Honour is recognition for all services’ unsung heroes

HILLINGDON Council’s deputy leader has become the second youngest person to be made a CBE by HM The Queen.

Cllr David Simmonds, who represents Ickenham ward, has been recognised for his services to children, families and local government.

He said: “It’s been a huge privilege for me to be able to speak up for the local councillors and the children’s social workers who do such a fantastic job in the time that I’ve been working in the local government association.

“I think those people are often the unsung heroes and in many ways I think getting an honour is an honour in itself but also a great recognition of the work in the whole of the sector and keeping children safe.”

The Tory councillor, who is 39, became the youngest councillor when he joined in 1998 and is now the second youngest person to be made a CBE.

He said: “When I received the letter it was a surprise. This makes me the second youngest man to receive a CBE, A DIABETES Know Your Risk Roadshow tested shoppers at Tesco in West Drayton.

Of the 95 seen at the roadshow last week, 44 were found to be at risk of Type 2 diabetes and were referred to their doctor for further tests and support.

Roz Rosenblatt Diabetes UK Regional Manager in London, said: “New figures released on Monday show that 14,772 are already diagnosed with the condition in this area.

“But by finding out their risk of getting Type 2 diabetes, some people have taken the first step towards doing something about it. For many people, eating more healthily and taking more exercise can delay or stop them from getting Type 2 diabetes.”

If untreated the condition can cause heart attacks or strokes. A dietitian was at the roadshow in to offer advice. after Mo Farah, and his career has gone from strength-to-strength and he’s looked at using it to spread positive messages more widely.

“I’m very confident with the way we work with residents in Hillingdon, we’ve been recognised and reelected as councillors and as an administration many many times and I think we just want to make sure that the positive direction of improving children’s services in local government continues to go that way.

“We’re getting better at intervening early and that’s what I’m working on and I want to make sure that continues. That’s my next big challenge.”

Cllr Simmonds was behind the delivery of three new youth centres in Hillingdon and became responsible for children’s social services in 2000. He additionally took on the role as cabinet member for education in 2006.