H A R R O W
www.harrow.gov.uk December 2009
Keeping you better informed
about Harrow Council
Christmas
Market
Harrow Town Centre
goes festive
Healthy living
Inside Harrow’s
new health clinics
Get your skates on
and win tickets for
London’s best day out!
Are you missing out?
It’s your money!
Difficulty paying your rent?
Behind with your Council Tax payments?
You don’t have to be unemployed
or a pensioner to get it!
Housing and Council Tax benefits are intended to help
people on low income meet their housing costs.
You will be aware that the Government has been
taking a number of steps to ensure that the economic
downturn has the minimum possible effect on those
with low income. As part of this initiative we want
to make sure you are not missing out on any of the
We can arrange a Home Visit for you
help you are entitled to with Council Tax and or your
housing costs.
One of our experienced visiting officers will visit you at
your home to help you with your application form.
If you are a pensioner and you get Pension Credit
guarantee credit, you are likely to be entitled to
A home visit will be arranged for you of you fall in one of
Council Tax Benefit if you are liable for Council Tax.
these categories.
This means you may pay less Council Tax. You could
• Housebound
even get it backdated for up to three months. But you
• Disabled
must make a claim to get it.
• Elderly
And if you rent your home, you may be able to get
• Long term ill
help with your rent by claiming Housing Benefit.
If you would like assistance with completing the claim
form, please ring us on 0208 424 1644. One of our
Are you getting what
visiting officers will get in touch with you to arrange a
you should?
convenient and suitable time to visit you at your
home.
To find out if you qualify, visit www.
harrow.gov.uk and check our benefit
calculator.
Welfare Benefit health check
How to claim
We have a Welfare Benefit take up service. This initiative is aimed
For more information call us on
to make sure that Harrow residents receive all the welfare benefits’
0208 424 1644.
they are entitled to. We can assess your eligibility for any welfare
benefits and help you complete any relevant forms.
If you would an application form to claim
Council Tax or Housing Benefit, please ring us
For an appointment please call 020 8424 7636.
on 0208 424 1644.
H A r r o w
contents
Regulars
4 News
Leader of
24 What’s on
the Council
26 Ward Focus
Council or
David Ashton
Features
with Christmas nearly here, budgets
9 Your money
are on everyone’s mind - whether
Have your say on council
you are a household braced for big
spending
bil s or a business gearing up for the
10 Cleaner and safer streets
New Year.
Anti-social behaviour team
while finalising the council’s budget,
I went out for the day in Harrow
19 Day in the life
town centre to ask residents what
Caring for our carers
our spending priorities should be.
7am, morning mist, Harrow Recreation Ground
This issue of Harrow People reveals
your answers - and without giving
the story away, you may not be
surprised to learn that clean streets
and supporting the vulnerable are
high on your list.
with spending in mind, read
about how our trading standards
department is protecting Christmas
If you have any story ideas,
shoppers against potential cons. on
please email the Editor at
a happier note, I hope you visit and
[email address]
enjoy the Christmas market taking
or call 020 8424 7504
place for the first time in the town
For editorial and advertising
centre.
enquiries contact:
Editor Angela Hart on 020 8424 7504
In whatever way you are spending
Photography Dermot Carlin
the festive period, can I extend best
Design Subo Kathiresan
wishes on behalf of the council.
Please recycle this copy of
Harrow People when you have
finished or pass it to a friend.
Harrow Council has been recognised
as one of the best performing local
authorities in the country in the
prestigious Municipal Journal (MJ)
Best Acheiving Council award.
Harrow People is printed by Annodata Print Services on chlorine free paper from sustainable forests and distributed by Letterbox Distribution.
Harrow People is published eight times a year by Harrow Council as part of keeping local people informed. It is distributed to 100,000 homes, businesses and
other outlets in the borough. Comments, products and services published do not necessarily carry the council’s endorsement.
www.harrow.gov.uk
3
News
Have your
A redevelopment
project on a
say
Pinner estate
has been given the green light
following a secret ballot by residents.
Residents voted overwhelmingly in
favour of transferring the ownership
and management of Mill Farm Estate
to Catalyst Communities Housing
Association in a secret ballot last
month – which encouraged residents
to get involved in the decision about
the future of their estate.
You said: Eighty-eight per cent of the
tenants who voted in the ballot were in
favour of the transfer and 100 per cent
of the leaseholder voters were also in
favour of the vote.
We did: Subject to planning approval
and the Secretary of State approving
Class act at Stanburn! the plans, the redevelopment of the
estate is likely to take place next
year. The redevelopment will involve
A school in Harrow is the first in
during world war II.
replacing the existing buildings to
London to have been rated as
Anne Drakeford, headteacher
provide modern, high-quality homes
‘outstanding’ after the school
at Stanburn for the last 20 years,
and building new homes for rent and
inspection body ofsted introduced
said: “Credit goes to all those
sale.
new tougher criteria.
involved - children, parents, staff
Cllr Barry Macleod-Cullinane, portfolio
Stanburn First school in Stanmore, and governors.”
holder for adults and housing, said:
has been awarded top marks after
Cllr Anjana Patel, portfolio
“With such an overwhelming majority
its recent inspection, where it was
holder for schools and children’s
this is a fantastic outcome and
described as an ‘excellent school
development, said: “I am very
opportunity for all involved.
which embraced new developments
pleased with the results of this
“The challenge now is to make sure
to ensure pupils receive the highest
inspection. For any school to inspire
it happens in the timescales we
quality learning experiences’.
such praise from both from ofsted
have agreed with residents and I am
A striking example of the school’s
and from parents is an excellent
confident we can achieve this through
innovative teaching is the history
achievement. The team at Stanburn
the excellent partnerships we have
lessons held in the school’s very
First school is providing the best
built with the residents and Catalyst
own ‘Blast Shelter’, where pupils
education for its pupils and should
Communities Housing Association.”
are taught in small groups about life
be proud of itself.”
