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THE Government has announced plans for a High Speed Rail London to Birmingham route, which will run through Ruislip.

The plans - which aim to revolutionise rail in the UK - were unveiled on Thursday by Transport Secretary Lord Adonis.

A 250mph rail route aims to reduce journey times between London and Birmingham to just 46 minutes.

The London base would be at London Euston station, with a Crossrail Interchange planned for Old Oak Station in Paddington.

Arthur Dark, 77, has lived in Breakspear Road, Ruislip, for more than 40 years. It is a street that will be intersected by the High Speed Rail line should the current proposals get the go ahead.

Mr Dark branded the plans " a monstrous waste of money", and was scathing in his criticism of the new service which he says will cause massive unrest with residents in the immediate area and beyond for years to come.

He said: "The implications of these plans are massive, especially when you consider the time it will take to build. The long-term congestion and chaos its construction will cause will just be horrendous.

NORTHWOOD Business Club is relocating and future meetings, including the next on Monday (15) will take place at The Barn Hotel in West End Road, Ruislip.

The meeting will provide an opportunity to network over drinks and a buffet supper, followed by a presentation entitled The Power of Why by Mark Fritz and Annick Devillard.

A PUB landlord faces eviction after a failed revamp drove customers away, leaving him unable to pay the rent.

Mitchum Hassanali, 32, who runs The White Bear in Ickenham Road, Ruislip, says trade was cut in half after owner pub company, Enterprise Inns, insisted the pub was re-designed two years ago.

MORE than 350 people have joined a Facebook group supporting Hillingdon Council's proposals to give Ruislip Lido a £1.5million revamp.

The group on the social networking website, entitled Ruislip Lido Needs This Facelift, has been set up by Amy-Louise Brown, Charlie Richiardi and Daniel Holland, three former pupils at Haydon School in Eastcote.

ST MARTIN'S in Ruislip will be hosting a lunchtime concert tomorrow (24) at 12.15pm in the church hall.

Pianist Jessica Chan will perform the music of Bach, Brahms and Chopin. Admission free, with a retiring collection for expenses.

Any surplus will go to the Myosotis Trust. For further information visit www.stmartins-ruislip.org or call 01895 625 456.

PLANS to redevelop the former Mill Works industrial site in Ruislip were set to be approved by councillors tonight (23), despite concerns from residents' groups and the village conservation panel.

An application has been made to demolish all existing buildings on the Bury Street site, which were used for manufacturing purposes in the Second World War but have been empty for some time.

In their place will be 66 new homes, made up of 30 apartments in two three-storey blocks and 36 semi-detached houses, plus parking.

AN AUTHOR who had her first UK book published last year is now in talks to have the novel made into a Hollywood movie.

Ruislip author Victoria Connelly's book 'Molly's Millions' is about a lottery winner who gives all her money away.

Hollywood actress Hilary Swank, whose company adapted the book 'PS I Love You' and turned it into a film, has expressed an interest in the tome.

A FIREFIGHTER based in Ruislip has received a long service award in recognition for three selfless decades saving others.

Graham Owen, 49, of Robert's Ride, Hazlemere, was presented with his London Fire Brigade Long Service Award at a special ceremony held at the Brigade's training centre in Southwark last week.

Graham, 49, joined the Brigade in 1979, and after passing out was posted to Heston fire station where he served for 13 years.

THE final Duck Pond Christmas Farmers Market of the year takes place next Wednesday (23) from 2pm - 7pm.

The popular market, which is housed inside the beautiful 13th Century Great Barn, part of the Manor Farm Complex, features produce grown, reared or made locally.

As well as fresh, seasonal food and plants, there will be children's entertainment, face painting and live music.

There will also be a cafe selling breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks made from produce available for sale at the market.

The next Duck Pond Farmers Market takes place on Sunday, February 7 from 10am to 3pm.