AT THE beginning of this year we announced plans to invest £1.5million to improve Ruislip Lido, one of Hillingdon's unique and beautiful green spaces.

Residents living close to the lido currently suffer from visitors parking in residential roads and from the anti-social behaviour of those under the influence of alcohol, as well as litter left on the site. These and other issues have been raised with the council and are being taken into consideration as we develop the plans for the site.

Residents will be offered their own residents' parking scheme and an additional 200 car parking spaces will be created. Security will be improved, with additional CCTV cameras, additional security patrols and the enforcement of the lido as an alcohol-free zone, outside the precinct of the public house on site.

At the heart of the project is preserving the look and feel of the lido, its wildlife and the environment.

Some of the proposed improvements include enhancing the beach area to include a swimming area with new toilet facilities and changing facilities, an enclosed paddle boating area for children and the reintroduction of rowing boats for adults.

The popular miniature railway will be given financial support to improve its facilities, a nature reserve and angling swims and a woodlands centre built to encourage children to learn about the woods, wildlife and life within the lake. Catering facilities adjacent to the beach will also be improved.

Throughout the two-year programme of work, the council will work closely with the lido's management advisory group, which includes representatives of several local residents' groups, to discuss the plans with them.

We should be proud of what we have in Hillingdon, and this development is about providing an improved lido for all our residents to enjoy free of charge.

COUNCILLOR SANDRA JENKINS Cabinet member for environment,

Hillingdon Council

Civic Centre

High Street

Uxbridge