Harrow’s streets get a new seal of approval!
we have blast off! Harrow Council has
begun a brand new treatment which
“seals” streets against the plague
of dropped chewing gum, oil stains
and other pollutants by blasting them
with water - then layering them with a
protective coating.
one of Harrow Council’s top priorities
is to deliver cleaner and safer streets,
and four popular shopping centres and
two tube stations in the borough are on
the list for the deep clean treatment.
4
www.harrow.gov.uk
News
Have your
The council is
drawing up a
say
new plan for
the borough
cal ed the Local Development
Framework (LDF). Included in this
is the Core Strategy which sets
out how population, housing and
economic growth in the borough
is to be accommodated over a 15-
year period.
The Core Strategy Preferred
option document is now out for
public consultation for anyone to
comment on. This runs until 11th
January 2010. The council will
Young people takeover the council!
be holding a series of workshops
Amel rahmoune, 20, took over chief executive, Michael Lockwood’s
during December. These
role at Harrow Council as part of Youth Takeover Day. She said:
workshops wil offer residents the
“The role of chief executive on this youth take over day involved me
chance to discuss the options with
choosing, researching and presenting a subject of my particular
planning officers as wel as any
interest to the ‘real’ chief executive and if he likes my suggestions I
other issues you think we need to
might soon see a change in anti-social behaviour.”
address.
It was a chance for young people in the borough to have their say
For details of the workshops
on how council services are run and to put forward creative ideas as to
or to view the documents email
how the services can be improved, particularly for young people in the
[email address] or
borough. For more information on young people’s events in Harrow
www.harrow-consult.limehouse.
visit www.harrowyouth.co.uk
co.uk
All change for
Freedom passes
Harrow’s older and disabled Freedom
Pass holders should renew their
passes in the new year so they can
continue to enjoy free travel across the
borough.
The Freedom Pass al ows
Londoners aged 60 and over, plus
eligible disabled residents, to travel
for free on buses, trains and the
underground.
For additional security, the new
passes wil include a photograph of
the owner on the card itself rather than
on a separate photocard as is currently
the case.
For more information on renewal
Sea scouts joined war veterans as they marched through
go www.freedompass.org or call
Harrow at a ceremony to honour Britain’s heroes. The annual Remembrance Day
ceremony honours those who have lost their lives in conflicts since the start of the
0845 275 7054.
First World War. More than 500 people gathered to watch the procession.
www.harrow.gov.uk
5
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Call now to get your new career off the ground
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6
www.harrow.gov.uk
build stroNger commuNities
Swami comes
to Harrow
A well-known Hindu Swami
visited Harrow Council to
announce the opening of a new
temple, for which Harrow’s
Gujarati community raised funds.
Mahant Swami Dharmanandan
Dasji, who is the Head of
Swaminarayan Temple in the
Gujarat city of Bhuj, met with
councillors, staff and members of
the Hindu community at a special
reception to announce that the
new temple will be open in Bhuj
in May 2010.
A total of £1.25m was raised
Turning the tables
by the Hindu community in the UK
after the Swaminarayan temple
An inspirational Radio DJing
participation team.
was destroyed in the earthquake
course has helped some
Margo Cash, 10, who
that struck the city in 2001.
Harrow youngsters to turn the
lives on the estate, and has
tables on anti-social behaviour
just completed the Radio
on an estate in Pinner.
Broadcasting training, said:
The teenagers from
“Being on the radio course has
the Pinner Hill estate have
made me proud of myself, and
transformed their lives after
it keeps me out of trouble and
joining the three-month Radio
stops me walking around the
Production and Broadcast
streets. You never know what
course, organised by
I’ll be in the future now.”
Harrow Council’s youth
Black History in focus
Voluntary organisation BTwSC
Planning course, and also
(
Beyond the Wil Smith Chal enge)
raised funds for the Mayor’s
held its African History Month event,
chosen charity Easy riders
cal ed
In Search Of Achievers Closer
wheelchairs.
To Home, at the Council Chamber,
Those who attended
in october. Harrow Mayor Cl r
described the event as inspiring and
closer to home.”
Eric Silver and the Mayoress Mrs
motivational, and welcomed the diversity
“For example, when you ask
Evelyn Silver were special guests
of fields the achievers came from.
about civil rights, most people
at the event which highlighted the
“I thought the session was well
think of Martin Luther King and
contribution of British African male
put together and informative, and I
rosa Parks, but few are aware of
and female achievers in various
real y liked the focus on black British
the likes of community activist Paul
fields, including academia, business,
history,” said Patrick o’Dwyer, Harrow
Stephenson and the Bristol Bus
civil rights, education, law, politics,
Council’s Senior School Improvement
Boycott, which ended on the same
the sciences and the voluntary sector.
Professional.
day Martin Luther King delivered his
The event, which was funded by
Event co-ordinator Kwaku said: “Too
‘I Have A Dream’ speech in 1963.”
BTwSC, was organised with students often we seem to be more aware of
For further information on BTwSC go
on BTwSC’s oCN accredited Event
African American achievers, than those
to www.btwsc.com
www.harrow.gov.uk
7
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Primary Pool closing date: 5 February 2010
Interviews planned: 2 and 3 March 2010
Apply online www.harrow.gov.uk/teaching
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moNey
You said:
Nearly 650 people answered
questions on the budget, with
93% agreeing that Cleaner
and Safer streets should be
regarded as a priority, while
84% think Support for
Vulnerable People should
receive priority funding. Nearly
60% support the priority
Build Stronger Communities.
