you. Eligible children can also enjoy the Holiday, Activities and Food programme, where they can make new friends, take part in exciting activities and receive a healthy meal each day.

Find your career path in the Council 

The Council is supporting 'Find your path', a recruitment campaign inviting young people to help shape the future of their local community. 

A range of opportunities are available in social work, human resources, parks and gardens, street services and more.

Oaklands School gets Dragon’s Den ready

Council Leader, Cllr Shantanu Rajawat (pictured), joined sixth form pupils at Oaklands School this week as they prepared for next month's Social Enterprise Academy (SEA) Dragon’s Den event. Students are designing their own jewellery range following last year’s successful Life Skills book that impressed the panel.

The workshop, led by the academy and Alexander Jones, Assistant Head at Oaklands, also helped pupils with their fine motor skills and the development of their interest in painting and craft. As the Hounslow leg of this national challenge approaches, the young people will also gain greater insight into production processes.

To find out more about the Social Enterprise Academy and their training workshops in schools, click the button below. 

Help shape the National Youth Strategy

The Government is calling on young people to help shape the new National Youth Strategy as part of the Deliver You campaign. This is a unique opportunity for young voices to influence the support services, facilities, and opportunities available beyond the classroom.

Young people aged 10-21 or up to 25 for those with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) are encouraged to take part. Take the online survey before Wednesday, 16 April.