RAF Uxbridge plans go on show

May 18 2009 By Dan Coombs

RAF Uxbridge masterplan

EARLY attendees at the exhibition staged an impromptu protest calling for Hillingdon Hospital to be relocated.

Harry Dixon, 75, a former Wing Commander with the RAF, organised a group of protesters and even displayed a poster which he attached to the wall.

The hospital once considered for the site but backed out for financial reasons and Uxbridge and West Drayton MP John Randall has given the idea his backing, even though he concedes it is unlikely to happen.

Mr Dixon said: "It is a democratic society, why can't we put forward an alternative.

"We want to change their mind, this is driven by finance, Hillingdon Hospital is a terrible state, why not take the opportunity to start from scratch."

He even challenged Mr Darby, VSM Estates planning manager, on the issue, asking if there was any possibility.

Mr Darby said: "We would love the hospital if they wanted to come, we've been in contact with them over the years.

"They hospital board met and the decision has been made to expand the existing site."

There will be health provisions at RAF Uxbridge, as a doctors surgery will be included, to deal with the influx of new residents.

Mr Dixon was backed by John Maskell, of Fairfield Road, Uxbridge, who called for not only a new hospital to be located on site, but for the bus terminal to be moved there as well.

After he left, Mr Dixon was told his poster had been removed from the public notice boards.

He said: "That's democracy for you."

What do you think the site should be used for? E-mail dancoombs@trinitysouth.co.uk