The support for all three of the
council’s suggested priorities
was higher this year than in
2008.
Have your on how the council should
say spend your money
As the council prepares to
draw up its spending plans
Here is what some of the residents had to say:
Cl r David Ashton, leader of the
council, took to the streets to
Owen and Jill Cock
(right) from Pinner,
find out how residents want to
said: “Supporting vulnerable people
see their money spent next year.
has to be the most important priority of
The responses wil be used
the council. Also it frustrates me that the
to influence the decisions the
council have to pay so much money to
council is making and ensure
keep the streets clean, when this can be
it al ocates its resources in the
done by residents themselves. I think it
way residents would like.
would be great
to encourage
This year, the council focused
more people in
funding on three key areas:
the borough to
delivering cleaner and safer
volunteer – this
Wendy Dearborne
(left) from
streets, improving support for
real y contributes
LA, said: “I used to live in Harrow
vulnerable people and building
to building
but moved to Los Angeles 17
stronger communities, where
a stronger
years ago. I have seen a lot of
mil ions of pounds have been
community.”
changes in the borough and the
invested.
town centre is real y nice.”
Cl r David Ashton,
leader of the council and
PC Kotze and PC Pindolia
(left)
portfolio holder for finance,
from the town centre police team,
said: “It was great to get
said: “The borough’s town centre
out on the street and
has definitely seen a marked improvement since I
gauge what residents think
lived here five years ago. residents say they feel
about how the council is
safer and it’s a lot cleaner. Knowing that we have
progressing.
the support of our partners, like the council, is real y
“I am always pleased to
important and I think it makes a real difference to
hear the thoughts of those using
residents.”
the services and encourage
Further information
everyone to get in touch with the
council if they have an opinion
You can email your comments and questions on council services to
on what next year’s tax money
[email address]
should be spent on.”
www.harrow.gov.uk
9
cleaNer aNd safer streets
Could you be a
Neighbourhood Champion?
Harrow Council has
announced plans to
deliver cleaner and safer
streets through a new
Neighbourhood
Champions programme.
working in partnership with the
police, the scheme wil launch
“I welcome the
in the New Year with volunteers from
Neighbourhood
Harrow’s established and very successful
Champion
Neighbourhood watch scheme. It will
be extended in Spring 2010 when all
scheme. Harrow’s
Harrow residents wil be invited to join the
Neighbourhood
programme.
Watch is one of the
The scheme wil see us recruit a
largest in London and
network of volunteers, who wil help keep
plays an important role
us informed about local problems or
working alongside
issues that can arise.
the police to fight
The scheme has overwhelming
support with nearly 90 per cent of you
crime and enhance
thinking that Neighbourhood Champions
community cohesion
are a good idea*.
throughout
Cl r Susan Hal , deputy leader and
Harrow. I look
portfolio holder for the environment,
forward to seeing
said: “we would like our Neighbourhood
the Neighbourhood
Champions to help us to look after the
streets of Harrow, acting as our eyes
Champion scheme
and ears, and alerting us to problems
becoming just as
they think we should know about. This
successful..”
isn’t about being a nosy neighbour, quite
Inspector Dave Burgum,
simply, it’s about having the input of
Harrow Police
somebody who is proud of their street and
wants to improve life for their friends and
neighbours.”
*Source: August reputation Tracker as part of which 500 Harrow residents were interviewed
10
www.harrow.gov.uk
cleaNer aNd safer streets
Could you be a
Neighbourhood Champion?
So what does a
Q&A
Neighbourhood
Q with al these stories about councils spying on their
Champion do?
residents, should you be doing this?
The most important part of the
A This is definitely not a licence to “snoop”. Al the council is doing is creating
Champion’s role is to communicate
a system that wil al ow a Neighbourhood Champion to report street level
with the council, ideal y via our website
nuisances. These are problems that, as before, it is down to the police and
www.harrow.gov.uk, highlighting the
the council to fix. Nobody wants or expects the Neighbourhood Champions
issues we can help with.
to act as vigilantes!
Typical y the key role of volunteers
wil be to contact the council with
Q when can I sign up?
problems arising from street issues,
A The scheme wil launch in the New Year with the recruitment of
such as
Neighbourhood watch Co-ordinators. From Spring 2010 al residents wil be
• Street cleaning
invited to join. If you are interested in becoming a Neighbourhood Champion,
• Broken street lights
please register your interest (see below). we wil then contact you in the
• Fly-tipping
Spring with further details.
• Graf iti
• Abandoned vehicles
Q How many do you want to sign up? And how
• Noise nuisance
long for?
• Petty vandalism
A The plan is to sign up 2,000 by the end of two years. we wil assess the
• General anti-social behaviour
success of the scheme in 2011 to see whether the council and police want to
we are looking forward to the
extend it further.
champions helping to create the kinds
of neighbourhood we’d al like to live
in, and hope that you’l support the
Q Do Neighbourhood Champions get paid? Do they
scheme by either becoming a
receive any form of expenses?
Neighbourhood Champion yourself,
A No - this is a volunteering initiative. Neighbourhood Champions take part
or by working with your local
because they want to help deliver cleaner and safer streets for al residents.
Champion to make Harrow streets
cleaner and safer for al .
Further information
cut here
The Neighbourhood Champions scheme is your opportunity to get involved in making Harrow a better place to live,
work and play. If you are interested in becoming a Neighbourhood Champion or would like to know more, please
complete the below form and send to: Divisional Director of Environment, Civic Centre, Station road, Harrow, HA1 2XF.
