January 2009 Archives

Ealing fire crew were called to Blockbuster Video in West Ealing following a blaze in the store room.

A woman who started a fire at Southall Police Station said she heard voices telling her to do it.

Former Southall resident Helen Wiggins, 39, admitted a charge of arson at Isleworth Crown Court last week. She was detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act.

Church leaders have come under fire from residents and officials over plans to build a new classroom on top of people's graves.

Proposals have been drawn for a temporary timber building in the graveyard of St Mary's Church in Hanwell to cope with a growing congregation of young worshippers.

But the scheme - which involves moving one headstone and pouring concrete foundations above other graves - has been branded "inappropriate and harmful" by critics who claim better use could be made of existing facilities instead.

The church wants to use the building for the next eight years while it raises the £250,000 needed for a permanent extension.

It says there is a "pressing need" for a room where children can safely take part in activities on site which can double as a creche.

But conservation officers are concerned about the loss of a "pleasant green area" which offers a place for "quiet contemplation and tranquility", according to a council report.

Objectors Hanwell Steering Panel Group claim the building would spoil historic views and risked disturbing graves and memorials.

And members of Hanwell and Canals Conservation Area Panel said the church already has a "well-equipped, purpose built and spacious parish hall" nearby.

Planning officers are urging councillors to refuse permission at a meeting next Wednesday(JAN 7), claiming the work is unjustified and would harm the character of the surrounding conservation area.

Church rector Matthew Grayshon said the temporary building is the only viable option as the church needs to spend £110,000 on essential repairs.

He said: "This would be to the north of the church and completely hidden from the road. It is very discreet.

"Formally and technically, there's no problem at all if the graves in question are 50 years old. All the graves in that part are at least 120 years old.

"It would only disturb 15cm of soil and the concrete could be broken up and removed quite easily.

"We've got far too many children for the teaching space available. We have to do a something and the nature of the church is that we worship together as family.

"We cannot use the church hall as it is half a mile away and is already in use by the community church."

He said St Mary's had taken on the responsibility of the council by opening up the graveyard to the public, and the classroom would only occupy a small part of it.