Gary,
I totally agree with Straightandlevel80kt's comments above and wish I had done my PPL that way. HOWEVER, if you're career minded and want to go for the airlines I'd strongly recommend to just get moving asap by the fastest means possible!! If you spend another whole year getting you PPL, time's not going to be standing still...
If you do want to do your PPL in the UK there are plently of flying clubs to the west of London. Don't have to trek east to Stapleford.
Biscuit