Alternatively, you can email [email address]
Name:
Address:
Email Address:
*Source: August reputation Tracker as part of which 500 Harrow residents were interviewed
www.harrow.gov.uk
11
supportiNg vulNerable people
12 scams of
Twelve Phishers phishing
Christmas
12
Eleven fraudsters cal ing
Typical y, you’re directed
11Watch out for fraudsters
to a fake website with a tempting
threatening to cut off your BT
offer. But once you fil in your
phone line unless you pay arrears
personal details your information
using your credit card. Always
can be sold to identity thieves.
check by cal ing the number on
Always use your credit card for
your phone bil .
purchases over £100.
9Nine scammers scamming
Charity scammers may
pose as representatives of real
8
charities or ones that sound real.
Be VERY wary of high-pressure
pitches. Always ask for ID and
never give out credit card details.
Five fake friends
Six cheap plonk drinking
5You may receive an e-card
6Cheap drink can include
email from an unnamed
dangerous levels of ingredients
“friend” which can be viewed
such as methanol. Always
by clicking on a link. But the
check careful y anything that is
link may unleash anything
suspiciously cheap.
from spyware and pop-up ads
to viruses and Trojans.
Three cardboard tubes
3
2
A two or three metre rol of
Christmas wrapping paper offered
by a street vendor at a cheap
price turns out to be nothing more
than a cardboard tube with a
narrow strip of paper on it.
12
www.harrow.gov.uk
supportiNg vulNerable people
ChristmasTo help you avoid geting caught out Harow
Council has drawn up the 12 scams of
Christmas to keep you on your guard.
Ten brand names faking
10Watch out for counterfeit
batteries which may leak and
wil not last long. Al counterfeit
goods are sold at bargain prices
and are often of shoddy quality
and fal apart in days.
Eight lights a flashing
8
Seven food goods perishing
Ensure any electrical items
7Check the recommended
carry a smal mark with the
best before date on perishable
words CE on it. If badly made the
items is not before Christmas
products can be a fire risk.
Day.
Four cheap perfumes
4Copies of brand perfumes
are heavily diluted and the
scent wears off in minutes.
The contents can also cause
al ergic skin reactions.
Two dodgy dvds
2Pirate dvds are not only of
And a hole
poor quality but you may be
sponsoring organised crime with
your purchase.
in your back
pocket!
Further information
For further information contact Harrow and Brent Trading Standards on 020 8937 5555
or Consumer Direct on 0845 404 0506 www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
www.harrow.gov.uk
13
Registered Charity
No. 248565
(Harrow Branch)
44 Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2SQ
We wish you a very hap y festive season
If a little emotional support will help you through the
holiday, we’ll be available 24/7. But what we really hope
is that if you’re having so much fun, you won’t give us a
second’s thought!
Happy Christmas .... EVERYBODY.
020 8427 7777 Sometimes, the thing that
can help most is just to talk.
National No. 08457 909090; e-mail:- [email address]
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cleaNer aNd safer streets
green
Dreaming of a
Christmas…
It is estimated that every person
5 green things to do this Christmas
in the uK throws away their
own weight in rubbish every
1 Shop ‘til you drop. But take old
ring on low, and only opening the oven
seven weeks. During the festive
bags! And use public transport if you
door when absolutely necessary, will
period, belts have a habit of
can.
help keep your kitchen cool as wel as
widening, and our bins get fatter
2 Christmas wishes. Many
saving energy.
too. This Christmas, up to 1 bil ion
charities produce a range of beautiful
4 Saving water. Having worked up
Christmas cards wil end up in
Christmas cards and wrapping
a sweat from lugging the tree, not to
bins (that’s 17 per person) and
paper from recycled paper. After
mention those enormous presents, into
the uK wil produce 83 sq km of
Christmas you can throw cards and
the sitting room, take a shower instead
wrapping paper, enough to wrap
wrapping paper in your blue bin to
of a bath. It uses half as much water.
up Guernsey and give it as a
be taken away by the council for
recycle al empty bottles, glass or
Christmas present.
recycling.
plastic in your blue bin.
But there are a number of
3 Christmas Dinner. The main event
5 The Tree. A real tree is traditional,
things we can do over Christmas
of Christmas day, when the kitchen
just make sure that after Christmas,
to keep our bins slim while we still
piles up with pans and baking tins and
you either chop it up and put it your
have a good time.
the room boils from simmering pots
brown bin (max 10cm in diameter),
and a baking oven. using a smal hob
or take it to the recycling Centre in
ring on a high heat instead of a large
Forward Drive, wealdstone.
Christmas Collection Calendar
Please leave your rubbish for collection on the revised collection days named in the calendar. If two
days are given, please put your rubbish out on the first day. If it is not collected on this day, it will be
collected on the following day.
Christmas
New Year
Further information
Usual
week
collection day week
If you have any questions,
Tues 29 Dec
or wish to report a missed
Monday
Mon 21 Dec
collection, please go
Tues 29 Dec or wed 30 Dec
to www.harrow.gov.
Tuesday
Mon 21 Dec or Tues 22 Dec
uk/recycling or call the
wed 30 Dec or Thurs 31 Dec
wednesday
Tues 22 Dec or wed 23 Dec
council’s refuse and
Thurs 31 Dec or Sat 2 Jan
recycling centre on
Thursday
wed 23 Dec or Thurs 24 Dec
020 8424 1770.
Sat 2 Jan
Friday
Thurs 24 Dec
www.harrow.gov.uk
15
cleaNer aNd safer streets
Keeping you
Anti-social behaviour doesn’t just
make life unpleasant. It creates
an environment where more serious
crime can take hold. It has a negative
effect on many people’s lives, and
Harrow Council is committed to
tackling it. A new team of anti-social
behaviour ward officers, dedicated
to addressing local issues in Harrow,
have now been recruited.
