Firstly, I would like to wish all readers a Happy New Year! I hope many of you were able to spend this time relaxing and having fun with family and friends. I would also like to extend a thank you to everybody across the public sector who has worked so tirelessly over the holiday period. In my role as Leader of Harrow Council I have been doing my best to support the work you do.
For example, since my ward walkabouts across South Harrow I have been keen to take action on the issues raised by residents and business owners. The most pressing issue raised was that of antisocial behaviour and a gang presence. I have raised these issues with the Harrow Council Antisocial Behaviour Unit and liaised with police officers in Harrow and local amenities such as Roxeth Library.
So far we have removed offensive signs, sent officers to monitor illegal street traders, installed signs to deter street drinking and worked with police and residents to report more illegal fly-tipping for removal. Local councillors have been working hard to improve safety near South Harrow Underground station by coordinating funding for improved street lighting and increased CCTV.
In December, I met at South Harrow Underground station with Gareth Thomas the MP for Harrow West, Navin Shah the London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow, Harrow police officers and Cressida Dick the Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police. Among other issues, I was keen to emphasise the need for local officers to prioritise visible policing across our communities. They took on board that it is vital for residents across Harrow to feel safe and secure.
Of course this can be difficult to achieve when the budget for the Metropolitan Police is cut and policing numbers are reduced by central government. Both I and my fellow Labour councillors have been clear that we believe policing numbers should not be reduced and police stations across Harrow should remain open. We are fortunate that crime levels in Harrow are comparatively low, yet we know that visible and effective policing is always
essential to dealing with many of the aforementioned issues.
I feel steady progress has been made in improving the safety of the South Harrow area. However, I will continue to highlight the above issues with the Police and ensure Harrow Council is doing all that is possible to help make Harrow a safe place to live and work.
