ARE Harefield village's continual gas leaks the result of one too many pints of alcohol consumed by those responsible for laying the pipes?

This is the theory being put forward by a resident of Merle Avenue, Harefield, who lives opposite The Harefield pub, which bore the brunt of the gas leaks when it was forced to close for business earlier this Autumn.

THIS is the final week for entries into the Uxbridge Gazette's eighth annual Local Heroes awards, which recognises ordinary people who deserve credit for doing good deeds.

The competition, held in association with Uxbridge College, acknowledges the hard work, dedication and courage shown by people who live or work in Hillingdon and have put others first, overcome adversity, or made an outstanding contribution to the community.

This week, Janice Andrews was nominated for her commitment towards Ruislip skate park, as well as many other projects in the area for young people and the elderly.

If you know someone who fits the bill, this is your last chance to nominate them and help them win up to £1,000!

A CAMPAIGN to get Harefield a Christmas tree is nearing fruition after the tree was ordered today (Monday).

The tree will be 20 foot high, and WILL have lights, despite health and safety worries that it would not.

DRIVERS are being warned of the dangers of alcohol over the Christmas period in an initiative to prevent road deaths.

Hillingdon Council is supporting the national 'Think Campaign', which warns that drink driving has the potential to ruin lives.

A CHRISTMAS Fair has been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

Predictions of bad weather have hampered plans for Dogs Trust Harefield's Winter Wonderland, featuring Santa-Paws and his rein-dogs, which was due to take place this Sunday (6).

Charlotte Pearson at Dogs Trust Harefield, said: "The staff and dogs are extremely disappointed, but would like to thank everyone in the local community for all their support.

"Dogs Trust Harefield would also like to say a huge thanks to all those who donated items and raffle prizes for the fair. These donations will help raise money for stray and abandoned dogs at their Summer Open Day and Fun Dog Show on Sunday, June 6, 2010."

THIS mock-up picture shows how Harefield's war memorial could look- if a bid to get it lit up is successful.

A horrific bottle attack in early October at the war memorial prompted calls for changes, to prevent the site becoming a magnet for yobs to gather and intimidate.

THE Gazette's 'Tree For Harefield' campaign to give the village a festive feel is gathering pace- but will it have lights?.

Harefield Councillor Henry Higgins, who has agreed to fund the tree out of the village's ward budget, has said the project is 'moving along nicely.'

GET ready to don your skates and do your best impressions of Torvill and Dean as Hillingdon's very own ice rink opens to the public for the second year.

The rink, outside the civic centre in High Street, Uxbridge, will open from next Friday (27) until January 3, 2010.

Last year, more than 13,000 people of all ages visited the rink during the festive period.

Councillor Henry Higgins, cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure, said: "The ice was a great success last year and proved popular with residents and visitors alike.

"People came from across the borough and beyond to enjoy the ice rink and we look forward to hopefully welcoming even more people this year to enjoy it again."

Bookings for the ice rink can be made from today (16) through the Beck Theatre box office on 020 8561 8371. On the day sales will be available at the ice rink from November 27.

For further information, visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk.

HAREFIELD Hospital has 'categorically denied' rumours that its future could be as a designated military hospital.

Rumours had been abound that plans were being made behind the scenes for part of the hospital to become a base for soldiers returning injured from war.

The latest neighbourhood news letter is available to view online.

It can be viewed on the following link http://www.hillingdonnhw.co.uk/