Neil watson – one of the three new
ward officers – says that he gets into
their actions are doing to others
work never knowing what he will have
which stops them from behaving in
to deal with, but that - in essence - is s
this way.”
afe
why he enjoys his new role at Harrow
For example, a panel made up of
Council so much.
officers across a number of agencies
Harrow Council has employed a
has been set up to work with young
problem which could easily spiral out
new team to work closely with the
people who have been linked with
of control. Although we don’t have a
police, the fire brigade and housing
anti-social behaviour offences. The
big problem, we do not tolerate anti-
associations to get to the bottom of
Early Intervention Panel aims to stop
social behaviour in Harrow and will
anti-social behaviour – and so far,
people under the age of 18 from re-
do everything we can to stop these
the results have shown it has been a
offending, by giving them one-to-one
offences from happening.
great success.
mentoring, putting them into work
“This is all linked to the work
Neil has recently been dealing
placements and offering parents a
we are doing to build a stronger
with one family who have proven
training course to help prevent these
community in the borough and
to be nightmare neighbours at their
offences from happening.
ensure Harrow remains one of the
worst using racial abuse, intimidation,
The panel is made up of a
safest boroughs in London.”
littering and harassment to make
number of services, including
fellow residents’ lives a misery.
children’s services, the council’s
Further information
He added: “Issuing injunctions,
youth offending team, the police and
If you need any advice on
anti-social behaviour orders (ASBos)
family intervention services.
coping with anti-social
or Acceptable Behaviour Contracts
Cllr Susan Hall, deputy
behaviour, call one of the team
(ABCs) can help to minimise anti-
leader and portfolio holder for
or go to www.harrow.gov.uk/
social behaviour but sometimes it is
Environmental Services, said:
asb or call 0845 371 4110
just a case of helping them see what
“Anti-social behaviour is a national
16
www.harrow.gov.uk
cleaNer aNd safer streets
Meet the team…
Neil Watson
Wards: Harrow Weald, Hatch End, Pinner,
Pinner South, Rayners Lane, Roxeth, Roxbourne
“Many people think anti-social behaviour always
involves young people, but it’s more than that – it could
be a dispute between neighbours, an out of control dog,
racial abuse or littering.”
safe Janice NobleWards: Greenhill, Harrow on the Hill, Headstone
North, Headstone South, Marlborough,
Wealdstone, West Harrow
“Now there is a team of us working closely with the
police to tackle anti-social behaviour in Harrow, we
hope we wil be able to make changes to al those
people affected by these crimes.”
Sarah Harris
Wards: Belmont, Canons, Edgware, Kenton East,
Kenton West, Queensbury, Stanmore Park
“Anti-social behaviour can be one of a number of
things which can make their victim’s lives a misery.
we want to urge more people to report these crimes to
ourselves or the police. That way, we can help stamp it
out for good.”
Ian Cartmell - ASB Co-ordinator Team Manager
“My special y trained officers wil do everything they can
to make the residents of Harrow live safer, and stop
offenders affecting people’s daily quality of life so they
can live without fear of others.”
Contact the team on 0845 371 4110.
Nuisance neighbour
case study
, was given a five
receives five year asbo
The perpetrator
their garden and trespassing. It only
year ASBo at Harrow magistrates in
November 2008 after the court heard
Last year, a resident of Harrow
ended after Harrow Council’s anti-
o for
the catalogue of incidents against
received a five-year ASB
social behaviour team worked with
the victims. The court was told that
conducting a five-year campaign of
the police for 12 months to put a case
the perpetrator’s behaviour was so
misery against her neighbours which
together, with evidence including
bad the victims felt unable to go on
included throwing sanitary towels into
143 DVDs of CCTV footage and a
holiday for fear of what they would
their garden.
statement from former neighbours
return to.
The ordeal of the victims included
who suffered similar nuisance
verbal abuse, their garden being
behaviour.
flooded, rubbish being thrown into
www.harrow.gov.uk
17
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Harrow, HA3 7ST
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supportiNg vulNerable people
Top five steps...
to getting support
Step one recognise you’re a carer!
Many of us do not see ourselves as
carers straight away. we are simply
doing what anyone would - caring
unpaid for a loved one or friend.
Step two: Contact your council for
help. Adult Services are part of your
local council and provide a range of
A day in the life
services to carers and people with
disabilities. As a carer, you are entitled
Caring for carers to a carer’s assessment, which looks
at your needs and how you, as a carer,
can be supported. They can look at
flexible options which best suit you
and support you in your caring role.
28-year-old daughter Natasha who has a
Alie Brice is Harrow Council’s voice
Step three: Tel your GP.
for carers in the borough and
learning disability and impaired hearing.
Although there isn’t a national register
spends much of her time ensuring they
Christine said: "I had been caring for
for carers, make sure you tel your GP
get the support they need.
my disabled daughter without support
you are a carer, and ask them if they
Many people in the borough care
for a long time and I was getting quite
wil provide an annual healthcheck.
for an elderly relative, a sick friend
desperate. It was so isolating because
Step four: Talk to your family and
or a disabled family member. They
I couldn't get out of the house to see
friends. It is important that you do not
do it unpaid and often without any
anybody.
try to cope alone, as this can impact
support, despite there being plenty
"Now I get respite care one weekend
on your own health.
of help available. Al ie says: “we are
a month which means I get a much-
Step five: Claim your entitlements.
here to help improve the lives of carers
needed break. I am free to go out or stay
remember that the benefits system is
by providing information, advice and
in and sit and do nothing if I want to!
there to help and you are entitled to
support and by ensuring they are aware
"with help from the council I am now
claim. Cal Harrow Carers on 020 8868
of the financial help available to them.
able to use direct payments to pay for
5224 for advice.
