The London Borough of Hillingdon in June 2009 introduced a resident's card which is free to any person over 18 who resides in the borough as their principal home. Hillingdon residents aged 17 who drive can also apply for a card. The card, known as the HillingdonFirst card, offers residents preferential rates at council parking facilities, access to libraries and the council's waste centre, and discounts at participating shops and businesses.
The centre of Northwood is within Hillingdon whereas the Eastbury part of Northwood is within the jurisdiction of Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) and Hertfordshire County Council. Consequently the residents of Eastbury are not entitled to a card.
Petition
A petition, protesting about the discriminatory nature of the increased parking charges and containing over 900 signatures from ERA members, was delivered to Hillingdon Borough on Monday 29th June 2009. Please click here to see the letter accompanying the petition.
An acknowledgement has been received from Hillingdon.
Further Action
- At a full council meeting of Three Rivers on 14th July 2009 a motion was debated concerning the "unfair" nature of the increased parking charges. The motion, which was carried, called on the Chief Executive of TRDC to arrange a meeting with Hillingdon Council to discuss the matter. Following the meeting council leader, Ann Shaw, has informed us that Hillingdon Council have refused to meet with TRDC to discuss the card.
- Several news stories have appeared in the local press, namely the Watford Observer and Ruislip and Northwood Gazette.
- Links have been established with Northwood Residents' Association to coordinate future action on this and other issues.
- A letter sent to Hillingdon Council by our MP, David Gauke, received a negative reponse.
Parking Charges
With the introduction of the card, car parking rates for non-Hillingdon residents (e.g ERA members) are (except for one charge) in excess of double the rates for HillingdonFirst cardholders. The first 30 minutes parking remains free. Details of the parking charges can be found by clicking here.
Shop Discounts
According to the Hillingdon Borough website holders of the HillingdonFirst card will receive "..... discounts at participating shops and businesses". The ERA has written to those businesses in Northwood who are participating in the scheme to ask if the discounts on offer are also available to ERA members. For a copy of the letter click here.
For a summary of the replies received and a full list of businesses offering discounts please click here. It may be necessary to show your ERA membership card to obtain the discount.
Harefield Waste and Recycling Centre
Non-Hillingdon residents will be charged £10 for using the Harefield Waste Centre. Click here for details of the new charges. Access is free for Hillingdon residents who hold a HillingdonFirst card. Access to the recycling area is free of charge for everyone.
Library
The introduction of the HillingdonFirst card has caused concern about the use by ERA residents of Hillingdon libraries, in particular the one in Oaklands Gate. We have received assurances from Hillingdon Council that the library service will remain unchanged for non-Hillingdon residents. Existing membership cards will remain valid and applications for new membership will be dealt with in the same way as at present.