“Carers make a valuable contribution transport for my daughter to be
to Harrow in the care and support that
FACTS
dropped of and col ected from
they provide. However, it is so important
her day centre. For the first time in
Carers can receive information
that people who care for others get
years I can go out to work. I now
about support available to them
a break from what can be a very
have a role working in the café at
and meet other carers at the
rewarding role, but one that is also very
Byron Neighbourhood resource
borough’s three Neighbourhood
tiring and stressful.
Centre. I absolutely love being able
resource Centres on the first
“If someone makes contact with
to go to work.
Monday of every month.
me, one of the first things I’l do is a
"If it wasn't for the council I
For information on your nearest
carer’s assessment, then we can draw
would not have known how much
centre to www.harrow.gov.uk/nrc
up a care plan for them, talk about what
help was available for carers.”
breaks they may need, look at the health
needs of the carer and make sure they
Further information
get any financial support they need.”
If you are a carer call 0208 424 1726 or email [email address]
Christine Couch
(above right), who
for details of help and support you can receive.
lives in Stanmore is the sole carer for her
www.harrow.gov.uk
19
health focus
NHS Harrow
A&E / 999
life-threatening injuries or
NHS Harrow and Harrow Council
are working together to bring
illnesses
you this new feature in Harrow
People, so that you can find out
Walk-in centre
cuts, sprains, rashes, infections,
more about your local NHS – what
fever
we do, the services available to you
and how you can get involved in
GP
aches and pains, infections, rashes,
shaping the future of healthcare in
fever, diarrhoea
Harrow.
cold symptoms, over-the-counter
In these pages, starting with
Pharmacist
medication, health advice
the next issue, you’ll find a regular
interactive feature called Ask Your
Doctor, where you can write in
NHS Direct
many minor illnesses or injuries
with your questions for Harrow’s
Director of Public Health, Dr.
Self-care
sore throat, cough, headache
Andrew Howe. We’ll also tell you
about public consultations and
give you tips on how you can live a
healthier lifestyle.
Send your questions about
any health related concerns to
[email address] and
Andrew will answer them in the
next issue.
20
www.harrow.gov.uk www.harrowpct.nhs.uk
health focus
Better care, closer to home
our aim is to bring you better
Medical Centre, is set to open on
healthcare, closer to where you
Mollison way (East Harrow) in
live. To do this, we’re putting
January.
more services in local health
At these centres, you can walk
centres that are open on evenings
in and be seen by a GP without
What is
and weekends, every day of the
an appointment even if you’re not
NHS Harrow?
year. Some of these services,
registered there. You might like
such as physiotherapy and heart
to register if you find the opening
tests, have previously only been
hours more convenient, particularly
We are responsible for paying
available in hospitals.
if you work or have young children.
for all local NHS services on your
You’ve told us that you need
Your own GP should always be
behalf, managing their performance
easier access to our services, so
your first point of contact for
and overseeing them to ensure
we’ve been working hard to make
medical care, but you can go to
the quality of care you receive is
sure this happens. As well as three
Alexandra Avenue, The Pinn or
always improving. We manage all
new walk-in centres open from
Harness Harrow when you need
NHS services provided by GPs,
8am to 8pm every day, 80 per
urgent access to health advice or
pharmacists, dentists and opticians
cent of our GPs now offer longer
treatment during evenings and
in the borough. We also pay for
opening hours.
weekends, when your own GP
hospital care on behalf of patients
In addition to your own GP, you
surgery might be closed.
registered with Harrow GPs, care for
now have the choice of visiting
People often go to accident
mental health patients, prescriptions
two types of health centres – a
and emergency departments at
and community healthcare like
polyclinic or a GP-led health centre. their local hospital with minor
health visitors and district nurses.
These centres have local GPs and
illnesses or injuries that could
We’re your local healthcare
many other services and are open
have been treated locally. The new
watchdog. That’s why we rely on
from 8am to 8pm every day of
centres were designed as a way of
you to get involved and give us
the year. Harrow’s first polyclinic,
giving you an easier option, closer
your views on local NHS services,
at Alexandra Avenue Health and
to home, where you will be seen
as well as your NHS experiences in
Social Care Centre (near rayners
more quickly. You can use them
hospitals.
Lane and South Harrow), is also
for minor illnesses and injuries
You can do this through our
one of the first in London. our
that you may otherwise have gone
Patients Advice and Liaison Service
first GP-led health centre, The
to an accident and emergency
(PALS) on 020 8966 1090 or by
Pinn Medical Centre (Love Lane,
department with, like minor cuts
emailing [email address].
Pinner), has also opened recently
or wounds that need dressing,
uk.
and another, Harness Harrow
sprains, rashes, bites, urine
We also give you a way to check
infections, earache, thrush or fever.
the best GP services in the area
through our GP Scorecard, which
rates local practices according to
their patients’ views of them, using
criteria like ease of access, range of
services and how well they act on
patient feedback. There’s a national
website (www.nhs.uk) where you
can leave feedback about your GP
experiences, see what others have
said and comment on any hospital
Further information
treatment you receive.
You can find the scorecard on our
Alexandra Avenue Health
website www.harrowpct.nhs.uk.
and Social Care Centre
275 Alexandra Avenue, rayners Lane HA2 9DX
Tel:020 8966 6300 Email: [email address]
The Pinn Medical Centre
37 Love Lane, Pinner HA5 3EE
Tel: 020 8866 5766 website: www.thepinn.co.uk
Sarah Crowther, Chief Executive PCT
www.harrowpct.nhs.uk www.harrow.gov.uk
21
Private Fostering Arrangements
Harrow council is commit ed to safeguarding children
and young people living in the borough. At times children
are unable to live with their birth parents for many
different reasons. A child who lives with a family friend, a
great aunt or cousin for more than 28 days is referred to
under the law as a Private fostering Arrangement.
Children under the age of 16 (18 if disabled) can be
privately fostered. If you know of a child that is living in
such an arrangement please inform us as soon as
possible. If in doubt, please contact the Duty and
Assessment Team on 020 8736 6942.
For advice and information
about Private Fostering
Arrangements please contact
the Family Placement Team
020 8736 6971
For more details
on all the great
indoor activities visit:
11 Dec – 3 Jan
cleaNer aNd safer streets
This is the amount of litter
dropped on the streets of
Harrow town centre in
just 24 hours.
Despite there being around 145
bins dotted around the centre of
the town it seems a minority of people .
would rather throw rubbish on the floor
Street cleaners responsible for
keeping Harrow tidy piled up more
than 20 bags of rubbish they had
collected over 24 hours, including
crisp packets, chocolate wrappers and
drinks cans, in the hope of making
people think twice about dropping
litter.The huge pile of trash left passers-
by shocked, with many stopping to
stare and find out where the rubbish
had come from.
residents in Harrow have said
rebecca wigley-Smith:
cleaner and safer streets are the
“This is pretty bad. I
biggest issue for them which
has resulted in Harrow Council
had no idea how much
investing an extra one million
rubbish the street cleaners
pounds into street cleaning.
have to clean up.
Cllr Susan Hall, deputy leader
and portfolio holder
Pauline McDaide:
for environment
“It’s disgusting actual y,
services, said: “The
Brian
hope is that this
young people need
McDaide:
pile of rubbish may
it drummed into
“People will
shock some of
them when they’re at
buy fast food,
those people who
school.”
stand right
don’t think twice
beside a bin when
about dropping
they eat it and then chuck the
rubbish on the floor into
mending their ways.
wrappers on the floor! It’s not
“The council is committed to
rocket science is it - throw it
providing cleaner and safer streets but
in the bin that’s right next to
we need residents to do their bit as
you!”
well.”
If you want to report flytipping, please contact
www.harrow.gov.uk/flytipping or 020 8424 1770.
Further information
www.harrow.gov.uk
23
wHAT’S on wHAT’S on wHAT’S on wHAT’S on wHAT’S on wHAT’S on wHAT’S on wHAT’S on
Christmas
market
comes to Harrow town centre
Christmas gift ideas like crafts, jewellery
and ceramics. There will also be stalls
selling German bratwurst sausages,
Sleigh bells will steak sandwiches, Belgian waffles,
be ringing in
mulled wine and German beer.
Harrow this year, as the
Cllr Marilyn Ashton, portfolio
borough is hosting its first
holder for planning, development and
ever Christmas market selling
enterprise, said: “After a difficult year,
everything from arts and crafts to
we are very aware of the importance
bratwurst sausages.
of this Christmas for our town centre
Fourteen German-style chalets will
retailers and businesses, and it is for this
line St Ann’s road in the town centre
reason, that we have decided to stage
to give an extra special Christmas feel the market.
to the borough. The market began
“By transforming St Ann’s road into
trading on Saturday 28th November
a festive winter village, we also hope that
and will open seven days a week up
our residents will visit the market and
until 27th December, excluding
support the shops and local
Christmas day.
businesses that are right here on
The European-style market, which
their doorstep.”
has been organised by Harrow Council
For more details call the
in partnership with major town centre
regeneration officer on 0208 736 6084.
retailers, will be sampling a range of
Shop happy in Harrow town centre
this Christmas
Prizes:
1st prize: £250 Debenhams shopping trip
To help your festive season really sparkle, Harrow town
2nd prize: £250 Marks & Spencer gift vouchers
centre retailers are offering an amazing prize draw worth
3rd prize: Two digital photo frames courtesy of Currys
over £700. Complete your details below and return the tear
4th prize: £50H & M gift voucher
off slip before 12pm,15th December, to the competition
5th prize: £50 H & M gift voucher
boxes in either Debenhams or Marks and Spencer in
6th prize: £50 TK Maxx gift voucher
Harrow town centre.
Name:
Postcode:
Telephone:
E-mail:
24
www.harrow.gov.uk
wHAT’S on wHAT’S on wHAT’S on wHAT’S on wHAT’S on wHAT’S on wHAT’S on wHAT’S on
Black History
Month forum
Seasonal events
A meeting of the Black History
Month Forum wil take place on
Thursday 10th December 2009 at
Chanukah:
Cinderella at the Harrow Arts
Harrow Civic Centre, from 6.30pm-
Menorah Lighting Ceremony.
Centre – 18th-23th December
8.30pm which everyone is welcome to
Sunday 13th December.
Make sure you don’t miss Harrow Art’s
attend. For more information visit www.
4.30pm - 5.30pm.
Centre’s fantastic community
btwsc.com
Candle lighting at 4.50pm.
Pantomime. The classic story of
Junction of The Broadway and
overcoming obstacles and finding true
Eid-ul-Adha
Dennis Lane, Stanmore.
love wil be brought to life by talented
Date: 5th December.
Menorah lighting ceremony to celebrate
local people. Ages 5+.
Time: 2pm-6pm.
Chanukah. Cal 020 8736 6084.
Tickets £8 / £6 concessions. Family
Venue: Harrow High School, Gayton
tickets £23. Cal 020 8416 8989 or go to
road, Harrow, HA1 2JG
Bjorn the Polar Bear Meet &
harrowarts.com
Entrance: By ticket only. Call 020
Greet and Creative workshop –
8416 8328. Celebration in respect
5th December.
Christmas Tree Carols
of Eid-ul-Adha, also known as ‘The
Amazingly realistic! Learn about this
Come and join us in singing carols and
festival of sacrifice’. Activities to
wonderful creature and join in our free
traditional Christmas songs.
include talks, a cultural display of
workshop at the St Ann’s Shopping
Saturday 12th December.
costumes, musical entertainment,
Centre (11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm).
3.30pm onwards. Everyone welcome
children’s quiz and DVD presentation.
Corner of Station road and St Ann’s
Carol Singing Quartet
road (Next to Katie’s Statue).
Carol Service
at St Ann’s Shopping Centre –
E-mail community.development@
Date: 14th December
6th December.
harrow.gov.uk or cal 020 8416 8328.
Time 6pm - 7.30pm
Enjoy a performance of traditional carols
Venue: Council Chamber/Members
(11am – 4pm).
Traditional pantomime
Lounge, Civic Centre.
Cinderella
Entrance: Free. Everyone welcome.
Father Christmas and Candy
Arrow Players present the St Edmund’s
Carols and readings and a Nativity in
Cane giveaway –
Parish Pantomime Cinderel a. At
the Council Chamber will be followed
12th,13th,19th, 20th December.
St Edmund’s Hal , Pinner road,
by light refreshments in the members
Father Christmas returns to the St Ann’s
Northwood Hil s, HA6 1QS.
lounge. Mayor of Harrow will be
Centre with more candy canes to give
on January 2010 - 9th @ 2-30pm &
present. Call 020 8416 8328.
away while stocks last between 11am –
6pm, 10th @ 3pm, 13th, 14th, 15th @
4pm*. Plus be entertained
7-45pm, 16th @ 2.30pm & 7.45pm.
Mayor’s new Year’s Day Parade
by Elf Buzz on Sunday 13th December.
Tickets £7, some concessions £5. Call
This year’s parade kicks off at 12pm
the box of ice on 020 8868 7785 or go to with Harrow’s contribution organised
www.arrowplayers.org.uk
around a model Bi-Plane, built by
students at Nower Hill, High School,
highlighting the exploits of Harrow’s
own, world war one fighter Ace,
Leefe robinson. Call 020 8416 8328.
win tickets to the largest outdoor ice rink in central London at Hyde
Park’s winter wonderland. London’s largest and most dazzling winter event returns
to the heart of the capital for six whole weeks of festive fun.
The event is open from 10am to 10pm Saturday, 21st November 2009 to
Sunday, 3rd January 2010. See www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com for
more details.
For a chance to win family tickets to the event on December 19th, send your
name, address and daytime telephone number to: The Editor, Harrow People, Civic
Centre, Station road, Harrow, HA1 2XF before December 14th.
www.harrow.gov.uk
25
ward focus
star
Getting the best
t
Want to find out
Harrow Council is introducing 16
Currently, there are 10 sites up and
new children’s centres by March
running in Harrow weald, Edgware,
about services for
2011 – but do parents know what they Marlborough, west Harrow, Harrow on
families in your local have to offer?
the Hill, Kenton East, Pinner, Stanmore
In the past few months several
and wealdstone, and there are plans for
area? Harrow
children’s centres have been opened
six more – set to be ready by
across the borough
March 2011.
Council’s Sure Start
offering a wide range of
one parent, Ketan Dattani
children’s centres are services to parents and
(pictured left), has been
their toddlers. other than
attending a fathers’ group
a great place to start. providing childcare to all
with his 16-month-old son,
children under five, either
Shailen, at the Gange
We focus on Gange onsite or via a linked pre-
Children’s Centre in
school or childminder, they
Canning road for about
Children’s Centre in
provide services ranging
11 months and says the
Marlborough
from ante-natal to classes on
Saturday meetings have
parenting skills.
been invaluable to him.
You can discover sessions
The 36-year-old said: “It has been
like messy play, music or access
incredibly helpful. Not only does it give
specialist services like health visitors,
me a great chance to bond with Shailen
speech and language therapy and
because often he is asleep when I leave
receive advice on healthy eating and
or come back from work, but it has given
finance.
me a great opportunity to speak to other
dads and swap advice.
Further information
“I have made some great friends
There are more than 3,000 children’s centres in England. The
and Shailen is interacting and enjoying
centres offer childcare, family support, health services, plus
playing with all the toys.
employment and training support. To find out more visit
“ At the centre, you can get all the
www.childrenatthecentre.org
help you need under one roof – whether
it’s working out your tax and other
finances or looking for employment.”
Marlborough
David Gawn
Krishna James
David Perry
020 8248 5865
07769 837623
020 8424 1897
[email address]
[email address]
[email address]
26
www.harrow.gov.uk
A limited
hardship
STOP PRESS
fund has been
released to
HARDSHIP
help our small
businesses in
Harrow.
Not entitled? don’t forget
you may be eligible for
FuND
NOW
• Small Business Rate
relief (SBrr)
• Central Government
AVAILABLE!
Deferral Scheme
• London Borough of
Harrow scheme to
extend payments to
March 2010.
Don’t let these opportunities go down
the drain apply today!
Applications and criteria are available at
www.harrow.gov.uk
For details of all of these schemes, see www.harrow.gov.uk,
www.businesslink.gov.uk or www.realhelpnow.gov.uk
or contact the team on 020 8424 1412.
